JP2001523879A - Cartridge magazines and libraries that use the magazines - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] The automatic library includes a magazine (40) including a cartridge engaging member (1428) that deflects to prevent insertion of a magazine into a magazine cavity when a cartridge (C) is improperly inserted. Including. The magazine comprises a magazine wall (1420) defining cartridge cells (1400) and from which cell partitions (1410) extend. The cartridge engaging member is a cantilever arm having a distal end extending in the cartridge insertion direction. Only when the cartridge is properly inserted into the cell does the cantilever arm extend beyond the reference plane. The magazine wall has an arcuate shape with a plurality of cell openings arranged at an angle around an axis. The magazine wall has spaced ribs (1460) with a cartridge window (1664) formed therebetween. The magazine wall has at least one handle fin (1470) extending therefrom. A semi-cylindrical protrusion (1476) on the magazine is housed in the trough at the magazine receiving opening first edge.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND [0001] This application is related to US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 970,205, filed Nov. 14, 1997, and published by CARTRIDGE LIBRARY WITH CART.
RIDGE LOADER MOUNTED ON MOVABLE DRIV
E ASSEMBLY, the content of which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
No. (Docket 2345-329) (This is CARTRIDGE MAGAZI
NE AND LIBRARY EMPLOYING SAME
The contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference).

1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to information storage, and in particular, to an automatic cartridge handling system (eg, a cartridge library), which stores magnetic tape cartridges or cassettes.

2. Related Technology and Other Requirements [0003] Economic and concise storage of information is especially important when computers are used in many areas (eg,
It is becoming increasingly important in the computer industry as it opens up new possibilities with audiovisual equipment and / or multimedia.

In the early days of computers, information that needed to be stored could be transmitted from the computer to a tape drive, so that the information was magnetically recorded on and read from long reels of tape. When the recording operation on this tape is completed, for example,
The reel was manually removed from the tape drive and mounted on a rack. Then, if necessary, other reels from the rack could be manually attached to the drive for either an input operation (tape reading) or an output operation (recording on tape).

[0005] Eventually, the use of magnetic tape in cartridges became widespread, and the cartridges were much smaller than traditional tape reels. Sound information (
For example, although many people are aware of the type of tape cartridge that can be loaded into a "tape deck" for playing music, similar cartridges (size is similar) for storing information such as computer data (Although different) is not so generally known. For many years nowadays, magnetic tape cartridges, including but not limited to computer backups, have proven to be efficient and effective data storage media.

[0006] Large computer systems needed to access a large number of cartridges. To this end, automatic cartridge handling systems or libraries for cartridges have been proposed to make these cartridges automatically available to computers. Many of these automated libraries are similar to jukeboxes. Typically, a conventional automated cartridge library includes a series of storage locations for cartridges, one or more tape drives, and some type of automatic changer or cartridge engaging / carrying mechanism, which removes or inserts cartridges. Grip and to move the cartridge between the storage location and the tape drive).

The following US Patents, all of which are assigned to the same assignee as the present application, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, include not only automated cartridge libraries, but also Various configurations of components (including cartridge engagement / carrying mechanisms and storage racks for containing cartridges) are disclosed: US Pat. No. 4,984,106 to Herger et al.
DGE LIBRARY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPE
RATION THEREOF ").

[0008] US Patent No. 4,972,277 to Sills et al.
GE TRANSPORT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF
OPERATION THEREOF ").

[0009] Younglove US Pat. No. 5,059,722, which is incorporated by reference in "READ
INGB METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CARTRI
DGE LIBRARY ”).

[0010] Marlowe, US Pat. No. 5,103,986, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
DGE RACK ").

[0011] Marlowe US Pat. Nos. 5,237,467 and 5,416,6.
No. 53 (this is "CARDTRIDGE HANDRING APPARATU"
S AND METHOD WITH MOTION-RESPONSIVE
EJECTION ”).

No. 5,498,116 to Woodruff et al.
Y-EXIT PORT FOR CARTRIDGE LIBRARY ").

No. 5,487,579 to Woodruff et al.
ER MECHANISM FOR DATA CARTRIDGES).

US Pat. No. 5,739,978 to Ellis et al.
E HANDLING SYSTEM WITH MOVING I / O DR
IVE ").

