Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for control for persistent search results and iterative searching where a query from a user is received via a web browser and a web search for the query is performed with a processor. Search results of the web search are displayed in a toolbar of the web browser, wherein at least one of the search results in the toolbar includes a refinement option. The refinement option can include a show me more like this refinement option and/or a show me less like this refinement option. A selected refinement option is received from the user with a user interface; and, refined search results are displayed in the toolbar based on the selected refinement option.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for control for persistent search results and iterative searching where a query from a user is received via a web browser and a web search for the query is performed with a processor. Search results of the web search are displayed in a toolbar of the web browser, wherein at least one of the search results in the toolbar includes a refinement option. The refinement option can include a show me more like this refinement option and/or a show me less like this refinement option. A selected refinement option is received from the user with a user interface; and, refined search results are displayed in the toolbar based on the selected refinement option.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for control for persistent search results and iterative searching where a query from a user is received via a web browser and a web search for the query is performed with a processor. Search results of the web search are displayed in a toolbar of the web browser, wherein at least one of the search results in the toolbar includes a refinement option. The refinement option can include a show me more like this refinement option and/or a show me less like this refinement option. A selected refinement option is received from the user with a user interface; and, refined search results are displayed in the toolbar based on the selected refinement option.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for control for persistent search results and iterative searching where a query from a user is received via a web browser and a web search for the query is performed with a processor. Search results of the web search are displayed in a toolbar of the web browser, wherein at least one of the search results in the toolbar includes a refinement option. The refinement option can include a show me more like this refinement option and/or a show me less like this refinement option. A selected refinement option is received from the user with a user interface; and, refined search results are displayed in the toolbar based on the selected refinement option.

Abstract: A data storage library is described including a plurality of tape cartridges wherein each of the tape cartridges possesses an auxiliary radio frequency memory device in which auxiliary digital data is stored. The library also includes at least one drive disposed substantially within the library capable of transferring user data to and from one of the tapes. The library further includes at least one auxiliary radio frequency memory device reader that capable of reading the auxiliary digital data and transmitting the auxiliary digital data to at least one designated location, the reader is independent of the at least one drive.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for a data storage library comprising a plurality of drives and a combination bridge controller device adapted to direct and make compatible communication traffic between a client and the plurality of drives. The combination bridge controller device is further adapted to encrypt a first data package received from the client. The combination bridge controller device is further adapted to transmit the encrypted first data package, a first moniker and a first message authentication code to one of the plurality of drives for storage to a cooperating mobile storage medium. The combination bridge controller device is further adapted to decrypt the first data package when used in combination with a first key associated with the first moniker and guarantee the decryption of the first data package was successfully accomplished with authentication of the first message authentication code.

Abstract: Described herein is a mobile data storage magazine for interacting with a docking station. The magazine can include a magazine frame containing a plurality of operatively interconnected disk drives, a first contact element associated with the magazine frame capable of conducting electrical power to at least one of the plurality of disk drives when engaged with a second contact element associated with the docking station wherein the first and second contact elements are adapted to cooperate in a non male/female relationship. The magazine can further comprise a first communication element capable of conducting data between at least one of the plurality of disk drives and the docking station when the first communication element is operatively linked to a second communication element associated with the docking station.

Abstract: Described herein is a mobile data storage magazine for interacting with a docking station. The magazine can include a magazine frame containing a plurality of operatively interconnected disk drives, a first contact element associated with the magazine frame capable of conducting electrical power to at least one of the plurality of disk drives when engaged with a second contact element associated with the docking station wherein the first and second contact elements are adapted to cooperate in a non male/female relationship. The magazine can further comprise a first communication element capable of conducting data between at least one of the plurality of disk drives and the docking station when the first communication element is operatively linked to a second communication element associated with the docking station.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for a data storage library comprising a first and second drive, a first and second mobile medium, a first and second partition wherein the first partition comprises the first drive and the first mobile medium and the second partition comprises the second drive and the second mobile medium, and a combination bridge controller device. The combination bridge controller device is configurable to control first communication traffic between at least a first client and the first partition wherein the first communication traffic can comprise a first data package. The combination bridge controller device is further configurable to optionally encrypt the first data package for storage on the first mobile medium when the first mobile medium is in cooperation with the first drive.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for a variable media tape based storage system for storing, retrieving, and communicating data. The system includes at least one media element having a compatible relationship with one of a plurality of drives for storing and receiving data. The at least one media element configured to operate with the at least one drive as a functional pair is considered a loaded drive. The storage system also includes switch and mapping system, which in one embodiment could be an interface bridge processor, operatively linked to each of the plurality of drives. Finally, the storage system adapted to alter at least one received and accepted tape library command from positioning a target storage tape article for use with a target tape drive to selecting one of the loaded drives via the interface bridge processor.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for preserving data integrity comprising a data storage library adapted to receiving data from a host computer. The data storage library comprises a mobile random access storage device for storing the data when the mobile random access storage device is operatively linked with a docking station wherein a data storage library comprises the docking station. Once the data is stored on the mobile random access storage device, the time elapsed is kept track of with an accounting means. The mobile random access storage device is adapted to be unlinked from the docking station, such as for purposes of archiving the mobile random access storage device for example. A user can be notified when the elapsed time the data was stored on the mobile random access storage device has reached a time limit.

