Abstract: An optical disc apparatus includes an emitter which emits a laser beam to a optical disc, a divided photodetector including a first divided portion and a second divided portion disposed in a light path of the reflected beam from the optical disc, and producing a first photodetector signal and a second photodetector signal, a phase difference detector which produces a phase difference signal from a phase difference between the first and the second photodetector signals, an integrator which produces a integral signal from a integration of the phase difference signal, a tracking controller configure to perform tracking control based on the integral signal, and a limiter which limits a signal to be supplied from the divided photodetector to the phase difference detector or a signal to be supplied from the phase difference detector to the integrator based on a detection status of a signal detected by the divided photodetector.

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: A guide portion provided in parallel with a main shaft is formed integrally with a resin-made mechanism chassis. A slidable member is provided between a guide receiver portion of a pickup and the guide portion. The guide receiver portion is provided with a spring member which applies an energizing force to press the slidable member and the guide portion.

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 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: 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.

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 that provides system rules predetermined by a user, 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 meta data subsystem stores meta data about data files and object files including local file system location, object identification for data, hash, and presented file system information.

Abstract: An expandable storage library for storing digital storage media, such as storage tapes or disks is provided. The library includes a base unit and robotic system to which additional expansion units may be added. Several expansion units may be installed in the library with the base unit so that the robotic system can access media storage racks in any of the expansion units or in the base unit. Doors on the base unit and expansion unit may be interlocked together to function as a single door. A Z pole guide on the base unit may be extended by adding expansion guide poles that guide the movement of the robotic system through the library.

Abstract: A system and method for determining relative positions of robots constrained to move along a common axis of motion, where a controller of the system has no prior knowledge of the relative positions. The robots are ordered to move in defined directions and distances and report their ability to move in the desired directions. From this information, a controller of the system can determine their relative positions.

Abstract: An automated modular storage library is formed by a plurality of available library elements. Each available library element is selected from a predetermined limited subset of library elements made available for library assembly. This creates a library that is modular by restricting the library elements used during assembly to the limited subset of library elements. According to a partial audit principle, an area where an intervention is to be performed may be physically separated prior to the intervention. After the intervention, the partial audit is conducted in a separated area where the intervention occurred, as the remainder of the library was protected during the intervention by the physical separation.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for a tape head actuator having a guide bearing preload mechanism, wherein the preload mechanism utilizes a magnet or magnets and an elongated steel member. These magnetic components interact to produce a force that is selectively directed to preload the guide bearings. In addition, the magnetic components produce a field used to shield the tape head from stray magnetic fields. In a useful embodiment of the invention, directed to apparatus for a tape transducer positioning mechanism, a carriage is disposed for movement along a path of travel relative to a support structure, to selectively position a tape transducer. One or more bearings are joined to the carriage, to support the carriage for movement along the path of travel.