Abstract: A robotic data storage library comprising a virtual port and a method for providing a virtual port for a robotic data storage library are disclosed. The virtual exit port, for example, comprises one or more storage locations of the library that are defined as a virtual port. In one embodiment, for example, the virtual port comprises a virtual exit port for holding a data storage element that is to be exported from the library. In this embodiment, for example, the virtual exit port is defined prior to the library receiving a command to export a data storage element. In another embodiment, the virtual port comprises an entry port, an exit port or an entry/exit port. In yet another embodiment, a method for transferring a data storage element directly between an actual port (entry and/or exit) of a robotic data storage library and another location within the robotic data storage library not defined as the virtual port is disclosed.

Abstract: A robotic data storage library comprising a virtual port and a method for providing a virtual port for a robotic data storage library are disclosed. The virtual exit port, for example, comprises one or more storage locations of the library that are defined as a virtual port. In one embodiment, for example, the virtual port comprises a virtual exit port for holding a data storage element that is to be exported from the library. In this embodiment, for example, the virtual exit port is defined prior to the library receiving a command to export a data storage element. In another embodiment, the virtual port comprises an entry port, an exit port or an entry/exit port. In yet another embodiment, a method for transferring a data storage element directly between an actual port (entry and/or exit) of a robotic data storage library and another location within the robotic data storage library not defined as the virtual port is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magazine-based data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of shelves that are capable of holding a plurality of data cartridge magazines, one or more drives, a magazine transport for moving magazines within the cabinet, and a cartridge transport for moving data cartridges between a magazine and a drive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magazine-based data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of shelves that are capable of holding a plurality of data cartridge magazines, one or more drives, a magazine transport for moving magazines within the cabinet, and a cartridge transport for moving data cartridges between a magazine and a drive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magazine-based data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of shelves that are capable of holding a plurality of data cartridge magazines, one or more drives, a magazine transport for moving magazines within the cabinet, and a cartridge transport for moving data cartridges between a magazine and a drive.

Abstract: A robotic storage library is provided for reducing the transition time to reach an operational state following a transition from a power-off to a power-on state. The robotic storage library can generally include a transport unit for moving data cartridges, or other storage elements, between a location in a shelf system and a drive, or data transfer interface, to complete storage operations for a host computer. The library can further include a controller for causing an audit to be performed to create an inventory of the locations. The audit can be stored in nonvolatile memory prior to the power transition. The inventory information can be transmitted to a host computer after the power transition.

Abstract: A robotic data storage library with soft power on/off capability and a method for providing soft power capability in a robotic data storage library are disclosed. The method and apparatus control the application of power to at least one component of a robotic data storage library to reduce issues caused by transitioning the library between an ON state and an OFF state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data cartridge library operable with at least one data cartridge magazine, drive bay and universal electronics bay. The data cartridge library generally comprises a frame that defines an interior space wherein a multi piece-data cartridge magazine capable of holding a plurality of data cassettes, an adjustable drive bay for holding various form factor drives accessible by an operator through an opening in the drive bay to remove or insert drives, and a transport assembly for moving and inserting one of the data cartridges from a magazine to one of the drives, via a different opening in the drive bay, for data recording purposes can reside. The library can further comprise a user interface allowing a user to communicate with the library and an entry/exit port through which a magazine can be inserted/removed. The data cartridge library can also comprise a universal electronics bay, not comprised by the frame, which is capable of holding electronics other than a power supply.

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 magazine; (c) a drive bay; (d) a picker; (e) an elevator for moving the picker; and (f) a robotics module that can be removed from the interior of the frame and is comprised of the picker and a substantial portion of the elevator.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a magazine that is used to move data cartridges into and out of the library via an entry/exit port. In one embodiment, the magazine comprises a box-structure that is capable of holding a plurality of data cartridges, a dust cover, and a coupling structure comprised of a member that extends away from the side wall of the box structure.

Abstract: A robotic data storage library comprising a virtual port and a method for providing a virtual port for a robotic data storage library are disclosed. The virtual exit port, for example, comprises one or more storage locations of the library that are defined as a virtual port. In one embodiment, for example, the virtual port comprises a virtual exit port for holding a data storage element that is to be exported from the library. In this embodiment, for example, the virtual exit port is defined prior to the library receiving a command to export a data storage element. In another embodiment, the virtual port comprises an entry port, an exit port or an entry/exit port. In yet another embodiment, a method for transferring a data storage element directly between an actual port (entry and/or exit) of a robotic data storage library and another location within the robotic data storage library not defined as the virtual port is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magazine-based data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of shelves that are capable of holding a plurality of data cartridge magazines, one or more drives, a magazine transport for moving magazines within the cabinet, and a cartridge transport for moving data cartridges between a magazine and a drive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magazine-based data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of shelves that are capable of holding a plurality of data cartridge magazines, one or more drives, a magazine transport for moving magazines within the cabinet, and a cartridge transport for moving data cartridges between a magazine and a drive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magazine-based data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of shelves that are capable of holding a plurality of data cartridge magazines, one or more drives, a magazine transport for moving magazines within the cabinet, and a cartridge transport for moving data cartridges between a magazine and a drive.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methodology that allows a host computer to control a data storage device that is remotely located relative to the host computer utilizing the same software that is used to control data storage devices that are locally or directly connected to the host computer. In one embodiment, a host computer is provided that includes a virtual adapter that is capable of converting unencoded SCSI command related information from an operating system into encoded SCSI command related information that is capable of being transmitted over a network to a remotely located SCSI data storage device, i.e., a SCSI data storage device that is separated from the host computer by more than the distance set forth in the SCSI specification. The virtual adapter is also capable of decoding encoded SCSI command related information received from a remotely located SCSI data storage device into unencoded SCSI command related information that is suitable for processing by the operating system.