No. 5,718,339 to Woodruff et al.
RIDGE RACK AND LIBRARY FOR ENGAGING
"SAME").

Previously known cartridge library automation includes a cartridge changer or cartridge engaging / carrying mechanism that removes or grips a cartridge and moves the cartridge between a storage location and the tape drive. Facilities) were important. Such a rotobik (rotob)
ic) Mechanisms, often referred to as cartridge "pickers" or "grippers", are typically attached to a library frame to introduce and remove cartridges from one or more fixed drives. I have. The fixed drive and picker are mounted on the same basic frame structure of the library, but are otherwise structurally independent.

A cartridge library with movable drives is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,739,9
No. 78 (this is "CARDTRIDGE HANDRING SYSTEM W"
Under the heading "ITH MOVING I / O DRIVE", the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference). In such an arrangement,
The tape drive moves in line (eg, pivots) and then moves linearly into an operational relationship to receive the cartridge. This arrangement effectively avoids the use of a cartridge "gripper" or "changer" since the drive itself performs its function. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An automated library that handles cartridges of information storage media deflects to prevent insertion of a magazine into a magazine cavity in a library frame if the cartridge is improperly inserted into a magazine. Including a magazine with a cartridge engaging member. The magazine defines a cell for the cartridge and includes a magazine wall from which cell partitions extend. The cartridge engaging member is a cantilevered arm having a distal end extending in a direction into which the cartridge can be inserted into the cell, and has a cartridge engaging profile, whereby the cartridge is properly positioned. When inserted into the cell, the cantilever arm does not extend beyond the reference plane, but if the cartridge is not inserted properly, the cantilever arm will deflect beyond the reference plane. Each cell includes two opposing cantilever arms that extend apart so that both cantilever arms deflect beyond their respective reference planes if the cartridge is improperly inserted into the cell. Provided.

The magazine wall is arcuate in shape and has a plurality of cell partitions for defining a plurality of cells, the openings of the plurality of cells being arranged at an angle around an axis. The magazine wall has spaced ribs with cartridge windows formed between adjacent ribs. In addition, the magazine wall has at least one handle fin extending therefrom.

The library frame has a magazine receiving opening through which a magazine is inserted such that the cell opening guides in the insertion direction. The magazine receiving opening must be fitted with and around the first end of the magazine before the opposite edge of the magazine can be engaged by the library frame at the second edge of the magazine receiving opening. The first end of the magazine has a first edge that must be pivoted. In particular, a trough is formed at the first edge of the magazine receiving opening to accommodate a semi-cylindrical projection of the magazine. Upon insertion, the semi-cylindrical projection pivots within the trough. The library frame has a lock proximate a second edge of the magazine receiving opening for stowing the magazine in the magazine receiving opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, certain details (eg, specific structures, interfaces, techniques, etc.) are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Has been stated. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.

FIG. 1 shows the exterior of a cartridge library 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in the other figures described below, the cartridge library 20
Accommodates a magazine in which cartridges C ₁ , C ₂ ,... C ₇ are stored. In the illustrated embodiment, cartridges C ₁ , C ₂ ,... C ₇ are 8 millimeter tape cartridges (eg, ANSI Standard 8 millimeter tape cartridges). Hereinafter, in general, in relation to the cartridge library 20,
When referring to cartridges in general, rather than any particular cartridge, such representative cartridges will simply be referred to by the letter "C". It should be understood that the cartridge library 20 is not limited to the particular type of data cartridge shown, but that other cartridges could be used instead.

The cartridge library 20 has a housing 32, which includes three panel covers 33; a bottom plate or a base plate 34; a rear wall 35; and a front wall or a front edge 36 (see FIG. 1A). reference). As described below, the cartridge magazine 40 is inserted through the front wall 36 of the cartridge library 20. In the frame 32, a magazine mounting assembly 45; a drive mounting assembly 50
A cartridge transport system 60 and a controller 65 are mounted.
The control circuitry is edge-oriented and is attached to the rear wall 35 of the library housing 32 via a SCSI connector. Further, as described below, a partition 70 is provided in the housing 32.

