Tandberg Data Asa

Håvard Hoelsaeter

Jan Erik Holter

A data archiving apparatus includes an autoloader for automated transfer of data tape cartridges between at least one tape drive and storage locations of at least one cartridge storage magazine. One or more hard disks is mounted within the autoloader apparatus. The hard disk is connected for data transfer between the hard disk and the tape drive so that data caching can be accomplished during the data archiving process. Interface controls for both the tape drive and the one or more hard disks is provided within the housing of the data archiving apparatus to permit simultaneous operation of the hard disk and the tape drive and for data transfer there between. The hard disks may be exchanged by a user to increase data storage capacity.

Configurable tape loader with internal hard-disk

An apparatus and method for expanding capacity of a data cartridge storage and handling apparatus includes a modification to permit a second data cartridge storage and handling apparatus to be added to the system at a position to permit exchange of data cartridges via a pass-through opening. A pass-through box is added in one of the storage and handling units, the pass-through box having a portion shaped like a cartridge so that it is gripped by a gripper of a cartridge shuttle. A second part of the pass-through box holds a cartridge so that the shuttle can hold the pass-through box in a position to extend the cartridge it is holding into the other storage and handling apparatus. A marking system is provided to ensure proper spacing of the units from one another. A connection and control coordinates the operation thereof. The pass-through box is installed by being inserted in a replacement storage magazine. The housings of the storage and handling apparatus have a removable cover to permit opening of the pass-through opening.

Expandable data storage system and method with cartridge pass-through between cartridge handling units

A data storage and retrieval device utilizes a data cartridge recording and playback apparatus and has storage magazines for holding a plurality of data cartridges for use by the recording and playback apparatus. A cartridge shuttle moves the data cartridges between the recording and playback apparatus and the storage magazines. The cartridge shuttle has a translation drive for moving the shuttle and the cartridges held therein along a translation space within the data storage and retrieval device. The shuttle also has an elevator for lifting and lowering the cartridges, a rotation apparatus to rotate the cartridges, and a cartridge gripper to move the cartridges into and out of the rotation apparatus.

Robotics for a data storage system

A data storage and retrieval device is provided which includes a tape drive for recording data on to and reading data from data cartridges, at least one storage magazine in which the data cartridges are stored, and a cartridge shuttle which moves the data cartridges between the tape drive and the storage locations and the storage magazine. The present data storage and retrieval device is housed with a housing that is configured to fit a standard form factor for computer network related devices, such as the 'U' form factor. The data storage and retrieval device is scalable for different form factors by exchanging only a limited number of parts in the apparatus while retaining the majority of parts and components without change. For example, a change in U form factor may be accomplished by varying only a few components in an elevator portion of the cartridge shuttle and by providing a taller or shorter storage magazine in the housing. Greater or lesser storage capacity may also be provided for the device without changing the U form factor by extending the depth of the device, which is readily accomplished by providing different length belts for the cartridge shuttle and a longer or shorter storage magazine having more or fewer slots.

Scalable and expandable units for data storage system

A data storage and retrieval device utilizes a data cartridge recording and playback apparatus and has storage magazines for holding a plurality of data cartridges for use by the recording and playback apparatus. The storage magazines have slots for storing the data cartridges and retaining the data cartridges in place when not being accessed using a cartridge latch. A spring moves the cartridge to an eject position upon release of the cartridge latch. Similarly, the storage magazines have a latch to secure the magazine in place and to selectively release the magazine when desired. The spring loaded ejection apparatus for the magazines is damped to provide slowed movement during the ejection of the magazine. Further, a catch secures the magazine in a partially ejected position to permit exchange of one or a limited number of the cartridges without complete removal of the magazine from the device, and preferably without halting the operation of the device.

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Oslo, Norway

Håvard Hoelsaeter