Abstract: A system and method for assigning unique names to data storage products. The system and method is applicable for assigning unique World Wide Names to library storage products having removable or fixed media storage devices, or existing library storage products to be provisioned with Fiber Channel interface connections. When configuring new library storage products the method comprises the steps of: allocating a range of names to the library storage product, a name being assigned in one-to-one correspondence with a device position in the library and, the range including a base name (Base_N) for indicating where device position numbering begins; and, storing the base name in a memory associated with the library; installing a data storage device at a position in the library; and automatically calculating a unique name N based on the stored base name and the data storage device position of the installed device and assigning the calculated name to the installed device.

Abstract: An arrangement for sensing the position of a leader pin on a tape which is located within a cartridge shell. The arrangement senses the position of a pin in a tape cartridge through the intermediary of either electromagnetic sensors or electrostatic detection circuitry. Additionally, provided is a method for sensing the position of a pin on a tape inside a cartridge shell by employing either electrostatic detection structure or electromagnetic sensors.

Abstract: A disk drive has discrete, modular mechanical and electrical devices. The mechanical device includes a casing to which is mounted a drive motor, disks, and an actuator that is driven by a voice coil motor. The actuator supports transducers for interacting with the disks. The electrical device is attached to a backplane and provides various control and data communication functions for the mechanical device with a host computer. In addition, each of the mechanical and electrical components has a mating connector for detachably interfacing with each other.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval system such as a robotic library has a large plurality of removable storage media, such as tape cartridges, for purposes of I/O. To enhance performance and reliability of the library, a thermodynamic model of the library is constructed and stored in the library, and environmental conditions such as the temperature, humidity, and flow rate of cooling air coming into, flowing through, and leaving the library are monitored. The thermodynamic model of the library includes an acceptable operating range for the library in a psychrometric chart; and the product of the effective thermodynamic mass and specific heat of the library.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a multi-gripper equipped accessor in an automated data storage library. More particularly, an apparatus for calibrating a multi-gripper equipped accessor in an automated data storage library, includes at least one additional sensor to calibrate each gripper. Also described is a method for calibrating a multi-gripper equipped accessor in an automated data storage library, wherein one or more additional grippers are calibrated to reduce the effect of tolerances in the system.

Abstract: A data tape drive for recording information on the data tape of a tape cartridge has a transducer head with air bleed slots that define side walls, a tape guide, and a device for detecting damage to the transducer head and tape guide. The damage detection device has a conductor loop that is located along the outer edges of the air bleed slots and tape guide for detecting any brittle fracture damage that may be present. The conductor loop is a thin filament of wire that is preferably attached to the ends of the side walls. When the transducer head or tape guide experiences a fracture, such as a fracture in one of the side walls, the delicate filament breaks and forms an open circuit. The open circuit in the conductor loop is detected by the data tape drive so that remedial actions can be taken.

Abstract: One embodiment of a picking tool for an automated library of disk drives has an electromagnet, a tapered hole, and a ventilation system. The ventilation system has a box fan with an impeller for moving air through ducting located within the picking tool. The ducting includes a vents located adjacent to one surface of the picking tool. The picking tool is designed to work in conjunction with a disk drive carrier having a front bezel equipped with a tapered guide pin that is complementary to the tapered hole, and vent ports. The guide pin provides alignment between the carrier and the picking tool. The automated disk drive library has a rack with drawers for containing the carriers. The picking tool is mounted to a robotic arm for selectively engaging and interfacing with the carriers. After the picking tool aligns with a desired carrier, the picking tool moves toward the carrier to insert the guide pin into the tapered hole.

Abstract: A system and method for precisely registering and synchronizing data sets on a recording media having a prerecorded servo pattern. The recording media is subject to continuing movement for reading and/or writing the data sets, interrupted by stopping at the end of a selected data set and restarting. During the continuing movement of the recording media, a detector coupled to the servo system continuously reads linear position registration data modulated into the prerecorded servo pattern. An interpolator interpolates the prerecorded registration data to provide precision registration information for the data sets. Upon the drive stopping the recording media, then back hitching the media and the movement restarting, selected read and interpolated registration information is provided.

