Abstract: An imaging apparatus and method in which the focus of the imaging apparatus can be adjusted.

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: The present invention is directed to a system and method which utilize a feedback loop arrangement to control the accurate positioning of components. The system and method may utilize the feedback loop to control a component engaging member operable to retrieve a component. The feedback loop may control the component engaging member by activating a drive subsystem operable to translate the component engaging member. Additionally, the feedback control loop may implemented by utilizing a signal source operable to emit a signal and a signal receiver operable to receive the signal emitted by the signal source. The signal source and signal receiver are fixedly attached to the device. Also, the feedback loop may involve a processor operable to control retrieval of a desired component utilizing at least in part the signal emitted by the signal source and received by the signal receiver.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides an autochanger device having a cavity for receiving a magazine containing a media cartridge, wherein a retention arm of the cavity retrains the media pieces within the magazine while the magazine fills the cavity. In particular, a detent mechanism attached to the magazine interacts with the retention arm of the library, via a magazine transport handle, to secure media cartridges contained within the magazine as the magazine is received by a cavity of the autochanger.

Abstract: A data cartridge exchange apparatus for use in a data storage system may comprise a drawer having 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 may be moved between a first position and a second position and so that the second data cartridge storage location may be moved between a third position and a fourth 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 may be moved independently from the second data cartridge storage location and so that the first data cartridge storage location may be moved together with the second data cartridge storage location.

Abstract: A data cartridge exchange apparatus for use in a data storage system may comprise a drawer sized to receive at least one data cartridge. The drawer is operatively associated with a cartridge handling system of the data storage system so that the drawer may be moved by the cartridge handling system between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retrieving data cartridge information associated with a data cartridge contained in a cartridge receiving device of a media storage system. An identification device is attached to the data cartridge for storing the data cartridge information and a reader is attached to the cartridge receiving device adjacent the data cartridge for reading the data cartridge information from the identification device. The identification device transmits a data signal containing the data cartridge information to the reader. A controller operatively associated with the reader may process the data signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retaining at least two different sizes of data cartridges in a storage magazine. A frame assembly defines a chamber in the storage magazine. The chamber is dimensioned to receive the largest of the two different sizes of data cartridges therein. A cartridge referencing member is mounted to the frame assembly and is resiliently displaceable within the chamber. The cartridge referencing member applies a biasing force to a data cartridge received therein to retain the received data cartridge in a registration position within the chamber to keep it from floating into an unknown position within the interior of the chamber.

Abstract: A split compound gear assembly for a drive loader of the type having an overcentering mechanism with a drive loader actuator shaft. The split compound gear assembly may comprise a drive gear operably connected to a motor, and a first compound gear engaging the drive gear. The assembly also comprises a split compound gear engaging the first compound gear which allows the overcentering mechanism to quickly snap closed. The split compound gear includes an inner member including an inner, smaller gear which is freely rotatable within an outer member including an outer, larger gear. The split compound gear assembly may also include a sector gear which engages the inner gear of the split compound gear and rotates the drive loader actuator shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retrieving data related to a data cartridge contained in a 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: A cartridge picker assembly may include a frame having a first side wall and a second side wall positioned in spaced-apart relation and a cartridge access end. A lateral guide surface being substantially parallel to a lateral plane is associated with the first side wall of the frame. A thumb assembly is slidably mounted to the first and second side walls of the frame so that the thumb assembly is capable of moving toward and away from the cartridge access end of the frame. A guide member is mounted to the thumb assembly, engaging the lateral guide surface on the first side wall of the frame so that lateral motion of the thumb assembly is controlled as the thumb assembly moves toward and away from the cartridge access end of the frame.

Abstract: A cartridge picker assembly may include a frame having a first side wall and a second side wall positioned in spaced-apart relation and a cartridge access end. A lateral guide surface being substantially parallel to a lateral plane is associated with the first side wall of the frame. A thumb assembly is slidably mounted to the first and second side walls of the frame so that the thumb assembly is capable of moving toward and away from the cartridge access end of the frame. A guide member is mounted to the thumb assembly, engaging the lateral guide surface on the first side wall of the frame so that lateral motion of the thumb assembly is controlled as the thumb assembly moves toward and away from the cartridge access end of the frame.

