Magnetic tape machine

Abstract

A storage apparatus including a drive unit for performing access of data on a selected one of a plurality of cartridge recording media; a cartridge storing member for storing the plurality of cartridge recording media; and an accessor for taking the selected cartridge recording medium out of the cartridge storing member, and feeding the selected cartridge recording medium to the drive unit. The cartridge storing member has a plurality of cells through which the cartridge recording media are allowed to be respectively inserted and passed toward the drive unit. Each of the cells includes a latch for positioning the cartridge recording media into a transfer position wherein the cartridge recording media is transferred to the accessor; improper insertion preventing means for preventing full insertion of the cartridge recording media into cells in an improper orientation; and a shutter mechanism including a door which is allowed to be opened only when a given cartridge recording media is inserted and ejected. Each cell also includes a stopper for limiting opening and closing of the door in cooperation with the passing of each cartridge recording media through the cell; and a flag used to determine whether each cartridge recording media has been inserted into the respective each of the cells or has been ejected from the respective each of the cells.