Abstract: A data cartridge caddy-to-storage rack interlock and release system for locking a data cartridge caddy into and autochanger storage rack so that the data cartridge caddy can not be unintentionally removed form the autochanger storage rack. The data cartridge caddy-to-storage rack interlock and release system is automatically enabled when the data cartridge caddy is installed into the autochanger storage rack. The data cartridge caddy-to-storage rack interlock and release system can be disabled by the user and the data cartridge caddy removed form the autochanger storage rack using one hand. The invention may include a spring lock within the autochanger storage rack that engages a surface on the data cartridge caddy when the data cartridge caddy is installed into the autochanger storage rack. The invention may also include a lock release on the data cartridge caddy that the user may depress with a thumb or finger in order to remove the data cartridge caddy from the autochanger storage rack.

Abstract: A cartridge handling system for storing and accessing at least one data cartridge may comprise a frame having a first cartridge access side and a second cartridge access side. A guide member associated with the frame includes a first section located adjacent the first cartridge access side of the frame and a second section located adjacent the second cartridge access side of the frame. The first and second guide sections of the guide member are connected together so that the guide member comprises a substantially continuous member. A cartridge access device having a cartridge access end engages the guide member so that the cartridge access end is adjacent the first cartridge access side when the cartridge access device is located on the first section of the guide member and so that the cartridge access end is adjacent the second cartridge access side when the cartridge access device is located on the second section of the guide member.

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 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 picker for a computer information storage library. The computer information storage library includes at least one computer information drive, storage locations for data cartridges, a picker and a transport mechanism. The picker includes a sleeve for holding a cartridge and a moveable thumb. The transport mechanism provides displacement in two orthogonal dimensions for the picker. The moveable thumb provides displacement in a third dimension orthogonal to the movement of the transport mechanism. Data cartridges include two openings in a bottom surface. The thumb includes fixed fingers with bent tips that engage the openings in the bottom surface of the data cartridges. Data cartridges are removed from a drive or storage by hooking the tips of the fingers into the data cartridge openings, and then moving the thumb relative to the sleeve to pull the cartridge into the sleeve. The picker also includes a rigid thumb for pushing a data cartridge out of the sleeve and into a drive or into a storage location.

Abstract: A monitor assembly for a media autochanger having a media holder assembly which is rotatable with respect to a media autochanger support frame about a media holder rotation axis. The media holder assembly includes first and second media engaging members. The monitor assembly includes first indicia located on the first media engaging member, second indicia located on the second media engaging member and an indicia sensor mounted on the support frame. The monitor assembly determines the angular orientation of the media holder assembly and whether an adjacent media engaging member is in a linear registration position by analyzing the indicia sensor signal.

Abstract: A media autochanger flipping assembly which includes a base unit and a media holder unit which is rotatably attached to the base unit. A brake drum is fixedly attached to one of the base unit and the media holder unit 14. A brake drum engager is attached to the other of the base unit and the media holder unit. The brake drum and brake engager co-act to produce a torque on the media holder which resists rotation in the flip direction and thus controls the flip speed of the media holder unit.

Abstract: A tensioning device for a reciprocating flexible drive system, such as a wire rope is provided. The tensioning device provides a mechanism which effectively tensions the slack side of the wire rope while directly coupling the driven side of the wire rope to the load. The tensioning device slides within a housing to a first position where force from the driven side is applied directly to the load while the slack side is tensioned with a spring. When the wire rope is reversed, the tensioning device slides to a second position within the housing where force from the driven side is once again directly applied to the load.

Abstract: A flip-latch assembly for a media autochanger having a media holder assembly which is rotatable relative to a media holder support frame, about a longitudinally extending, media holder flip axis. The media holder assembly includes a chassis and a media engager longitudinally displaceable relative to the chassis and having an extended position and a retracted position. The flip-latch assembly includes a stud extending laterally outwardly from the chassis, a stud latcher fixedly positioned relative to said support frame and a stud latcher tripper assembly actuatable by the media engager.