Abstract:
In an automated library, data cartridges, such as magnetic tape cartridges, are stored in storage cells and accessed by data storage drives. An accessor with a gripper transports cartridges between storage cells and storage drives. Cartridges are prioritized according to their relative importance. A processor manages the placement of the cartridges in cells by having higher priority cartridges stored closer to the front of multi-cartridge cells than cartridges with a lower priority. Cartridges with a higher priority may also be stored closer to a storage drive than cartridges with a lower priority. A pusher may be used to push cartridges towards the front of multi-cartridge cells with an empty position to enable the gripper to reach the front cartridge.
Abstract:
An apparatus for transporting a storage media cartridge in a data storage library is disclosed. The apparatus includes an accessor, a pinion and a rack having a straight section and a curved section. The curved section includes multiple rack teeth that are capable of rotating independently from each other to allow the pinion to travel along the straight section and onto the curved section of the rack, or vice versa, without any interruption.
Abstract:
Self-service recording machine producing disks (5) on which one or more products of digital files are recorded as selected for purchase by a user which includes a data bank that a user of the machine can select one or more products stored in respective digital files for recording on a disk (5). The machine further includes a monitor (12) for displaying the products available from the machine; a recorder (20); a stock (60) for blank disks; selection means for making a selection of a product from the display of products; a robotic arm (80); and processing unit (10) responsive to selection of a product to operate the robotic arm (80) to transport a blank disk (5) from the stock (60) of blank disks to the recorder (20), operate the recorder to perform recording of the selected product on the disk (5), and to transport a recorded disk to a discharge position to deliver the recorded disk to the user.
Abstract:
A disk dispenser including a spindle having a first end and a second end, the second end having a disk support foot arranged to support a stack of disks, wherein the disk support foot is movable from an extended position at which a portion of the disk support foot is axially extending beyond a diameter of the spindle for supporting a stack of disks and a withdrawn position at which the portion of the disk support foot is not substantially axially extending beyond the diameter of the spindle for loading the stack of disks onto the spindle; and a pusher for separating at least one disk from the stack of disks on the spindle.
Abstract:
A universal media module for use with a data storage library system containing at least one storage array for holding at least one universal media module. The universal media module is removable from the storage array. The universal media module is capable of containing a variety of media cartridges of various sizes, and the media cartridges may vary in size in at least one dimension. The universal media module has a housing having a top wall, bottom wall, side walls, rear wall, and an open front; a mechanism (32) for removably attaching the housing to the data storage library system; and at least one media storage slot formed by supporting members engaging the side walls of the housing and extending along the side walls from the open front to the rear wall. Optionally, each media storage slot can have: an adaptive part selector apparatus to contact the media cartridge and being deflectable along at least one dimension to securely hold a media cartridge within the media storage slot; a media cartridge identification apparatus to engage the identification feature of a media cartridge and to identify the media cartridge type to the operator; and an automatic media cartridge retention apparatus to disengage the media cartridge's retention feature when the media storage module is attached to the data storage library system and to engage the media cartridge's retention feature when the media storage module is removed from the data storage library system.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a device for playing and storing several disc-shaped data carriers for alternate operation, in particular CDs, CD-ROMs, and DVDs, with a playback unit serving for playing the data carrier and comprising substantially a base plate, a frame plate, and springs and dampers arranged therebetween, and a turntable arranged on the frame plate for accommodating the data carrier and a tensioning device for the data carrier, as well as a stacking unit for the intermediate storage of several data carriers and a loading unit for the bidirectional transport of the data carrier between the stacking unit and the playback unit and for moving the data carrier into and out of the device. A changing gear is provided which has two alternative outputs, the first output (2) being provided inter alia for the purpose of adjusting a control member (14) which can be displaced from an extreme position of the first output (2) by means of a further drive, such that an adjustment member (4) carries out the switching-over operation.
Abstract:
In accordance with the present invention, a disc drive sub-module for accessing data from a disc and rapid disc exchange is provided with a drive chassis. The disc drive sub-module is further provided with an optics set which is disposable within the drive chassis and formed to access data from a disc. The disc drive sub-module is further provided with a first disc compartment formed within the drive chassis to receive a disc. The first disc compartment is further formed to be open to the optics set such that release of a held disc will thereby position the disc adjacent the optics set for data access. The disc drive sub-module is further provided with a second disc compartment formed within the drive chassis to receive a disc and between the first disc compartment and the optics set. The second disc compartment is further formed to be open to the optics set such that release of a held disc will thereby position the disc adjacent the optics set for data access.