Abstract: The present invention provides a magazine-based data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of shelves that are capable of holding a plurality of data cartridge magazines, one or more drives, a magazine transport for moving magazines within the cabinet, and a cartridge transport for moving data cartridges between a magazine and a drive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magazine-based data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of shelves that are capable of holding a plurality of data cartridge magazines, one or more drives, a magazine transport for moving magazines within the cabinet, and a cartridge transport for moving data cartridges between a magazine and a drive.

Abstract: A retaining clip to be used with a storage device in a host computer system, wherein the retaining clip is configured to secure an interposer serving as electrical and logic state interface between the device and the structure of the host system. The retaining clip engages with the device through a peg inserted into a mounting hole for the device and secures the interposer by holding it against the device's data or power connector by a tab extending over the interposer and exerting pressure against it towards the device. Additional fins extending from the body of the clip in substantially opposite direction from the tab secure the tab against the enclosure of the host computer system.

Abstract: A retaining clip to be used with a storage device in a host computer system, wherein the retaining clip is configured to secure an interposer serving as electrical and logic state interface between the device and the structure of the host system. The retaining clip engages with the device through a peg inserted into a mounting hole for the device and secures the interposer by holding it against the device's data or power connector by a tab extending over the interposer and exerting pressure against it towards the device. Additional fins extending from the body of the clip in substantially opposite direction from the tab secure the tab against the enclosure of the host computer system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magazine-based data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of shelves that are capable of holding a plurality of data cartridge magazines, one or more drives, a magazine transport for moving magazines within the cabinet, and a cartridge transport for moving data cartridges between a magazine and a drive.

Abstract: A slide apparatus that provides horizontal support to a disc drive blade is described. The slide apparatus essentially includes a slider beam, a guide rail, a chassis and a retaining member. The slider beam possesses a slotted feature that extends at least partially along the length of the slider beam. The guide rail, which is adapted to be attached to a frame, constrains the slider beam to move only along the length of the guide rail. A retaining member is anchored to the chassis and extends into said slotted feature. The chassis, which supports the disc drive blade, is confined by the retaining member to move essentially only along the slotted feature in the slider beam.

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: A slide apparatus that provides horizontal support to a disc drive blade is described. The slide apparatus essentially includes a slider beam, a guide rail, a chassis and a retaining member. The slider beam possesses a slotted feature that extends at least partially along the length of the slider beam. The guide rail, which is adapted to be attached to a frame, constrains the slider beam to move only along the length of the guide rail. A retaining member is anchored to the chassis and extends into said slotted feature. The chassis, which supports the disc drive blade, is confined by the retaining member to move essentially only along the slotted feature in the slider beam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus system for aligning a multi-unit storage system. The alignment system for a storage apparatus includes a first and second storage unit which includes 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 includes 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: A disk cartridge engagement system having a carriage disposed within a sleeve for movement in the longitudinal direction, gripper arms pivotally mounted to the carriage for engaging a disk cartridge positioned distally of the sleeve, and a pair of biasing springs movable between first and second biasing conditions which correspond to gripping and releasing of the cartridge, respectively.

Abstract: A jukebox for a plurality of recording medium assemblies (such as trays bearing discs) which includes a horizontal transport system wherein an engagement actuator (such as a solenoid) effects movement of an engagement piece. The engagement piece is moved between a position of being engaged with the recording medium assembly and a position of non-engagement with the recording medium assembly. The engagement actuator is linked to the engagement piece through a pivoting crank, so that the direction of motion of the engagement actuator is different than the direction of motion of the engagement piece.

Abstract: A disk cartridge engagement system having a carriage disposed within a sleeve for movement in the longitudinal direction, gripper arms pivotally mounted to the carriage for engaging a disk cartridge positioned distally of the sleeve, and a pair of biasing springs movable between first and second biasing conditions which correspond to gripping and releasing of the cartridge, respectively. The carriage includes a first cartridge receiving position in which the gripping arms are positioned to engage with a cartridge advanced onto the end of the base by a first distance, and a second cartridge receiving position in which the gripping arms are positioned to engage with a cartridge advanced onto the end of the base by a second distance which is shorter than the first. Thus, the gripping apparatus is capable of receiving disks ejected from apparatuses such as disk drives which can push ejected cartridges short distances as well as from those which can push ejected cartridges relatively longer distances.

Abstract: A disk cartridge engagement system having a carriage disposed within a sleeve for movement in the longitudinal direction, gripper arms pivotally mounted to the carriage for engaging a disk cartridge positioned distally of the sleeve, and a pair of biasing springs movable between first and second biasing conditions which correspond to gripping and releasing of the cartridge, respectively. The carriage includes a first cartridge receiving position in which the gripping arms are positioned to engage with a cartridge advanced onto the end of the base by a first distance, and a second cartridge receiving position in which the gripping arms are positioned to engage with a cartridge advanced onto the end of the base by a second distance which is shorter than the first. Thus, the gripping apparatus is capable of receiving disks ejected from apparatuses such as disk drives which can push ejected cartridges short distance as well as from those which can push ejected cartridges relatively longer distances.

Abstract: A MO cartridge jukebox cartridge door and closure mechanism which employs a pair of parallel door panels and a pair of parallel cranks all connected together to form a parallelogram which is moved by engagement with a mechanical linkage to the cartridge receiving tray within the jukebox to expand and thereby open a cartridge insertion slot in the jukebox, or contract and thereby close the insertion slot.