Abstract: Described herein is a mobile data storage magazine for interacting with a docking station. The magazine can include a magazine frame containing a plurality of operatively interconnected disk drives, a first contact element associated with the magazine frame capable of conducting electrical power to at least one of the plurality of disk drives when engaged with a second contact element associated with the docking station wherein the first and second contact elements are adapted to cooperate in a non male/female relationship. The magazine can further comprise a first communication element capable of conducting data between at least one of the plurality of disk drives and the docking station when the first communication element is operatively linked to a second communication element associated with the docking station.

Abstract: A cartridge transport robot transports a cartridge of information storage media between differing locations in a cartridge library. The cartridge robot comprises a robot carriage; a robot tray; and a carriage motive system. The robot tray comprises a guide configured to facilitate linear motion of the robot carriage, the robot carriage being situated on a first side of the robot tray. The robot carriage comprises cartridge engagement elements configured to selectively engage and release the cartridge. The carriage motive system is configured to provide linear motion to the robot carriage along the robot tray from a carriage retracted position to a carriage extracted position and thereby linearly displace the cartridge engaged by the cartridge engagement elements.

Abstract: A cartridge library (30) comprises at least one drive (60); a cartridge magazine (52); and, a transport mechanism (54) configured to transport the cartridge between the magazine and the drive. The transport mechanism (54) is configured to transport the cartridge between, e.g., cells of the magazine (52) and/or between the magazine (52) and the drive (60). The transport mechanism (54) comprises a robot (300) and a robot motive system. The robot comprises a robot carriage (308) and a robot tray (302). The robot carriage (308) carries or comprises cartridge engagement elements (310) configured to selectively engage and release the cartridge. The robot tray (302) facilitates linear motion of the robot carriage, the robot carriage being situated on a first side of the robot tray. The robot motive system comprises three robot motive subsystems (312, 360, 450) and a (robot) carriage motive subsystem (380).

Abstract: Described herein is a mobile data storage magazine for interacting with a docking station. The magazine can include a magazine frame containing a plurality of operatively interconnected disk drives, a first contact element associated with the magazine frame capable of conducting electrical power to at least one of the plurality of disk drives when engaged with a second contact element associated with the docking station wherein the first and second contact elements are adapted to cooperate in a non male/female relationship. The magazine can further comprise a first communication element capable of conducting data between at least one of the plurality of disk drives and the docking station when the first communication element is operatively linked to a second communication element associated with the docking station.

Abstract: A cable carrying mechanism or library apparatus is configured to include a cable carrying unit (cable bearer) that is fixed at one end to a support unit (frame) supporting a movable unit (medium gripping mechanism unit) causing a positional displacement to carry a cable led by the movable unit while maintaining the cable bendable and a guide mechanism unit that is disposed in the movable unit to move the other end of the cable carrying unit within a predetermined range as well as to guide the movement thereof.

Abstract: In an automated library, data cartridges, such as magnetic tape cartridges, are stored in storage cells and accessed by data storage drives. An accessor with a gripper transports cartridges between storage cells and storage drives. Cartridges are prioritized according to their relative importance. A processor manages the placement of the cartridges in cells by having higher priority cartridges stored closer to the front of multi-cartridge cells than cartridges with a lower priority. Cartridges with a higher priority may also be stored closer to a storage drive than cartridges with a lower priority. A pusher may be used to push cartridges towards the front of multi-cartridge cells with an empty position to enable the gripper to reach the front cartridge.

Abstract: An operator alterable space is described, for use with a data storage library. The library has a frame substantially defines an interior environment and is exposed to an exterior environment. The operator alterable space is adapted to accommodate either a drive module that is capable of storing data to a magazine storage element or a shelf module capable of accommodating at least the magazine storage element whereby the magazine storage element can be disposed in the shelf module. The operator alterable space is accessible from the exterior environment for installing either the shelf module or the drive module via an opening in the frame. The operator alterable space is also accessible to a magazine transport from the interior environment, wherein the magazine transport is capable of moving the magazine storage element to the operator alterable space.

