Abstract: Security is provided for a data set stored in a data storage canister. The data set has a data size when received for storage within the canister. At least one data security operation is performed on the received data set to generate secure data having a secure data size that may be different than the set data size. The secure data is stored on at least one data storage device within the canister. Any information about the secure data size is kept from the data producer sending the data set for storage.

Abstract: A virtual data storage system stores data as data objects to a plurality of storage devices in accordance with storage management policies. The system manages multiple copies of stored data objects on multiple media types over time. Storage pools define groups of media that are to be treated in a uniform manner. A policy is composed of a series of policy copy/delete rules that direct movement of data objects into the storage pools. A rule defines a destination storage pool, a length of time that the data objects are to remain in the destination storage pool, and a data source for the data objects. Copy and delete actions are performed to manage copies of data objects among the storage pools in accordance with the policy.

Abstract: A system, method and media drive for selectively encrypting a data packet. The system includes an encryption key for use in encrypting the data packet, a verification data element derived from the encryption key, an encryption engine for selectively encrypting the data packet using the encryption key, and a verification engine in electronic communication with the encryption engine. The verification engine is configured to receive the encryption key and the verification data element, determine when the verification data element corresponds to the encryption key as received by the verification engine, and prohibit encryption of the data packet by the encryption engine when the verification data element does not correspond to the encryption key as received by the verification engine.

Abstract: A method for selectively controlling reutilization of space in a virtual tape system (VTS) having a buffer and a multiple volume tape cartridge includes transferring data volume files to the VTS. The buffer transfers the data making up these files as virtual tape volumes (VTVs) to different locations of the cartridge for storage. A file is selectively designated for the VTS to delete from storage after a date included with the file has elapsed by deleting the VTVs corresponding to the file from the cartridge to reuse space of the cartridge. The method includes detecting if a file transferred as VTVs to the cartridge has been designated for deletion. The VTS is prohibited from deleting the file after the date has elapsed if the file was not designated for deletion and is allowed to delete the file after the date has elapsed if the file was not designated for deletion.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for controlling the asymmetrical properties of the response of a magnetic sensor element to a magnetic field produced by the digital data in a magnetic storage device. The present invention also provides an apparatus and method for controlling the bias point of a magnetic field produced by a magnetic sensor element.

Abstract: A device and method for simultaneously manipulating multiple data storage cartridges or other storage elements in a storage library. The device housing includes an opening for receiving data storage cartridges. A gripping mechanism extends from the opening. The gripping mechanism is adapted to grip a data storage cartridge to be retrieved and to urge the data storage cartridge into the opening. One or more transport mechanisms are attached to one or more inner walls of the housing. The transport mechanisms are adapted such that once a data storage cartridge moves into the opening, the transport mechanisms will urge the data storage cartridge further into the opening until the data storage cartridge is held within the housing. The data storage cartridge can be moved further into the housing such that the gripping mechanism is free to collect additional cartridges.

Abstract: A device and method for simultaneously manipulating multiple data storage cartridges or other storage elements in a storage library. The device housing includes an opening for receiving data storage cartridges. A gripping mechanism extends from the opening. The gripping mechanism is adapted to grip a data storage cartridge to be retrieved and to urge the data storage cartridge into the opening. One or more transport mechanisms are attached to one or more inner walls of the housing. The transport mechanisms are adapted such that once a data storage cartridge moves into the opening, the transport mechanisms will urge the data storage cartridge further into the opening until the data storage cartridge is held within the housing. The data storage cartridge can be moved further into the housing such that the gripping mechanism is free to collect additional cartridges.

Abstract: A system for data storage includes a switch node, a meta-data server, a plurality of storage servers having at least one respective data storage device, and a scalable interconnect. The scalable interconnect couples the switch node, the meta-data server, and the storage servers. At least one of the switch node, the meta-data server and the storage servers includes a hierarchical storage manager (HSM). When information is received at the switch node, the HSM presents the information substantially simultaneously to the storage servers for storage at the respective data storage devices.

Abstract: A method for storing data that is reconstructable in a piecewise manner comprises receiving a user data unit in the form of a data stream to be stored in the data storage system. A plurality of logical data units associated with the user data unit are then identified. A digital signature is associated with each logical data unit and stored within a component of the data storage system. The logical data unit digital signature is used by the data storage system to determine whether or not to actually store each logical data unit. A digital signature for the entire user data unit is also determined and associated with the user data unit. A reconstructed user data unit when desired is then assembled by examining the stored logical data unit digital signatures.

