Abstract: Systems and associated methods provide a level of indirection between multiple host computers and multiple data storage resources, such as removable media data storage devices. At least one of the hosts is not provided with direct access to some of the removable media data storage devices. Instead, logical addresses are provided to the host computers, where the logical addresses can relate to physical addresses associated with the data storage resources. A data storage resource handle or logical proxy may be presented to a host, and a management layer determines whether the host receives access to physical data storage resources, or virtual resources that emulate the physical resources.

Abstract: A method of generating command instructions for a distributed mass data storage library comprises the steps of receiving an operator request from an operator, determining at least one command for at least one intelligent library component in response to the operator request, forming at least one command message containing the at least one command, and sending the at least one command message to the at least one intelligent library component for carrying out actions requested by the operator.

Abstract: An improved interface between a host computer and a tape drive emulation system includes software interfaces for communicating control, configuration, and policy data and a hardware interface for providing redundancy and fan-out between the main controller and host channels.

Abstract: A library for storing a cartridge of data-storage media includes a removable module and a chassis having a module receptacle. Cartridge storage slots are disposed within the chassis, and a media drive is disposed within the removable module. A cartridge transporter is disposed within the chassis and transports the cartridge between one of the cartridge slots and the media drive when the module is inserted within the module receptacle. A library control circuit is disposed within the chassis and controls the cartridge transporter. An interface circuit is disposed within the removable module and electronically interfaces a host computer to the media drive, and, when the removable module is inserted within the module receptacle of the chassis, electronically interfaces the host computer to the library control circuit.

Abstract: The present invention features a method for performing an end-to-end data path integrity check in a computer or computer-like system such as a storage router. A predetermined data test pattern is stored in a memory and then transmitted across a data path by a data initiator to a data receiver. The received data test pattern is then retransmitted to the data initiator where it is compared to the original data. Any discrepancies cause an error condition to be declared. The data path may be disabled until the defective component in the data path is isolated and fixed. The method is hardware independent so it may be easily used in an open systems environment where hardware components may be provided by different vendors.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and architecture for establishing independent, secure, trusted sub-networks within a storage area network (SAN). These virtual private SANs allow secure, managed interconnections between an initiator host and a target storage device or a logical unit number (LUN) indicating a sub-portion of a target storage device. A table of allowable configurations along with a connections database are used to ensure proper, allowable data connections.

Abstract: A method of generating command instructions for a distributed mass data storage library comprises the steps of receiving an operator request from an operator, determining at least one command for at least one intelligent library component in response to the operator request, forming at least one command message containing the at least one command, and sending the at least one command message to the at least one intelligent library component for carrying out actions requested by the operator.

Abstract: The present invention features a method for improving data flow from a host initiator on a first data bus to a target tape storage device on a second data bus, both buses being connected to one another by an I/O bridge or gateway. The inventive method allows the I/O bridge to return a slightly early write completion status to the host initiator before data is transmitted to the tape storage device and before the tape write operation is physically complete. The host initiator may then issue additional tape write commands and data may actually be transferred to buffer memory of the I/O bridge or gateway before the first tape write operation has been completed. This improves data throughput between host initiators and target tape storage devices, particularly in a storage area network (SAN).

Abstract: The present invention provides a high speed, multi-ported, direct data flow memory architecture that employs memory width and speed greater than system bus width and speed to allow shallow burst depth and reduce other-port latencies, while maintaining multi-port throughput. The inventive system has a data storage device (SDRAM) and a multiplexer connected to the SDRAM. Two or more interfaces or ports are provided with data sourcing controllers respectively connected to the interfaces. A communications bus connects the SDRAM to the data sourcing controllers for facilitating data communications. A FIFO buffer memory is located between the multiplexer and the data sourcing controllers. The need for retries is eliminated and host bus widths are matched to memory data width. Read-ahead algorithms are provided that adapt the larger system bus burst sizes to the smaller memory burst sizes with the ability to cancel unneeded advance requests for data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high speed, multi-ported, direct data flow memory architecture that employs memory width and speed greater than system bus width and speed to allow shallow burst depth and reduce other-port latencies, while maintaining multi-port throughput. The inventive system has a data storage device (SDRAM) and a multiplexer connected to the SDRAM. Two or more interfaces or ports are provided with data sourcing controllers respectively connected to the interfaces. A communications bus connects the SDRAM to the data sourcing controllers for facilitating data communications. A FIFO buffer memory is located between the multiplexer and the data sourcing controllers. The need for retries is eliminated and host bus widths are matched to memory data width. Read-ahead algorithms are provided that adapt the larger system bus burst sizes to the smaller memory burst sizes with the ability to cancel unneeded advance requests for data.

