Abstract: A storage system comprises a first plurality of storage cartridges along an accessible side of a path, a second plurality of storage cartridges along a non-accessible side of the path, and a transport device to move the first and second plurality of magazines around the path. The storage system further comprises a controller that determines the location of a particular cartridge and operates the transport device to move the particular cartridge to the accessible side of the path to gain access to the particular cartridge. The controller can also be configured to re-position a movable accessor device along the accessible side of the path to access the particular cartridge. The ability to move the cartridges on both sides of the path can at least double the accessible storage capacity of the system.

Abstract: Drive bezels for computer storage systems are disclosed. An exemplary system may include a drive device operable to read and write data on a storage cartridge. A first drive bezel may be provided for the drive device, the first drive bezel fitted with a sensor arm to detect insertion and removal of the storage cartridge during operation in an automatic mode. A second drive bezel may also be provided for the drive device, the second drive bezel fitted with an eject button to remove the storage cartridge from the drive device during operation in a manual mode.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a load position sensor for a tape drive includes a tape cartridge loading mechanism, a head movable in response to movement in the loading mechanism, and a sensor operatively coupled to the head for sensing a position of the head.

Abstract: A validity time interval for backup data of a data backup operation is determined. The validity time interval is limited, e.g., by an expiration date and/or an activation date. Validity date indicating the validity time interval is stored in non-volatile memory of the tape cartridge, such as a cartridge memory, when the backup data is written to the tape cartridge by the tape drive. Recovery of the backup data from the tape drive is only possible if recovery is performed within the validity time interval, to provide an efficient way to assure tape rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention includes a data storage cartridge and/or a receiver configured to receive the cartridge in facilitation of data transfer to and/or from the cartridge. The cartridge and the receiver each include respective connector portions configured to connect when the cartridge is inserted into the receiver. The cartridge and/or the receiver also include guide features configured to facilitate alignment of the connector portions for connection as the cartridge is inserted into the receiver.

Abstract: A media detection system includes a light source mounted within a cartridge receiving chamber defined by a cartridge engaging assembly. A cartridge referencing member has an arm portion mounted to the cartridge engaging assembly and a head portion located within the cartridge receiving chamber at a position adjacent the light source. The cartridge referencing member is deflected by a data cartridge within the cartridge receiving chamber so that when no data cartridge is located within the cartridge receiving member, the cartridge referencing member is not deflected and the cartridge referencing member blocks light from the light source. When a data cartridge is located within the cartridge receiving member, the cartridge referencing member blocks less light from the light source. A detector assembly mounted within the cartridge receiving chamber detects whether light from the light source is blocked or not blocked.

Abstract: A method for sensing position that comprises generating light, eclipsing the light according to position, sensing the amount of light not eclipsed, and inferring position according to the sensed amount of light.

Abstract: An alignment probe engages an opening in a tape cartridge to center the hub of the cartridge with the hub of a tape drive. The alignment probe can be spring-loaded to accommodate cartridges that are not configured with an opening in the center of the hub. The alignment probe can be positioned in the spindle of the tape drive, and chamfered at the tip to engage the opening in the cartridge as the cartridge is inserted in the tape drive.

Abstract: A storage system comprises a first plurality of storage cartridges along an accessible side of a path, a second plurality of storage cartridges along a non-accessible side of the path, and a transport device to move the first and second plurality of magazines around the path. The storage system further comprises a controller that determines the location of a particular cartridge and operates the transport device to move the particular cartridge to the accessible side of the path to gain access to the particular cartridge. The controller can also be configured to re-position a movable accessor device along the accessible side of the path to access the particular cartridge. The ability to move the cartridges on both sides of the path can at least double the accessible storage capacity of the system.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive apparatus is disclosed for measuring position in a robotic mechanism. A light source illuminates a reflective target, and a light detector views the target, sensing light reflected from the target. By virtue of the characteristics of the light source, the shape and material of the target, and the arrangement of the light source, target, and detector, the intensity of light received by the detector varies with the relative position of the mechanism and the target. Optionally, a tube limits the field of view of the detector. The detector may be moved until a local maximum is found for the reflected light from the target. A method of operating the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of displacing a media holder assembly of a media autochanger between a first rotational registration position and a second rotational registration position.

Abstract: A method of displacing a media holder assembly of a media autochanger between a first rotational registration position and a second rotational registration position.

Abstract: A method of displacing a media holder assembly of a media autochanger between a first rotational registration position and a second rotational registration position.

Abstract: A method of displacing a media holder assembly of a media autochanger between a first rotational registration position and a second rotational registration position.

Abstract: A frame assembly having improved torsional rigidity may comprise a generally rectangular horizontal base member having a first vertical side wall and a second vertical side wall located on opposite sides of the horizontal base member. The horizontal base member also includes a third vertical side wall located between the first and second vertical side walls. A horizontal guide platform extending from the third vertical side wall lies in a plane that is substantially parallel to a plane containing the horizontal base member. A C-shaped guide rail is attached to the horizontal base member opposite the third vertical side wall.

Abstract: A structure, guidance, and drive assembly for translation of a robotic picker assembly may comprise a support frame having a front end, a rear end, and two opposed sides. The front and rear ends of the support frame are positioned in parallel, spaced-apart relation to a lateral axis, while the two opposed sides are positioned in parallel, spaced-apart relation to a longitudinal axis, the lateral and longitudinal axes defining a horizontal reference plane. The support frame includes a first elongate bearing surface that is located at about the front end of the support frame. The first elongate bearing surface extends between the two opposed sides of the support frame so that the first elongate bearing surface extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the lateral axis and lies in a first bearing plane that is substantially parallel to the horizontal reference plane. The support frame also includes a second elongate bearing surface that is located at about the rear end of the support frame.

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 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.