公开(公告)号：US20050185323A1

公开(公告)日：2005-08-25

申请号：US10904535

申请日：2004-11-15

申请人： Clark Brace ,  Eric Rinard ,  Gregory Rinard ,  Brian Ruff

发明人： Clark Brace ,  Eric Rinard ,  Gregory Rinard ,  Brian Ruff

IPC分类号： G11B15/68 ,  G11B17/22 ,  G11B23/023 ,  G11B23/087 ,  G11B33/14

CPC分类号： G11B23/0236 ,  G11B15/6825 ,  G11B15/6835 ,  G11B17/22 ,  G11B17/225 ,  G11B23/08785 ,  G11B33/1446

摘要： 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 componentry 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. A further embodiment employs a face plate extension that facilitates insertion of a data cartridge into a drive by a low precision cartridge transport device. Yet another embodiment provides a removable data cartridge holder that: (1) includes 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 portion; (2) an orientation structure that prevents insertion of a data cartridge into the box-like holder if the cartridge is improperly oriented; and (3) retention clips for preventing accidental dislodgement of a data cartridge located in the box-like structure.