Abstract: Various embodiments may provide a method of illuminating a sample plane. The method may include providing an illumination subsystem, the illumination subsystem including an optical source and at least one lens, having an optic axis at an incident angle greater than 0° and less than 90° to a normal of the sample plane. The method may also include rotating the illumination subsystem about a pivot point between the optical source and the sample plane along the optic axis so that an adjusted illumination distribution generated by the illumination subsystem at the sample plane has greater symmetry compared to a reference illumination distribution generated by the illumination subsystem at the sample plane without the rotation about the pivot point.

Abstract: Various embodiments may provide a method of illuminating a sample surface. The method may include arranging an illumination subsystem, the illumination subsystem including an optical source and at least one lens, having an optic axis at an incident angle greater than 0° and less than 90° to a normal of the sample surface such that a reference illumination distribution is directly generated on the sample surface based on optical light emitted by the illumination subsystem. The method may also include arranging an adjustment optical subsystem such that an adjusted illumination distribution which is more symmetrical compared to the reference illumination distribution is generated on the sample surface based on optical light emitted by the illumination subsystem.

Abstract: Various embodiments may provide a method of illuminating a sample plane. The method may include providing an illumination subsystem, the illumination subsystem including an optical source and at least one lens, having an optic axis at an incident angle greater than 0° and less than 90° to a normal of the sample plane. The method may also include rotating the illumination subsystem about a pivot point between the optical source and the sample plane along the optic axis so that an adjusted illumination distribution generated by the illumination subsystem at the sample plane has greater symmetry compared to a reference illumination distribution generated by the illumination subsystem at the sample plane without the rotation about the pivot point.

Abstract: Various embodiments may provide a method of illuminating a sample plane. The method may include providing an illumination subsystem, the illumination subsystem including an optical source and at least one lens, having an optic axis at an incident angle greater than 0° and less than 90° to a normal of the sample plane. The method may also include rotating the illumination subsystem about a pivot point between the optical source and the sample plane along the optic axis so that an adjusted illumination distribution generated by the illumination subsystem at the sample plane has greater symmetry compared to a reference illumination distribution generated by the illumination subsystem at the sample plane without the rotation about the pivot point.

Abstract: A data storage library comprising a stack of storage modules, each storage module comprising an array of storage slots, the data storage library comprising: a plurality of transmission robots, each transmission robot comprising a tray for transporting a data storage medium to and from a storage slot; and a transmission apparatus configured for effecting movement of at least one of the plurality of transmission robots between two adjacent storage modules in the data storage library.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus for use in a stack of data library units, the stack comprising a lower data library unit and an upper data library unit, each data library unit of the stack comprising a plurality of upright frames, the transmission apparatus comprising a tray for transporting a tape cartridge; a plurality of positioning pinions rotatably attached to the tray; a plurality of racks each disposed on each of the plurality of upright frames and configured to be engaged by the corresponding plurality of positioning pinions for vertical positioning of the tray within each data library unit; a plurality of partial racks each comprising an upper tooth and a lower tooth disposed adjacent the plurality of racks at each of the plurality of upright frames, the upper tooth being disposed adjacent a lower end of the frame of the upper data library unit and the lower tooth being disposed adjacent an upper end of the frame of the lower data library unit; a plurality of cross-over pinions each rotatably attached to th

Abstract: A transmission apparatus for transmitting tapes within a tape library is disclosed. The transmission apparatus comprises a tray for transmitting a tape cartridge. A plurality of pinion gears is provided. The pinion gears are operably connected to each other and are rotatably attached to the tray. A plurality of vertically disposed racks is provided for engagement by the plurality of pinion gears for rotational movement therealong.

Abstract: A tape cartridge handler for transmitting a tape cartridge in a tape library. The handler comprises a deck for supporting a tape cartridge thereon; a gripper assembly in translatable engagement with the deck; and at least one arm in rotatable engagement with the gripper assembly, the arm being rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the arm and having a catch for engaging an aperture in a tape cartridge.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus for transmitting tapes within a tape library is disclosed. The transmission apparatus comprises a tray for transmitting a tape cartridge. A plurality of pinion gears is provided. The pinion gears are operably connected to each other and are rotatably attached to the tray. A plurality of vertically disposed racks is provided for engagement by the plurality of pinion gears for rotational movement therealong.