Abstract: In a mass storage library, a module storage array includes a back plate having “T” shaped apertures patterned to form a cartridge storage together with cell blocks that have “T” shaped protrusions to fit into the openings in the back plate. A column of cell blocks are held in place between a shelf and a spring load. Interlocking surfaces molded into the cell blocks assist in holding the column of cell blocks in place with the “T” shaped protrusions and openings in the back plate. The cell blocks are stacked on the shelf with the “T” shaped protrusions inserted into the openings in the back plate and their mating surfaces interlocked. The spring load clamps the cell against the shelf. The cell blocks form cavities that hold the cartridges in the storage array. A plurality of columns of cell blocks provide the complete storage array. Calibration targets are provided to align the cell blocks to the library accessor and reader.

Abstract: In a mass storage library, a module storage array includes a back plate having “T” shaped apertures patterned to form a cartridge storage together with cell blocks that have “T” shaped protrusions to fit into the openings in the back plate. A column of cell blocks are held in place between a shelf and a spring load. Interlocking surfaces molded into the cell blocks assist in holding the column of cell blocks in place with the “T” shaped protrusions and openings in the back plate. The cell blocks are stacked on the shelf with the “T” shaped protrusions inserted into the openings in the back plate and their mating surfaces interlocked. The spring load clamps the cell against the shelf. The cell blocks form cavities that hold the cartridges in the storage array. A plurality of columns of cell blocks provide the complete storage array. Calibration targets are provided to align the cell blocks to the library accessor and reader.

Abstract: A gripper for clutching cartridges for transport in a computer information storage library. The library includes storage locations for the data cartridges, a transporter with the gripper for moving the cartridges between the storage locations and a read/write cartridge drive. The gripper provides a positive grip on the end of the cartridge by providing a positive retention finger to hook into the centrally located lip provided on the bottom of the cartridge and at least one opposing finger to contact the top of the cartridge to balance the mechanical forces between the positive retention finger and the opposing finger.

Abstract: In a mass storage library, a module storage array includes a back plate having apertures patterned to form a cartridge storage together with cell blocks that mate with the openings in the back plate. A column of cell blocks are held in place between a shelf and a spring load and include calibration targets to align the cell blocks to the library accessor and reader. One stripe the length of the storage cell stack contains a bar-code. The bar-code extends the entire length of the stripe and identifies the individual cell blocks when empty. A plurality of columns of cell blocks provide the complete storage array. Each column of the cell blocks include one stripe with a bar-code along its length that is directly fastened to the back plate with each cell of the column having a separate bar-coding on the strip. The accessor includes a sensor that reads the coding to provide an indication of an empty cell block.

Abstract: In a mass storage library, an input/output station for inserting cartridges into and out of the library includes a door pivotally mounted to the station through cams that pivotally rotate a toggle bracket having fingers, one for each cartridge cell in the input/output station. Each cartridge used at least in the input/output station includes a cartridge orientation indicator in the form of a recess at one top edge of each cartridge. After inserting the cartridges into the cells of the input/output station, the door is closed rotating the toggle bracket and its fingers into the recess of each cartridge. The door will close if all of the cartridges have the recess correctly oriented to permit the fingers to clear the cartridges.

Abstract: A mechanically operated cleaning apparatus is provided for a magnetic tape drive of the type which has a tape cartridge transport device. Reciprocal movements of the cartridge transport device actuates movements of the cleaning apparatus which causes a cleaning device, such as a brush, to wipe multiple times across the ABS of a magnetic head to remove debris therefrom. A frame is provided for mounting the magnetic head and the cartridge transport device. A guide apparatus is mounted on the frame and supports the cleaning device for guiding the cleaning device between the first and second lateral locations so that the cleaning device wipes across the ABS as it moves between said locations. An actuator device is mounted on the frame and is connected to the guide apparatus. The actuator device is actuated by reciprocal movements of the cartridge transport device for moving the cleaning device across the ABS to remove debris therefrom.