Abstract: A library apparatus includes a cartridge type sensor and a robot. The cartridge type sensor includes a cartridge having the same shape as that of each recording medium stored in a cell, an optical reader for reading a medium identification code, and a medium detector for detecting the presence or absence of a recording medium in a target cell. The optical reader and the medium detector are disposed in the cartridge of the cartridge type sensor. The robot picks up the cartridge type sensor from a cell which stores the cartridge type sensor and positions the cartridge type sensor at a predetermined location in the library apparatus while holding the cartridge type sensor.

Abstract: A library device comprises a cell, a drive, and an accessor. The cell is capable of accommodating a plurality of cartridges. The drive performs a recording or reproduction of data between the cartridges and the drive. The accessor carries the cartridges between the cell and the drive. The cell is provided with a first rack gear which extends in a direction in which the accommodated cartridges are arranged. The accessor comprises an accessor base and a feed block. The accessor base comprises a second rack gear. The second rack gear extends in the extension direction of the first rack gear. The second rack gear is formed in correspondence with the first rack gear. The feed block comprises a pinion gear, a driving unit, and a holding unit. The pinion gear is meshed with the first and second rack gears. The driving unit drives the pinion gear. The holding unit holds the cartridges.

Abstract: A tape library apparatus includes a transporting rail extending in parallel with a vertical reference plane. A cell is configured to receive a tape cartridge in an upright attitude along an inclined reference plane. The inclined reference plane intersects with the vertical reference plane at an acute angle for establishment of a vertical intersection line within the vertical reference plane. A transporting unit is configured to change its attitude between a parallel attitude and an inclined attitude. The transporting unit in the parallel attitude allows insertion and withdrawal of the tape cartridge in the upright attitude along the vertical reference plane. The transporting unit in the inclined attitude allows insertion and withdrawal of the tape cartridge in the upright attitude along the inclined reference plane.

Abstract: A vertical autoloader design enables multiple data cartridges to be selectively loaded into a drive while minimizing the device footprint. The structure of the vertical autoloader incorporates Geneva steps into the walls of the autoloader. The Geneva steps interface with gearing on a drive carriage to move the drive vertically. The data cartridges are inserted into slots on the front of the vertical autoloader, and the data cartridges not currently loaded into the drive can be removed and replaced while the autoloader is in operation. Further, the vertical autoloader includes prevent devices in the cartridge slots to ensure the data cartridges are loaded correctly.

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 aspects of the present invention provide a device for tracking, a method for tracking, and a method for building the device for tracking the location of a media cartridge. The device includes a first antenna connected to a media unit. The device also includes a second antenna connected to the media unit, wherein the second antenna has a range that is longer than the first antenna. The device also includes a switch, wherein the switch allows the media cartridge to operate in a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode the first antenna is operable, and wherein in the second mode the second antenna is operable.

Abstract: A storage slot for removably holding and aligning data storage cartridges of differing dimensions. Two bowed leaf springs are positioned within the storage slot, at two side walls and opposite from, respectively, two opposite side walls. The bowed leaf springs extend in a direction parallel to a direction of insertion and withdrawal of a data storage cartridge, and are fixed at the end closest to the opening. A bowed portion of each bowed leaf spring forms a ramp surface towards the opening and towards a corresponding opposite side wall. The bowed leaf springs are located a distance from the corresponding opposite side wall to form an interference fit with the smallest dimensioned data storage. The bowed leaf springs thus provide compression toward a data storage cartridge, to hold and align the data storage cartridge against the opposite side wall.

Abstract: According to the invention, an electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to a computing system is disclosed. The electronic data storage cartridge includes a cartridge body, a connector, an optical waveguide, a hard disk drive, and a mechanical write-protect switch that prevents modification of information on the hard disk drive when active. The cartridge body includes at least two outer surfaces. The connector can be used for removable coupling to the computing system, where the connector couples information outside the cartridge body. The optical waveguide is configured to couple light between the two outer surfaces. The hard drive is coupled to the connector.

