Abstract: A cassette transfer apparatus includes a shuttle having four transfer openings through which cassettes are moved. The shuttle is movable along a longitudinal path between a tape drive and a feed slot, and is movable vertically to access vertically disposed storage slots in storage bins. The storage bins are disposed on either side of the path, so that the shuttle is positionable at each of the storage slots. The shuttle includes cassette transfer apparatus which is operable to moved the cassette into and out of the shuttle through the four transfer openings so as to move the cassette into and out of the storage slots in the storage bins, and the tape drive and the feed slot. The cassette transfer apparatus of a preferred embodiment includes belts each provided with a tab to push the cassette as the belt moves.

Abstract: A cartridge handling apparatus includes cartridge storage magazines which define cartridge storage slots therein. A projecting element positioned on a back inside wall of each of the storage slots of the storage magazines fits into a recess in the cartridge when the cartridge is oriented in a proper orientation so as to permit the cartridge to be fully inserted into the storage slot in the proper orientation. The projection prevents full insertion of the cartridge in the cartridge storage slot when the cartridge is not in the proper orientation. By changing the orientation of the projection, the storage slot accepts cartridges in a different orientation as the proper orientation. A snap lock is provided on each of the storage slots to engage the cartridge when fully inserted therein.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for magnetic tape cartridges in a tape transport system or tape autoloader has a lifting platform supported by threaded lead screws. The threaded lead screws extend through threaded nuts held in the platform by floating mountings. A preferred embodiment has three lead screws and three types of floating mountings. The first restricts lateral and rotational motion, the second restricts rotational motion and lateral motion in one direction while permitting motion in a transverse direction, and the third floating mounting permits rotational and lateral motion, to a limited extent. A toothed belt over cog wheels drives the threaded lead screws to move the platform vertically.