Abstract: A storage library is described that includes a shelf system adapted to support a number of tape cartridges. The storage library further includes a tape drive adapted to read and write data to and from tape cartridges. The storage library further possesses a temporary repository near the tape drive that is adapted to facilitate an exchange of a first tape cartridge intended to be loaded in the tape drive with a second tape cartridge ready to be removed from the tape drive with a single tape picker device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 23, 2011
Date of Patent:
March 19, 2013
Assignee:
Spectra Logic Corp.
Inventors:
Nathan Christopher Thompson, Matthew Thomas Starr
Abstract: Methods for certifying data retained by a tape cartridge in a tape library are shown. Error rates that are encountered when the tape cartridge is being read by a tape drive can be accounted for without actually reading data for data content retrieval. A record of the error rate can be stored in a medium auxiliary memory device associated with the tape cartridge. An older record containing a formerly accounted for error rate of read errors when the tape cartridge was formerly read can be accessed and compared with the record presently assessed. If there is a difference between the presently found error rate and the formerly found error rate an action can be executed if the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold.
Abstract: A storage library is described that includes a shelf system adapted to support a number of tape cartridges. The storage library further includes a tape drive adapted to read and write data to and from tape cartridges. The storage library further possesses a temporary repository near the tape drive that is adapted to facilitate an exchange of a first tape cartridge intended to be loaded in the tape drive with a second tape cartridge ready to be removed from the tape drive with a single tape picker device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 24, 2011
Date of Patent:
December 25, 2012
Assignee:
Spectra Logic Corp.
Inventors:
Nathan Christopher Thompson, Matthew Thomas Starr
Abstract: A robotic tape library which queues two or more move instructions is described. Generally, the robotic system receives a first move instruction which commands a first robot to move a first tape cartridge from a shelf to a first tape drive to be loaded therein. Though the first move has not actually taken place, the library replies to the host computer that the first tape drive has been loaded with the first tape cartridge, at least to an acceptable level of engagement, at which point, the first move instruction is queued. After receiving a second move instruction from the host to move a second tape cartridge from the shelf to a second tape drive, the library reorganizes and physically carries out the move instructions with potentially different hardware in a preferred order.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 31, 2008
Date of Patent:
December 25, 2012
Assignee:
Spectra Logic Corp.
Inventors:
Matthew Thomas Starr, Michael Gerard Goberis
Abstract: A tape cartridge library that is equipped with a cleaning device is described. The tape cartridge library essentially includes a plurality of tape cartridges each possessing recording tape media. A plurality of tape drives that read and write data to and from each of the tape cartridges. A tape cleaning drive incapable of transferring data to and from the recording tape media which is independent of the tape drives, the tape cleaning drive disposed entirely within the tape cartridge library. The tape cleaning drive automatically receives one of the tape cartridges and cleans its respective recording tape medium when a predetermined reason for cleaning the tape cartridge is justified.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 14, 2012
Publication date:
December 20, 2012
Applicant:
Spectra Logic Corporation
Inventors:
Nathan Christopher Thompson, Matthew Thomas Starr
Abstract: A tape cartridge library that is equipped with a cleaning device is described. The tape cartridge library essentially includes a plurality of tape cartridges each possessing recording tape media. A plurality of tape drives that read and write data to and from each of the tape cartridges. A tape cleaning drive incapable of transferring data to and from the recording tape media which is independent of the tape drives, the tape cleaning drive disposed entirely within the tape cartridge library. The tape cleaning drive automatically receives one of the tape cartridges and cleans its respective recording tape medium when a predetermined reason for cleaning the tape cartridge is justified.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 29, 2012
Publication date:
December 20, 2012
Applicant:
Spectra Logic Corporation
Inventors:
Nathan Christopher Thompson, Matthew Thomas Starr
Abstract: A method for recovering data from a failed tape cartridge is presented. The reliability of a tape cartridge is assessed via the number of read errors encountered. If the number or read errors is excessive, the tape cartridge is deemed unreliable and the tape cartridge is restricted from storing anymore data. A search is performed to look for duplicate data and if found a copy of the duplicate data is stored to a replacement tape cartridge. The replacement tape cartridge assumes all identity of the original failed tape cartridge.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 15, 2010
Date of Patent:
December 11, 2012
Assignee:
Spectra Logic Corp.
