Spectra Logic Corporation

Western Automation Laboratories, Inc.

Eric A Rinard

Gregory S Rinard

Brian A Ruff

Clark D Brace

Nathan Christopher Thompson

Hai Thanh Ho

Bennett C Hinnen

Hossein Zia-Shakeri

Disclosed is a data cartridge library system capable of using a data cartridge holder. The data cartridge holder comprises a bottom and side walls wherein the side walls are attached to the bottom wall at one end and form a terminal edge at another. The terminal edge defines an opening through which a plurality of data cartridges can be inserted and removed from the data cartridge holder. In one embodiment, the data cartridge holder can comprise at least a pair of hook-like structures on opposite sides of the data cartridge holder to engage a mounting structure in the data cartridge library. The data cartridge holder can further be adapted to be covered by a dust cover wherein the dust cover can be capable of engaging the data cartridge holder in a first and second position without impeding either the insertion or extraction of a data cartridge or the engagement with the mounting structure of the library.

Data cartridge holder operable with a data cartridge library system

A removable data cartridge holder that comprises a box-like structure for holding data cartridges and a dust cover that can be placed over the opening of the box-like structure when the holder is not in use and when the holder is in use, attached to the box-like structure. In another embodiment, an orientation structure that-prevents insertion of a data cartridge into the box-like holder if the cartridge is improperly oriented. Retention clips for preventing accidental dislodgement of a data cartridge located in the box-like structure are present in yet another embodiment.

Data cartridge library system with particular cartridge holder configuration

The present invention is directed to a data cartridge library system that realizes a reduced cost by reducing the number of certain components, especially expensive components, that are needed to perform certain functions within the library. With respect to certain functions, a reduced cost is realized by using lower precision compenentry in combination with componentry that compensates for lower precision while still providing a reduced component cost with respect to a given function. In one embodiment of the invention, a data cartridge picker is provided that: (1) uses a single electro-mechanical device for the functions of grasping a data cartridge, retracting a grasped cartridge from a drive/storage location, inserting a grasped cartridge into a drive/storage location, and releasing a grasped cartridge once position in a desired location; (2) is capable of compensating for variations in cartridge positioning; (3) has a gripping mechanism that. moves in a sinusiodal manner; and (4) avoids the wear and tear associated with moving fully retracted gripper mechanism that is not holding a data cartridge from a fully retracted position to a position at which a cartridge can be retrieved. Another embodiment provides a elevator mechanism for moving the cartridge picker in which the guiding portion of the mechanism is also part of the portion of the mechanism that moves the cartridge picker.

Data cartridge library system

The present invention provides a data cartridge holder that is capable of accommodating a plurality of 8 mm tape cartridge. The holder includes retaining structure for engaging a discontinuity located between the door and the side of an 8 mm cartridge to retain the cartridge in the holder. Also included in the holder are orientation structure that inhibit the insertion of an incorrectly oriented 8 mm cartridge into the holder. The cartridge holder further includes a mounting structure that permits the holder to be removably mounted in a tape library. A dust cover is also provided that can be attached to the holder when, for example, the holder is mounted in a tape library and thereby prevent the dust cover from being lost or misplaced.

Tape cartridge holder with misinsertion prevention structure

A storage system (10) is disclosed that provides random access storage/retrieval of data on data cartridges within the storage system (10). In one embodiment, the storage system (10) includes a storage array (20), a player/recorder device (22), and a cartridge transport device (40). The player/recorder device (22), a guard device (80) and the transport device (40) are positioned on substantially opposite sides of the storage array. The transport device (40) moves cartridges between the storage array (20) and the player/recorder device (22). The guard device (80) pushes a prolapsed data cartridge back into the storage array (20) and/or limits the distance a data cartridge will prolapse from the storage array (20).

Data cartridge library system architecture

A storage system (10) is disclosed that provides random access storage/retrieval of data on data cartridges within the storage system (10). In one embodiment, the storage system (10) includes a storage array (20), a player/recorder device (22), a guard device (80) and a cartridge transport device (40). The player/recorder device (22) and the transport device (40) are positioned on substantially opposite sides of the storage array. The transport device (40) moves cartridges between the storage array (20) and the player/recorder device (22). The guard device (80) pushes a prolapsed data cartridge back into the storage array (20) and/or limits the distance a data cartridge will prolapse from the storage array (20).

Retaining slot for data cartridge library system

A storage system (10) is disclosed that provides random access storage/retrieval of data on data cartridges within the storage system (10). In one embodiment, the storage system (10) includes a storage array (20), a player/recorder device (22), a guard device (80) and a cartridge transport device (40). The player/recorder device (22) and the transport device (40 ) are positioned on substantially opposite sides of the storage array. The transport device (40) moves cartridges between the storage array (20) and the player/recorder device (22). The guard device (80) pushes a prolapsed data cartridge back into the storage array (20) and/or limits the distance a data cartridge will prolapse from the storage array (20).

Growing community of inventors

Boulder, CO, United States of America

Eric A Rinard