Spectra Logic Corporation

Western Automation Laboratories, Inc.

Gregory S Rinard

Eric A Rinard

Brian A Ruff

Nathan Christopher Thompson

Clark D Brace

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 an apparatus and method for monitoring the read/write reliability of data storage devices contained within a data cartridge library system. The data cartridge library system includes multiple player/recorder devices. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the data cartridge library computer queries a player/recorder device after it has been involved in a read/write operation. In one embodiment, the information queried is the Write and/or Read ECC Error Rates. In another embodiment, the Write and/or Read ECC Error Rates are assessed to determine whether the subject player/recorder device is experiencing read/write problems and whether remedial action is warranted. In another embodiment, the subject player/recorder device is tested using a certified test cartridge and a known data pattern. In another aspect of the invention, preventative maintenance of the data cartridge library system includes one of the player/recorder devices writing a known data pattern to a certified test and the same device, as well as the remaining player/recorder devices, reading the known data pattern from the certified cartridge. Preferably, these steps are repeated for all player/recorders in the data cartridge library system and the respective Write and Read ECC Error Rates are displayed in a matrix format to facilitate diagnosing whether any of the player/recorders are experiencing misalignment or data interchange problems.

Apparatus and method for monitoring read/write reliability of data

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

Gregory S Rinard