Inventors:
Nathan Christopher Thompson, Matthew Thomas Starr, Walter Wong
Abstract: A storage library is described that includes a shelf system adapted to support a number of tape cartridges. The storage library further includes a tape drive adapted to read and write data to and from tape cartridges. The storage library further possesses a temporary repository near the tape drive that is adapted to facilitate an exchange of a first tape cartridge intended to be loaded in the tape drive with a second tape cartridge ready to be removed from the tape drive with a single tape picker device.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 24, 2011
Publication date:
November 29, 2012
Applicant:
Spectra Logic Corporation
Inventors:
Nathan Christopher Thompson, Matthew Thomas Starr
Abstract: A storage library is described that includes a shelf system adapted to support a number of tape cartridges. The storage library further includes a tape drive adapted to read and write data to and from tape cartridges. The storage library further possesses a temporary repository near the tape drive that is adapted to facilitate an exchange of a first tape cartridge intended to be loaded in the tape drive with a second tape cartridge ready to be removed from the tape drive with a single tape picker device.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 23, 2011
Publication date:
November 29, 2012
Applicant:
Spectra Logic Corporation
Inventors:
Nathan Christopher Thompson, Matthew Thomas Starr
Abstract: A method for recovering data from a failed tape cartridge is presented. The reliability of a tape cartridge is assessed via the number of read errors encountered. If the number or read errors is excessive, the tape cartridge is deemed unreliable and the tape cartridge is restricted from storing anymore data. A search is performed to look for duplicate data and if found a copy of the duplicate data is stored to a replacement tape cartridge. The replacement tape cartridge assumes all identity of the original failed tape cartridge.
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 11, 2012
Publication date:
November 15, 2012
Applicant:
Spectra Logic Corporation
Inventors:
Nathan Christopher Thompson, Matthew Thomas Starr, Walter Wong
Abstract: Provided is a system and method for a storage system response. The system includes a first storage system adapted to be linked in communication with at least one client and with a second storage system, the second storage system retaining a plurality of digital assets. An asset map is adapted to track where in the first storage system or the second storage system each of the plurality of digital assets is retained. A migrator is also provided and structured and arranged to migrate each of the plurality of digital assets from the second storage system to the first storage system, the migrator further adapted to update the asset map regarding a status of migration for each of the plurality of digital assets. A server structured and arranged to fulfill digital asset requests received by the first storage system from the at least one client, the server structured and arranged to consult the asset map to determine where the requested digital assets resides. An associated method is also provided.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 24, 2011
Publication date:
September 27, 2012
Applicant:
Spectra Logic Corporation
Inventors:
Matthew Thomas Starr, Joshua Daniel Carter
Abstract: A tape cartridge is described including tape storage medium maintaining stored encrypted data that can be unencrypted via an encryption key. The tape cartridge also contains a medium auxiliary memory possessing a moniker wherein the moniker identifies the encryption key. The tape cartridge further includes a threshold parameter stored in the medium auxiliary memory wherein the threshold parameter influences a moniker state control, the moniker state control comprises an on state and an off state wherein the off state disables the moniker from identifying the encryption key.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 31, 2007
Date of Patent:
August 28, 2012
Assignee:
Spectra Logic Corp.