Abstract: A library for storing a cartridge of data-storage media includes a removable module and a chassis having a module receptacle. Cartridge storage slots arc disposed within the chassis, and a media drive is disposed within the removable module. A cartridge transporter is disposed within the chassis and transports the cartridge between one of the cartridge slots and the media drive when the module is inserted within the module receptacle. A library control circuit is disposed within the chassis and controls the cartridge transporter. An interface circuit is disposed within the removable module and electronically interfaces a host computer to the media drive, and, when the removable module is inserted within the module receptacle of the chassis, electronically interfaces the host computer to the library control circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for loading and unloading a data cartridge includes a data cartridge processor having a loader tray for loading and unloading a data cartridge into and from the data cartridge processor. The data cartridge processor records data to or receives data from the data cartridge. A cartridge loader is provided for actuating the loader tray to lower the data cartridge or raise the loader tray to unload the data cartridge into and from the data cartridge processor. An accessor is provided for activating the cartridge loader driven by an actuator for effecting movement of the accessor.

Abstract: A library for storing a cartridge of data-storage media includes a chassis and includes cartridge slots, a media drive, a cartridge transporter having a cam mechanism, and transporter and cam drive assemblies all located within the chassis. The cartridge slots each have an outer slot opening that faces outward of the chassis and an inner slot opening that faces inward of the chassis, and each slot allows insertion and removal of the cartridge through both of the respective inner and outer slot openings. The media drive has a cartridge opening that faces the inner slot openings and receives and ejects the cartridge via this opening.

Abstract: A door hinge includes a support plate, resilient fingers, and a hinge-pin cylinder. The support plate includes first and second edges, and the flexible fingers extend out from the first edge and curve toward the second edge at a distance spaced apart from the support plate. The hinge-pin cylinder is joined to the ends of the fingers to define a hinge line located inward from an outer edge of a door jamb to which the door is pivotally mounted.

Abstract: A media handling system includes a data cartridge processor having an opening to receive a data cartridge. The data cartridge processor functions to read data from or record data to the data cartridge. The system also includes a gripper for inserting the data cartridge into the opening of the data cartridge processor and an actuator to effect movement of the gripper. A code symbol is affixed to the data cartridge processor and a code reader is associated with the gripper to read the code symbol for locating the opening of the data cartridge processor. The system optionally includes an alignment bracket affixed to the data cartridge processor. The alignment bracket includes a guide having a tapered surface extending outwardly from the opening in the data cartridge processor for further aligning of the data cartridge with the opening of the data cartridge processor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for use in a mass memory data storage system. The present invention includes a gripper assembly having a roller-inserter, which permits contact with a data cartridge to be retrieved from or archived in said data storage system. The present invention also includes methods to inventory cartridges in said data storage system using the roller-inserter to provide for a contact method of inventory. The present invention also provides for teach-mode probe functions and real-time cartridge position locators.

Abstract: A library for storing a cartridge of data-storage media includes a chassis having a plurality of walls that each have inner and outer sides. A cartridge storage receptacle is mounted to the inner side of a first of the walls and has a receptacle port facing away from the first wall. A cartridge mailbox is mounted within an port that is formed in a second of the walls. The mailbox has a slot with a first slot port accessible from the inner side of the second wall and a second slot port accessible from the outer side of the second wall. The slot is constructed to allow insertion of the cartridge into the slot via the first and the second slot ports, and to allow removal of the cartridge from the slot via the first and the second slot ports. An x-y drive assembly is mounted within the chassis. A cartridge picker is mounted to the drive assembly and has a first picker port and a second picker port.