Abstract: Characterizing virgin tape cartridges in a characterization tape library and then sending the characterized tape cartridges to an end-user's library saves time and effort at the end-user's site. A characterized tape cartridge can be universally used in any compatible tape library if the virgin tape cartridge is characterized in a target calibration window that is within a specific range of heat and humidity. A calibration library can act as a ‘middleman’ receiving a virgin tape cartridge directly from an OEM. The virgin tape cartridge can be characterized followed by storing a record of the calibration in the tape cartridge's MAM while in the calibration library. The now post-characterized tape cartridge is then on to a user's tape library for use instead of just simply sending a virgin tape cartridge to the end user's library. The record in the MAM effectively changes the designation of the virgin tape cartridge to a post-calibrated tape cartridge.

Abstract: Characterizing virgin tape cartridges in a characterization tape library and then sending the characterized tape cartridges to an end-user's library saves time and effort at the end-user's site. A characterized tape cartridge can be universally used in any compatible tape library if the virgin tape cartridge is characterized in a target calibration window that is within a specific range of heat and humidity. A calibration library can act as a ‘middleman’ receiving a virgin tape cartridge directly from an OEM. The virgin tape cartridge can be characterized followed by storing a record of the calibration in the tape cartridge's MAM while in the calibration library. The now post-characterized tape cartridge is then on to a user's tape library for use instead of just simply sending a virgin tape cartridge to the end user's library. The record in the MAM effectively changes the designation of the virgin tape cartridge to a post-calibrated tape cartridge.

Abstract: Embodiments described are generally directed to a mass storage unit possessing a plurality of non-volatile data storage devices each possessing non-transitory mass storage memory hardware, a drive message router possessing with a plurality of different light sequence instructions retained therein, a motherboard that is connected to each of the non-volatile data storage devices and the drive message router via a bus that is adapted to transfer data via a data storage protocol arranged for mass data storage, a bezel electrically connected to the drive message router via an electrical cable that is adapted to transfer signals in a non-data storage protocol, a plurality of lights visibly disposed on the bezel. The drive message router is adapted to receive a data packet in the data storage protocol from the motherboard via the bus. Once received, an execution instruction is extracted from the message to carry out a subset of the light sequence instructions in a particular order.

Abstract: Embodiments described are generally directed to a mass storage unit possessing a plurality of non-volatile data storage devices each possessing non-transitory mass storage memory hardware, a drive message router possessing with a plurality of different light sequence instructions retained therein, a motherboard that is connected to each of the non-volatile data storage devices and the drive message router via a bus that is adapted to transfer data via a data storage protocol arranged for mass data storage, a bezel electrically connected to the drive message router via an electrical cable that is adapted to transfer signals in a non-data storage protocol, a plurality of lights visibly disposed on the bezel. The drive message router is adapted to receive a data packet in the data storage protocol from the motherboard via the bus. Once received, an execution instruction is extracted from the message to carry out a subset of the light sequence instructions in a particular order.

Abstract: A storage system is provided having at least one storage unit, the storage unit including an electrical power source, a communication source and a cover that defines, at least in part an interior space. The storage system operates with a media blade that comprises a plurality of data storage elements, the media blade moveable in a drawer like motion though a cooperating opening in the cover. The storage system further includes a motion accommodating conductor apparatus connecting the plurality of data storage elements to the electrical power source and the communication source such that power from the electrical power source and communication from the communication source may be provided to the media blade without interruption when the media blade is moved in the drawer like motion outward from at least partially within the interior space.

Abstract: A storage system is provided having at least one storage unit, the storage unit including an electrical power source, a communication source and a cover that defines, at least in part an interior space. The storage system operates with a media blade that comprises a plurality of data storage elements, the media blade moveable in a drawer like motion though a cooperating opening in the cover. The storage system further includes a motion accommodating conductor apparatus connecting the plurality of data storage elements to the electrical power source and the communication source such that power from the electrical power source and communication from the communication source may be provided to the media blade without interruption when the media blade is moved in the drawer like motion outward from at least partially within the interior space.

Abstract: A storage system is provided having at least one storage unit, the storage unit including an electrical power source, a communication source and a cover that defines, at least in part an interior space. The storage system operates with a media blade that comprises a plurality of data storage elements, said media blade moveable in a drawer like motion though a cooperating opening in said cover. The storage system further includes a motion accommodating conductor apparatus connecting said plurality of data storage elements to said electrical power source and said communication source such that power from said electrical power source and communication from said communication source may be provided to said media blade without interruption when said media blade is moved in said drawer like motion outward from at least partially within said interior space.

Abstract: A power-using device for drawing power over a communication and power bus is provided. The power-using device is adapted to draw only power from the communication and power bus, the bus being connected to a power supply and host computer. The power-using device is further capable of communicating with the bus via a host bus adapter through a communication link not comprised by the bus. The host bus adapter is capable of receiving power and communication from the bus.

Abstract: A storage system is provided having at least one primary storage unit, the primary storage unit having a power source, a server mother board, an expander device connected to a second data storage unit and a plurality of retractable media drawers wherein each of the retractable media drawers comprise a plurality of data storage elements. Each of the retractable media drawers maintain connectivity to the power source, the server mother board and the expander device when each of the media drawers is between a first position that is extended partially away from the primary data storage unit and a second position that is at least partially retracted from the first position towards the primary data storage unit.

Abstract: A power-using device for drawing power over a communication and power bus is provided. The power-using device is adapted to draw only power from the communication and power bus, the bus being connected to a power supply and host computer. The power-using device is further capable of communicating with the bus via a host bus adapter through a communication link not comprised by the bus. The host bus adapter is capable of receiving power and communication from the bus.

Abstract: A storage system is provided having at least one primary storage unit, the primary storage unit having a power source, a server mother board, an expander device connected to a second data storage unit and a plurality of retractable media drawers wherein each of the retractable media drawers comprise a plurality of data storage elements. Each of the retractable media drawers maintain connectivity to the power source, the server mother board and the expander device when each of the media drawers is between a first position that is extended partially away from the primary data storage unit and a second position that is at least partially retracted from the first position towards the primary data storage unit.

Abstract: A storage unit including a frame that defines a storage unit interior space, at least one storage media support structure capable of removably supporting a plurality of storage elements wherein the storage media support structure is adapted to provide a communicating path between the storage elements and the storage unit. The storage media support structure is capable of moving between a retracted position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are within the interior space and an extended position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are external to the interior space. Power and communication are provided to the storage media support structure when the storage media support structure is at or between the retracted and extended positions the power and communication is uninterrupted.

Abstract: A storage system having at least one storage unit, the storage unit including a frame that defines a storage unit interior space, at least one media blade capable of removably supporting a plurality of storage elements wherein the media blade is adapted to provide a communicating path between the storage elements and the storage unit. The media blade is capable of moving between a retracted position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are within the interior space and an extended position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are external to the interior space. Power and communication are provided to the media blade when the media blade is at or between the retracted and extended positions the power and communication is uninterrupted.

Abstract: A storage system is provided having at least one storage unit, the storage unit including an electrical power source, a communication source and a cover that defines, at least in part an interior space. The storage system operates with a media blade that comprises a plurality of data storage elements, said media blade moveable in a drawer like motion though a cooperating opening in said cover. The storage system further includes a motion accommodating conductor apparatus connecting said plurality of data storage elements to said electrical power source and said communication source such that power from said electrical power source and communication from said communication source may be provided to said media blade without interruption when said media blade is moved in said drawer like motion outward from at least partially within said interior space.