Abstract: A maximum likelihood detector and a method for maximum likelihood detection of digital samples of channel output of data recorded as analog signals representing a finite number of states. The method comprises, first, programming at least two numerical metric coefficients. The coefficients are respectively applied to each sequential digital sample to generate alternative metrics, and each respective alternative metric is compared to a previous metric based on a previous digital sample. Based on the comparison, one of a plurality of provided metrics is selected which minimizes the mean squared error with respect to the previous metric. Then, the one of the finite number of states represented by the selected metric is identified, and a maximum likelihood path memory is set to a maximum likelihood state dictated by the identified one of the finite states, thereby detecting the recorded analog signals.

Abstract: A servo position detector and a method for detecting and following an index position displaced at an offset with respect to an edge of a servo track, an edge comprising an interface between two dissimilar recorded servo signals. The servo track has two edges on opposite lateral sides of a middle recorded servo signal, the edges separated by a predetermined distance. A servo read element has an active sensing region which is no more than and is substantially the entire predetermined distance separating the edges, thereby.sensing no more than two of the dissimilar recorded servo signals at one of the edges. An independent position sensor senses the coarse position of the servo read element, indicating which edge or which index position is aligned with the servo read element. Logic compares the two sensed servo signals to determine the ratio therebetween, and determines an error between the compared ratio and a predetermined ratio.

Abstract: Disclosed are a data storage library and library computer processor implemented methods for expiring logical volumes in response to expiration selection from a host. A library server maintains a mapping database which identifies each logical volume and maps the logical volumes to data storage media. A library manager classifies the host selected expired logical volume in a category of logical volumes having a “SCRATCH” attribute, which may have an expiration delay, and identifies the selected logical volume in a searchable database as comprising the category having the “SCRATCH” attribute, and may calculate an expiration time for the selected logical volume from the delay. The library manager subsequently searches the searchable database for logical volumes identified as comprising a category having the “SCRATCH” attribute, and whose expiration time has passed, providing an indication to the library server that the searched identified logical volumes are expired.

Abstract: A disk drive library has individual disk drives that are each provided with a combination mechanical and electrical connector for interfacing with a library backplane. Each connector has two components. The first component is mounted to the drive and has an electrical contact with a metallic burnished core of highly conductive material that is surrounded by an annular magnet. The mating component is on the backplane and is similarly formed with the opposite pole of a second magnet. When the two components are brought into close proximity, the two contacts attract each other to mate the contact cores, and thus establish an electrical connection. This connection is augmented by a spring mechanism to provide a solid, reliable connection.

Abstract: A piece throwable toy is disclosed that combines the features of a disk-shaped flying toy with the features of a ball or rounded toy. Specifically, the toy comprises a disk-shaped portion circumscribed by a rim, with the rim having a topside lying in a first plane and a bottom side lying in a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane. The ball-like feature of the toy is provided by a pair of like-shaped convexities that protrude from the first and second planes in an opposing fashion and that join the disk-shaped portion. Each of the convexities is concentric to the circular rim of the toy. The resulting toy has the appearance of a "flying saucer" and may be thrown like a Frisbee.TM. or kicked like a ball, thereby offering a unique play experience.

Abstract: A dressing aid for suspending a lower garment from an upper garment is disclosed herein comprising a band and a pair of clips, with one clip connected to each end of the band. Each clip comprises a pair of arms each having a handle at a first end and a jaw at a second end, a pivoting means, and a means for biasing the jaws to the closed position. One may engage a garment using the clip by squeezing together the handles such that the jaws separate, then releasing the handles to close the jaws about a garment positioned therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided herein for resistance exercise of the major muscle groups in the legs and gluteal areas. The apparatus is in the form of a four-wheel push cart comprising (a) a vertical frame structure having a front spaced pair of wheels and a back spaced pair of wheels operatively affixed to the frame structure at the lower end thereof, the wheels rollable along a supporting surface; (b) a transverse handlebar affixed to the frame structure at its upper end; and (c) a free-weight holder affixed to the frame structure, preferably in the form of a bar, for installing and removing free weights. In the practice of the invention, following installation of the desired amount of free weight onto the push cart, one would grasp the handlebar and push and pull the cart so that it rolls back and forth across the supporting surface. The push cart offers a simple and effective form of resistance exercise.