Abstract: A double-door safety access port for use with an automated tape library cartridge machine utilizes two doors that operate independently, but are interconnected mechanically with a latch mechanism and a self-locking gear drive arrangement to control loading and unloading of tape cartridges into the library machine. An inner door of the access port is motor-driven between two positions, an open position allowing robot access to the cartridges, and a closed position that unlatches an outer door to allow operator access to the tape cartridges. The closed position closes off the inside of the library machine to prevent any possibility of operator contact with the library robot. The self-locking gear drive arrangement allows the inner door to be moveable only by operation of a motor. This prevents any manual rotation of the inner door by an operator. Until the outer door is latched, the inner door can not be driven back to its open position.

Abstract: An automatic rotary access port for a robotic tape library machine includes an operator access port door in the form of a shell mounted about a stationary tape cartridge holder. The shell is controllably rotatable between an open position that allows an operator access to insert or remove tape cartridges from the stationary holder, and a closed position allowing cartridge access by a robotic tape handling mechanism located within the library machine. Cartridges are inserted and removed with labels facing a robot side of the library and remain fixed in an initial cell position within the holder. The shell is formed with an opening therein that is dimensioned to permit insertion of a tape cartridge into the holder when the shell is in the open position. The shell is configured relative to a corresponding access opening in the housing of the library machine such that a portion of the shell always blocks any direct contact between an operator and the inside of the library machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a magazine, containing multiple data cartridges, in a cartridge access port of an automated library. The magazine contains multiple cam followers that engage multiple cam profiles inside the cartridge access port. These cam followers and cam profiles allow the magazine to be positioned vertically for normal operation, and horizontally for installation and removal of individual cartridges. Each cam profile has an open end to allow the magazine to be completely removed from the cartridge access port. Cam profiles are established by grooves in the side walls of the cartridge access port, or by ridges protruding from those side walls. The cam followers are pins protruding from the sides of the magazine. In the alternative, the cam followers may be mounted inside the cartridge access port while the cam profiles are established on the magazine.