Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for facilitating relatively simple installation and/or removal of magazines in context of modules of a data storage system. For example, it may be desirable to fill a magazine with data storage cartridges and to install the full magazine into the data storage system. Embodiments use staged structural features to sequentially guide and align the magazine into a desired position in a data storage system. The structural features are designed to facilitate relatively simple installation while providing sufficiently accurate and secure positioning.

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: To prevent a door opening when a carrier moves without using an electric actuator and without placing a burden on a device. An auto lock/unlock mechanism is composed solely of mechanical elements, and a lock mechanism is switched between an unlocked state and a locked state using the movement of the carrier. Thereby an automatic medium changer, which does not need an electric actuator such as a solenoid and is low price, is provided. Further, an opening manipulation of the door is permitted when the carrier is located at an evacuation position. This prevents a hand or a finger from being caught in an operable portion of the device. Further, since emergency stopping measures of the carrier for preventing an accident is not required, problems of damages, overloads or the like to the device are solved.

Abstract: A disc drive designed to hold a cartridge containing an optical data storage disk is compatible with a memory card slot in a host digital electronics device such as a PDA, for example a slot designed for a Type I CompactFlash card. The disc drive contains a body assembly which is inserted into the memory card slot and which has a compatible connector at one end. The disc drive also includes a drive mechanism which contains the spindle motor and optics systems and which is located outside the memory card slot when the drive is in operation. The drive mechanism is lifted from the body assembly to form an opening to a tray into which a cartridge is loaded. The drive mechanism is then pressed against the body assembly to close the cartridge tray and to cause the spindle motor assembly to engage the optical disc within the cartridge. To minimize the extent to which the disc drive protrudes from the host device, part of the cartridge extends into the memory card slot when the disc drive is connected to the host.

Abstract: A disk player is configured so that a steel plate-made clamper plate 3 is bridged between wall parts 2a of both sides of a cabinet and is fixed and a disk D on a tray 1 is clamped by a turntable 7 and a clamper 5 and the disk D is rotated by the turntable 7 and information recorded on the disk D is read by an optical pickup, spiral reinforcement portions 3c are formed by closely folding both side edges of the clamper plate 3 in a manner of winding at least two times.

Abstract: A disc drive designed to hold a cartridge containing an optical data storage disk is compatible with a memory card slot in a host digital electronics device such as a PDA, for example a slot designed for a Type I CompactFlash card. The disc drive contains a body assembly which is inserted into the memory card slot and which has a compatible connector at one end. The disc drive also includes a drive mechanism which contains the spindle motor and optics systems and which is located outside the memory card slot when the drive is in operation. The drive mechanism is lifted from the body assembly to form an opening to a tray into which a cartridge is loaded. The drive mechanism is then pressed against the body assembly to close the cartridge tray and to cause the spindle motor assembly to engage the optical disc within the cartridge. To minimize the extent to which the disc drive protrudes from the host device, part of the cartridge extends into the memory card slot when the disc drive is connected to the host.

Abstract: An entertainment apparatus includes a frame, a compact disc player, a compact disc storage device and a compact disc feed. The compact disc player is mounted on the frame. The compact disc storage device is rotationally mounted on the frame and defines a plurality of slits each for receiving a compact disc. The compact disc feed can feed a selected one of the compact discs to the compact disc player from the compact disc storage device.

Abstract: A method to return an automated data storage and retrieval system from a reset state to the ready state. An automated data storage and retrieval system which includes a computer useable medium having computer readable program code disposed therein to implement Applicants' method to return the automated data storage and retrieval system to the ready state from a reset state. A method to allocate storage elements disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system while that automated data storage and retrieval system is in a reset state. An automated data storage and retrieval system which includes computer readable program code disposed therein to implement Applicants' method to allocate storage elements disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system while that automated data storage and retrieval system is in a reset state. A method to adjust the system recovery period of an automated data storage and retrieval system after that system is placed in a reset state.

Abstract: A system for providing access to a plurality of data media contained in a data storage system is provided. The data storage system comprises a plurality of media storage devices for storing the plurality of data media, a data exchange device for exchanging data stored on the plurality of data media, and a media handling system for transferring the plurality of data media between the plurality of media storage devices and the data exchange device. The system comprises a bulk access apparatus configured to cover a plurality of openings in the data storage system. Each of the plurality of openings in the data storage system provide access to one of the media storage devices.