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: Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for selective gripping and/or releasing of media cartridges using a robotic ratcheting gripper mechanism. Embodiments operate in context of a data storage library having a number of media cartridges physically located within slots of one or more magazines. A robot with a hand assembly uses a gripper mechanism to retrieve and ferry the cartridges between the magazines and one or more media drives. A novel gripper mechanism is provided that toggles between open and closed states according to movement of the gripper. In some embodiments, movement of a carriage from a retracted to an extended position extends the gripper mechanism and toggles its state, while movement of the carriage from the extended to the retracted position retracts the gripper mechanism while maintaining its state. Certain embodiments implement this functionality with simple mechanical components.

Abstract: A rack•pinion mechanism in which strength of a member to form a rack can be secured and a member including a pinion can be securely moved in a predetermined direction, and an accessor and a magnetic tape apparatus each including the mechanism are provided. For this purpose, in a picker 22, a pair of projections 222a and 222b are formed to sandwich both side surfaces of a pinion 211, the projections 222a and 222b perpendicularly rising toward a base 21 and curving or bending in an intermediate position thereof; in the base 21, a pair of grooves 212a and 212b are formed on both sides of a rack 211 in a shape to engage with the projections 222a and 222b, a section sandwiched by the grooves 212a and 212b is an engage section 213 including the rack 211 in a center of a wide section 213a at a tip end thereof; and by engaging the projections 222a and 222b with the grooves 212a and 212b, the wide section 213a is held between the projections 222a and 222b.

Abstract: Systems and methods that dynamically distribute status, cartridge movement and other types of requests and communications from a library manager to one or more libraries of a library string based on target or subject libraries in the requests. Upon receiving and/or generating a request, the library manager determines whether active connections (e.g., control paths) are available from the library manager substantially directly to the subject libraries and then distributes the requests over such active connections when available. When such active connections are unavailable, the library manager may distribute such requests over active connections to non-subject libraries which may forward such requests to the subject libraries via an inter-library communication interconnect.

Abstract: A tape cartridge library that is equipped with a cleaning device is described. The tape cartridge library essentially includes a plurality of tape cartridges each possessing recording tape media. A plurality of tape drives that read and write data to and from each of the tape cartridges. A tape cleaning drive incapable of transferring data to and from the recording tape media which is independent of the tape drives, the tape cleaning drive disposed entirely within the tape cartridge library. The tape cleaning drive automatically receives one of the tape cartridges and cleans its respective recording tape medium when a predetermined reason for cleaning the tape cartridge is justified.

Abstract: Storage media cartridge handling apparatus is disclosed that comprises: a frame to support first and second laterally spaced arrays of cartridge access locations extending in a front-back direction, and at least one laterally extending further array of cartridge access locations, the cartridge access locations facing inwardly of the frame; an up-down drive arrangement disengageably engageable with an accessor carriage to move the carriage up and down in a region between the first and second arrays, to access locations in the first, second and further arrays; and at least one lateral displacement path within the frame along which the carriage can exit and enter the frame laterally. A storage media cartridge library and an accessor carriage are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disk library apparatus includes a magazine for housing a plurality of storage disks, a plurality of pallets each having a disk placing surface for placing a storage disk and which are arranged in the magazine so that pallets having different engaging claw shapes are adjacent to each other, and a picker for taking out a pallet selected from the plurality of pallets from the magazine. The picker includes at least one arm for taking out the selected pallet from the magazine in the taking-out of the selected pallet. Each of the at least one arm is, in the taking-out of the selected pallet, engaged with an engaging claw of the selected pallet and in a position shifted from an engaging position with an engaging claw of each pallet adjacent to the selected pallet when seen in a pallet arranging direction.