Abstract: An operator alterable space is described, for use with a data storage library. The library has a frame substantially defines an interior environment and is exposed to an exterior environment. The operator alterable space is adapted to accommodate either a drive module that is capable of storing data to a magazine storage element or a shelf module capable of accommodating at least the magazine storage element whereby the magazine storage element can be disposed in the shelf module. The operator alterable space is accessible from the exterior environment for installing either the shelf module or the drive module via an opening in the frame. The operator alterable space is also accessible to a magazine transport from the interior environment, wherein the magazine transport is capable of moving the magazine storage element to the operator alterable space.

Abstract: Described herein is a mobile data storage magazine for interacting with a docking station. The magazine can include a magazine frame containing a plurality of operatively interconnected disk drives, a first contact element associated with the magazine frame capable of conducting electrical power to at least one of the plurality of disk drives when engaged with a second contact element associated with the docking station wherein the first and second contact elements are adapted to cooperate in a non male/female relationship. The magazine can further comprise a first communication element capable of conducting data between at least one of the plurality of disk drives and the docking station when the first communication element is operatively linked to a second communication element associated with the docking station.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for a storage system comprising at least one mobile random access storage device capable of storing first and second data on at least one docking station. The docking station is associated with an address wherein the address is identifiable by at least one host computer. A first and second sub-address are associated with the docking station wherein the first and second sub-addresses are identifiable by the host computer. The first sub-address corresponds to a first virtual device adapted for storing the first data on a first virtual media. The second sub-address corresponds to a second virtual device adapted for storing the second data on a second virtual media wherein the second virtual media is different from the first virtual media.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for a storage system comprising at least one mobile random access storage device capable of storing first or second data. At least one docking station is associated with an address wherein the address is identifiable by at least one host computer. A first and second sub-address is associated with the at least one docking station wherein the first and second sub-addresses are identifiable by the at least one host computer. The first sub-address corresponds to a first virtual device adapted for storing the first data on a first virtual media. The second sub-address corresponds to a second virtual device adapted for storing the second data on a second virtual media wherein the second virtual media is a different media type from the first virtual media.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for a variable media tape based storage system for storing, retrieving, and communicating data. The system includes at least one media element having a compatible relationship with one of a plurality of drives for storing and receiving data. The at least one media element configured to operate with the at least one drive as a functional pair is considered a loaded drive. The storage system also includes switch and mapping system, which in one embodiment could be an interface bridge processor, operatively linked to each of the plurality of drives. Finally, the storage system adapted to alter at least one received and accepted tape library command from positioning a target storage tape article for use with a target tape drive to selecting one of the loaded drives via the interface bridge processor.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for analyzing energy consumption of at least one storage system capable of being used by multiple users. The storage system comprises a plurality of electric energy consuming components which further comprise at least a plurality of storage devices adapted to cooperate with storage media for storing data. The storage system comprises a total user storage capacity for the storage system. At least one component energy meter is capable of measuring component energy consumption of at least one of the electric energy consuming components while the storage system is in operational use. At least one storage system energy meter is adapted to cooperate with the storage system to measure total energy consumption of the storage system while the storage system is in operational use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus system for aligning a multi-unit storage system. The alignment system for a storage apparatus comprises a first and second storage unit comprising media support locations. The media support locations are capable of supporting at least one storage media element and at least one storage device adapted to store and retrieve data to and from the storage media element associated with at least one of the storage units. The storage apparatus further comprises at least one robotic system, an alignment indication device and an alignment means capable of positioning the first and second storage unit substantially in alignment for the robotic system to access the media support locations and the storage device wherein the alignment means cooperates with the alignment indication device to confirm the positioning is in alignment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus system to identify mobile media magazine for use with a storage device. The system comprises a random access memory magazine capable of comprising a plurality of random access memory devices. The magazine further comprising a magazine identifier label disposed to be externally viewable. The magazine also comprises at least one storage element cooperating with the magazine adapted to store an electronic magazine identifier that represents the magazine identifier label in non-volatile memory. Each of the random access memory devices can further comprise an individual random access memory device label. The storage device can be adapted to identify the magazine by the magazine identifier label, the electronic magazine identifier or both.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for an alignment system for use in a data storage system for enabling numerous contact cycles between two surfaces in a robust manner. The system includes a first and a second surface each having at least two contact zones. Each of the contact zones comprise either a conductive spring or a conductive pad. Each of the conductive springs is adapted to engage a corresponding conductive pad, wherein the engaging location on the pad is substantially flat, to form at least one closed circuit when the first and the second surfaces are aligned and are in contact. A continuity confirmation device can further be used to confirm the closed circuit.