Abstract: Storage media cartridge handling apparatus is disclosed that comprises: a frame to support first and second laterally spaced arrays of cartridge access locations extending in a front-back direction, and at least one laterally extending further array of cartridge access locations, the cartridge access locations facing inwardly of the frame; an up-down drive arrangement disengageably engageable with an accessor carriage to move the carriage up and down in a region between the first and second arrays, to access locations in the first, second and further arrays; and at least one lateral displacement path within the frame along which the carriage can exit and enter the frame laterally. A storage media cartridge library and an accessor carriage are also disclosed.

Abstract: Storage media cartridge handling apparatus (10) is disclosed that comprises: a frame (20) to support first and second laterally spaced arrays (41, 42) of cartridge access locations extending in a front-back direction, and at least one laterally extending further array (50) of cartridge access locations, the cartridge access locations facing inwardly of the frame: an up-down drive arrangement disengagably engagagable with an accessor carriage (80) to move the carriage up and down in a region between the first and second arrays, to access locations in the first, second and further arrays (41, 42, 50); and at least one lateral displacement path within the frame along which the carriage can exit and enter the frame laterally. A storage media cartridge library and an accessor carriage (80) are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for media storage systems with plural robotic elements. One embodiment is a media storage system that has storage libraries connected together to form a stack. Each storage library includes a storage location for holding plural data cartridges and a picker for transporting the data cartridges. A read/write device is located in a housing that is separated from the storage libraries. A cartridge-handling apparatus transports the data cartridges from the storage libraries to the read/write device.