Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for handling storage cartridges within an automated storage library is provided. In one example, the apparatus includes a frame, a translating member, e.g., a leadnut/leadscrew, and a finger mechanism slidably mounted to the frame. The translating member is operable to translate along the frame. The finger mechanism includes a finger member for engaging a storage device, and the finger mechanism is mechanically associated with the translating member such that translation of the translation member relative to the picker frame results in a translation of the finger mechanism relative to the translation member such that the finger mechanism moves a greater distance than the translation member. A gear assembly, mounted to the translation member, may rotate during translation to cause relative movement of the translation member and finger mechanism.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for transferring storage cartridges within an automated storage library is provided. The apparatus includes a sled and a track for supporting and guiding the sled. The track includes a corner portion wherein the sled moves through the corner portion without changing the orientation of the sled relative to the track and storage library system. The corner portion may include a 90 degree turn. The sled may further include a gripper mechanism for handling storage cartridges. The gripper mechanism may rotate relative to the sled to access various storage device interface positions adjacent the track. In another example, the apparatus may further include a motor located remotely from the track and coupled to the sled via a cable pulley system, which drives the sled through the corner portion.

Abstract: An x-y positioning system having a reduced footprint for use in a tape library mountable in standard electronics racks incorporates a cantilevered x-axis frame movably mounted to a single y-axis rail. A rotation preventer is mounted to one end of the frame for stability. An elevator mounted to the x-axis frame for translation in that axis carries a gripper for cartridge handling. The gripper is aligned with individual cartridges contained in tape library magazines by the x and y motion of the elevator. The gripper mechanism provides pass-through handling of tape cartridges for insertion and removal from tape transport units and storage magazines.

Abstract: A compact x-y position system employing a cantilevered frame for carrying an elevator, a gripper with z-axis motion capability mounted to the elevator and cartridge handling and storage including multiple removable magazines and a mailbox for cartridge insertion and disgorgement provide a complete cartridge manipulation apparatus for tape libraries. The x-y position system includes a y-axis rail with unlimited vertical expansion capability and a cantilevered x-axis frame mountable within a standard 19" electronics rack. The gripper mounted to an elevator carried by the x-axis frame is bidirectionally translatable in a z axis and includes a traction assembly having a belt drive train and reaction rollers for cartridge handling. The mailbox incorporates an aperture in an exposed face of the library with a movable door for blocking access to an interior bay of the tape library. An ejection mechanism is incorporated for cartridges inserted into the mailbox by the gripper.

Abstract: A cartridge handling and storage apparatus for use with a multiple axis cartridge handling system includes a mailbox for receiving and disgorging cartridges from a tape library. The mailbox incorporates an aperture in an exposed face of the library, and a door for blocking access to an interior bay of the tape library which is movable by the cartridge handling system for passing cartridges through the mailbox. An ejecting mechanism is provided for cartridges inserted into the mailbox by the cartridge handling system and is actuated by the cartridge handling system. Sensors for a tape library closure door and multi-cartridge magazines held in the library provide the ability for configuration control on cartridges inserted to or removed from the library directly bypassing the mailbox.

Abstract: A disk magazine comprising a housing having a pair of walls connected in spaced relationship to define a storage chamber between them and having separators mounted within the storage chamber to form a plurality of cartridge slots. Cartridges are locked within the storage chamber by means of a plurality of spring members connected to at least one of the walls. Each spring member has a disk contacting end extending partially into the chamber such that, when a cartridge is positioned in one of the slots, the cartridge is clamped between a spring member and the opposing wall. A manual release tab allows for manual unlocking of the magazine for loading and unloading of cartridges. Automatic unlocking of the magazine occurs upon installation of the magazine into a cartridge storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing terminal-to-terminal circuit resistance and enhancing heat transfer in a rotary power transfer apparatus of the roll ring type comprising a connecting thimble for attaching an external power cable to a cone shaped terminal which is attached to a tab integral to an outer ring. An inner ring having a spherical recess mates with the spherical end of a tie connector. A cone shaped terminal is fitted to a second connecting thimble for attaching a second external power cable.