Abstract: A data storage library is described including a plurality of tape cartridges each possessing an auxiliary radio frequency memory device. The library also includes, at least one tape drive capable of determining at least one functional status when loaded with one of the tape cartridges wherein the at least one tape drive possesses an auxiliary reader and writer device capable of transferring information associated with the at least one function status to and from the auxiliary radio frequency memory device. The tape drive also includes a means for transmitting the information from the auxiliary radio frequency memory device to a display device that can be viewed by an end user.

Abstract: A data storage library is described including a tape cartridge possessing an auxiliary memory device adapted to maintain a load count that is incremented whenever the tape cartridge is loaded in a tape drive. The library also includes, a library tape drive adapted to increment the load count every time the tape cartridge is loaded in the library tape drive, an auxiliary storage device capable of maintaining knowledge of the incremented load count only from when the tape cartridge is loaded with the library tape drive, and an auxiliary memory device reader capable of reading the load count from the auxiliary memory device. The library further includes a processing device adapted to receive and compare the knowledge maintained in the auxiliary storage device with the load count from the auxiliary memory device that is read via the auxiliary memory device reader that if different, the processing device is capable of transmitting a notification to an end user.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for a storage system comprising at least one mobile random access storage device capable of storing first and second data on at least one docking station. The docking station is associated with an address wherein the address is identifiable by at least one host computer. A first and second sub-address are associated with the docking station wherein the first and second sub-addresses are identifiable by the host computer. The first sub-address corresponds to a first virtual device adapted for storing the first data on a first virtual media. The second sub-address corresponds to a second virtual device adapted for storing the second data on a second virtual media wherein the second virtual media is different from the first virtual media.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus relating generally to analysis techniques for data integrity following an un-safe power down occurrence of non-tape media components comprising a storage system. The data storage system comprises at least one random access memory storage device adapted to be power cycled in at least an on and off condition. The random access memory storage device comprises at least one storage medium comprising a first stored data segment. The storage device is adapted to receive data for storage on the medium in at least a second data segment. At least one state bit has a first state associated with the second data segment during the storage of the second data segment and a second state associated with the second data segment after completion of the storage of the second data segment wherein the state bit is stored in non volatile memory associated with the storage device.

Abstract: A storage library is provided for formatting a mobile data storage element, such as a tape, with a first space dedicated for clear text or text as received by a host, such as an Independent Software Vender, wherein the first space is intended to accommodate header information which includes attributes about the mobile storage element. The data storage element is also formatted with a second space for storing encrypted or conditioned user data. The storage library further generally includes an encryption engine for encrypting data received from a host computer, a plurality of data storage elements, and at least two drives for storing data on the data storage elements.

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: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for transferring storage media between storage units comprising an expandable multi-unit storage system. The expandable storage apparatus comprises a first and second storage unit comprising media support locations. The support locations are capable of supporting at least one storage media element. At least one storage device is adapted to store and retrieve data to and from the storage media element associated with at least one of the storage units. At least one robotic system is associated with each of the storage units. A media pass-through transfer device is substantially disposed in the first storage unit and is adapted to transfer the storage element between the first and second storage units wherein the media pass-through transfer device is capable of temporarily extending into the second storage unit.

Abstract: A data storage library is described including a plurality of tape cartridges each of which substantially houses a tape medium with a known storage capacity that includes both available storage space for storing new user data and consumed storage space which contains previously stored user data. Each tape cartridge also possesses an associated auxiliary memory device adapted to acquire and maintain knowledge of the available storage space relative to the associated tape cartridge. The library further includes at least one tape drive capable of writing the new user data and reading the previously stored user data from the tape medium. The tape drive can transfer the knowledge of the available storage space remaining on each of the tape cartridges to the auxiliary memory device associated with each of the tape cartridges which can then be transferred a user of data immediately or at a later time.

