Abstract: Cartridge-handling apparatus for a media storage system. One embodiment comprises a carriage and a translate frame pivotally mounted to the carriage. A rotational drive system is operatively associated with the carriage, the rotational drive system rotating the translate frame about a y-axis in the media storage system. At least one cartridge-engaging assembly is mounted in the translate frame.

Abstract: A low-overhead storage magazine and method for storing at least one data cartridge therein. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the low-overhead storage magazine comprises a frame assembly having a chamber formed therein sized to receive a plurality of data cartridges, and a partition mounted to the frame assembly and movable in the chamber to define an adjustable storage area. A method for mapping the low-overhead storage magazine is also disclosed.

Abstract: Cartridge-handling apparatus for use in a media storage system. According to an embodiment of the invention, the cartridge-handling apparatus may comprise a platform mounted in the media storage system and movable along a displacement path defined therein. A carriage is mounted to the platform and rotatable about a line normal to the displacement path. In addition, a cartridge-engaging assembly is mounted to the carriage, and faces different directions when the carriage is so rotated. A lift system operatively associated with the cartridge-engaging assembly is provided for vertically positioning the cartridge-engaging assembly relative to the carriage.

Abstract: Cartridge-handling apparatus for use in a media storage system. According to an embodiment of the invention, the cartridge-handling apparatus may comprise a platform mounted in the media storage system and movable along a displacement path defined therein. A carriage is mounted to the platform and rotatable about a line normal to the displacement path. In addition, a cartridge-engaging assembly is mounted to the carriage, and faces different directions when the carriage is so rotated. A lift system operatively associated with the cartridge-engaging assembly is provided for vertically positioning the cartridge-engaging assembly relative to the carriage.

Abstract: Cartridge-handling apparatus for a media storage system. One embodiment comprises a carriage and a translate frame pivotally mounted to the carriage. A rotational drive system is operatively associated with the carriage, the rotational drive system rotating the translate frame about a y-axis in the media storage system. At least one cartridge-engaging assembly is mounted in the translate frame.

Abstract: A low-overhead storage magazine and method for storing at least one data cartridge therein. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the low-overhead storage magazine comprises a frame assembly having a chamber formed therein sized to receive a plurality of data cartridges, and a partition mounted to the frame assembly and movable in the chamber to define an adjustable storage area. A method for mapping the low-overhead storage magazine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for disengaging a cartridge picker from a data cartridge includes moving a thumb assembly in the cartridge picker in a first direction to insert the data cartridge in a cartridge receiving device, then moving the cartridge picker in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction, until a finger pivotally mounted to the thumb assembly is withdrawn from a notch in the data cartridge.

Abstract: A method for disengaging a cartridge picker from a data cartridge includes moving a thumb assembly in the cartridge picker in a first direction to insert the data cartridge in a cartridge receiving device, then moving the cartridge picker in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction, until a finger pivotally mounted to the thumb assembly is withdrawn from a notch in the data cartridge.

Abstract: A method for disengaging a cartridge picker from a data cartridge includes moving a thumb assembly in the cartridge picker in a first direction to insert the data cartridge in a cartridge receiving device, then moving the cartridge picker in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction, until a finger pivotally mounted to the thumb assembly is withdrawn from a notch in the data cartridge.

Abstract: A method for disengaging a cartridge picker from a data cartridge includes moving a thumb assembly in the cartridge picker in a first direction to insert the data cartridge in a cartridge receiving device, then moving the cartridge picker in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction, until a finger pivotally mounted to the thumb assembly is withdrawn from a notch in the data cartridge.

Abstract: A cartridge picker for selectively engaging and disengaging a cartridge may comprise a thumb assembly mounted to the cartridge picker so that the thumb assembly is moveable along a first displacement path between an extended position and a retracted position. An automatically splaying picker finger having an engagement end and a mounting end is mounted to the thumb assembly at the mounting end and is moveable between a retracted position and a splayed position, so that the finger moves into the splayed position when the engagement end is moved against a cartridge. A cartridge picker positioning system is operatively associated with the cartridge picker to move the cartridge picker between a first position and a second position along a second displacement path that is substantially perpendicular to the first displacement path. The finger disengages the cartridge when the thumb assembly is in the extended position and the cartridge picker is moved to the second position.