Abstract: A method and apparatus for a generating a tape format like file with an associated look-up table on a non-tape storage medium is disclosed. In one configuration, a data storage arrangement can comprise a host computer in communication with a storage system by means of a streaming protocol. The storage system can comprise a non-tape storage medium having at least one file comprising a plurality of records each having user data and meta data wherein the meta data comprises data fields for and about the record. A table associated with the file is adapted to contain information related to at least one of the records. The table can be accessed by the storage system to reduce the amount of time spent locating the records.

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: Disclosed is a method and apparatus relating generally to analysis techniques for data integrity following an un-safe power down occurrence of non-tape media components comprising a storage system. The data storage system comprises at least one random access memory storage device adapted to be power cycled in at least an on and off condition. The random access memory storage device comprises at least one storage medium comprising a first stored data segment. The storage device is adapted to receive data for storage on the medium in at least a second data segment. At least one state bit has a first state associated with the second data segment during the storage of the second data segment and a second state associated with the second data segment after completion of the storage of the second data segment wherein the state bit is stored in non volatile memory associated with the storage device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for a storage system having an adsorbtive element capable of adsorbing gas home molecules from gas for the storage system. In one configuration the storage system can include an enclosure adapted to contain a plurality of data storage drive devices and data storage media and wherein the data storage drive devices are adapted to functionally operate. The enclosure is capable of containing gas having, among other constituents, gas borne molecules.

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: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for an alignment system for use in a data storage system for enabling numerous contact cycles between two surfaces in a robust manner. The system includes a first and a second surface each having at least two contact zones. Each of the contact zones comprise either a conductive spring or a conductive pad. Each of the conductive springs is adapted to engage a corresponding conductive pad, wherein the engaging location on the pad is substantially flat, to form at least one closed circuit when the first and the second surfaces are aligned and are in contact. A continuity confirmation device can further be used to confirm the closed circuit.

Abstract: A data storage library is described including a plurality of tape cartridges wherein each of the tape cartridges possesses an auxiliary radio frequency memory device in which auxiliary digital data is stored. The library also includes at least one drive disposed substantially within the library capable of transferring user data to and from one of the tapes. The library further includes at least one auxiliary radio frequency memory device reader that capable of reading the auxiliary digital data and transmitting the auxiliary digital data to at least one designated location, the reader is independent of the at least one drive.

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 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 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 method for remotely controlling a mobile device, comprising the steps of parsing a message delivered to a wireless device, obtaining a command included in the message, such command indicating a function of the wireless device, and performing the function indicated by the command. The command may cause the wireless device to modify information stored in the device, to change one or more configuration parameters of the device, or to forward information stored in the device to an address. A wireless device and a computer program product for performing the method are also provided. The computer program product may be an application incorporated into NOKIA® PC Suite for mobile devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus system for aligning a multi-unit storage system. The alignment system for a storage apparatus includes a first and second storage unit which includes media support locations. The media support locations are capable of supporting at least one storage media element and at least one storage device adapted to store and retrieve data to and from the storage media element associated with at least one of the storage units. The storage apparatus further includes at least one robotic system, an alignment indication device and an alignment means capable of positioning the first and second storage unit substantially in alignment for the robotic system to access the media support locations and the storage device wherein the alignment means cooperates with the alignment indication device to confirm the positioning is in alignment.

Abstract: The disc drive housing encloses a spindle motor carrying a disc having a data surface. An actuator assembly includes an actuator arm carrying a head. The housing includes a first surface portion adjacent to the data surface of the disc. The housing also includes a plurality of surface portions that define a recess, which allows the actuator arm to move over the data surface of the disc. The plurality of surface portions include a sloped surface portion sloping away from the data surface and preventing wind generated by the disc rotating about an axis from separating from the sloped surface portion. Alternatively, a disc drive includes a housing that defines a recess. The housing encloses a disc mounted on a spindle motor that rotates the disc about an axis and thereby generates wind within the housing. An upstream surface portion and a downstream surface portion of the housing both face toward a data surface of the disc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus relating generally to analysis techniques for data integrity following an un-safe power down occurrence of non-tape media components comprising a storage system. The data storage system comprises at least one random access memory storage device adapted to be power cycled in at least an on and off condition. The random access memory storage device comprises at least one storage medium comprising a first stored data segment. The storage device is adapted to receive data for storage on the medium in at least a second data segment. At least one state bit has a first state associated with the second data segment during the storage of the second data segment and a second state associated with the second data segment after completion of the storage of the second data segment wherein the state bit is stored in non volatile memory associated with the storage device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for protecting a data storage device from fluid-borne contaminants. The device includes a housing in which a rotatable disc is supported, the disc having a data recording surface and an outermost perimeter. A filter assembly includes a first filter adjacent to the data recording surface and a second filter disposed beyond the outermost perimeter of the disc. During disc rotation, fluidic currents are generated and impinge a leading edge guide surface of the first filter. A first portion of the currents passes into a gap between the first filter and the data recording surface. A second portion of the currents passes along the leading edge guide surface to the second filter. The first filter is preferably characterized as a chemical adsorbent filter which adsorbs vapor phase (gaseous) contaminants, and the second filter is preferably characterized as a pass-through recirculation filter which captures particulate contaminants.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus system for aligning a multi-unit storage system. The alignment system for a storage apparatus comprises a first and second storage unit comprising media support locations. The media support locations are capable of supporting at least one storage media element and at least one storage device adapted to store and retrieve data to and from the storage media element associated with at least one of the storage units. The storage apparatus further comprises at least one robotic system, an alignment indication device and an alignment means capable of positioning the first and second storage unit substantially in alignment for the robotic system to access the media support locations and the storage device wherein the alignment means cooperates with the alignment indication device to confirm the positioning is in alignment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for an alignment system for use in a data storage system for enabling numerous contact cycles between two surfaces in a robust manner. The system includes a first and a second surface each having at least two contact zones. Each of the contact zones comprise either a conductive spring or a conductive pad. Each of the conductive springs is adapted to engage a corresponding conductive pad, wherein the engaging location on the pad is substantially flat, to form at least one closed circuit when the first and the second surfaces are aligned and are in contact. A continuity confirmation device can further be used to confirm the closed circuit.

Abstract: A disc drive includes a housing enclosing a spindle motor that is able to spin a disc. A filter within the housing is positioned so that a filter stream of moving gas created by a spinning motion of the disc flows through the filter. Additionally, a flow divider is secured to a portion of the housing and positioned within the filter stream upstream of the filter, splitting the filter stream into a first branch and a second branch. Both branches flow through the filter.