FIG. 1B illustrates various assemblies, systems and septum 70 within housing 32.
Is shown. As can be seen from both FIGS. 1A and 1B, the drive mounting assembly 50 resides on the base plate. The drive mounting assembly 50 includes
The tape drive 80 is received internally. Opposite the drive mounting assembly 50 is a pair of spaced apart, forwardly extending arms 82 that reach the front end of the base plate 34. In particular, when the assembly 50 is formed from a thin metal plate or the like, enclosing the tape drive 80 in the drive mounting assembly 50 provides high EMI (electromagnetic interference) insulation for the tape drive 80.

The magazine mounting assembly 45 stands upright on the base plate 34 at the front of the cartridge library 20 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B). The magazine mounting assembly 45 has an arch-like structure, with the opposing magazine resting on the assembly wall 84. In those substrates, the magazine mounting assembly wall 84 is secured to the distal end of the arm 82 by a fastener. The front end of the magazine mounting assembly wall 84 has a tab 86 which is vertically inclined thereto. The front wall 36 is attached to the tab 86 by a fastener. The rear ends 88 of the magazine mounting assemblies 45 are fabricated along a portion of their arch length and form a toothed rack 90.

The pivot 100 is formed at the rear of the drive mounting assembly 50. In particular, on its opposite side, the housing of the drive mounting assembly 50 has two pivot pins 101 extending therefrom. The cartridge transport system 60 has a carriage 102 that rotates about an axis 100. At the rear, the carriage 102 has two opposing side flanges 104. Carriage flange 104
Each has an opening 106 formed therein. The opening 106 receives a counterpart of the pivot pin 101 so that the cartridge transport system 60 can pivot about the pivot axis 100. Rotation of the carriage 102 occurs as the motor drive gear assembly 110 engages the toothed rack 90 of the magazine mounting assembly 45. That is, the carriage 102 rotates about the pivot axis 100 as the carriage gear assembly 110 moves up and down the toothed rack 90.

When the carriage C is loaded into the tape drive 80, the pivot axis 100 is parallel and, more particularly, is flush with the center line of the cartridge C. further,
The pivot shaft 100 is located at the rear of the cartridge C. As a result, when the cartridge C is inserted into the tape drive 80, the cartridge C is moved to the shaft 100 (in the case of the X axis [see FIG. 1B]) and the magazine 40. Exists between

The rotation of the carriage 102 about the pivot axis 100 occurs in an interior front region of the housing 32 defined by the partition 70. The septum 70 is secured to the bottom plate or base plate 34 above the rear of the drive mounting assembly 50 and has a first segment 114 (which extends perpendicularly from the bottom plate or base plate 40). The second segment 116 is inclined at an angle such that it divides the first segment 120 forward and backward, as shown in FIG. 1A. Above it, the bulkhead second segment 116 has a circuit board with a power supply 118 mounted thereon, as well as a controller 65 thereon (see FIG. 1B).

FIG. 1C shows the structure of FIG. 1B, but shows how the carriage 102
The rear wall 35 and the bulkhead 70 have been removed to illustrate whether they will pivot about 00. In particular, FIG. 1C shows how the carriage gear assembly 110 engages the toothed rack 90. As will be described below, the carriage gear assembly 110 allows the carriage 102 to pivot so that its cartridge engaging arm 120 (when the magazine 40 is mounted to the magazine mounting assembly 45) has a plurality of Driven to be selectively aligned with one of the cartridge positions.

As shown in FIG. 2, at their distal ends, the cartridge engaging arms 120 have “L” shaped actuator fingers 122 that project vertically therefrom. Finger 122 includes a cylindrical extension 124 and a generally triangular finger tip 1.
26. The finger tip 126 is shaped to engage with a cartridge changer notch N provided on the cartridge C.

FIG. 2 shows, in addition to showing the structure of the cartridge engaging arm 120, and also generally the structure of the cartridge transport system 60, in particular, the structure of the carriage 102. In FIG. 2, the cartridge transport system 60 is shown exploded into its three components, in particular, the carriage frame 130; the circuit board 132; and the engagement arm actuation unit 134. FIG. 2A shows the carriage frame 13.
0 and further disassembly of the engagement arm actuation unit 134 are shown. FIG. 2B shows an upside down disassembly of the engagement arm actuation unit 134.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A, the carriage frame 130 has two opposing side walls 140 and an upper plate 142. The carriage frame upper plate 142 has two guide slots or openings 14 therein as well as a large central opening 144.
5 are formed. On the upper part of the carriage frame upper plate 142, two upright posts 146 are attached, and the back surface of the circuit board 132 is attached thereto. Under the carriage frame upper plate 142, the carriage frame side wall 1
Between the 40 are cavities 148, which receive engagement arm actuation units 134. The carriage frame 130 is also called a carriage first part, while the engagement arm actuation unit 134 is also called a carriage second part.
As described below, carriage second portion 134 is translatable (toward or away from magazine 40) with respect to carriage first portion.

