Double-door safety access port for automated tape library

Abstract

A double-door safety access port for use with an automated tape library cartridge machine utilizes two doors that operate independently, but are interconnected mechanically with a latch mechanism and a self-locking gear drive arrangement to control loading and unloading of tape cartridges into the library machine. An inner door of the access port is motor-driven between two positions, an open position allowing robot access to the cartridges, and a closed position that unlatches an outer door to allow operator access to the tape cartridges. The closed position closes off the inside of the library machine to prevent any possibility of operator contact with the library robot. The self-locking gear drive arrangement allows the inner door to be moveable only by operation of a motor. This prevents any manual rotation of the inner door by an operator. Until the outer door is latched, the inner door can not be driven back to its open position.