Abstract: Disclosed is a combined pass through and load/unload system for automated data storage libraries. Separate portals open into each of the libraries. A pivoting robot supports a housing which is capable of supporting at least one removable multi-cartridge magazine, and pivots about a pivot axis. An actuator withdraws or extends the housing toward or away from the pivot axis. A pass through controller operates the pivoting robot to position the housing at a portal and operates the actuator to extend the housing into the portal so that the library may load and/or unload the data storage media into or out of the removable magazine(s) in the housing. The controller then operates the actuator and robot to withdraw the housing out of the portal. The controller may position the housing at the bulk load/unload position so an operator may unload and/or load magazines from the housing. The controller may position the housing at the portal of the other library to allow the transfer of media thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated data storage library for storage and retrieval and selective export and import of portable data storage media stored in storage cells of portable magazines. Each portable magazine has a detent, and has registration surfaces, such as a sleeve at each of two corners. A columnar elevator supports a columnar stack of the portable magazines, and has an opening at its top level external to the library, and pushes the stack toward the top level. Fixed registration shafts in the library mate with the magazine sleeves to prevent lateral movement while allowing columnar movement of the magazines. The media may be accessed by a picker at the storage cells of the magazines at all levels in the stack internal to the library. A releasable latch engages the detent of the magazine at the penultimate level of the stack (e.g., the top position within the library), holding the stack against the upward pushing of the elevator, and external latches each engage a magazine in the stack at the top level.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retainer system of an automated storage and retrieval system, or library, which prevents information storage elements, or cartridges, from escaping from their respective storage cells when the entire library is transported from one location to another. The retainer system comprises a retractable cable, a null, or dummy, cartridge, and an array of storage cells. One end of the retractable cable is attached to the null cartridge and the other end of the cable is affixed to one end of the array of storage cells. Initially, the null cartridge is positioned in a storage cell located adjacent to the end of the storage array where the cable is affixed. When all the information storage elements are placed inside their respective storage cells within the array, the null cartridge is moved from its original position to a storage cell at the opposite end of the storage array.