The front end of the carriage frame side wall 140 extends beyond the carriage frame upper plate 142. A cartridge shelf 150 is mounted on the front end of the carriage frame side wall 140 near the bottom of the carriage frame 130. The cartridge shelf 150 has an interior hole 152 through which a mandrel 154 extends rotatably. Carriage gear assembly 110 is secured to opposing ends of mandrel 154. Perhaps as best shown in FIG. 2A, the carriage gear assembly 110 has both a large external gear 159 and a small internal gear 160.
The large external gear 159 meshes with the pinion 164 of the carriage rotation motor 166. The carriage rotation motor 166 is connected to one of the carriage frame side walls 140.
Attached to the outer surface of the piece. The geared inner collar 160 meshes with the toothed rack 90 on the magazine mounting assembly 45 as described below.

The pivoting or rotation of the cartridge transport system 60 about the pivot axis 100 occurs in relation to the home position. In its home position, the cartridge transport system 60 and its carriage frame 130 lie in a horizontal plane so that the cartridge shelf 150 is aligned to insert or receive cartridges from the tape drive 80 doorways. I do. To determine when the cartridge transport system 60 is at its home position, the carriage frame 130 has a home position sensing member 167 formed thereon (see FIG. 2). The home position sensing member 167 is formed on the outer surface of the side wall of the carriage frame 130 behind the carriage rotation motor 166. The home position sensing member 167 is configured to block the home sensor light beam 168 of the carriage home sensor 169. The carriage home sensor 169 is, for example,
As shown in FIG. 1C, it is attached to a post that is raised from the base plate 34.

Therefore, when the cartridge transport system 60 is rotated to its home or bottom position, the carriage 102 is moved so that the entrance to the tape drive 80 can advance through the front of the carriage frame 130. It is located directly above the drive mounting assembly 50. Home sensor 169 also serves to detect the position of cartridge C relative to tape drive 80, for example, when cartridge transport system 60 is in its home position.

Internally, two sensor circuit boards 170 are attached to the front end of the carriage frame side wall 140 on the cartridge shelf 150. Both sensor boards 1
70 has a light emitter 172 and a light detector 174 (see FIG. 2). The light emitter 172 on one side of the sensor circuit board 170 is in line with the light detector 174 on the other side of the sensor circuit board 170, and vice versa. The light beam is therefore directed between each pair of light emitters 172 and light detectors 174. As described below, the foremost pair of light emitters 172 and light detectors 174 are used to detect whether a cartridge is inserted or misinserted into a cell of the magazine 40. The last pair of light emitters 172 and light detectors 174 sense the presence of a cartridge on the cartridge shelf 150.

The engagement arm operation unit 134 has an upper plate 204 and a lower plate 206. The lower portion of the upper plate 204 has a vertical skirt extending therearound at various lengths, such that an actuation cavity 208 is formed between the upper plate 204 and the lower plate 206. Two cavities 210 are formed in two front corners of the skirt of the upper plate 204. The distal or front end of the cartridge engaging arm 120 is
04 extends through each of the openings 210.

The upper plate 204 of the engagement arm actuation unit 134 has both a sensing side (shown in FIG. 2A) and a cam side (shown in FIG. 2B). The top plate 204 is generally flat, but at the rear, the top plate 204 has an offset portion, which is on the sensing side as a horizon 240 and on its cam side as a recess 242. appear.

At the rear, the top plate 204 has two semi-circular slots 250 extending therethrough. As further described herein, a guide pin 252 riding on the light blocker 253 projects through each of the slots 250 and moves along an arcuate path. During its travel, one of these light breakers 253 blocks light to various sensor assemblies mounted on the underside of printed circuit board 132. The sensor assembly mounted on the underside of the printed circuit board 132 is best shown in FIGS. 5A and 5C-5E. These sensor assemblies include a first sensor assembly 254; a second sensor assembly 255.
A third sensor assembly 256; a fourth sensor assembly 257; and a fifth sensor assembly 258;

The sensing side of the engagement arm actuation unit 134 also has three light interrupters 261, 262 and 263 extending orthogonally therefrom.

