Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for testing a peripheral device such that the device can remain installed in a housing and connected to a communication bus such as a SCSI bus. The apparatus, system, and method include a communication port that is connectable to a peripheral device connected to a terminated communication bus. The communication port is connected to a first transceiver and a second transceiver. A microcontroller is also connected to the first transceiver and the second transceiver. The microcontroller is programmed to detect an operation mode for the peripheral device and selectively activate the first transceiver or the second transceiver based on the detected operation mode. The microcontroller is further programmed to perform a logical diagnostic test on the peripheral device using the activated transceiver. A user interface is included to communicate to a user a result of the diagnostic test.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for testing a peripheral device such that the device can remain installed in a housing and connected to a communication bus such as a SCSI bus. The apparatus, system, and method include a communication port that is connectable to a peripheral device connected to a terminated communication bus. The communication port is connected to a first transceiver and a second transceiver. A microcontroller is also connected to the first transceiver and the second transceiver. The microcontroller is programmed to detect an operation mode for the peripheral device and selectively activate the first transceiver or the second transceiver based on the detected operation mode. The microcontroller is further programmed to perform a logical diagnostic test on the peripheral device using the activated transceiver. A user interface is included to communicate to a user a result of the diagnostic test.

Abstract: A bar code reader for an automated storage library has a lens assembly with a pair of polarized liquid crystal lenses. Each lens has pair of parallel glass plates that are separated by upper and lower glass substrates. A series of polymer films are symmetrically spaced apart between the substrates. Both the substrates and the films are perpendicular to the glass plates. Electrodes are formed on the films and combine to form a semi-cylindrical stack of film. Liquid crystal fills the spaces between adjacent pairs of the films. The films are coated and/or treated by an alignment process to predispose the liquid crystals to a specific rotational direction. When a selected voltage is applied between adjacent ones of the electrodes, the liquid crystals are synchronously rotated to alter their refractive index to a desired value. Thus, when the layers of each lens are manipulated in unison, the bar code reader is able to quickly adjust its focal length to read bar codes at various distances.

Abstract: A lens assembly has a pair of polarized liquid crystal lenses. Each lens has pair of parallel glass plates that are separated by upper and lower glass substrates. A series of polymer films are symmetrically spaced apart between the substrates. Both the substrates and the films are perpendicular to the glass plates. Electrodes are formed on the films and combine to form a semi-cylindrical stack of film. Liquid crystal fills the spaces between adjacent pairs of the films. The films are coated and/or treated by an alignment process to predispose the liquid crystals to a specific rotational direction. When a selected voltage is applied between adjacent ones of the electrodes, the liquid crystals are synchronously rotated to alter their refractive index to a desired value. Thus, when the layers of each lens are manipulated in unison, the focal length of the lens assembly is adjusted.

Abstract: A bar code reader for an automated storage library has a lens assembly with a pair of polarized liquid crystal lenses. Each lens has pair of parallel glass plates that are separated by upper and lower glass substrates. A series of polymer films are symmetrically spaced apart between the substrates. Both the substrates and the films are perpendicular to the glass plates. Electrodes are formed on the films and combine to form a semi-cylindrical stack of film. Liquid crystal fills the spaces between adjacent pairs of the films. The films are coated and/or treated by an alignment process to predispose the liquid crystals to a specific rotational direction. When a selected voltage is applied between adjacent ones of the electrodes, the liquid crystals are synchronously rotated to alter their refractive index to a desired value. Thus, when the layers of each lens are manipulated in unison, the bar code reader is able to quickly adjust its focal length to read bar codes at various distances.

Abstract: A bar code reader for an automated storage library has a lens assembly with a pair of polarized liquid crystal lenses. Each lens has pair of parallel glass plates that are separated by upper and lower glass substrates. A series of polymer films are symmetrically spaced apart between the substrates. Both the substrates and the films are perpendicular to the glass plates. Electrodes are formed on the films and combine to form a semi-cylindrical stack of film. Liquid crystal fills the spaces between adjacent pairs of the films. The films are coated and/or treated by an alignment process to predispose the liquid crystals to a specific rotational direction. When a selected voltage is applied between adjacent ones of the electrodes, the liquid crystals are synchronously rotated to alter their refractive index to a desired value. Thus, when the layers of each lens are manipulated in unison, the bar code reader is able to quickly adjust its focal length to read bar codes at various distances.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combined pass through and load/unload system for automated data storage libraries. Separate portals open into each of the libraries. A pivoting robot supports a housing which is capable of supporting at least one removable multi-cartridge magazine, and pivots about a pivot axis. An actuator withdraws or extends the housing toward or away from the pivot axis. A pass through controller operates the pivoting robot to position the housing at a portal and operates the actuator to extend the housing into the portal so that the library may load and/or unload the data storage media into or out of the removable magazine(s) in the housing. The controller then operates the actuator and robot to withdraw the housing out of the portal. The controller may position the housing at the bulk load/unload position so an operator may unload and/or load magazines from the housing. The controller may position the housing at the portal of the other library to allow the transfer of media thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that enables multiple host connections with a multi-library system that allows dynamic tracking of all physical cartridge locations and provides continuous updates, while intercepting move or exchange commands from multiple hosts, converting them to the physical element address locations, and executing the commands.