Abstract: A cartridge picker assembly may comprise a frame having a first side wall and a second side wall positioned in spaced-apart relation. A cartridge guide surface is associated with the second side wall of said frame and is substantially parallel to the second side wall. A spring assembly for biasing a data cartridge inside the cartridge picker assembly includes a flexible member mounted to the first side wall and a roller rotatably mounted on said flexible member. The roller is adapted to rollingly engage a cartridge mounted in the picker assembly.

Abstract: Data cartridge exchange apparatus for allowing a user to access a data cartridge contained in a data storage system comprises a cartridge engaging assembly mounted within the data storage system so that the cartridge engaging assembly moves along a displacement path. A panel located adjacent a portion of the displacement path includes a cartridge exchange aperture therein that is sized to pass the data cartridge. A door mounted to the panel is moveable between an opened position and a closed position and includes a first cartridge support surface and a second cartridge support surface. The second cartridge support surface is positioned transverse to the first cartridge support surface so that the first and second cartridge support surfaces together define an L-shaped configuration. The first cartridge support surface is positioned within the cartridge exchange aperture to support the data cartridge when the door is in the closed position.

Abstract: Data cartridge exchange apparatus for allowing a user to access a data cartridge contained in a data storage system may comprise a cartridge engaging assembly mounted within the data storage system so that the cartridge engaging assembly is moveable along a displacement path. A panel located adjacent a portion of the displacement path is provided with a cartridge exchange aperture therein that is sized to pass the data cartridge.

Abstract: Shipping lock apparatus for securing a moveable cartridge picker assembly to a frame may comprise a lock member mounted to the cartridge picker assembly so that the lock member can be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position. A thumb assembly contained within the cartridge picker contacts the lock member as the thumb assembly moves to a retracted position so that the lock member is moved to the unlocked position when the thumb assembly reaches the retracted position. A slot associated with the frame engages the lock member when the cartridge picker assembly is located at a stowed position and when the lock member is placed in the locked position.

Abstract: Shipping lock apparatus for securing a moveable cartridge picker assembly to a frame may comprise a lock member mounted to the cartridge picker assembly so that the lock member can be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position. A thumb assembly contained within the cartridge picker contacts the lock member as the thumb assembly moves to a retracted position so that the lock member is moved to the unlocked position when the thumb assembly reaches the retracted position. A slot associated with the frame is sized to engage the lock member when the cartridge picker assembly is located at a stowed position and when the lock member is placed in the locked position.

Abstract: A cartridge engaging assembly may include a frame having a cartridge access end. A thumb assembly for engaging and disengaging a cartridge is slidably mounted to the frame so that the thumb assembly is capable of moving toward and away from the cartridge access end of the frame. A rack and pinion drive assembly is operatively associated with the thumb assembly and moves the thumb assembly toward and away from the cartridge access end of the frame.

Abstract: A cartridge picker assembly may include a frame having a first side wall and a second side wall positioned in spaced-apart relation and a cartridge access end. A lateral guide surface being substantially parallel to a lateral plane is associated with the first side wall of the frame. A thumb assembly is slidably mounted to the first and second side walls of the frame so that the thumb assembly is capable of moving toward and away from the cartridge access end of the frame. A guide member is mounted to the thumb assembly, engaging the lateral guide surface on the first side wall of the frame so that lateral motion of the thumb assembly is controlled as the thumb assembly moves toward and away from the cartridge access end of the frame.

Abstract: A cartridge engaging assembly has a frame assembly having a first side member and a second side member positioned in spaced-apart relation. A first horizontal guide surface is positioned on the first side member of the frame assembly and a second horizontal guide surface is positioned on the second side member of the frame assembly. A thumb assembly having first, second, and third bearing members is positioned on the first and second horizontal guide surfaces so that the first bearing member engages the first horizontal guide surface and so that the second and third bearing members engage the second horizontal guide surface.