Abstract: The present invention has multiple aspects. In its simplest aspect, the present invention is directed to an intermediate bone block comprising a machined segment of cortical bone, cancellous bone or both, the intermediate having a face comprising one to ten compression surfaces and one to ten cavities, the compression surfaces suitable for compressing soft tissue, the cavities for receiving and holding overflow soft tissue. The cavities are preferably channels, and more preferably channels having an omega cross-sectional profile. Surprisingly, the cavities and channels, which reduced the compressed surface area between the intermediate bone block and the tendon, significantly improved tendon load at failure. In standardized tests, an intermediate bone block of this invention, when combined with high surface area bone blocks of the prior art bone blocks, unexpectedly increased their load at failure.

Abstract: An automatic tape loader system for a media storage drive, such as a digital linear tape drive, comprises a robotics portion adapted interact with an interface drive, such as a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) drive. An integrated controller is provided to integrate the mechanical operations of various components of the media storage device and the drive operations of the media storage device. A robotics module of the integrated controller is adapted to communicate with various mechanisms of the media storage device and various sensors associated with these mechanisms to control various mechanical operations of the media storage device. External devices such as an operator control panel (OCP) and a bar code reader may also be connected to the integrated controller to exchange information or commands between various components of the media storage device.