Abstract: A pass-through accessor comprising a fixturing apparatus that can store a plurality of portable data storage cassettes. The pass-through accessor comprises a moveable gripper assembly comprising a plurality of gripping members. The gripper assembly releaseably attaches to a portable data storage cassette disposed in a storage slot, pulls that portable data storage cassette outwardly from the storage slot, and releaseably attaches that portable data storage cassette to one of a plurality of fixturing assemblies disposed on the fixturing apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus such as a broadcast data receiver which can selectively receive a data storage item therewith to allow the passage of data therebetween and/or storage of data thereon. The invention provides the apparatus with a recess into which the storage item can be placed and connected and a securing member which can be moved into position to secure and retain the data storage item in location with the apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a library apparatus that including a storage rack configured to store a plurality of storage media, a recording-reproducing device configured to perform writing of data to the storage media and reading of data from the storage media, a first movement device configured to include, a first attachment-detachment mechanism that inserts a storage medium to and extracts the storage medium from the storage rack or the recording-reproducing device, a first driving unit that supplies first driving force to the first attachment-detachment mechanism, and a first coupling unit that transmits second driving force to the first attachment-detachment mechanism, and a second movement device configured to include, a second coupling unit that transmits third driving force to the first coupling unit when the second coupling unit is coupled with the first coupling unit, and a second driving unit that supplies fourth driving force to the second coupling unit.

Abstract: Provided is a library device with which an accessor can move even when a magnetic tape cartridge is ejected out from a magazine onto a transporting path on which the accessor moves. The library device includes: a magazine inside which slots are provided; a device main body which houses the magazine; an accessor provided on one side of the device main body; and a magnetic tape drive which transports cartridges. A cartridge ejection preventing mechanism for preventing ejection of the entire part of the cartridge from the slot is provided in an opening-part front face of the slot, and a cartridge stopper member of the ejection preventing mechanism is set to be reciprocally rotatable along the moving direction of the accessor.

Abstract: A library device including the magazine which provides with a plurality of cells for storing the recording medium and the accessor which is positioned at a position facing a target cell in the magazine to pick up the recording medium from the cell or store the recording medium in the cell, the accessor includes a first position correction unit and a second position correction unit which positions the accessor at the position facing the target cell and when the first position correction unit fail to position the accessor at the position facing the target cell, the second position correction unit position the accessor at the position facing the target cell.

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration.

Abstract: A library apparatus includes a drive unit for writing data into or reading data from a cartridge, a cell unit having a plurality of cells to store the cartridges and a bottom plate in which a guide groove is formed, a movement unit for moving the cartridge along the guide groove between the cell and the drive unit, the movement unit being arranged under the cell unit, and a control unit for controlling the movement unit to move up through the guide groove, to engage the cartridge, and to move the engaged cartridge.

Abstract: A tape cartridge library that is equipped with a cleaning device is described. The tape cartridge library essentially includes a plurality of tape cartridges each possessing recording tape media. A plurality of tape drives that read and write data to and from each of the tape cartridges. A tape cleaning drive incapable of transferring data to and from the recording tape media which is independent of the tape drives, the tape cleaning drive disposed entirely within the tape cartridge library. The tape cleaning drive automatically receives one of the tape cartridges and cleans its respective recording tape medium when a predetermined reason for cleaning the tape cartridge is justified.

Abstract: A method for recognizing, collecting and repositioning objects (1) having non-predetermined dimensional characteristics and which are arranged on a support surface (2) is implemented by means of a gripper group (30). The gripper group (30) is mobile in at least a lengthwise direction of movement relative to an object (1) to be handled, a direction of moving towards/away from the object (1), and a direction of adjustment of the height relative to the object (1). The gripper group (30) is controlled by a computerized control unit.

Abstract: A storage medium exchanging device to discharge a movable cell, which is one of plural magazine cells for storing a storage medium inserted from a doorway, and to store the movable cell, include a carrying part on which the movable cell is mounted; and a wrong insertion preventing part which generates discharging force to make the carrying part discharge from the magazine and blocks at least a part of a non-doorway of the discharged movable cell.

Abstract: A removable data storage cartridge has a shock sense indicator attached to its housing. The indicator includes a sensing structure that reacts to a shock event over a specified threshold. The invention indicates a physical shock event upon appropriate inquiry by the reader mechanism. Upon detecting that a shocked data storage cartridge has been loaded into a data storage library, the library and/or data storage drive alerts the operator and/or system administrator and moves the shocked cartridge to a quarantine pool to prevent damage to the data storage drive.