Abstract: Radio tags storing parts identifying information are arranged for the individual constituent modules such as tape drives and conveying robots of the library apparatus. Upon every rise of the apparatus, the conveying robots are moved to positions permitting read of the radio tags arranged on the individual constituent modules. The parts identifying information such as the serial number is read by the tag reader and stored in the non-volatile memory. When this is different from the serial number read in the preceding run, stored in the non-volatile memory, it is determined that the part has been replaced. The statistical information of the number of operating runs is then cleared, and management of the parts service life is started.

Abstract: Data storage libraries as disclosed that provide for accessors that turn upon angled rails. In the library, a first rail and a second rail form an angle. The first and second rail each have a drive surface, but the drive surfaces are on different vertical planes. A switching mechanism of the accessor is then configured to move a drive mechanism between the different vertical planes of the drive surfaces. If the switching mechanism positions the drive mechanism adjacent to the drive surface of the first rail, then the drive mechanism engages the drive surface of the first rail to move the accessor along the first rail. If the switching mechanism switches the position of the drive mechanism adjacent to the drive surface of the second rail, then the drive mechanism engages the drive surface of the second rail to move the accessor along the second rail.

Abstract: A library includes a frame, a plurality of cartridge slots disposed within the frame and at least one counter configured to determine the presence of cartridges stored within the plurality of cartridge slots without removing the cartridges. The library also includes at least one controller in communication with the counter and configured to count a number of cartridges within the cartridge slots and compare the counted number to a capacity on demand value.

Abstract: A stop position adjusting device for an accessor mechanism in an information recording device using a recording cartridge, includes: the accessor mechanism; a first moving mechanism; a second moving mechanism; and an image taking section. The accessor mechanism inserts the recording cartridge into a cell and takes out the recording cartridge from the cell. The first moving mechanism moves the accessor mechanism in a first direction. The second moving mechanism moves the accessor mechanism in a second direction different from the first direction. The image taking section is provided on the accessor mechanism and detects a position of a mark provided near the cell. An adjustment of a stop position of the accessor mechanism for the cell is executed based on the position detected by the image taking section.

Abstract: A magazine includes a housing defining an interior space and an exterior space and a plurality of storage slots disposed within the housing. The magazine further includes at least one cartridge blocker that alternates between an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position provides access to at least one of the storage slots, and wherein the closed position substantially prevents access to at least one of the storage slots.

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 cartridge magazine is shown for placement in a robotic media library. The magazine body has two walls to guide a tape cartridge into a final stopping position. A prong extends into the cartridge from a first wall and an opening is formed in the second wall to permit a friction pad to contact an opposing side of the cartridge. The friction pad is mounted onto a lever that rotates upon a pivot outside a cartridge chamber on the magazine body. The lever is pushed by a spring to ordinarily extend the friction pad well into vacant cartridge chambers. An operator pad of the lever may extend out of the magazine body for engagement by an operator or by door pressures to retract the friction pad so that the cartridge becomes either disengaged, or slightly engaged with the friction pad.

Abstract: An automated data storage library with storage shelves, data storage drive(s), a bus bar; and a robot accessor with a drive system for moving the robot accessor, an accessor communication interface, a bus bar relay configured to engage and disengage the bus bar; a robot control configured to operate the drive system to move the robot accessor, to operate the picker, to operate the bus bar relay to engage the bus bar when the robot accessor is stationary; and a power storage system configured to receive power via the bus bar relay when the bus bar relay engages the bus bar, to store the received power, and to deliver the stored power to the robot accessor at least when the bus bar relay is disengaged.

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 system and computer program product are provided for utilizing target of opportunity to perform at least one special operation while a removable storage medium is mounted within a data storage drive for another purpose. The system for recognizing a target of opportunity comprises a tape drive. The tape drive receives a command to mount a tape cartridge in the tape drive, and in response the tape drive mounts the tape cartridge in the tape drive. The tape drive determines if at least one special operation may be performed. If it is determined that at least one special operation may be performed, the tape drive recognizes that a target of opportunity exists. In response to determining that at least one special operation may be performed, the tape drive sends a first notification that the tape drive is to remain in a not ready state.