Inventors:
Matthew Thomas Starr, Jeff Robert Boyton, Michael Gerard Goberis, Nathan Christopher Thompson
Abstract: Described is a tape library which can generally include a tape drive, a tape cartridge that possesses a medium auxiliary memory device, a device for reading information retained on the medium auxiliary memory device and a program that runs on a processor capable of manipulating information received by the reading device. The tape cartridge's medium auxiliary memory device can contain at least one record of a previous access event, such as an approximate point in time when the tape cartridge is loaded in the tape drive. The program may be operable to determine how much time has elapsed from the access event. Knowledge of the elapsed time can, among other things, cause an action to be taken relative to the tape cartridge and/or the data thereon. A method of using the system is also described.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 6, 2009
Date of Patent:
August 7, 2012
Assignee:
Spectra Logic Corp.
Inventors:
Nathan Christopher Thompson, Matthew Thomas Starr, Michael Jerard Goberis
Abstract: A method for verifying a tape cartridge is presented. One method includes introducing a tape cartridge into a tape library wherein when introduced, the tape cartridge can then be loaded in a tape drive in an attempt to bring the tape cartridge to a functionally ready state with the tape drive. In loading the tape cartridge in the tape drive, the loading performance of the first tape cartridge can be assessed based on bringing the first tape cartridge to a functionally ready state. A record of the performance information can then be stored on a central data base and/or on a medium auxiliary memory device located in the tape cartridge.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 15, 2010
Date of Patent:
July 31, 2012
Assignee:
Spectra Logic Corp.
Inventors:
Nathan Christopher Thompson, Matthew Thomas Starr, Michael Jerard Goberis
Abstract: A storage library is described including a first tape drive that is identified as a target tape drive to a host via a first address and a second tape drive that is masked from being identified by the host. The storage library further includes a controller that is linked with a switch system that shifts the first address to the second tape drive, from the first tape drive, such that after the shift, the second drive is identified as the target drive to the host and the first tape drive is masked from being identified by the host.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 3, 2009
Date of Patent:
July 31, 2012
Assignee:
Spectra Logic Corp.
Inventors:
Matthew Thomas Starr, Michael Gerard Goberis
Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the location of a mobile robot within a data storage library and to a library including such systems and utilizing such methods.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 18, 2011
Publication date:
July 19, 2012
Applicant:
Spectra Logic Corporation
Inventors:
Scott Edward Bacom, Christopher Bancroft Brooks, Nicholas Aldo Nespeca
Abstract: Provided is a system and method for a robotic storage system. The system includes at least a first and second portable data element and at least a first and second data read/write device, structured and arranged to read portable data storage elements. A repository is structured and arranged to store the first and second portable data storage elements. At least one robot is structured and arranged to move a selected data storage element between the repository and a selected data read/write device. The system includes a history of prior commands, each prior command executed by a prior path selected from a group of optional paths. A receiver is structured and arranged to receive a current command for the robotic storage system, and a director is structured and arranged to direct the robotic storage system based on the current command and the history. An associated method is also provided.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 18, 2011
Publication date:
July 19, 2012
Applicant:
Spectra Logic Corporation
Inventors:
Joshua Daniel Carter, Richard Douglass Rector
Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for mobile media with both dedicated readable and writeable user data space and dedicated readable and writeable drive device space. The mobile data storage media adapted for operatively working with a drive device comprises a data space accessible by an end user and a drive software space accessible by the drive device and inaccessible by an end user. The drive software space is adapted to accommodate firmware for use by the drive device in addition to the reading and writing of software by the drive device. The media is adapted to receive and store software from the drive device or, alternatively, is adapted to transmit software to the drive device.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 1, 2012
Publication date:
June 21, 2012
Applicant:
Spectra Logic Corporation
Inventors:
Matthew Thomas Starr, Mark Lorin Lantry
Abstract: Apparatus and associated method for loading a first tape cartridge into a tape drive, the first tape cartridge formatted to include a user data partition and also to include an index partition, different than and sized smaller than the user data partition, to store an index that self-describes user data designated to the user data partition and to also store non-index data, then reading the non-index data in the index partition of the first tape cartridge to self-describe a second tape cartridge different than the first tape cartridge.