The cam side of the upper plate 204 is shown in FIG. 2B. As mentioned above, recess 2
Reference numeral 42 is formed on the cam side of the upper plate 204. The recess 242 has a post 269.
And has two eccentrics 270 rotatably mounted thereon. Each eccentric 270 has a toothed or gear-shaped outer periphery. As can be seen from FIG. 2A, each of the eccentrics 270 has a guide pin 252 located near the outer periphery of the eccentric, the guide pins 252 extending orthogonally from the plane of the eccentric 270, Board 204
Slot 14 of the cartridge frame upper plate 142
Extending upward through a corresponding one of the five. An intermediate gear 274 meshes with each eccentric 270. The intermediate gear 274 is rotatably mounted on the post 275 (see FIG. 2B). The engagement arm drive motor 276 is mounted above the upper plate 204. The top plate 204 has an opening 277 through which the shaft of the engagement arm drive motor 276 hangs. Below the upper plate 204, the shaft of the engagement arm drive motor 276 has a motor pinion 278 mounted thereon. The motor pinion 278 is
04 is engaged with the outer periphery of the intermediate gear 274, and the intermediate gear 274 is
78 and eccentric 270 (see FIG. 2B).

As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 2A, the upper plate 2 of the engagement arm operating unit 134
04 is mounted on the carriage frame 1.
It extends through 30 central openings 144.

Each eccentric 270 is mainly circular, and an eccentric connector 280 is provided at a chordal portion thereof. The eccentric 270 can have their respective connectors 280 formed integrally therewith. Each eccentric connector 280 carries a pivot pin 282 to which the proximal end of the engagement arm 120 is pivotally connected.

The cartridge transport system 60 has both an engagement arm 120 and a flipper assembly described below. Each engagement arm 120 is a rigid single piece having two segments, specifically, a segment 284 and a forearm segment 286. The arm segments 284 are deflected toward each other. In this regard,
The lower side of the upper plate 204 has two upright posts 285, which include the extension spring 2
89, the engagement arm segment 2 of each cartridge engagement arm 120
84 are connected. At the intersection of segments 284, 286, each engagement arm 120 carries a cam follower pin 288.

As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 2B and 6A-6E which will be described subsequently, the cam follower pins 288 of each engagement arm 120 extend to one of the cam grooves 290. The cam groove 290 helps define the path of movement of the engagement arm 120 as the cartridge transport system 60 moves through each of its critical points, for example, as shown in each of FIGS. 6A-6E.

Behind the cartridge shelf 150, a pair of opposing flipper mounting recesses 294 extend inward from the side walls of the carriage frame 130. One of the flipper mounting recesses 294 is visible in FIG. 2A; the other position of the flipper mounting recess 294 is symmetric on the other side wall of the carriage frame 130. Each of the flipper mounting recesses 294 has a post 296 extending upwardly therefrom.

Around each post 296, a secondary cartridge contact assembly is rotatably mounted, also known as a flipper assembly 300 (see FIG. 2A). Flipper assembly 300 includes cartridge contact element 3
02, which serves to perform a “soft load” of cartridge C already partially inserted into drive 80. Then, insert cartridge C into drive 8
When removing or ejecting from zero, the cartridge contact element 302 serves as a stop and registrar. The torsion spring 303 deflects the flipper assembly 300 in an open position, that is, a position away from the entrance of the tape drive 80. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the flipper assembly 300 has a spar 312 that is a curved arm follower notch 314.
Contribute to the formation of The cartridge contact element 302 has two cartridge cooperating surfaces 316,318. The cartridge cooperating surface 316 is essentially circular, but serves to push the cartridge C into the drive 80 during soft loading. Cartridge co-operation surface 318 is essentially straight, but serves as a stop and registrar upon ejection of cartridge C. As described below, flipper assembly 300 responds to movement of engagement arm 120
Actuated to push the cartridge into the tape drive 80.