Abstract: A library apparatus includes a housing, an insertion and ejection mechanism that is provided in an opening formed in the housing and that is configured to insert and eject a magazine, the magazine being arranged to accommodate a cartridge that includes a storage medium, a drive mechanism configured to access the storage medium and a transporting mechanism configured to transport the cartridge to a predetermined position. The insertion and ejection mechanism includes a magazine receiving section having an engagement section configured to be engaged with a portion of the magazine, a guide rail configured to slidably support the magazine receiving section, and a wall member configured to move together with the magazine receiving section along the guide rail and to close the opening upon an ejection of the magazine from the insertion and ejection mechanism.

Abstract: An automated data storage library with storage shelves, data storage drive(s), a bus bar; and a robot accessor with a drive system for moving the robot accessor, an accessor communication interface, a bus bar relay configured to engage and disengage the bus bar; a robot control configured to operate the drive system to move the robot accessor, to operate the picker, to operate the bus bar relay to engage the bus bar when the robot accessor is stationary; and a power storage system configured to receive power via the bus bar relay when the bus bar relay engages the bus bar, to store the received power, and to deliver the stored power to the robot accessor at least when the bus bar relay is disengaged.

Abstract: Data storage libraries as disclosed that provide for accessors that turn upon angled rails. In the library, a first rail and a second rail form an angle. The first and second rail each have a drive surface, but the drive surfaces are on different vertical planes. A switching mechanism of the accessor is then configured to move a drive mechanism between the different vertical planes of the drive surfaces. If the switching mechanism positions the drive mechanism adjacent to the drive surface of the first rail, then the drive mechanism engages the drive surface of the first rail to move the accessor along the first rail. If the switching mechanism switches the position of the drive mechanism adjacent to the drive surface of the second rail, then the drive mechanism engages the drive surface of the second rail to move the accessor along the second rail.

Abstract: In an automated library, data cartridges, such as magnetic tape cartridges, are stored in storage cells or shelves and accessed by data storage drives. An accessor with a gripper transports cartridges between storage cells and storage drives. Cartridges on the library floor may damage the accessor. A cartridge sensor is provided and positioned to detect cartridges on the floor of the library. The sensor may be mounted to the base of the accessor, may be mounted to the gripper, or one or more sensors may be mounted proximate to the floor of the library. If the library includes more than one library frame, a sensor may be mounted proximate to the floor of each of one or more of the frames, thereby allowing for the location of a dropped cartridge to be identified.

Abstract: Data storage libraries as disclosed that provide for accessors that turn upon angled rails. In the library, a first rail and a second rail form an angle. The first and second rail each have a drive surface, but the drive surfaces are on different vertical planes. A switching mechanism of the accessor is then configured to move a drive mechanism between the different vertical planes of the drive surfaces. If the switching mechanism positions the drive mechanism adjacent to the drive surface of the first rail, then the drive mechanism engages the drive surface of the first rail to move the accessor along the first rail. If the switching mechanism switches the position of the drive mechanism adjacent to the drive surface of the second rail, then the drive mechanism engages the drive surface of the second rail to move the accessor along the second rail.

Abstract: An automated data storage library with storage shelves, data storage drive(s), a bus bar; and a robot accessor with a drive system for moving the robot accessor, an accessor communication interface, a bus bar relay configured to engage and disengage the bus bar; and a robot control configured to operate the drive system to move the robot accessor, to operate a picker, and to operate the bus bar relay to engage the bus bar when the robot accessor is stationary, to provide communication capability with a library communication interface via the bus bar relay and the bus bar when the bus bar relay engages the bus bar. Additionally, a second communication system may be provided between the robot accessor and the automated data storage library, which is operable at least when the robot accessor is moving.

Abstract: In an automated library, data cartridges, such as magnetic tape cartridges, are stored in multi-cartridge storage cells or shelves and accessed by data storage drives. An accessor with a deep-reach gripper transports cartridges between storage cells and storage drives. The gripper is capable of extending into the cell to grip and remove a cartridge stored in any position therein. The gripper may include a scissors mechanism, a set of units extendable with lead screws, or another extendable mechanism.

