Abstract: A cartridge access device in a cartridge storage system is designed to retrieve a cartridge from a storage device and to transfer the cartridge to a particular location within the system. Once the cartridge is no longer needed at the particular location, the cartridge access device retrieves the cartridge from the particular location and returns the data cartridge to the storage device. The data cartridge device preferably includes at least two engaging members that engage a respective surface of a frame assembly. Channels in the surfaces of the frame assembly guide the engaging members and, therefore, the cartridge access device as the cartridge access device moves. The engaging members are engaged with a respective conductive track member that extends through the channels in the frame assembly.

Abstract: A cartridge access device in a cartridge storage system is designed to retrieve a cartridge from a storage device and to transfer the cartridge to a particular location within the system. Once the cartridge is no longer needed at the particular location, the cartridge access device retrieves the cartridge from the particular location and returns the data cartridge to the storage device. The data cartridge device preferably includes at least two engaging members that engage a respective surface of a frame assembly. Channels in the surfaces of the frame assembly guide the engaging members and, therefore, the cartridge access device as the cartridge access device moves. The engaging members are engaged with a respective conductive track member that extends through the channels in the frame assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the removal and installation of components of a system. The installation and removal of the component may be a completed without the need to manually disconnect connectors, use tools, take a lengthy amount of time, or interrupt a SCSI loop. A latch assembly is utilized to control connecting and locking conditions of the component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the removal and installation of components of a system. The installation and removal of the component may be a completed without the need to manually disconnect connectors, use tools, take a lengthy amount of time, or interrupt a SCSI loop. A latch assembly is utilized to control connecting and locking conditions of the component.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides an autochanger device having a cavity for receiving a magazine containing a media cartridge, wherein a retention arm of the cavity retrains the media pieces within the magazine while the magazine fills the cavity. In particular, a detent mechanism attached to the magazine interacts with the retention arm of the library, via a magazine transport handle, to secure media cartridges contained within the magazine as the magazine is received by a cavity of the autochanger.

Abstract: A method of displacing a media holder assembly of a media autochanger between a first rotational registration position and a second rotational registration position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for using light sources, such as LEDs, to illuminate target areas. At least one embodiment of the invention provides a system for illuminating target areas using multiple light sources, wherein the system comprises a first light source configured to illuminate a first target area. The system further comprises a second light source configured to illuminate a second target area, wherein the second target area is located more distant from the second light source compared to the distance from the second light source to the first target area. According to at least one embodiment, the illumination from the first light source and the illumination from the second light source overlaps on the first target area, and the intensities of the first and second light source are adjusted to provide a relatively balanced illumination of the first target area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a data cartridge in a cartridge engaging assembly. A signal emitter may be positioned adjacent the cartridge engaging assembly to emit a signal. A signal detector mounted to the cartridge engaging assembly may detect the signal. The signal detector generates output to indicate whether the data cartridge is present in the cartridge engaging assembly based on the detected signal.

Abstract: An improved lens focusing and referencing arrangement for an imaging system of the type which may include a photosensor array. The imaging system housing may include reference surfaces configured such that they contact the lens only near the ends thereof in order to minimize the effect of any irregularities in the reference surfaces.

Abstract: A cartridge handling system for storing and accessing at least one data cartridge according to the present invention may comprise a frame that defines at least one curvilinear cartridge access side. A curvilinear guide member is mounted to the frame so that substantially all points along the curvilinear guide member are positioned an equal spaced distance from the curvilinear cartridge access side defined by the frame. A cartridge access device is mounted to the curvilinear guide member so that a cartridge access end of the cartridge access device is positioned adjacent the curvilinear cartridge access side defined by the frame at substantially all positions along the curvilinear guide member. An actuator system operatively associated with the cartridge access device moves the cartridge access device along the curvilinear guide member.

Abstract: A method of displacing a media holder assembly of a media autochanger between a first rotational registration position and a second rotational registration position.