The engagement arm 120 and the flipper assembly 300 serve primary and secondary cartridge loaders, respectively. The cartridge loading operation scenario for loading cartridge C into drive 80 will now be described with respect to the particular sequence of steps illustrated in the three sets of figures. The first of these sets of drawings (eg, FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E) is a side perspective view of the operation of the cartridge transport system 60. The second of these sets of drawings (eg, FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E) is a top view of the operation of the cartridge transport system 60. The third of these sets of drawings (eg, FIG. 6A)
6B, 6C, 6D and 6E) are bottom views of the engagement arm actuation unit 134 with the lower plate 206 removed in a series of operations performed by the cartridge transport system 60.

In the scenario depicted by these three sets of drawings, the cartridge transport system 60 has the finger tips 126 of the cartridge engaging arms 120 in the magazine 40 as shown in FIGS. 4A, 5A and 6A. Top cartridge C
The toothed rack 90 of the magazine mounting assembly 45 has already been lifted so as to be aligned with (but not yet engaged with, in particular, the notch N of the cartridge C). The engagement arm drive motor 276 was activated to move the finger tips 126 to their farthest limit to move to the positions shown in FIGS. 4A, 5A and 6A. Next, the cartridge rotation motor 166 was activated, thereby rotating the pinion 164. As the pinion 164 rotated in the proper direction, the pinion 164 engaged the larger external gear 159, thereby causing the large external gear 159 to rotate. As the large external gear 159 rotated, the smaller internal gear 160 rotated. Since the small internal gear 160 meshes with the toothed rack 90 of the magazine mounting assembly 45, the small internal gear 1
By rotating 60 in the proper direction, the entire cartridge transport system 60
It is pivoted or rotated about the axis 100 by theta (θ). The duration of activation of the cartridge rotation motor 166 determines the rotation angle in the theta (θ) direction about axis 100, and thereby determines the displacement along the Z axis. As described continuously (eg, with reference to FIG. 7), the cartridge transport system 60 not only monitors its position along the arched rear end 88 of the toothed rack 90, but also , Is inserted into each of the plurality of cells of the magazine 40 or is erroneously inserted.

Therefore, FIGS. 4A, 5A and 6A show the cartridge transport system 60 aligned with the top cartridge C of the magazine 40, with the cartridge engaging arm 120 fully deployed, And flipper assembly 300
Are in their correctly warped open (e.g., non-operated) position. 4A and 5A
6A, the cartridge transport system 60 has the engagement arm 120 in a fully extended and fully separated position in anticipation of gripping the cartridge C. Extending means that the engaging arms 120 are at their furthest extent of movement toward the magazine mounting assembly 45, and separated means that the engaging fingers 126 are at their maximum distance. , Means being away from each other.

The positions shown in FIGS. 4A, 5A and 6A are sensing positions. That is, light blocker 253 blocks light rays to fifth sensor assembly 258, and light blocker 262 blocks first sensor assembly 254 (see FIG. 5A). Therefore, the control device 65 of the cartridge library 20 controls the engagement finger 126
Extend to maximum and recognize that it is ready to deploy and grip cartridge C.

FIGS. 5B and 6B show the position of the cartridge transport system 60, wherein the fingers 126 first engage the notches N of the cartridge C (see in particular, FIG. 6B). 5B and 6B show that the motor 276 is in the middle gear 2 position.
Reached as rotating 74 causes eccentric 270 to rotate in the forward direction indicated by arrow FD in FIG. 6B. As the eccentric 270 rotates in the forward direction FD, the cam follower pin 288 advances toward the cam groove 290 (specifically, a segment of the cam groove 290 at the front of the cartridge transport system 60). In addition, a guide pin 252 at the top of the eccentric 270 extends through two pairs of guide slots (particularly, the semi-circular slots 250 and 145) (see FIG. 5B). The arched movement of the cam follower pin 288 in the cam groove 290 causes the forearms 286 to pivot toward each other until the finger tips 126 engage the cartridge changer notch N. The rotation of the guide pin 252 extending through the guide slot 145 (which rotates as the eccentric 270 is rotationally driven by the engagement arm drive motor 276) causes this carriage second portion (ie, The engagement arm operating unit 134) is drawn out to the first carriage portion (for example, the carriage frame 130). As the carriage second portion 134 is withdrawn, the engagement arm 120 and the cartridge C are engaged therebetween. The positions of FIGS. 5B and 6B are not sensed with respect to optical circuit breaker 253 (for that reason, circuit board 132 is not shown in FIG. 5B). Flipper assembly 300 is effectively not involved in the operation of FIGS. 5B and 6B, and
They remain in their non-operated (ie, warped open) position.