Abstract: An expandable storage library for storing digital storage media, such as storage tapes or disks is provided. The library includes a base unit and robotic system to which additional expansion units may be added. Several expansion units may be installed in the library with the base unit so that the robotic system can access media storage racks in any of the expansion units or in the base unit. Doors on the base unit and expansion unit may be interlocked together to function as a single door. A Z pole guide on the base unit may be extended by adding expansion guide poles that guide the movement of the robotic system through the library.

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: In an automated library, data cartridges, such as magnetic tape cartridges, are stored in storage cells and accessed by data storage drives. An accessor with a gripper transports cartridges between storage cells and storage drives. Cartridges are prioritized according to their relative importance. A processor manages the placement of the cartridges in cells by having higher priority cartridges stored closer to the front of multi-cartridge cells than cartridges with a lower priority. Cartridges with a higher priority may also be stored closer to a storage drive than cartridges with a lower priority. A pusher may be used to push cartridges towards the front of multi-cartridge cells with an empty position to enable the gripper to reach the front cartridge.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval device is provided which includes a tape drive for recording data on to and reading data from data cartridges, at least one storage magazine in which the data cartridges are stored, and a cartridge shuttle which moves the data cartridges between the tape drive and the storage locations and the storage magazine. The present data storage and retrieval device is housed with a housing that is configured to fit a standard form factor for computer network related devices, such as the “U” form factor. The data storage and retrieval device is scalable for different form factors by exchanging only a limited number of parts in the apparatus while retaining the majority of parts and components without change. For example, a change in U form factor may be accomplished by varying only a few components in an elevator portion of the cartridge shuttle and by providing a taller or shorter storage magazine in the housing.

Abstract: A housing for receiving and securing storage devices of varying dimensions useful in automated library systems is provided. In one example, the housing has an interior space defined by a base and a perimeter wall extending along at least two sides of the base. A first arm is coupled to the perimeter wall, and at least a portion of the first arm is biased to extend into the interior space at a height above the base for allowing insertion of thinner storage devices without pushing on the arm. The first arm is configured to evacuate the interior space in response to a thicker storage device pushing on the first arm. Stand-offs or other length differentiating features may be disposed and sized to provide a common pick point among storage devices of different types insertable in the housing. Further examples include providing additional arms that may be configured similar to the first arm.

Abstract: To provide a magnetic tape loader with which unconsidered 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 with 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 inversely so that the projection slides to insert the cartridge from the cartridge housing container into the rack or the magnetic tape drive.

Abstract: A cartridge storage device for a data storage and retrieval system according to one embodiment comprises a housing having a front and a back positioned on opposite ends of the housing; a plurality of cells in the housing, each cell adapted for receiving a media cartridge; and a drive mechanism for selectively driving the cells towards a front opening in the front of the housing, the front opening allowing insertion and retrieval of the cartridges from the cells.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for handling storage cartridges within an automated storage library is provided. In one example, the apparatus includes a frame, a translating member, e.g., a leadnut/leadscrew, and a finger mechanism slidably mounted to the frame. The translating member is operable to translate along the frame. The finger mechanism includes a finger member for engaging a storage device, and the finger mechanism is mechanically associated with the translating member such that translation of the translation member relative to the picker frame results in a translation of the finger mechanism relative to the translation member such that the finger mechanism moves a greater distance than the translation member. A gear assembly, mounted to the translation member, may rotate during translation to cause relative movement of the translation member and finger mechanism.

Abstract: Magazine insertion is detected and suction of the magazine toward the deep end of a data library device casing is started. An identification code recorded on a recording medium cassette contained in the magazine is read at the timing when the cassette passes a read area of a read device arranged on the data library device case and stored in correspondence with the storage position. Operation is performed according to the storage when transferring the recording medium cassette between the magazine and a drive.

Abstract: A tape drive bezel forming a front surface of a tape drive is provided, the bezel comprising a housing, an opening in the housing for receiving a tape cartridge, a plurality of targets or fiducials, each fiducial providing an alignment target for one of a plurality of robotic assemblies to insert or remove a tape cartridge in the opening of the housing, and a plurality of projections extending from the front of the housing forming legs for supporting the tape drive and for protecting the fiducials from handling damage. The plurality of fiducials provided on the bezel are compatible with the plurality of robotic assemblies used by different tape library systems enabling a tape drive fitted with the bezel to be used interchangeably with the different libraries.