Abstract: A media drive system includes a housing and a drive unit at least partially disposed within the housing. A media handler arrangement defines a plurality of queuing positions for media objects, and a receiving area within the housing receives storage units defining at least one other queuing position. The drive system reduces latency through the use of the queuing positions to speed transfer and access to media objects.

Abstract: The aspects of the present invention provide a magnetic recording head, a method for manufacturing a magnetic recording head, and a magnetic recording head drive. The magnetic recording head includes a substrate and a first magnetic device connected to the substrate. The magnetic recording head also includes a second magnetic device connected to the first magnetic device. The first magnetic device is aligned with the second magnetic device. The first and second magnetic devices are supported by the same side of the substrate.

Abstract: The aspects of the present invention provide a device for tracking, a method for tracking, and a method for building the device for tracking the location of a media cartridge. The device includes a first antenna connected to a media unit. The device also includes a second antenna connected to the media unit, wherein the second antenna has a range that is longer than the first antenna. The device also includes a switch, wherein the switch allows the media cartridge to operate in a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode the first antenna is operable, and wherein in the second mode the second antenna is operable.

Abstract: The aspects of the present invention provide a magnetic recording head, a method for manufacturing a magnetic recording head, and a magnetic recording head drive. The magnetic recording head includes a substrate and a first magnetic device connected to the substrate. The magnetic recording head also includes a second magnetic device connected to the first magnetic device. The first magnetic device is aligned with the second magnetic device. The first and second magnetic devices are supported by the same side of the substrate.

Abstract: A tool and method is provided for installing nut-clips or like components, wherein safety and ease of installation are significantly improved over the prior art, and installation time is substantially reduced. A useful embodiment is directed to apparatus for use in attaching a nut-clip or other hardware component to structure having a slot defined by spaced apart edges, wherein the nut-clip has first and second resilient spaced apart hook flanges. The apparatus includes a holder adapted to receive the nut-clip, and a blade member positioned to bear against the first flange member when the nut-clip is received into the holder. A magnet or other element is provided for releasably retaining the nut-clip in the holder. A handle, which can be grasped by the single hand of a user, is attached for maneuvering the holder and retained nut-clip to position the second flange against one of the slot edges, and to thereafter apply force, through the blade member, to reduce the spacing between the first and second flanges.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring degradation of a data storage medium. Multiple reactive elements are provided in the data storage medium. Properties of each one of these elements is determined, prior or subsequent to data being stored in the medium, to generate a baseline map of the medium. Updated properties of at least one of the elements are determined in order to generate an updated map of the medium. A determination can then be made as to whether degradation of the medium has occurred by comparing the baseline map to the updated map.

Abstract: Locating data within a heterogenous distributed file system is difficult due to the many file access standards in use. A file system for easily locating data includes storage devices holding at least one copy of each file. At least one location server maps a file identifier for each file into the location of a copy of the file represented by the file identifier. One or more name servers map a file name into the file identifier referenced by the file name.

Abstract: A system for object-based archival data storage includes an object-based storage subsystem having respective data storage devices, at least one file presentation interface that interfaces to client platforms, an administration interface having graphical user interface (GUI) and a command line interface (CLI), a meta data subsystem for storing meta data about files, and includes a virtual file subsystem having a virtual file server (VFS), a policy subsystem, and a scalable interconnect to couple the object-based storage subsystem, the at least one file presentation interface, the administration interface, the meta data subsystem, and the policy subsystem, wherein the policy subsystem provides system rules predetermined by a user for at least one of hash based integrity checking, read-only/write-ability/erase-ability control, and duplicate data treatment corresponding to files and file objects.

Abstract: A method and system for sharing data and interrogating data include establishing a level of trust between mutually mistrusting entities so that data may be shared therebetween based on the level of trust. The method and system include interrogating data provided from one of the entities to the other entity without the receiving entity having complete access to the data associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for controlling the asymmetrical properties of the response of a magnetic sensor element to a magnetic field produced by the digital data in a magnetic storage device. The present invention also provides an apparatus and method for controlling the bias point of a magnetic field produced by a magnetic sensor element.

Abstract: A cartridge magazine is shown for placement in a robotic media library. The magazine body has two walls to guide a tape cartridge into a final stopping position. A prong extends into the cartridge from a first wall and an opening is formed in the second wall to permit a friction pad to contact an opposing side of the cartridge. The friction pad is mounted onto a lever that rotates upon a pivot outside a cartridge chamber on the magazine body. The lever is pushed by a spring to ordinarily extend the friction pad well into vacant cartridge chambers. An operator pad of the lever may extend out of the magazine body for engagement by an operator or by door pressures to retract the friction pad so that the cartridge becomes either disengaged, or slightly engaged with the friction pad.