Abstract: A media cartridge insertion apparatus for a media cartridge storage and handling system for use in association with a media cartridge of the type having a rear end portion which is adapted to be inserted into a media drive 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 a 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 for storing and accessing at least one data cartridge according to the present invention may comprise a frame that defines at least one curvilinear cartridge access side. A curvilinear guide member is mounted to the frame so that substantially all points along the curvilinear guide member are positioned an equal spaced distance from the curvilinear cartridge access side defined by the frame. A cartridge access device is mounted to the curvilinear guide member so that a cartridge access end of the cartridge access device is positioned adjacent the curvilinear cartridge access side defined by the frame at substantially all positions along the curvilinear guide member. An actuator system operatively associated with the cartridge access device moves the cartridge access device along the curvilinear guide member.

Abstract: A cartridge handling system for storing and accessing at least one data cartridge according to the present invention may comprise a frame that defines at least one curvilinear cartridge access side. A curvilinear guide member is mounted to the frame so that substantially all points along the curvilinear guide member are positioned an equal spaced distance from the curvilinear cartridge access side defined by the frame. A cartridge access device is mounted to the curvilinear guide member so that a cartridge access end of the cartridge access device is positioned adjacent the curvilinear cartridge access side defined by the frame at substantially all positions along the curvilinear guide member. An actuator system operatively associated with the cartridge access device moves the cartridge access device along the curvilinear guide member.

Abstract: Shipping lock apparatus for securing a moveable cartridge picker assembly to a frame may comprise a lock member mounted to the cartridge picker assembly so that the lock member can be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position. A thumb assembly contained within the cartridge picker contacts the lock member as the thumb assembly moves to a retracted position so that the lock member is moved to the unlocked position when the thumb assembly reaches the retracted position. A slot associated with the frame engages the lock member when the cartridge picker assembly is located at a stowed position and when the lock member is placed in the locked position.

Abstract: A modular data storage system for handling and storing data cartridges which may comprise a plurality of modular units which are attachable to one another to form adjacent modular units. Conductive track members extend laterally across the modular units. The modular data storage system may further comprise at least one wireless cartridge access device for receiving a cartridge and transferring it to another location. The system may further comprise at least one modular corner unit which is attachable to modular units at each end thereof. The adjacent modular units and corner unit(s) may be stacked vertically upon one another to form a plurality of levels of adjacent modular units.

Abstract: Shipping lock apparatus for securing a moveable cartridge picker assembly to a frame may comprise a lock member mounted to the cartridge picker assembly so that the lock member can be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position. A thumb assembly contained within the cartridge picker contacts the lock member as the thumb assembly moves to a retracted position so that the lock member is moved to the unlocked position when the thumb assembly reaches the retracted position. A slot associated with the frame is sized to engage the lock member when the cartridge picker assembly is located at a stowed position and when the lock member is placed in the locked position.

Abstract: A cartridge access device in a cartridge storage system is designed to retrieve a cartridge from a storage device and to transfer the cartridge to another location within the system. Once the cartridge is no longer needed in the new location, the cartridge access device retrieves the cartridge and returns the cartridge to the storage device. A computer system preferably communicates wireless control signals with a control system on the cartridge access device. The control system utilizes these control signals to determine which cartridges should be manipulated by the cartridge access device. Control signals transmitted to the cartridge access device are reflected off of a conical device and received by a communications device associated with the cartridge access device. Likewise, signals transmitted from the cartridge access device are reflected off of the conical device and into the other communications device.

Abstract: A cartridge engaging assembly may include a frame having a cartridge access end. A thumb assembly for engaging and disengaging a cartridge is slidably mounted to the frame so that the thumb assembly is capable of moving toward and away from the cartridge access end of the frame. A rack and pinion drive assembly is operatively associated with the thumb assembly and moves the thumb assembly toward and away from the cartridge access end of the frame.

Abstract: A cartridge engaging assembly has a frame assembly having a first side member and a second side member positioned in spaced-apart relation. A first horizontal guide surface is positioned on the first side member of the frame assembly and a second horizontal guide surface is positioned on the second side member of the frame assembly. A thumb assembly having first, second, and third bearing members is positioned on the first and second horizontal guide surfaces so that the first bearing member engages the first horizontal guide surface and so that the second and third bearing members engage the second horizontal guide surface.