Abstract: A data archiving apparatus includes an autoloader for automated transfer of data tape cartridges between at least one tape drive and storage locations of at least one cartridge storage magazine. One or more hard disks is mounted within the autoloader apparatus. The hard disk is connected for data transfer between the hard disk and the tape drive so that data caching can be accomplished during the data archiving process. Interface controls for both the tape drive and the one or more hard disks is provided within the housing of the data archiving apparatus to permit simultaneous operation of the hard disk and the tape drive and for data transfer there between. The hard disks may be exchanged by a user to increase data storage capacity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interfacing a host computer with a hard drive cartridge is disclosed in one embodiment. The virtual device interface is divided between a kernel component in a driver stack of the kernel space and a user component configured to run in user space. The kernel component passes data commands from the operating system to a cartridge dock while separating other commands that are passed to the user component. The user component authenticates the kernel component and/or the hard drive cartridge. Use of the removable hard drive cartridge is also authorized by the user component.

Abstract: A dock couples a removable data storage cartridge, for example an RDX cartridge, to a computing device. The dock includes a chassis having frontal dimensions configured to substantially match the nominal frontal dimensions of a low profile large format disk drive, such that the dock may reside in a bay in the computing device sized to receive a low profile large format disk drive. The dock may include a door that swings about an axis aligned with the height of the door.

Abstract: A computer memory system (20) which comprises a media module (22); a host computer (24) configured to accommodate the media module (22) in removable fashion; and a display unit (26). The media module (22) is configured to store electronic data. The host computer (24) comprises a docking station (30) configured to accommodate the media module (22); an interface (32) through which electronic signals representing the electronic data are transmitted between the host computer (24) and the media module (22); an optical indicator (34); and a host processor (36). The host processor (36) is configured to control a read/write operation over the interface between the host computer (24) and the media module (22) and to activate the optical indicator (34) whereby the optical indicator (34) provides a first optical signal depicting transmission of electronic signals over the interface in the read/write operation.

Abstract: An embodiment of a data cartridge for interfacing with a data cartridge authorization system is disclosed. The data cartridge includes a drive and a communication interface. The drive is configured to store data, where the data comprises first information a first password and a fingerprint. The drive comprises an authentication feature configured to lock access to at least a portion of the data where a second password presented to the drive doesn't agree with the first password. The communication interface is coupled to the electronic storage medium and configured to communicatively couple to an authorization system.

Abstract: An archiving system including one or more removable disk drives embedded in removable disk cartridges, referred to simply as removable disk drives. The removable disk drives allow for expandability and replacement such that the archiving system need not be duplicated to add new or more storage capacity. In embodiments, the removable disk drives store metadata that contain information about the data stored on the removable disk drive. The metadata allows the system to retrieve the correct data from the random access memory and establishes controls on the data stored on the removable disk drive. In embodiments, the metadata is stored in two locations, such that, if the metadata in one location is corrupted, the second copy of the metadata may be retrieved.

Abstract: Removable cartridge storage devices and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the removable cartridge storage device comprises a plurality of cartridge holders, each of the cartridge holders including an electrical connector configured to removably couple with a mating electrical connector of a portable data cartridge having an electronic interface, a system controller configured to control data operations, and a switch, coupled between the cartridge holders and the system controller, to electronically switch connections between the system controller and each of the cartridge holders.

Abstract: According to the invention, an electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to a computing system is disclosed. The electronic data storage cartridge includes a cartridge body, a connector, an optical waveguide, a hard disk drive, and a mechanical write-protect switch that prevents modification of information on the hard disk drive when active. The cartridge body includes at least two outer surfaces. The connector can be used for removable coupling to the computing system, where the connector couples information outside the cartridge body. The optical waveguide is configured to couple light between the two outer surfaces. The hard drive is coupled to the connector.

Abstract: Data replication systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises at a system controller of a disk device, receiving data at a system controller of a removable cartridge storage device, transferring the data to a first portable data cartridge and transferring the data to a second portable data cartridge. The first and second portable data cartridges are electrically coupled with the system controller and removably coupled with the removable cartridge storage device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for expanding capacity of a data cartridge storage and handling apparatus includes a modification to permit a second data cartridge storage and handling apparatus to be added to the system at a position to permit exchange of data cartridges via a pass-through opening. A pass-through box is added in one of the storage and handling units, the pass-through box having a portion shaped like a cartridge so that it is gripped by a gripper of a cartridge shuttle. A second part of the pass-through box holds a cartridge so that the shuttle can hold the pass-through box in a position to extend the cartridge it is holding into the other storage and handling apparatus. A marking system is provided to ensure proper spacing of the units from one another. A connection and control coordinates the operation thereof. The pass-through box is installed by being inserted in a replacement storage magazine.

Abstract: A computer memory system (20) which comprises a media module (22); a host computer (24) configured to accommodate the media module (22) in removable fashion; and a display unit (26). The media module (22) is configured to store electronic data. The host computer (24) comprises a docking station (30) configured to accommodate the media module (22); an interface (32) through which electronic signals representing the electronic data are transmitted between the host computer (24) and the media module (22); an optical indicator (34); and a host processor (36). The host processor (36) is configured to control a read/write operation over the interface between the host computer (24) and the media module (22) and to activate the optical indicator (34) whereby the optical indicator (34) provides a first optical signal depicting transmission of electronic signals over the interface in the read/write operation.

