Abstract: Disclosed is a data cartridge library operable with at least one data cartridge magazine, drive bay and universal electronics bay. The data cartridge library generally comprises a frame that defines an interior space wherein a multi piece-data cartridge magazine capable of holding a plurality of data cassettes, an adjustable drive bay for holding various form factor drives accessible by an operator through an opening in the drive bay to remove or insert drives, and a transport assembly for moving and inserting one of the data cartridges from a magazine to one of the drives, via a different opening in the drive bay, for data recording purposes can reside. The library can further comprise a user interface allowing a user to communicate with the library and an entry/exit port through which a magazine can be inserted/removed. The data cartridge library can also comprise a universal electronics bay, not comprised by the frame, which is capable of holding electronics other than a power supply.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus system for aligning a multi-unit storage system. The alignment system for a storage apparatus comprises a first and second storage unit comprising media support locations. The media support locations are capable of supporting at least one storage media element and at least one storage device adapted to store and retrieve data to and from the storage media element associated with at least one of the storage units. The storage apparatus further comprises at least one robotic system, an alignment indication device and an alignment means capable of positioning the first and second storage unit substantially in alignment for the robotic system to access the media support locations and the storage device wherein the alignment means cooperates with the alignment indication device to confirm the positioning is in alignment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, is comprised of: (a) a frame or cabinet that defines an interior space; (b) a magazine; (c) a drive bay; (d) a picker; (e) an elevator for moving the picker; and (f) a robotics module that can be removed from the interior of the frame and is comprised of the picker and a substantial portion of the elevator.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a magazine that is used to move data cartridges into and out of the library via an entry/exit port. In one embodiment, the magazine comprises a box-structure that is capable of holding a plurality of data cartridges, a dust cover, and a coupling structure comprised of a member that extends away from the side wall of the box structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus system to identify mobile media magazine for use with a storage device. The system comprises a random access memory magazine capable of comprising a plurality of random access memory devices. The magazine further comprising a magazine identifier label disposed to be externally viewable. The magazine also comprises at least one storage element cooperating with the magazine adapted to store an electronic magazine identifier that represents the magazine identifier label in non-volatile memory. Each of the random access memory devices can further comprise an individual random access memory device label. The storage device can be adapted to identify the magazine by the magazine identifier label, the electronic magazine identifier or both.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for a combination storage extracting and biasing system. The method and apparatus comprise an enclosure having a first surface and a second surface inside the enclosure. The method and apparatus also comprise at least one random access memory device adapted to be disposed substantially in the enclosure having a third surface and a fourth surface. The device comprises at least one device contact located at the third surface and adapted to be electrically linked with at least one corresponding enclosure contact located at the first surface. The at least one spring member attached to the device and interposed between the second surface and the fourth surface wherein the spring member is adapted for use as a handle to remove the device from the enclosure and to provide pressure on the contacts.

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: Disclosed is an apparatus for a data storage library comprising at least one of a plurality of docking stations adapted to receive a disc drive magazine wherein the magazine comprises a plurality of disc drives. The docking station is adapted to receive the disc drive magazine via a loading device capable of automatically engaging the magazine with the at least one docking station to establish a communication link between the magazine and the at least one docking station. A retaining device is adapted to retain the magazine when engaged with the at least one docking station and when the magazine is in at least an active state. The library comprises at least one interface that is adapted to establish a communication link capable of transferring data between at least one data consumer and the library. The disc drive magazine when linked with the at least one docking station is capable of storing data received by the at least one data consumer.

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 method and apparatus for a generating a tape format like file with an associated look-up table on a non-tape storage medium is disclosed. In one configuration, a data storage arrangement can comprise a host computer in communication with a storage system by means of a streaming protocol. The storage system can comprise a non-tape storage medium having at least one file comprising a plurality of records each having user data and meta data wherein the meta data comprises data fields for and about the record. A table associated with the file is adapted to contain information related to at least one of the records. The table can be accessed by the storage system to reduce the amount of time spent locating the records.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus relating generally to erasure techniques for emulating a streamed data format for non tape media capable of being used with a data storage arrangement to generate replenished user data space. The data storage arrangement comprises a host computer and a storage system in communication with the host computer, the storage system comprising at least one random access storage medium. The random access storage medium is capable of receiving data by streaming protocol and storing the data emulated in a contiguous format. The data comprises at least one data file which further comprise a plurality of records wherein each of the records comprise user data and meta data. A deletion algorithm is adapted to issue at least one deletion command capable of deleting at least one portion of the data stored on the medium up to at least a last segment of the data to create replenished storage space.

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: 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: 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: 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: The present invention is directed to a data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, is comprised of: (a) a frame or cabinet that defines an interior space; (b) a multi-piece magazine that forms a portion of the frame; (c) a drive bay with a full-height drive space that is capable of accommodating a full-height drive and of being altered to accommodate two, half-height drives; (c) a picker that employs a crank that is capable of rotating 360 degrees and that carries a first cam driver that cooperates with a first cam follower to actuate a grasper that is capable of grasping and releasing a data cartridge, and a second cam driver that cooperates with a second cam follower to move the grasper towards and away from a location at which a data cartridge is located; (d) an elevator for moving the picker within a portion of the interior space and that is comprised of a first and second drive systems for respectively driving the first and second ends of an elevator carriage and a shaft for transferring power from t

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, is comprised of: (a) a frame or cabinet that defines an interior space; (b) a multi-piece magazine that forms a portion of the frame; (c) a drive bay with a full-height drive space that is capable of accommodating a full-height drive and of being altered to accommodate two, half-height drives; (c) a picker that employs a crank that is capable of rotating 360 degrees and that carries a first cam driver that cooperates with a first cam follower to actuate a grasper that is capable of grasping and releasing a data cartridge, and a second cam driver that cooperates with a second cam follower to move the grasper towards and away from a location at which a data cartridge is located; (d) an elevator for moving the picker within a portion of the interior space and that is comprised of a first and second drive systems for respectively driving the first and second ends of an elevator carriage and a shaft for transferring power from t

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, is comprised of: (a) a frame or cabinet that defines an interior space; (b) a magazine; (c) a drive bay; (d) a picker; (e) an elevator for moving the picker; and (f) a robotics module that can be removed from the interior of the frame and is comprised of the picker and a substantial portion of the elevator.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a magazine that is used to move data cartridges into and out of the library via an entry/exit port. In one embodiment, the magazine comprises a box-structure that is capable of holding a plurality of data cartridges, a dust cover, and a coupling structure comprised of a member that extends away from the side wall of the box structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a data cartridge library system that realizes a reduced cost by reducing the number of certain components, especially expensive components, that are needed to perform certain functions within the library. With respect to certain functions, a reduced cost is realized by using lower precision componentry in combination with componentry that compensates for lower precision while still providing a reduced component cost with respect to a given function.