Abstract: A pass-through mechanism that couples a first linear tape library string to a second linear tape library string is maintained. A first robotic assembly associated with the first linear tape library string places a tape from the first linear tape library string into the pass-through mechanism. The pass-through mechanism moves the tape to a position where the tape can be removed by a second robotic assembly associated with the second linear tape library string. The second robotic assembly removes the tape from the pass-through mechanism and places the tape into the second linear tape library string.

Abstract: A pass-through mechanism that couples a first linear tape library string to a second linear tape library string is maintained. A first robotic assembly associated with the first linear tape library string places a tape from the first linear tape library string into the pass-through mechanism. The pass-through mechanism moves the tape to a position where the tape can be removed by a second robotic assembly associated with the second linear tape library string. The second robotic assembly removes the tape from the pass-through mechanism and places the tape into the second linear tape library string.

Abstract: A pass-through mechanism that couples a first linear tape library string to a second linear tape library string is maintained. A first robotic assembly associated with the first linear tape library string places a tape from the first linear tape library string into the pass-through mechanism. The pass-through mechanism moves the tape to a position where the tape can be removed by a second robotic assembly associated with the second linear tape library string. The second robotic assembly removes the tape from the pass-through mechanism and places the tape into the second linear tape library string.

Abstract: A storage library is described that includes a shelf system adapted to support a number of tape cartridges. The storage library further includes a tape drive adapted to read and write data to and from tape cartridges. The storage library further possesses a temporary repository near the tape drive that is adapted to facilitate an exchange of a first tape cartridge intended to be loaded in the tape drive with a second tape cartridge ready to be removed from the tape drive with a single tape picker device.

Abstract: A management apparatus is for managing a storage medium. The apparatus includes a rack including a cell which has a first opening and a second opening, a robot for inserting or ejecting the storage medium with respect to the cell through the first opening, and a controller for executing a process. The process includes driving the robot to start inserting or ejecting the storage medium with respect to the cell, detecting a failure in inserting or ejecting the storage medium, stopping the robot from inserting or ejecting the storage medium for a given time upon detecting the failure, and driving the robot to restart inserting or ejecting the storage medium with respect to the cell after the stopping the robot from inserting or ejecting the storage medium for the given time.

Abstract: A library device in which, even if the relation between the number of pulses of a stepping motor and an encoder count number changes, a movement distance of a medium transfer means can be verified by an encoder count number counted by an encoder sensor is provided. A control means (2) determines a proof factor used when calculating an assumed encoder count number assumed based on the number of pulses according to a movement distance of a medium transfer means (5). When a movement distance of the medium transfer means (5) is verified, an assumed encoder count number, which is assumed based on the above-mentioned determined proof factor and the number of pulses according to the movement distance of the medium transfer means (5), and an actual encoder count number, which is counted by an encoder sensor when a stepping motor is driven by the number of pulses according to the movement distance of medium transfer means (5), are compared.

Abstract: A library apparatus includes a medium storage unit that has a plurality of cells, the plurality of cells being storable a recording medium for each, a recoding and reproducing unit that reads data from and writes data onto the recording medium, and a transport unit that transports the recoding and reproducing unit to one of the plurality of cells in which the recoding medium subject to data access is stored and inserts the recording medium into a medium insertion and removal opening of the recoding and reproducing unit.

Abstract: A slot for releasably storing a tape cartridge is disclosed. The slot comprises an enlargeable receiving portion for releasable insertion of the tape cartridge and a plate for supporting the tape cartridge in the slot. At least a portion of the plate is moveable for enlarging the receiving portion.

Abstract: A system for and method of properly positioning a media magazine in a mass data storage library.

