Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes instructing performance of a data operation on a magnetic recording tape using a primary drive, wherein the primary drive rewinds the magnetic recording tape onto a spool at a first tension. The method also includes instructing transfer of the magnetic recording tape to a rewinder drive after performance of the data operation and instructing the rewinder drive to perform a low-tension rewind operation. The low-tension rewind operation includes unspooling the magnetic recording tape from the spool and rewinding the magnetic recording tape onto the spool at a second tension lower than the first tension.

Abstract: A modular ramp system comprising a plurality of panels assemblable to form a multi-sectional ramp deck and a collapsible load bearing arrangement for supporting each panel of the multi-sectional ramp deck at a predetermined distance off the ground. At least two of the panels having a correspondingly located connecting assembly locatable proximal to a leading edge and a trailing edge of the adjoining edges of two adjacent panels. The connecting assembly having an arrangement for enabling the main plane of the panels to enter into and out of alignment with one another to engage and disengage the multi-sectional ramp deck. The connecting assembly also having functionality for enabling relative movement of the panels when the main plane of the panels is out of alignment such that all panels are stackable one on another for stowage and/or transport.

Abstract: A modular ramp system comprising a plurality of panels assemblable to form a multi-sectional ramp deck and a collapsible load bearing arrangement for supporting each panel of the multi-sectional ramp deck at a predetermined distance off the ground. At least two of the panels having a correspondingly located connecting assembly locatable proximal to a leading edge and a trailing edge of the adjoining edges of two adjacent panels. The connecting assembly having an arrangement for enabling the main plane of the panels to enter into and out of alignment with one another to engage and disengage the multi-sectional ramp deck. The connecting assembly also having functionality for enabling relative movement of the panels when the main plane of the panels is out of alignment such that all panels are stackable one on another for stowage and/or transport.

Abstract: A method is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including physically transporting tape cartridges in a tape library using an accessor. The method further enables communication between the accessor and the tape library using a flexible cable assembly. The flexible cable assembly includes a flexible channel and multiple twisted wire pairs loosely routed through the flexible channel. The multiple twisted wire pairs independently and substantially freely move within the flexible channel.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including an accessor to physically transport tape cartridges in a tape library. A flexible cable assembly is connected to the accessor that enables the accessor to move relative to the tape library and enables one of power and communication signals to be transmitted to the accessor. The flexible cable assembly includes a flexible channel and multiple twisted wire pairs loosely routed through the flexible channel. The multiple twisted wire pairs independently and substantially freely move within the flexible channel. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Provided are a system and article of manufacture for allowing communication among nodes in a system. A request is received in a source node from a source object executing in the source node to send a message to a destination object executing in a destination node. Each node includes a processor capable of multitasking multiple program objects and a communication interface to transmit and receive data with the other nodes. A determination is made in the source node as to whether the destination node and source node are a same node. The message is sent in the source node to the destination object within the source node if the destination node is the source node. If the destination node is not the source node, then the source node transmits the message to the destination node through the communication interface. The destination node sends the message to the destination object within the destination node.

Abstract: An electronic device employs an electronic persistent visual display. One embodiment comprises a nonvolatile memory for storing information regarding the electronic device; an electronic persistent visual display having an input, the electronic persistent visual display providing a visual label display which persists indefinitely, until updated by an input signal at the input; an operational element, and a processor for operating the operational element. One type of electronic persistent visual display has a stable image “memory effect” for an extended period of time in the absence of power, and another type is powered by a power source. The processor, in response to a predetermined state, such as a power-on, provides an update input signal at the electronic persistent visual display input. The update input signal comprises information selected from the stored information regarding the electronic device, for updating the visual label display of the electronic persistent visual display.

Abstract: A cartridge storage device for a data storage and retrieval system according to one embodiment comprises a housing having a front and a back positioned on opposite ends of the housing; a plurality of cells in the housing, each cell adapted for receiving a media cartridge; and a drive mechanism for selectively driving the cells towards a front opening in the front of the housing, the front opening allowing insertion and retrieval of the cartridges from the cells.

Abstract: A tape drive bezel forming a front surface of a tape drive is provided, the bezel comprising a housing, an opening in the housing for receiving a tape cartridge, a plurality of targets or fiducials, each fiducial providing an alignment target for one of a plurality of robotic assemblies to insert or remove a tape cartridge in the opening of the housing, and a plurality of projections extending from the front of the housing forming legs for supporting the tape drive and for protecting the fiducials from handling damage. The plurality of fiducials provided on the bezel are compatible with the plurality of robotic assemblies used by different tape library systems enabling a tape drive fitted with the bezel to be used interchangeably with the different libraries.

