Abstract: Control of the encryption of data for storage with respect to removable data storage cartridges having a recording media and having cartridge memory with at least a portion lockable to read-only, employs the steps of inspecting the read-only portion of the cartridge memory of the removable data storage cartridge for an “Encrypt-Only” flag. If the “Encrypt-Only” flag is present, writes to the recording media of the removable data storage cartridge are limited to data in an encrypted format, if any; and, else, writes to the recording media of the removable data storage cartridge are allowed for data in any of encrypted and unencrypted formats.

Abstract: Control of the encryption of data for storage with respect to removable data storage cartridges having a recording media and having cartridge memory with at least a portion lockable to read-only, employs the steps of inspecting the read-only portion of the cartridge memory of the removable data storage cartridge for an “Encrypt-Only” flag. If the “Encrypt-Only” flag is present, writes to the recording media of the removable data storage cartridge are limited to data in an encrypted format, if any; and, else, writes to the recording media of the removable data storage cartridge are allowed for data in any of encrypted and unencrypted formats.

Abstract: A controller of an automated data storage library is configured to store information regarding operation of the library in a memory; to reserve at least one data storage cartridge; and to operate a data storage drive and the memory to transfer at least a portion of the information stored in the memory to the reserved data storage cartridge. The library controller is configured to maintain an externally available inventory of data storage cartridges of the library, e.g. for a host system, and excludes the reserved data storage cartridge from the inventory.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the activity of a tape drive system having one or more electro-mechanical components that receive electrical current from a power supply. The method includes sampling an actual current supplied to an electro-mechanical component of a tape drive system from a power supply during an activity; reading a theoretical current for said activity from a memory; calculating a statistical value for said actual current and said theoretical current; comparing said statistical value to at least one threshold value; and outputting information to at least one of a user, another system, and another process based on said comparison of said statistical value to said at least one threshold value.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an activity of a tape drive system having one or more electro-mechanical components, said electro-mechanical components receiving electrical current from a power supply. The system comprises a mechanism for sampling an actual current supplied to said electro-mechanical component from said power supply during said activity; a mechanism for reading a theoretical current for said activity; a mechanism for calculating a statistical value for said actual current and said theoretical current; a mechanism for comparing said statistical value to at least one threshold value; and a mechanism for outputting information to at least one of a user, another system, and another process based on said comparison of said statistical value to said at least one threshold value.

Abstract: A controller of an automated data storage library is configured to store information regarding operation of the library in a memory; to reserve at least one data storage cartridge; and to operate a data storage drive and the memory to transfer at least a portion of the information stored in the memory to the reserved data storage cartridge. The library controller is configured to maintain an externally available inventory of data storage cartridges of the library, e.g. for a host system, and excludes the reserved data storage cartridge from the inventory.

Abstract: A contactless power system for an automated data storage library having a plurality of storage shelves for storing data storage cartridges, at least one picker for accessing the data storage cartridges with respect to the storage shelves, and a transport system for guiding the picker(s) along at least one path with respect to the storage shelves. The contactless power system comprises a plurality of segmented coils arranged in parallel to the path(s), and in proximity to at least one induction receiver of the picker(s); and at least one power source supplying power to the segmented coils, for inductive transmission of power by the segmented coils to the induction receiver(s) of the picker(s). The power source(s) may switch the supplied power to selected segmented coils based on an indication of the position of the induction receiver(s) of the picker along the path.

Abstract: A device for storing and displaying numerous optically readable codes. The device includes a memory for storing the codes, a display for displaying the codes of sufficient contrast to be readable by an optical scanner, an optional selector for allowing the user to request display of the code(s), and a processor for coordinating operation of the memory, display and optional selector.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the activity of a system of one or more electro-mechanical components that receive electrical current from a power supply. The method and system samples an actual current supplied to the electro-mechanical component from the power supply. Next, the method and system reads a theoretical current for the activity of the system. A statistical value is computed from comparing the actual current and the theoretical current. This statistical value is compared to upper and lower threshold values. Depending upon this comparison, the system issues various output messages. Further, if this comparison indicates that one of the electro-mechanical components is failing, the method and system will shut that component down.

Abstract: A tape-drive condensation sensor includes a probe with first and second spaced-apart electrodes that define a passage for air flow within a pneumatic conduit. A voltage source is coupled between the electrodes and the voltage of the source and the spacing between the electrodes are adapted to pass a current when a drop of condensation forms between the electrodes. An alarm circuit is activated by the flow of current, the alarm being adapted to signal an event of discernible condensation.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the activity of a system of one or more electromechanical components that receive electrical current from a power supply. The method and system samples an actual current supplied to the electromechanical component from the power supply. Next, the method and system reads a theoretical current for the activity of the system. A statistical value is computed from comparing the actual current and the theoretical current. This statistical value is compared to upper and lower threshold values. Depending upon this comparison, the system issues various output messages. Further, if this comparison indicates that one of the electromechanical components is failing, the method and system will shut that component down.

Abstract: A tape-drive condensation sensor includes a probe with first and second spaced-apart electrodes that define a passage for air flow within a pneumatic conduit. A voltage source is coupled between the electrodes and the voltage of the source and the spacing between the electrodes are adapted to pass a current when a drop of condensation forms between the electrodes. An alarm circuit is activated by the flow of current, the alarm being adapted to signal an event of discernible condensation.