Abstract: Disclosed is a deep storage slot with a constant spring force comprising a storage slot housing defining a cartridge cavity and a cartridge opening, wherein the cartridge cavity is configured to store a plurality of cartridges in depth. Also disclosed is a constant force spring comprising a rolled, pre-stressed strip that exerts a constant force to resist uncoiling, the constant force spring having a first end affixed to the storage slot housing within the cartridge cavity to direct the constant force towards the cartridge opening, and at least one retention feature configured with the storage slot housing to hold at least one of the plurality of cartridges within the cartridge cavity against the constant force.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a storage media cartridge in a data storage library is disclosed. The apparatus includes an accessor, a pinion and a rack having a straight section and a curved section. The curved section includes multiple rack teeth that are capable of rotating independently from each other to allow the pinion to travel along the straight section and onto the curved section of the rack, or vice versa, without any interruption.

Abstract: A cartridge drive library (30) comprises a drive bay (50); a magazine (52) which accommodates at least one cartridge of information storage media; a transport mechanism (54) which transports a cartridge between the magazine and one or more plural drive units (60) accommodated in the drive bay; and plural drive mounting mechanisms (110). In the drive bay the plural drives are arranged in a first direction, e.g., a stacking direction. The drive bay has two opposing internal walls extending in the first direction, with the plural drives units being positioned between the opposing internal walls. The plural drive mounting mechanisms (110) facilitates accommodation of a different types of drives, the drives having differently located load trays, so that the load trays of the plural drives are aligned.

Abstract: A modular data storage system for handling and storing data cartridges comprises a cartridge access device and at least two laterally adjacent modular units. Each of the modular units may comprise a plurality of cartridge receiving devices and a plurality of elongate gear racks aligned along a displacement path. The elongate gear racks are substantially in alignment with one another such that the cartridge access device may be translated among the laterally adjacent modular units. The system further comprises a translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device along a displacement path. The translation apparatus may comprise a plurality of drive pinions mounted to the cartridge access device and engaging the plurality of elongate gear racks, and a pinion drive apparatus operatively associated with the drive pinions. The pinion drive apparatus rotates the drive pinions to move the cartridge access device among the elongate gear racks of the adjacent modular units.

Abstract: A cartridge storage device for a data storage and retrieval system according to one embodiment comprises a housing having a front and a back positioned on opposite ends of the housing; a plurality of cells in the housing, each cell adapted for receiving a media cartridge; and a drive mechanism for selectively driving the cells towards a front opening in the front of the housing, the front opening allowing insertion and retrieval of the cartridges from the cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a storage media cartridge in a data storage library is disclosed. The apparatus includes an accessor, a pinion and a rack having a straight section and a curved section. The curved section includes multiple rack teeth that are capable of rotating independently from each other to allow the pinion to travel along the straight section and onto the curved section of the rack, or vice versa, without any interruption.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval device utilizes a data cartridge recording and playback apparatus and has storage magazines for holding a plurality of data cartridges for use by the recording and playback apparatus. The storage magazines have slots for storing the data cartridges and retaining the data cartridges in place when not being accessed using a cartridge latch. A spring moves the cartridge to an eject position upon release of the cartridge latch. Similarly, the storage magazines have a latch to secure the magazine in place and to selectively release the magazine when desired. The spring loaded ejection apparatus for the magazines is damped to provide slowed movement during the ejection of the magazine. Further, a catch secures the magazine in a partially ejected position to permit exchange of one or a limited number of the cartridges without complete removal of the magazine from the device, and preferably without halting the operation of the device.

Abstract: Magazine insertion is detected and suction of the magazine toward the deep end of a data library device casing is started. An identification code recorded on a recording medium cassette contained in the magazine is read at the timing when the cassette passes a read area of a read device arranged on the data library device case and stored in correspondence with the storage position. Operation is performed according to the storage when transferring the recording medium cassette between the magazine and a drive.