Abstract: A cartridge transport robot transports a cartridge of information storage media between differing locations in a cartridge library. The cartridge robot comprises a robot carriage; a robot tray; and a carriage motive system. The robot tray comprises a guide configured to facilitate linear motion of the robot carriage, the robot carriage being situated on a first side of the robot tray. The robot carriage comprises cartridge engagement elements configured to selectively engage and release the cartridge. The carriage motive system is configured to provide linear motion to the robot carriage along the robot tray from a carriage retracted position to a carriage extracted position and thereby linearly displace the cartridge engaged by the cartridge engagement elements.

Abstract: A cartridge library (30) comprises at least one drive (60); a cartridge magazine (52); and, a transport mechanism (54) configured to transport the cartridge between the magazine and the drive. The transport mechanism (54) is configured to transport the cartridge between, e.g., cells of the magazine (52) and/or between the magazine (52) and the drive (60). The transport mechanism (54) comprises a robot (300) and a robot motive system. The robot comprises a robot carriage (308) and a robot tray (302). The robot carriage (308) carries or comprises cartridge engagement elements (310) configured to selectively engage and release the cartridge. The robot tray (302) facilitates linear motion of the robot carriage, the robot carriage being situated on a first side of the robot tray. The robot motive system comprises three robot motive subsystems (312, 360, 450) and a (robot) carriage motive subsystem (380).

Abstract: A barcode reader comprises a housing (1); plural light emitting elements (3) mounted on the housing (1) for illuminating a barcode (L) in a target area; and optical elements (5, 7) mounted on the housing (1) for receiving light reflected from the barcode (L). The plural light emitting elements (3) are mounted on the housing (1) whereby illumination axes of the plural light emitting elements (3) form respective non-right angles to a plane of the barcode (L) and whereby illumination footprints of the plural light emitting elements have an elliptical shape.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval device utilizes a data cartridge recording and playback apparatus and has storage magazines for holding a plurality of data cartridges for use by the recording and playback apparatus. A cartridge shuttle moves the data cartridges between the recording and playback apparatus and the storage magazines. The cartridge shuttle has a translation drive for moving the shuttle and the cartridges held therein along a translation space within the data storage and retrieval device. The shuttle also has an elevator for lifting and lowering the cartridges, a rotation apparatus to rotate the cartridges, and a cartridge gripper to move the cartridges into and out of the rotation apparatus.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval device is provided which includes a tape drive for recording data on to and reading data from data cartridges, at least one storage magazine in which the data cartridges are stored, and a cartridge shuttle which moves the data cartridges between the tape drive and the storage locations and the storage magazine. The present data storage and retrieval device is housed with a housing that is configured to fit a standard form factor for computer network related devices, such as the “U” form factor. The data storage and retrieval device is scalable for different form factors by exchanging only a limited number of parts in the apparatus while retaining the majority of parts and components without change. For example, a change in U form factor may be accomplished by varying only a few components in an elevator portion of the cartridge shuttle and by providing a taller or shorter storage magazine in the housing.

Abstract: An information transducing drive performs information transducing operations with respect to transducable media. In an example embodiment the drive comprises an information transducer (30); a cartridge handler (32); a media transport system (35); and a controller (36). The transducer (30) is configured to perform the information transducing operations with respect to the media (24). The cartridge handler (32) opens a lid (28) of the cartridge (26) and selectively extracts the media at least partially from the cartridge and selectively retracts the media into the cartridge. The media transport system (35) transports the media extracted from the cartridge in a transport path whereby the transducer can perform the information transducing operations with respect to the media.

Abstract: A cartridge library (30) comprises at least one drive (60); a cartridge magazine (52); and, a transport mechanism (54) configured to transport the cartridge between the magazine and the drive. The transport mechanism (54) is configured to transport the cartridge between, e.g., cells of the magazine (52) and/or between the magazine (52) and the drive (60). The transport mechanism (54) comprises a robot (300) and a robot motive system. The robot comprises a robot carriage (308) and a robot tray (302). The robot carriage (308) carries or comprises cartridge engagement elements (310) configured to selectively engage and release the cartridge. The robot tray (302) facilitates linear motion of the robot carriage, the robot carriage being situated on a first side of the robot tray. The robot motive system comprises three robot motive subsystems (312, 360, 450) and a (robot) carriage motive subsystem (380).

Abstract: A cartridge transport robot transports a cartridge of information storage media between differing locations in a cartridge library. The cartridge robot comprises a robot carriage; a robot tray; and a carriage motive system. The robot tray comprises a guide configured to facilitate linear motion of the robot carriage, the robot carriage being situated on a first side of the robot tray. The robot carriage comprises cartridge engagement elements configured to selectively engage and release the cartridge. The carriage motive system is configured to provide linear motion to the robot carriage along the robot tray from a carriage retracted position to a carriage extracted position and thereby linearly displace the cartridge engaged by the cartridge engagement elements.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval device utilizes a data cartridge recording and playback apparatus and has storage magazines for holding a plurality of data cartridges for use by the recording and playback apparatus. The storage magazines have slots for storing the data cartridges and retaining the data cartridges in place when not being accessed using a cartridge latch. A spring moves the cartridge to an eject position upon release of the cartridge latch. Similarly, the storage magazines have a latch to secure the magazine in place and to selectively release the magazine when desired. The spring loaded ejection apparatus for the magazines is damped to provide slowed movement during the ejection of the magazine. Further, a catch secures the magazine in a partially ejected position to permit exchange of one or a limited number of the cartridges without complete removal of the magazine from the device, and preferably without halting the operation of the device.