Abstract: An operator alterable space is described, for use with a data storage library. The library has a frame substantially defines an interior environment and is exposed to an exterior environment. The operator alterable space is adapted to accommodate either a drive module that is capable of storing data to a magazine storage element or a shelf module capable of accommodating at least the magazine storage element whereby the magazine storage element can be disposed in the shelf module. The operator alterable space is accessible from the exterior environment for installing either the shelf module or the drive module via an opening in the frame. The operator alterable space is also accessible to a magazine transport from the interior environment, wherein the magazine transport is capable of moving the magazine storage element to the operator alterable space.

Abstract: This disassembly of a pre-cut block of packaging material into component pieces and the selective dispensing of the component pieces is accomplished by a mechanism including a disassembling apparatus and a dispensing apparatus surrounded by a housing. The disassembling apparatus accepts individual pre-cut blocks from a queue and compresses a portion of the respective pre-cut block to cause separation into the plurality of component pieces. The plurality of component pieces then fall into the dispensing apparatus, which selectively dispenses the pieces separated as desired by a user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, is comprised of: (a) a frame or cabinet that defines an interior space; (b) a multi-piece magazine that forms a portion of the frame; (c) a drive bay with a full-height drive space that is capable of accommodating a full-height drive and of being altered to accommodate two, half-height drives; (c) a picker that employs a crank that is capable of rotating 360 degrees and that carries a first cam driver that cooperates with a first cam follower to actuate a grasper that is capable of grasping and releasing a data cartridge, and a second cam driver that cooperates with a second cam follower to move the grasper towards and away from a location at which a data cartridge is located; (d) an elevator for moving the picker within a portion of the interior space and that is comprised of a first and second drive systems for respectively driving the first and second ends of an elevator carriage and a shaft for transferring power from t

Abstract: The present invention provides a magazine-based library that is capable of operating on a magazine data storage element comprised of a plurality of hard disk drives and an interface that allows data to be transferred between the hard disk drives and a host computer. One embodiment of the library comprises a plurality of shelves that are each capable of supporting at least one magazine data storage element, one or more drives, and a magazine transport that is capable of moving a magazine data storage element between any one of the shelves and any one of the drives. The present invention also provides a magazine data storage element drive that is capable of being used in stand-alone mode, i.e., outside of a magazine-based library.

Abstract: An image generator having an illuminator, a reflective display device (in one embodiment) and a beamsplitter which produces a virtual image of an image created in a light modulating medium on said reflective display device. In one embodiment, the image generator is a miniature image generator for a relatively small, lightweight head-mounted display which provides a magnified virtual image which is viewed by a viewer. The beamsplitter is optically coupled to the reflective display device. The beamsplitter comprises a film having a plurality of layers including at least a first layer which comprises an oriented birefringent material. The beamsplitter has a wide angle of acceptance.

Abstract: An image generator having an illuminator, a reflective display device (in one embodiment) and a beamsplitter which produces a virtual image of an image created in a light modulating medium on said reflective display device. In one embodiment, the image generator is a miniature image generator for a relatively small, lightweight head-mounted display which provides a magnified virtual image which is viewed by a viewer. The beamsplitter is optically coupled to the reflective display device. The beamsplitter comprises a film having a plurality of layers including at least a first layer which comprises an oriented birefringent material. The beamsplitter has a wide angle of acceptance.