Abstract: Provided are: a first entry preventing nail that interferes with a cartridge at a position closer to an insertion/extraction port than an insertion completed position of an insertion-side end face of the cartridge inserted first; a second entry preventing nail at a position with a space from the first entry preventing nail slightly longer than length of the cartridge, which allows entry of the cartridge and retreat of the first entry preventing nail at that position when a tapered face of the cartridge is at that position while preventing the entry of the cartridge and retreat of the first entry preventing nail at that position when the tapered face of the cartridge is not at that position; and a linkage module which allows advancing and retreating actions of the first and second entry preventing nails in a tradeoff relation.

Abstract: To provide a magnetic tape library device with which a plurality of housed magazines can be extracted safely from the device with the same operation, while the device is made to be simple. The magnetic tape library device includes: a plurality of magazines for housing a plurality of magnetic tape cartridges inside thereof; a device main body for housing the magazines within a same plane in a freely movable manner and in series in an inserting/extracting direction from an inserting/extracting slot; a connecting mechanism for enabling the plurality of magazines to be connected with each other or to be released by a releasing operation from outside; and a locking mechanism for enabling at least the magazine on the back side of the inserting/extracting direction of the device main body, among the plurality of magazines, to be locked or to be released from the locked state at the inserting/extracting slot side.

Abstract: An automated data storage library having a plurality of multi-cartridge deep slot cells, each configured to store a plurality of data storage cartridges arranged in sequential order of tiers from front to rear, and having accessor(s) to selectively extract, place and transport cartridges with respect to the cells; operating the accessor(s) to selectively extract, place and transport cartridges with respect to the multi-cartridge deep slot cells and with respect to other elements of the automated data storage library; filling at least the frontmost tier of vacant at least selected multi-cartridge deep slot cells in the selectively extracting, placing and transporting step in accordance with a predetermined algorithm, while leaving other tiers vacant. If the frontmost tier is full, a cartridge is placed into the one of the selected multi-cartridge deep slot cells having the factored greatest number of tiers available to place a cartridge.

Abstract: A storage apparatus includes carriages that are arranged in a matrix and store and transport objects, and a carriage shifting mechanism that is fixed to the storage apparatus and shifts the carriages.

Abstract: A storage library is described that includes a shelf system adapted to support a number of tape cartridges. The storage library further includes a tape drive adapted to read and write data to and from tape cartridges. The storage library further possesses a temporary repository near the tape drive that is adapted to facilitate an exchange of a first tape cartridge intended to be loaded in the tape drive with a second tape cartridge ready to be removed from the tape drive with a single tape picker device.

Abstract: A tape cartridge library that is equipped with a cleaning device is described. The tape cartridge library essentially includes a plurality of tape cartridges each possessing recording tape media. A plurality of tape drives that read and write data to and from each of the tape cartridges. A tape cleaning drive incapable of transferring data to and from the recording tape media which is independent of the tape drives, the tape cleaning drive disposed entirely within the tape cartridge library. The tape cleaning drive automatically receives one of the tape cartridges and cleans its respective recording tape medium when a predetermined reason for cleaning the tape cartridge is justified.

Abstract: A storage library is described that includes a shelf system adapted to support a number of tape cartridges. The storage library further includes a tape drive adapted to read and write data to and from tape cartridges. The storage library further possesses a temporary repository near the tape drive that is adapted to facilitate an exchange of a first tape cartridge intended to be loaded in the tape drive with a second tape cartridge ready to be removed from the tape drive with a single tape picker device.

