Abstract: A system and method for exchanging tape cartridges between two automated tape cartridge libraries. A carriage assembly carries cartridges back and forth between the libraries. The carriage assembly includes a cartridge transport cell, has a vertical axis, and cooperates with pass through ports in the libraries for providing access to tape cartridge storage cells in the libraries. A guide structure extends between the libraries for supporting the carriage assembly. The guide structure defines a linear path and has first and second sides substantially parallel to the linear path which define an envelope. The carriage assembly is driven along the guide structure, and automatically rotates about the substantially vertical axis. The cartridge transport cell is accessible by robotic devices in the libraries when the carriage assembly is aligned with the pass through ports. The carriage assembly rotates substantially within the envelope as it is driven along the guide structure.

Abstract: A system and method for exchanging tape cartridges between two automated tape cartridge libraries. A carriage assembly carries cartridges back and forth between the libraries. The carriage assembly includes a cartridge transport cell, has a vertical axis, and cooperates with pass through ports in the libraries for providing access to tape cartridge storage cells in the libraries. A guide structure extends between the libraries for supporting the carriage assembly. The guide structure defines a linear path and has first and second sides substantially parallel to the linear path which define an envelope. The carriage assembly is driven along the guide structure, and automatically rotates about the substantially vertical axis. The cartridge transport cell is accessible by robotic devices in the libraries when the carriage assembly is aligned with the pass through ports. The carriage assembly rotates substantially within the envelope as it is driven along the guide structure.

Abstract: A system and method for exchanging tape cartridges between two automated tape cartridge libraries. A carriage assembly carries cartridges back and forth between the libraries. The carriage assembly includes a cartridge transport cell, has a vertical axis, and cooperates with pass through ports in the libraries for providing access to tape cartridge storage cells in the libraries. A guide structure extends between the libraries for supporting the carriage assembly. The guide structure defines a linear path and has first and second sides substantially parallel to the linear path which define an envelope. The carriage assembly is driven along the guide structure, and automatically rotates about the substantially vertical axis. The cartridge transport cell is accessible by robotic devices in the libraries when the carriage assembly is aligned with the pass through ports. The carriage assembly rotates substantially within the envelope as it is driven along the guide structure.

Abstract: A system and method for exchanging tape cartridges between two automated tape cartridge libraries. A carriage assembly carries cartridges back and forth between the libraries. The carriage assembly includes a cartridge transport cell, has a vertical axis, and cooperates with pass through ports in the libraries for providing access to tape cartridge storage cells in the libraries. A guide structure extends between the libraries for supporting the carriage assembly. The guide structure defines a linear path and has first and second sides substantially parallel to the linear path which define an envelope. The carriage assembly is driven along the guide structure, and automatically rotates about the substantially vertical axis. The cartridge transport cell is accessible by robotic devices in the libraries when the carriage assembly is aligned with the pass through ports. The carriage assembly rotates substantially within the envelope as it is driven along the guide structure.

Abstract: The expandable magnetic tape cartridge storage system is designed to handle a moderate number of magnetic tape cartridges and is expandable without the need to add an additional robotic cartridge handling mechanism. This is accomplished by the use of a base module that consists of a half cylinder of magnetic tape cartridge storage locations. A center pivot robotic cartridge handling mechanism is included in the base module in order to transport the magnetic tape cartridges between the cartridge storage locations and a plurality of magnetic tape drives included in the base module. The capacity of this cartridge storage system can be increased by adding an additional half cylinder of magnetic tape cartridge storage locations to thereby create a complete cylinder of cartridge storage locations.

Abstract: An improved cooling system for electronic components wherein an air supply housing with two openings cooperates with a manifold with one opening to allow air distribution from the air supply housing through the manifold to a card cage both while the manifold is closed for normal operation and while the manifold is extended to allow maintenance of the electronic components. When the manifold is closed for normal operation, the first opening in the air supply housing is blocked by the manifold and air flows into the manifold through the second opening. When the manifold is extended for maintenance, air flows into the manifold through the first opening and the second opening is blocked by a flapper which swings down over the second air supply housing opening.