Abstract: Media storage system and control panel for use therewith. One embodiment of the control panel may comprise a frame assembly, and a quick-release attachment system operable to readily mount the frame assembly to the media storage system and readily release the frame assembly from the media storage system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retrieving data related to a data cartridge contained in a multi-plane media storage system. One or more data retrieval devices are attached to the cartridge access device. A transponder is attached to the data cartridge for storing the related data, and at least one reader attached to a cartridge access device of the media storage system is positionable adjacent the data cartridge for reading the related data from the transponder. A scanner adapted to scan bar code indicia on the data cartridges may also be attached to the cartridge access device at the opposite end from the reader.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for providing an automated imaging system comprising an illumination source, a phosphorescent imaging target, and an optical imaging sensor for receiving luminance information emitted from the phosphorescent imaging target.

Abstract: Cartridge-handling apparatus for a media storage system comprising a lift assembly having at least one guide track aligned along a first displacement path in the media storage system. A carriage having a transfer shaft aligned along a second displacement path in the media storage system. The transfer shaft operatively associated with the at least one guide track of the lift assembly for moving the carriage along the at least one guide track through the first displacement path. A picker slidably mounted on the carriage to the transfer shaft. The picker moving with the carriage through the first displacement path, and the picker moving on the transfer shaft through the second displacement path.

Abstract: Various embodiment and methods relating to a media tray are disclosed.

Abstract: A media picker assembly includes a frame, a plunge assembly operable to travel along a predetermined axis of the frame to engage and disengage a media cartridge, and first and second cables coupled to the frame for transmitting first and second predetermined sets of signals, respectively.

Abstract: A method for identifying objects within a set of objects includes the steps of transmitting a signal toward a region of interest, receiving energy reflected from the region of interest, establishing a baseline field strength for the received reflected energy, determining at least one frequency at which the field strength substantially differs from the baseline field strength for the received reflected energy, and identifying at least one object within the region of interest based upon the determined at least one frequency.

Abstract: Data cartridge exchange apparatus for use in a data storage system may include a moveable cartridge storage array having at least a first data cartridge storage location and a second data cartridge storage location. The first data cartridge storage location is operatively associated with the second data cartridge storage location so that the first data cartridge storage location is independently moveable with respect to the second data cartridge storage location when the second data cartridge storage location is accessible by the data storage system.

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: Methods for controlling the position of a plunge mechanism which is mounted to a cartridge engaging assembly are disclosed herein. In one method, the position of a plunge mechanism associated with a cartridge engaging assembly is regulated by 1) providing a reference mark on the plunge mechanism, 2) detecting a size of the reference mark on the plunge mechanism, and then 3) determining the position of the plunge mechanism based on the size of the detected reference mark. In another method, a plunge mechanism is moved to an extended position within a cartridge engaging assembly by 1) initiating movement of the plunge mechanism from a retracted toward an extended position in accordance with an open loop control schedule, and then 2) after moving the plunge mechanism for a predetermined distance, switching control of the movement of the plunge mechanism to a closed loop control schedule, and monitoring a detector which detects a reference mark provided on the plunge mechanism.

Abstract: A data cartridge exchange apparatus for use in a data storage system having a drawer with at least a first data cartridge storage location and a second data cartridge storage location. The drawer is operatively associated with the data storage system so that the first data cartridge storage location is moveable between a first position and a second position. The first data cartridge storage location is operatively associated with the second data cartridge storage location so that the first data cartridge storage location is independently moveable from the second data cartridge storage location.

Abstract: A reconfigurable cartridge processing module for use in a data storage system may comprise a frame having a plurality of sets of mounting locations provided thereon so that the frame defines a first component configuration and a second component configuration. In the first component configuration, a first cartridge receiving device is mounted to a first set of the plurality of sets of mounting locations provided on the frame so that the first cartridge receiving device is located at a first position within the frame. A second cartridge receiving device is mounted to a second set of the plurality of sets of mounting locations provided on the frame so that the second cartridge receiving device is located at a second position within the frame. In the second component configuration, a third cartridge receiving device replaces the first and second cartridge receiving devices and is mounted to a third set of the plurality of sets of mounting locations provided on the frame.

Abstract: Media storage system and method for identifying storage locations therein. One embodiment of the media storage system may comprise at least one storage library having a storage area therein. At least one access panel operatively associated with the at least one storage library, the at least one access panel opening to provide access to the storage area in the at least one storage library. A picker assembly mounted in the at least one storage library having at least one indicator mounted to the picker assembly. The at least one indicator identifying the at least one access panel when the at least one access panel is ready to open.

Abstract: A media-detection system and method for identifying a type of data cartridge. According to one embodiment, the media-detection system comprises at least one indicator arm displaceable by at least one surface feature of the data cartridge as the data cartridge is loaded in a cartridge-receiving device. The media-detection system also comprises at least one sensor detecting the displacement of the at least one indicator arm as the data cartridge is loaded, thereby indicating the type of data cartridge in the cartridge-receiving device.

Abstract: A high-density media storage system. One embodiment of the high-density media storage system may comprises a plurality of storage libraries, each configured to store data cartridges in a horizontal orientation in high-density relation to one another. Such system also comprises a cartridge-handling apparatus having a drive assembly, the drive assembly moving the cartridge-handling apparatus through a displacement path through the plurality of storage libraries. The system further comprises an operational envelope provided at one end of the displacement path in one of the plurality of storage libraries, the operational envelope sized to receive only the drive assembly of the cartridge-handling apparatus when the cartridge-handling apparatus is positioned at the one end of the displacement path.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the position of a plunge mechanism which is mounted to a cartridge engaging assembly is disclosed herein. The apparatus may be embodied in a cartridge engaging assembly having a plunge mechanism that is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. The plunge mechanism is provided with a reference mark that moves with the plunge mechanism. A detector is mounted to the cartridge engaging assembly, wherein the detector senses an image of the reference mark and produces an output signal related thereto. A control system is operatively associated with the detector and is responsive to the output signal produced thereby. The control system is also operatively associated with the plunge mechanism so that it regulates the position of the plunge mechanism based on the output signal.

Abstract: Cartridge-handling apparatus for a media storage system comprising a lift assembly having at least one guide track aligned along a first displacement path in the media storage system. A carriage having a transfer shaft aligned along a second displacement path in the media storage system. The transfer shaft operatively associated with the at least one guide track of the lift assembly for moving the carriage along the at least one guide track through the first displacement path. A picker slidably mounted on the carriage to the transfer shaft. The picker moving with the carriage through the first displacement path, and the picker moving on the transfer shaft through the second displacement path.

Abstract: A media picker assembly includes a frame, a plunge assembly operable to travel along a predetermined axis of the frame to engage and disengage a media cartridge, and first and second cables coupled to the frame for transmitting first and second predetermined sets of signals, respectively.

Abstract: A media-detection system and method for identifying a type of data cartridge. According to one embodiment, the media-detection system comprises at least one indicator arm displaceable by at least one surface feature of the data cartridge as the data cartridge is loaded in a cartridge-receiving device. The media-detection system also comprises at least one sensor detecting the displacement of the at least one indicator arm as the data cartridge is loaded, thereby indicating the type of data cartridge in the cartridge-receiving device.

Abstract: Media storage system and method for identifying storage locations therein. One embodiment of the media storage system may comprise at least one storage library having a storage area therein. At least one access panel operatively associated with the at least one storage library, the at least one access panel opening to provide access to the storage area in the at least one storage library. A picker assembly mounted in the at least one storage library having at least one indicator mounted to the picker assembly. The at least one indicator identifying the at least one access panel when the at least one access panel is ready to open.