The engagement arm drive motor 276 is subsequently operated by the cartridge engagement arm 12
0, and finally, as shown in FIGS. 4B, 5C and 6C, the carriage second portion 134 is completely retracted into the carriage first portion 130, and the cartridge engaging arm 120 moves the cartridge C into position. The position is such that it covers the cartridge shelf 150 and rests on it. The positions shown in FIGS. 4B, 5C and 6C are the sensing positions, and the light breakers 262 and 261 are respectively connected to the light detector 254.
And 255 (see FIG. 5C). Therefore, the controller 65 of the cartridge library 20 recognizes that the cartridge C is on the cartridge shelf 150.

The carriage rotation motor 166 is subsequently activated in the opposite direction, so that its rotational movement is smaller due to the engagement of the pinion 164 and the larger external gear 159. The power is transmitted to the internal gear 160.
The rotation of the small internal gear 160 (now in the opposite direction) causes the cartridge transport system 60 to pull down (in the negative direction of its theta axis) the toothed rack 90 of the magazine mounting assembly 45. Activation of the cartridge rotation motor 166 continues until the home position sensing member 167 interferes with the home sensor beam 168 of the carriage home sensor 169. When the home position sensing member 167 interferes with the home sensor beam 168 of the carriage home sensor 169, the cartridge C (carried on the cartridge shelf 150 between the grips of the cartridge engaging arm 120) is shown in FIGS. 4C and 5C. In a manner, it is aligned with the entry slot or doorway of tape drive 80.

After the cartridge C is aligned with the tape drive 80 in the manner described above, the cartridge C is inserted into the tape drive 80, as shown in FIGS. 4D, 5D and 6D. The position shown in FIGS. 4D, 5D and 6D is such that the eccentric 270 is in the direction FD (see FIG. 6D) to the extent that the engagement arm 120 contacts the flipper assembly 300 and overcomes the warping force of the torsion spring 303. As it rotates, it is reached. In particular, as the cartridge engaging arm 120 retracts rearward, its cylindrical extension 124 captures and applies force to the arm follower notch 314 on the corresponding flipper assembly 300, thereby causing the flipper assembly 300 to Is turned toward the tape drive 80. Flipper assembly 300
Swivel toward the tape drive 80, the round cartridge cooperating surface 31
6 presses the cartridge C against the entrance of the drive 80 (for example, a cartridge insertion slot). Therefore, the final push to fully insert the cartridge C into the drive 80 is provided by the cartridge contact element 302 of the flipper assembly 300 (in particular, its rounded tip 316). When cartridge C is fully inserted into tape drive 80, cartridge transport system 60 has the position shown in FIGS. 4D, 5D and 6D. Cartridge engaging arm 1
At this furthest extent of the rearward movement of the 20, the distal end of the cartridge engaging arm 120 remains in contact with the flipper assembly 300, thereby overcoming this bow and causing the flipper assembly 300 to
4D and 5D (in particular, FIG. 6D).
D).

The position of the cartridge transport system 60 shown in FIGS. 4D, 5D and 6D is a sensing position, where the photodetector 253 blocks the light beam of the third sensor assembly 256 (see FIG. 5D). , And photodetectors 262 and 261 need to block sensors 254 and 255, respectively. A signal indicating the light blockage of the third sensor assembly 256 informs the controller 65 that an attempt has been made to load the cartridge C into the drive 80. Drive 80 may send a signal to controller 65 when cartridge C has been received and fully loaded into drive 80.

Before the ejection of the cartridge C from the drive 80, the controller 65 sets the eccentric 27
The motor 276 is activated so that 0 rotates in the opposite direction (the direction indicated by the arrow RD in FIG. 6E) to slightly extend the engagement arm 120. Such rotation and extension are shown, albeit slightly, by contrasting FIG. 5D with FIG. 5E. Due to the extension of the engagement arm 120, the flipper assemblies 300 are pivoted slightly away from each other, so that the cartridge cooperating surface 318 is stationary and away from the front of the drive 80, as shown in FIG. 5E. Slightly spaced and held parallel to it.

