Abstract: A data cartridge to caddy referencing system for a data cartridge handling mechanism within an autochanger. The referencing system provides X, Y and Z referencing for the data cartridge handling mechanism or the picker of the autochanger as it tries to insert a data cartridge into the data cartridge caddy.

Abstract: A picker for data cartridges in a computer information storage library. The picker includes a sleeve for transporting data cartridges, a thumb that can move in one dimension relative to the sleeve, and a single pivoting finger on the thumb. The single finger has an inboard pivot point which results in a self locking action (pulling makes the finger grip tighter). The finger has an armed state for gripping and a splayed state for release. Switching between states is passive, depending only on one dimensional motion of the thumb relative to the sleeve. The finger has a post that travels in tracks in the sleeve. Switching tracks switches finger states. A spring loaded gate in the tracks enables track switching. Potential cartridge wear and binding problems during extraction are eliminated by providing sleeve guides that limit cartridge rotation, by providing a concave guide surface in storage locations, and by proper selection of materials. A corresponding drive has a handle that must be manipulated.

Abstract: A data cartridge caddy presence sensing system within an autochanger storage rack is disclosed. The data cartridge caddy of the present invention has at least one optical interrupt flag at a predetermined position on the data cartridge caddy. When the data cartridge caddy is fully installed within the autochanger storage rack, the optical interrupt flag lines-up with and trips optical interrupt flags on the autochanger storage rack. The picker of the autochanger will not attempt to remove data cartridges from caddy positions that are empty. The present invention may also include optical interrupt flags and sensors on the data cartridges and corresponding optical interrupt sensors at corresponding predetermined locations on the autochanger storage rack or a bar-code reader and bar-code labels on the data cartridges.

Abstract: A sleeve for providing referencing between an autochanger storage rack and a data cartridge caddy before, during and after installation of the data cartridge caddy into the autochanger storage rack. The sleeve provides accurate alignment and referencing in the X, Y and Z directions so that it is relatively easy for a user to install the data cartridge caddy into the autochanger storage rack. The sleeve also maintains the data cartridge caddy in a predetermined referenced position so that the data cartridge handling system of the autochanger is able to assume that the data cartridge caddy and all of the data cartridges in the data cartridge caddy are in predetermined locations.

Abstract: A data cartridge handling and storage caddy for removing and handling more than one data cartridge outside of an autochanger and for installing more than one data cartridge into an autochanger. The data cartridge handling and storage caddy has two different leaf springs. The first is a lock spring and locks data cartridges into the caddy and does not permit the data cartridges to be removed unless the lock spring is disabled. The second is a detent spring and secures the data cartridges within the caddy whenever the lock spring is disabled. The detent spring is strong enough to hold the data cartridges within the caddy against gravity and vibration, yet slight enough to permit a user or the autochanger to pull a cartridge out of the caddy when the lock spring is disabled. The detent spring is not disabled when the lock spring is disabled.

Abstract: An optical disk cartridge insertion apparatus for an optical disk storage and handling system for use in association with an optical disk cartridge of the type having a rear end portion which is adapted to be inserted into an optical disk reading device and having a forward end portion which is adapted to be grasped by a human operator for handling the cartridge comprising a cartridge receiving assembly for receiving an optical disk cartridge in a predetermined orientation therewith, said cartridge receiving assembly being displaceable between a first relatively rotated operating position and a second relatively rotated operating position angularly displaced from said first operating position.

Abstract: A cartridge handling system comprising: a cartridge engaging assembly for engaging an exposed end portion of a cartridge positioned in an aligned holding unit; a longitudinal displacement assembly for longitudinally displacing a cartridge engaged by the engaging assembly; a flipping assembly for invertingly rotating a cartridge engaged by the engaging assembly about a longitudinally extending flip axis; a lateral displacement assembly for laterally displacing a cartridge engaged by the engaging assembly; and a unitary, rotatable drive motor drivingly linked to the longitudinal displacement assembly, the flipping assembly, and the lateral displacement assembly for providing driving force thereto. The cartridge handling system is constructed and arranged such that neither sensors nor motors need be mounted on any moving system components.