Abstract: A power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system. An automated data storage and retrieval system which includes one or more power supply modules removably disposed therein. An accessor movably disposed with an automated data storage and retrieval system comprising a gripper mechanism which can be releasably attached to a power supply module. A method to supply power to an automated data storage and retrieval system. A method to monitor the operation of a power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating an un-located asset in a computer center including a plurality of assets connected together by a network. The method comprises the steps of host asset of the computer center, obtaining an address for the un-located asset; and sending a command from the host asset to the un-located asset, through the computer center network, for the un-located asset to produce a signal for physically locating the un-located asset. Preferably, the method further comprises the steps of sending a request from the host asset to the un-located asset, through the computer center network, for the un-located asset to confirm that the un-located asset is in the computer center; and in response to receipt of said request, the un-located asset sending a signal to the host asset to confirm that the un-located asset is in the computer center.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for emulating a fiber channel port. A controller is provided according to the invention that includes a fabric port and a virtual N port. The controller is adapted to buffer incoming data and convert an N port address provided with the data by a host computer to an instruction to the picker to couple the disk drive corresponding to the requested N port address to the virtual N port.

Abstract: A data tape drive for recording information on the data tape of a tape cartridge has a transducer head with air bleed slots that define side walls, a tape guide, and a device for detecting damage to the transducer head and tape guide. The damage detection device has a conductor loop that is located along the outer edges of the air bleed slots and tape guide for detecting any brittle fracture damage that may be present. The conductor loop is a thin filament of wire that is preferably attached to the ends of the side walls. When the transducer head or tape guide experiences a fracture, such as a fracture in one of the side walls, the delicate filament breaks and forms an open circuit. The open circuit in the conductor loop is detected by the data tape drive so that remedial actions can be taken.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating an un-located asset in a computer center including a plurality of assets connected together by a network. The method comprises the steps of host asset of the computer center, obtaining an address for the un-located asset; and sending a command from the host asset to the un-located asset, through the computer center network, for the un-located asset to produce a signal for physically locating the un-located asset. Preferably, the method further comprises the steps of sending a request from the host asset to the un-located asset, through the computer center network, for the un-located asset to confirm that the un-located asset is in the computer center; and in response to receipt of said request, the un-located asset sending a signal to the host asset to confirm that the un-located asset is in the computer center.

Abstract: Disclosed is a library of hard disk drives with transparent emulating interface. The hard disk drives are shelved in associated storage locations in the library. A library controller translates the logical address of a requested hard disk drive known to the requesting host computer to a physical address or location within the library. A picker preferably mounts the requested disk drive to a destination receptacle which may be part of a backplane of the library, and the controller accesses the hard disk drive. Library operation is transparent to the host computer, the library emulating a selected type of storage device.

Abstract: A data tape drive for recording information on the data tape of a tape cartridge has a transducer head with air bleed slots that define side walls, a tape guide, and a device for detecting damage to the transducer head and tape guide. The damage detection device has a conductor loop that is located along the outer edges of the air bleed slots and tape guide for detecting any brittle fracture damage that may be present. The conductor loop is a thin filament of wire that is preferably attached to the ends of the side walls. When the transducer head or tape guide experiences a fracture, such as a fracture in one of the side walls, the delicate filament breaks and forms an open circuit. The open circuit in the conductor loop is detected by the data tape drive so that remedial actions can be taken.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hard disk drive picking device and method for transferring a disk drive from one of a plurality of storage bins in a library to a destination wherein the disk drive may be electrically interconnected to a computer. The picking device includes a backplane adapted to provide power or I/O interconnections between the disk drive and the destination during transfer of the disk drive.

Abstract: A magazine for a plurality of removable disk drives. The magazine provides physical and electrical support for the disk drives, and includes a magazine backplane for electrically connecting to the disk drives, and a module connector for electrically connecting to a host computer, preferably at a backplane of the library. Preferably, the magazine also supports a connecting circuit for implementing a fibre channel arbitration loop and intelligent hub for reconfiguring the fibre channel arbitration loop if one or more of the disk drives fails.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for emulating a fiber channel port. A controller is provided according to the invention that includes a fabric port and a virtual N port. The controller is adapted to buffer incoming data and convert an N port address provided with the data by a host computer to an instruction to the picker to couple the disk drive corresponding to the requested N port address to the virtual N port.

Abstract: Disclosed is a library of hard disk drives with transparent emulating interface. The hard disk drives are shelved in associated storage locations in the library. A library controller translates the logical address of a requested hard disk drive known to the requesting host computer to a physical address or location within the library. A picker preferably mounts the requested disk drive to a destination receptacle which may be part of a backplane of the library, and the controller accesses the hard disk drive. Library operation is transparent to the host computer, the library emulating a selected type of storage device.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes an accessor device to magnetically hold a stored item while the item is transported within the system. To sense the presence of a magnetically attractable label on the item, the device generates a pulsed signal having a first strength. The reluctance of the magnetic field is compared with a base value; if the comparison indicates that a label is present, the device generates another pulsed signal having a greater strength to "lock" the item against the accessor. The device then generates another pulsed signal having a reduced strength to maintain and hold the item against the accessor during transportation. Less power is used and, therefore, less heat generated.