Abstract: A storage library is described that includes a shelf system adapted to support a number of tape cartridges. The storage library further includes a tape drive adapted to read and write data to and from tape cartridges. The storage library further possesses a temporary repository near the tape drive that is adapted to facilitate an exchange of a first tape cartridge intended to be loaded in the tape drive with a second tape cartridge ready to be removed from the tape drive with a single tape picker device.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus for transmitting tapes within a tape library is disclosed. The transmission apparatus comprises a tray for transmitting a tape cartridge. A plurality of pinion gears is provided. The pinion gears are operably connected to each other and are rotatably attached to the tray. A plurality of vertically disposed racks is provided for engagement by the plurality of pinion gears for rotational movement therealong.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a media mobility unit includes a media cartridge holding portion for storing media cartridges, a sensing mechanism for sensing at least an approximate location of the holding portion in relation to other objects, a drive mechanism for moving the holding portion from a source media library to a destination media library, and a power source electrically coupled to at least one of the sensing mechanism and the drive mechanism for providing current to the at least one of the drive mechanism and the sensing mechanism. In another embodiment, a method for transporting a media cartridge includes receiving one or more media cartridges from a source media library, storing the one or more media cartridges in a holding portion of a media mobility unit, sensing at least an approximate location of the media mobility unit, and transporting the one or more media cartridges to a destination media library. Additional embodiments are also presented.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein provide a removable disk library system. The removable disk library system, in embodiments, comprises an array of removable disk drive bays and a movable connector system. Each removable disk drive bay can hold a removable disk drive cartridge. The movable connector system can be positioned behind the array of removable disk drive bays where the movable connector system can access the connector of the removable disk drive cartridges. In embodiments, the movable connector system includes a movable connector assembly that can automatically connect to the connector at the rear of the removable disk drive.

Abstract: A method is provided to handle portable cassettes removeably disposed in a data storage library, wherein the method supplies a data storage library comprising a plurality of storage slots, and a plurality of portable cassettes removeably disposed a designated storage slot in a first alignment order, and a pass-through accessor comprising a moveable fixturing apparatus to store portable cassettes, wherein the pass-through accessor is moveably disposed in the data storage library. The method positions the pass-through accessor adjacent an open end of a designated storage slot, and sequentially removes and attaches to the fixturing apparatus a plurality of portable cassettes from the designated storage slot. The method then transports the plurality of portable cassettes to a designated location within the data storage library.

Abstract: In an automated data storage library having a plurality of multi-cartridge deep slot cells, each configured to store a plurality of data storage cartridges arranged in sequential order of tiers from front to rear, and having accessor(s) configured to selectively extract, place and transport cartridges with respect to the cells; operating the accessor(s) to selectively extract, place and transport data storage cartridges with respect to the multi-cartridge deep slot cells and with respect to other elements of the automated data storage library; filling at least the frontmost tier of vacant at least selected multi-cartridge deep slot cells in the selectively extracting, placing and transporting step in accordance with a predetermined algorithm, while leaving other tiers vacant. If the frontmost tier is full, a data storage cartridge is placed into the one of the selected multi-cartridge deep slot cells having the factored greatest number of tiers available to place a data storage cartridge.

Abstract: Provided is a library device with which an accessor can move even when a magnetic tape cartridge is ejected out from a magazine onto a transporting path on which the accessor moves. The library device includes: a magazine inside which slots are provided; a device main body which houses the magazine; an accessor provided on one side of the device main body; and a magnetic tape drive which transports cartridges. A cartridge ejection preventing mechanism for preventing ejection of the entire part of the cartridge from the slot is provided in an opening-part front face of the slot, and a cartridge stopper member of the ejection preventing mechanism is set to be reciprocally rotatable along the moving direction of the accessor.

Abstract: An automated data storage library having a plurality of multi-cartridge deep slot cells, each configured to store a plurality of data storage cartridges arranged in sequential order of tiers from front to rear, and having accessor(s) to selectively extract, place and transport cartridges with respect to the cells; operating the accessor(s) to selectively extract, place and transport cartridges with respect to the multi-cartridge deep slot cells and with respect to other elements of the automated data storage library; filling at least the frontmost tier of vacant at least selected multi-cartridge deep slot cells in the selectively extracting, placing and transporting step in accordance with a predetermined algorithm, while leaving other tiers vacant. If the frontmost tier is full, a cartridge is placed into the one of the selected multi-cartridge deep slot cells having the factored greatest number of tiers available to place a cartridge.

