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: A system and method for providing automated access to a plurality of data media located in an extendable drawer in an opening in a data storage system are provided. Briefly, one such method comprises the steps of: receiving information associated with one of the plurality of data media located in the drawer; based on the information associated with one of the plurality of data media, determining the corresponding predefined position relative to the opening in the data storage system; and positioning the drawer in the predefined position relative to the opening in the data storage system.

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: A cartridge access device in a cartridge storage system is designed to retrieve a cartridge from a storage device and to transfer the cartridge to a particular location within the system. Once the cartridge is no longer needed at the particular location, the cartridge access device retrieves the cartridge from the particular location and returns the data cartridge to the storage device. The data cartridge device preferably includes at least two engaging members that engage a respective surface of a frame assembly. Channels in the surfaces of the frame assembly guide the engaging members and, therefore, the cartridge access device as the cartridge access device moves. The engaging members are engaged with a respective conductive track member that extends through the channels in the frame assembly.

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 data cartridge exchange apparatus for a data storage system may comprise a drawer sized to receive a data cartridge and a first guide rail having a first configuration mounted to the drawer. A guide rail having a second configuration is sized to engage the first guide rail having the first configuration mounted to the drawer. A second guide rail having the first configuration is mounted to the data storage system and is sized to engage the guide rail having the second configuration so that the drawer can be moved between a retracted position and an extended position.

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: 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: 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 for a cartridge-receiving device may comprise, according to one embodiment, a cartridge-referencing member mounted to the cartridge-receiving device. The cartridge-referencing member is resiliently displaceable by a data cartridge received in the cartridge-receiving device. A sensor is operatively associated with the cartridge-referencing member. The sensor detecting the data cartridge in the cartridge-receiving device based on the displacement of the cartridge-referencing member.

Abstract: A cartridge picker assembly may include a frame having a first side wall and a second side wall positioned in spaced-apart relation, the first side wall of said frame defining lateral plane. 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 a cartridge access end of the frame. A guide member mounted to the thumb assembly engages 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: 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: A storage tray adapted to be mounted to an extendable drawer for providing access to a plurality of data media in a data storage system is provided. The data storage system comprises a data exchange device configured to exchange data stored on the plurality of data media and a media handling system configured to transfer the plurality of data media between the storage tray and the data exchange device. Briefly described, the storage tray comprises: a floor section, a back section, a front end wall, and a back end wall defining a first volume sized to receive the plurality of data media; a base member extending away from the front end wall, the base member adapted to be attached to a front access panel of the extendable drawer; and a first slot media member extending away from the base member. The first slot member defines a second volume between the front end wall and the first slot member. The second volume is sized to receive a first spare data medium that is not accessible by the media handling system.

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 flaunted to the thumb assembly engages 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 access device in a cartridge storage system is designed to retrieve a cartridge from a storage device and to transfer the cartridge to a particular location within the system. Once the cartridge is no longer needed at the particular location, the cartridge access device retrieves the cartridge from the particular location and returns the data cartridge to the storage device. The data cartridge device preferably includes at least two engaging members that engage a respective surface of a frame assembly. Channels in the surfaces of the frame assembly guide the engaging members and, therefore, the cartridge access device as the cartridge access device moves. The engaging members are engaged with a respective conductive track member that extends through the channels in the frame assembly.

Abstract: A device for limiting the movement of one body relative to another. In one embodiment, a device for limiting the movement of a first body in relation to a second body is disclosed which includes a bendable piece of material, wherein the piece includes a first section and a second section contiguous to the first section, wherein the second section forms a first angle with respect to the first section, wherein the first angle is measured in a counter-clockwise direction from the first section, wherein the first angle is at least zero degrees and is less than 135 degrees when the piece is un-deflected, and wherein at least a portion of the first section is attachable to the second body.

Abstract: Media storage devices for, and methods of storing data media in, a data storage system are provided. The data storage system may comprise a data exchange device configured to exchange data stored on data media and a media handling system configured to transfer the data media between the media storage device and the data exchange device. Briefly described, in one of many possible embodiments, the media storage device comprises a housing configured to receive the data media. The housing includes a first elongate alignment groove adapted to slidably engage with a corresponding first elongate reference rail located adjacent an opening in the data storage system such that the media storage device may be inserted and removed by slidably engaging the first elongate reference rail and the first elongate alignment groove.