Abstract: A passive electrical component is described including a substrate, at least a first, second and third electrically conductive pad, each disposed on the substrate and at least a first electrical device fixedly attached to the first pad and the second pad. The first electrical device is electrically connected to the first and second pads. The third pad is devoid of electrical connection to either the first or the second pads. The component is recognizable by both a Computer Aided Design program and an automated component assembly machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for a variable media tape based storage system for storing, retrieving, and communicating data. The system includes at least one media element having a compatible relationship with one of a plurality of drives for storing and receiving data. The at least one media element configured to operate with the at least one drive as a functional pair is considered a loaded drive. The storage system also includes switch and mapping system, which in one embodiment could be an interface bridge processor, operatively linked to each of the plurality of drives. Finally, the storage system adapted to alter at least one received and accepted tape library command from positioning a target storage tape article for use with a target tape drive to selecting one of the loaded drives via the interface bridge processor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for a storage system having an adsorbtive element capable of adsorbing gas home molecules from gas for the storage system. In one configuration the storage system can include an enclosure adapted to contain a plurality of data storage drive devices and data storage media and wherein the data storage drive devices are adapted to functionally operate. The enclosure is capable of containing gas having, among other constituents, gas borne molecules.

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: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for a variable media tape based storage system for storing, retrieving, and communicating data. The system includes at least one media element having a compatible relationship with one of a plurality of drives for storing and receiving data. The at least one media element configured to operate with the at least one drive as a functional pair is considered a loaded drive. The storage system also includes switch and mapping system, which in one embodiment could be an interface bridge processor, operatively linked to each of the plurality of drives. Finally, the storage system adapted to alter at least one received and accepted tape library command from positioning a target storage tape article for use with a target tape drive to selecting one of the loaded drives via the interface bridge processor.

Abstract: A data storage system that retrieves and stores data to a mobile random access memory device that can virtually function as any number of variable storage media is accomplished by a switching means linked to the mobile random access memory device. The storage system generally possesses at least one mobile random storage device, at least one docking station that cooperates with the mobile random storage device to store data for a host computer, and a switching means linked to the docking station. The switching means can switch an identification associated with the docking station to a virtual tape library system, wherein a switching function of the switching means may or may not be initiated by the host computer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magazine-based library that is capable of operating on a magazine data storage element comprised of a plurality of hard disk drives and an interface that allows data to be transferred between the hard disk drives and a host computer. One embodiment of the library comprises a plurality of shelves that are each capable of supporting at least one magazine data storage element, one or more drives, and a magazine transport that is capable of moving a magazine data storage element between any one of the shelves and any one of the drives. The present invention also provides a magazine data storage element drive that is capable of being used in stand-alone mode, i.e., outside of a magazine-based library.

Abstract: A slide apparatus that provides horizontal support to a disc drive blade is described. The slide apparatus essentially includes a slider beam, a guide rail, a chassis and a retaining member. The slider beam possesses a slotted feature that extends at least partially along the length of the slider beam. The guide rail, which is adapted to be attached to a frame, constrains the slider beam to move only along the length of the guide rail. A retaining member is anchored to the chassis and extends into said slotted feature. The chassis, which supports the disc drive blade, is confined by the retaining member to move essentially only along the slotted feature in the slider beam.

Abstract: A storage library is provided for formatting a mobile data storage element, such as a tape, with a first space dedicated for clear text or text as received by a host, such as an Independent Software Vender, wherein the first space is intended to accommodate header information which includes attributes about the mobile storage element. The data storage element is also formatted with a second space for storing encrypted or conditioned user data. The storage library further generally includes an encryption engine for encrypting data received from a host computer, a plurality of data storage elements, and at least two drives for storing data on the data storage elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for an alignment system for use in a data storage system for enabling numerous contact cycles between two surfaces in a robust manner. The system includes a first and a second surface each having at least two contact zones. Each of the contact zones comprise either a conductive spring or a conductive pad. Each of the conductive springs is adapted to engage a corresponding conductive pad, wherein the engaging location on the pad is substantially flat, to form at least one closed circuit when the first and the second surfaces are aligned and are in contact. A continuity confirmation device can further be used to confirm the closed circuit.

Abstract: A robotic data storage library comprising a virtual port and a method for providing a virtual port for a robotic data storage library are disclosed. The virtual exit port, for example, comprises one or more storage locations of the library that are defined as a virtual port. In one embodiment, for example, the virtual port comprises a virtual exit port for holding a data storage element that is to be exported from the library. In this embodiment, for example, the virtual exit port is defined prior to the library receiving a command to export a data storage element. In another embodiment, the virtual port comprises an entry port, an exit port or an entry/exit port. In yet another embodiment, a method for transferring a data storage element directly between an actual port (entry and/or exit) of a robotic data storage library and another location within the robotic data storage library not defined as the virtual port is disclosed.

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.