Abstract: A housing apparatus includes a plurality of housing units to have housed objects housed therein, a carrying unit to include the plurality of the housing units arranged in a ring shape, the carrying unit carrying the housing units to a carriage position, and a transferring unit to be disposed facing a carriage destination of the housed objects with the carrying unit existing therebetween to transfer the housed object in the housing unit carried and positioned at the carriage position from the housing unit to the carriage destination or to transfer the housed object in the carriage destination from the carriage destination to the housing unit.

Abstract: A pass-through mechanism that couples a first linear tape library string to a second linear tape library string is maintained. A first robotic assembly associated with the first linear tape library string places a tape from the first linear tape library string into the pass-through mechanism. The pass-through mechanism moves the tape to a position where the tape can be removed by a second robotic assembly associated with the second linear tape library string. The second robotic assembly removes the tape from the pass-through mechanism and places the tape into the second linear tape library string.

Abstract: A library apparatus includes: a housing, a record medium storage shelf that stores information record media having a barcode for identification; an input-output device in which the information record medium is loaded and which inputs and outputs information to and from the loaded information record medium; a robot that transfers the information record medium between the record medium storage shelf and the input-output device; and a controller that controls operation of the robot; a read unit that is detachably attached to the robot and reads the barcode of the information record medium; and a read unit storage that stores the read unit detached from the robot.

Abstract: To provide a magnetic tape loader with which undesirable slippage does not occur while a cartridge is inserted/ejected and carried, whose configuration is simple, and capable of being produced at a low cost. While a projection on an endless belt wrapped around pulleys is engaged with a notch section formed in a front end face of the cartridge in a rack, wherein the pulleys are provided within a cartridge housing container along a cartridge inserting/ejecting direction and having an interval in between, the pulleys and the endless belt are driven to rotate so that the projection slides and the cartridge is pulled out from the rack or a magnetic tape drive. Then the cartridge is housed in the cartridge housing container. The pulley and the endless belt are driven to rotate in reverse so that the projection slides to insert the cartridge from the cartridge housing container into the rack or the magnetic tape drive.

Abstract: Described is a tape library which can generally include a tape drive, a tape cartridge that possesses a medium auxiliary memory device, a device for reading information retained on the medium auxiliary memory device and a program that runs on a processor capable of manipulating information received by the reading device. The tape cartridge's medium auxiliary memory device can contain at least one record of a previous access event, such as an approximate point in time when the tape cartridge is loaded in the tape drive. The program may be operable to determine how much time has elapsed from the access event. Knowledge of the elapsed time can, among other things, cause an action to be taken relative to the tape cartridge and/or the data thereon. A method of using the system is also described.

Abstract: A robot hand includes: a drive source; a baseboard; a housing that is capable of advancing and retreating on the baseboard by means of the drive source; a pair of hands that are provided to grasp an object and held by the housing; an operation body that is provided to be capable of being pushed by the object and is held by the housing; and a close mechanism that changes a state of the hands from a non-grasping state where the hands release the object into a grasping state where the hands grasp the object, in response to pushing of the operation body, and that is held by the housing.

Abstract: A method for verifying a tape cartridge is presented. One method includes introducing a tape cartridge into a tape library wherein when introduced, the tape cartridge can then be loaded in a tape drive in an attempt to bring the tape cartridge to a functionally ready state with the tape drive. In loading the tape cartridge in the tape drive, the loading performance of the first tape cartridge can be assessed based on bringing the first tape cartridge to a functionally ready state. A record of the performance information can then be stored on a central data base and/or on a medium auxiliary memory device located in the tape cartridge.

Abstract: To provide a plurality of magazines very closely by saving the space for forming the moving path that is required for allowing a cartridge transporting device to move. A movable magazine that is capable of moving in the lateral direction individually is provided between a first fixed magazine and a second fixed magazine located on both sides. The movable magazine is moved from the position of a cartridge loading/unloading face that corresponds to a cell to which a cartridge as a mount target for a magnetic tape drive is being housed or a cell to which a cartridge that is unmounted from the magnetic tape drive is to be housed so as to form a longitudinal moving path for allowing the cartridge transporting device to move between the magazines neighboring to each other.