Abstract: A cartridge storage device for a data storage and retrieval system according to one embodiment comprises a housing having a front and a back positioned on opposite ends of the housing; a plurality of cells in the housing, each cell adapted for receiving a media cartridge; and a drive mechanism for selectively driving the cells towards a front opening in the front of the housing, the front opening allowing insertion and retrieval of the cartridges from the cells.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the activity of a tape drive system having one or more electro-mechanical components that receive electrical current from a power supply. The method includes sampling an actual current supplied to an electro-mechanical component of a tape drive system from a power supply during an activity; reading a theoretical current for said activity from a memory; calculating a statistical value for said actual current and said theoretical current; comparing said statistical value to at least one threshold value; and outputting information to at least one of a user, another system, and another process based on said comparison of said statistical value to said at least one threshold value.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an activity of a tape drive system having one or more electro-mechanical components, said electro-mechanical components receiving electrical current from a power supply. The system comprises a mechanism for sampling an actual current supplied to said electro-mechanical component from said power supply during said activity; a mechanism for reading a theoretical current for said activity; a mechanism for calculating a statistical value for said actual current and said theoretical current; a mechanism for comparing said statistical value to at least one threshold value; and a mechanism for outputting information to at least one of a user, another system, and another process based on said comparison of said statistical value to said at least one threshold value.

Abstract: A contactless power system for an automated data storage library having a plurality of storage shelves for storing data storage cartridges, at least one picker for accessing the data storage cartridges with respect to the storage shelves, and a transport system for guiding the picker(s) along at least one path with respect to the storage shelves. The contactless power system comprises a plurality of segmented coils arranged in parallel to the path(s), and in proximity to at least one induction receiver of the picker(s); and at least one power source supplying power to the segmented coils, for inductive transmission of power by the segmented coils to the induction receiver(s) of the picker(s). The power source(s) may switch the supplied power to selected segmented coils based on an indication of the position of the induction receiver(s) of the picker along the path.

Abstract: A cartridge storage device includes a housing having a front and a back. A plurality of cells are mounted in the housing, each cell adapted for receiving a media cartridge. A drive mechanism drives the cells towards a front opening in the front of the housing for allowing insertion and retrieval of the cartridges from the cells by the picker. Optionally, the back of the housing can have a rear opening for allowing in situ user-insertion and retrieval of the cartridges from the cells as well as viewing of the cartridges.

Abstract: Provided is a method, system, and program for allowing communication among nodes in a system. A request is received in a source node from a source object executing in the source node to send a message to a destination object executing in a destination node. Each node includes a processor capable of multitasking multiple program objects and a communication interface to transmit and receive data with the other nodes. A determination is made in the source node as to whether the destination node and source node are a same node. The message is sent in the source node to the destination object within the source node if the destination node is the source node. If the destination node is not the source node, then the source node transmits the message to the destination node through the communication interface. The destination node sends the message to the destination object within the destination node.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the activity of a system of one or more electro-mechanical components that receive electrical current from a power supply. The method and system samples an actual current supplied to the electro-mechanical component from the power supply. Next, the method and system reads a theoretical current for the activity of the system. A statistical value is computed from comparing the actual current and the theoretical current. This statistical value is compared to upper and lower threshold values. Depending upon this comparison, the system issues various output messages. Further, if this comparison indicates that one of the electro-mechanical components is failing, the method and system will shut that component down.

Abstract: A portable canister for upgrading, converting, or servicing an automated data storage library includes an assembly with cartridge cells. The portable canister is mounted within a data storage drive compartment, and/or another slot within the automated data storage library. The storage capacity of the library may be increased by adding portable storage canisters. When occupying a data storage drive slot, the portable storage canister may be removed and replaced with a data storage drive. Dual accessor library expansion may be simplified by using the portable canister as a test canister in the service bay of the library. Any library frame or storage module may become the service bay simply by inserting a test canister into the frame or storage module. This eliminates the need to shut down the library and reconfigure the frames to relocate the service bay.

Abstract: A system and method to automatically provide frame count, frame identification and status information to each frame within a modular, multi-frame tape library system. In the exemplary embodiment, signals are generated by each frame that have a delay value specific to each frame, which are accumulated and supplied to each frame to determine the total number of frames within the tape library system. A reference pulse is generated by each frame and compared to the delay signal generated by each frame to determine its own identification among the plurality of individual frames. Similarly, a status signal is generated by each frame and supplied to each frame which is indicative, for example, of a door open or other anomaly that can be monitored by all the frames within the tape library system.

Abstract: An electronically updatable external labeling system for a data storage element, such as a data storage cartridge for magnetic tape media. An electronic persistent visual display is at a cartridge external surface. An electronic persistent visual display has a stable image “memory effect” for an extended period of time. An input is provided for a signal for updating the visual display; and an update agent, such as a power source, is provided for operating the visual display in response to the input signal, such that the visual display comprises an updated persistent visual display label. Further, a nonvolatile electronic memory may be provided, such that both the visual display and the memory are electronically updatable.

Abstract: Failure isolation in a distributed processing system of processor nodes coupled by a multi-drop bus network. The processor nodes have information of relative locations of the processor nodes on the network, and have an associated local error indicator, such as a character display. Each node independently tests access to other nodes on the network, and upon detecting a failure to access one or more nodes, determines, from the relative locations, the node having failed access which is closest. The failure detecting processor posts, at its associated local error indicator, an identifier of the closest failed access node. A user may inspect the local error indicators and thereby isolate the detected failure.