Abstract: A cable management system comprising a cable flex radius system having at least two opposing curved surfaces to control flex radius of a cable linking a stationary system to a dynamic system is disclosed. The cable management system also comprises a cable strain relief system comprising a cable clamp located on each of the at least two opposing curved surfaces. The system simultaneously provides position biasing of a driven rotating mechanism referenced to a fixed system as well as mechanism backlash control. The system insures consistent cable bend radius and slack management required to insure flex cable cycle life. In one embodiment, the cable management system is comprised of a torsion arm and a spool. In this embodiment, the torsion arm pivots during rotation of the spool. A spring connected to the torsion arm provides the requisite tension force to a cable that links the spool and the torsion arm.

Abstract: Calibrating alignments of a data storage library includes determining an alignment offset by aligning an emitter attached to a media transport assembly (MTA) with a reference location located at a storage area, determining a sensor offset by aligning a sensor attached to the MTA with a reference target located at the storage area, wherein the sensor offset is a function of the alignment offset, and determining a specific offset by aligning the sensor with a specific target, wherein the specific offset is a function of the sensor offset, wherein the specific offset is used to determine an actual position of a specific location located near the specific target.

Abstract: In a data media storage library for storing and accessing storage media, the storage media being contained in cartridges, the data media storage library having a library housing, an access opening in the library housing for inserting cartridges, a storage array within the library housing including a number of storage locations, a plurality of media storage elements adapted to hold the storage media, a plurality of data transfer elements adapted to read and write information on the storage media, and a media transport element within the library housing adapted to move the storage media between the media storage element and the data transfer element, an import/export element which rotates the cartridge 180 degrees after moving the cartridge from the access opening to the media transport element, including: a cartridge holder adapted to receive the media cartridge from the access opening; a lead screw mounted in a first direction between a first point and a second point and rotating about a first axis parallel t

Abstract: In a data media storage library for storing and accessing storage media, the storage media being contained in cartridges, the data media storage library having a library housing, an access opening in the library housing for inserting cartridges, a storage array within the library housing including a number of storage locations, a plurality of media storage elements adapted to hold the storage media, a plurality of data transfer elements adapted to read and write information on the storage media, and a media transport element within the library housing adapted to move the storage media between the media storage element and the data transfer element, an import/export element which rotates the cartridge 180 degrees after moving the cartridge from the access opening to the media transport element, including: a cartridge holder adapted to receive the media cartridge from the access opening; a lead screw mounted in a first direction between the access opening and the media transport element and rotating about a fir

Abstract: A data storage library includes a storage section having a plurality of storage slots, a media drive, a guide member proximate the plurality of storage slots, and a pair of media transport assemblies slidably coupled to the guide shaft for transferring data storage media between the storage slots and the media drive. The data storage library is designed so that if one of the media transport assemblies fails, it goes to an end of the guide member and the other media transport assembly continues processing data request.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking and placing media supported in stores and drives of a data storage library without electrical actuation or separate mechanical actuation means of grasping and releasing the media's pick feature, the apparatus including: a carriage movable toward and away from the media, the media being supported in the stores and drives; at least one picker member pivotally attached to the carriage at a pivot point and having a latching portion adapted to engage the media's pick feature. The picker member is movable between an open state wherein the latching portion is spaced from the media's pick feature and a closed state wherein the latching portion engages the media's pick feature. The apparatus also includes a spring having a first end attached to the carriage and a second end attached to the picker member.

Abstract: In a data media storage library for storing and accessing storage media, the storage media being contained in cartridges, the data media storage library having a library housing, an access opening in the library housing for inserting cartridges, a storage array within the library housing including a number of storage locations, a plurality of media storage elements adapted to hold the storage media, a plurality of data transfer elements adapted to read and write information on the storage media, and a media transport element within the library housing adapted to move the storage media between the media storage element and the data transfer element, an import/export element including: a cartridge holder receiving the media cartridge from the access opening; a first lead screw mounted in a first direction between a first point and a second point and rotating about a first axis parallel to the first direction; a cartridge holder carrier threaded on the first lead screw and connected to the cartridge holder for t

Abstract: A media magazine container utilizes a recirculating latch mechanism that makes minimal use of a solenoid and includes a safety door. The latch mechanism includes a contoured latch arm with a configured opening and a shoulder, a slider moving in a slider track and coupled to the latch arm, and a restoring device, such as a spring, for providing a counteractive force. The mechanism latches a magazine into the container by capturing magazine pins in the shoulder of the latch arm. The magazine can be easily unlatched by forcing the latch arm downward with an actuating device, causing the slider and configured opening to interact. As the magazine is extracted from the container, the slider and configured opening interact in such a manner that when the magazine is fully extracted the latch arm is back to the original position where it first received the magazine, and is ready to receive another. A safety door blocks passage to any objects entering the container other than a media magazine.

Abstract: A device for illuminating a flat panel display. The illuminating device has a flat light guide with light input edges and a light output surface, and light sources disposed at the light input edges. A layer of expanded PTFE is wrapped closely around the light sources, conforming to their exterior surface, and is spread across a back surface of the flat light guide. Reflector film layers (white and metallized) are wrapped over the layer of expanded PTFE. Preferably copper tape is then layered over the reflector film layers. Light is emitted from the light output surface when the light sources are energized.

Abstract: A method for selectively enabling writing of data multiple times onto a write-once read-many optical disk by a host system, the disk having a disk type indicator, and each sector having a SWF field and a flag field and user data, wherein new data bits replace existing data bits in a one-for-one ratio without mapping, comprising the steps of: reading a disk type indicator; setting a firmware flag allowing writing to the disk if the disk type is erasable WORM; receiving a write command from the host system, the command specifying a sector to write to; reading the contents of the disk SWF and flag fields for the sector; overwriting all user data on the sector with all zeroes if the firmware flag is set; replacing every user data bit in the sector with a zero in a one-for-one ratio without mapping; and resetting the contents of the disk SWF and flag fields to indicate the sector is available for writing.

Abstract: A data storage library for storing and accessing data storage media, consisting of a housing, a storage array within the housing, the storage array having a wall, a media storage element arranged adjacent the storage array wall for holding storage media, a data transfer element arranged adjacent the storage array wall for reading and writing information on the storage media, an import/export element to transfer the storage media into and out of the data storage library, and a media transport element which moves along the storage array wall, the media transport element following any deviations in the wall to precisely position itself adjacent the media storage element and data transfer element.

Abstract: An integrated data cartridge import/export device controls the operation of both a closure door mechanism and a cartridge media carrier. Each of these two mechanisms are functionally coupled to one another and are driven by a single drive motor, thus simplifying the design and minimizing parts. Further, these two devices interact to insure necessary operational relationships are maintained.

Abstract: A reamer having an internal coolant passage therethrough and a fluid dispersing member slidingly disposed in said passage, said dispersing member having a lower portion which extends from a point within said reamer to a point outside of said reamer, whereby said dispersing member is displaceable into the coolant passage upon contact by said lower portion with the bottom of a hole being reamed.