Spectra Logic Corporation

Jon Benson

Nicholas Aldo Nespeca

Stephen P Neisen

Matt John Ninesling

Matthew John Ninesling

Ian Cubbon

Characterizing virgin tape cartridges in a characterization tape library and then sending the characterized tape cartridges to an end-user's library saves time and effort at the end-user's site. A characterized tape cartridge can be universally used in any compatible tape library if the virgin tape cartridge is characterized in a target calibration window that is within a specific range of heat and humidity. A calibration library can act as a 'middleman' receiving a virgin tape cartridge directly from an OEM. The virgin tape cartridge can be characterized followed by storing a record of the calibration in the tape cartridge's MAM while in the calibration library. The now post-characterized tape cartridge is then on to a user's tape library for use instead of just simply sending a virgin tape cartridge to the end user's library. The record in the MAM effectively changes the designation of the virgin tape cartridge to a post-calibrated tape cartridge.

Universal tape cartridge characterization

A server box embodiment is disclosed that generally comprises an array of dummy HDDs that share a common set of universal disk drive components in a master components module, or power module. Each dummy HDDs is constructed without expensive onboard chipsets that control the normal functionality of a standard HDD. By sharing expensive chipsets in a master components module (power module) money can be saved in building and selling the dummy HDD server. Embodiments envision a power module possessing the needed chipset functionality that is missing in a dummy HDD. The power module can be made to move from dummy HDD to dummy HDD supplying the necessary chipset in a shared manner when data is being stored or retrieved for client or end-user.

Dummy hard disk drive

Disk drive server

Shared disk drive component system

Growing community of inventors

Boulder, CO, United States of America

Jon Benson