The degree of operation of the motor 276 to achieve the position of the flipper assembly 300 shown in FIG. 5E is controlled by the controller 65. In this regard, motor 2
76 indicates that the light interrupter 253 blocks the light beam of the fourth sensor assembly 257 (see FIG. 5E) and that the light
Only activated until 5 is blocked. Upon receiving a signal indicative of light blockage of the fourth sensor assembly 257, the controller 65 stops the motor 276,
The flipper assembly 300 is then correctly positioned at the position shown in FIG. 5E.

Although FIGS. 4E, 5E and 6E show the cartridge C after ejection from the drive 800, the pre-ejection arrangement of the flipper assembly 300 can be identified. Prior to ejection, the cartridge co-operating surface 318 is positioned essentially parallel to the front of the drive 80, and thus is essentially for cartridge C during ejection of cartridge C from tape drive 80. Serve as a stop. Therefore, even if the cartridge C is ejected from the drive 80, the cartridge C
Does not fall from zero. Rather, the cartridge co-operation surface 318 (this is the cartridge C
Is fixedly held adjacent to the cartridge C), the cartridge C is positioned and its position is accurately recognized.

After positioning cartridge C, for example, in the manner described above with reference to FIG. 5E, motor 276 is activated again to extend engagement arm 120. As the engagement arm 120 extends, the fingers 126 engage the notches N on the cartridge C and carry the cartridge C to the desired cells on the magazine 40. The cell containing the cartridge C may be the same cell from which it was drawn, or, alternatively, may be another cell aligned with the cartridge transport system 60.

The cartridge transport system 60, under the supervision of the controller 465, rotates about the axis 100 in line with selected cells of the magazine 40 to insert or retrieve cartridges into the magazine. . Regarding the magazine 40, the cartridge library 20 of the present invention has, for example, a cartridge state detection system illustrated in FIG. Although the magazine 40 itself is not shown in FIG. 7 for simplicity, the three example cartridges C ₁ -C ₃ are shown in a position where they each occupy the three highest cells of the magazine 40. ,It is shown. In Figure 7, the cartridge C ₁ and C ₂ are correctly inserted; the cartridge C _3, not properly inserted (e.g., C ₃ is upside down).

As mentioned above, and as also shown in FIG. 7, the magazine mounting assembly 45
Has a curved rear end 88, each segment of which has a toothed rack 90 formed thereon. The toothed rack 90 extends from the pivot axis 100 at a first radius. At a second radius from the pivot axis 100 (which is greater than the first radius) is a virtual arc 700. Along the virtual arc 700, a series of detection and positioning windows 702 are formed. At the end of each of these series is an external detection and positioning window 702 (eg, a detection and positioning window 70 as shown in FIG. 7).
2 ₀₎ is; In between the external window 702, and the like intermediate windows 702 _1, 702 _2. Each of the intermediate detection and positioning window 702 has a first end surface 706, which is a virtual radial line essentially parallel or coplanar from the pivot axis 100, also parallel to the flat lower surface C _BS of the cartridge It is. Each of the detection and positioning windows 702 also
It has a misinsertion detection end face 708, which is not co-linear with the imaginary radius line from the pivot axis 100, but exists in a plane with the inclined end face of the cartridge upper surface leading portion C _TSLP . 7, with its detection end face 706 and error detecting end surface 708, shows the detection and positioning window 702 _1.

It can be seen that the magazine mounting assembly 45 has two rear ends 88, so that each of the rear ends 88 has a detection and positioning window 702. The detection and positioning windows 702 on the two rear ends 88 are horizontally aligned with each other (see FIG. 1A).
.

When the cartridge C ₁ is inserted into the first cell of the magazine 40, its flat lower surface C _{B S} is visible through the detection and positioning window 702 ₁ as shown in FIG. if,
Cartridge C ₁ has been inserted erroneously in the first cell of the magazine 40 (e.g., which is upside-down), then the cartridge C ₁ of the surface (in particular, a flat lower surface C _BS), the detection and positioning window 702 ₀ It is visible on the misinserted end face 708. In this regard, we see a cartridge C _3, the flat lower surface C _BS is visible on the detection and positioning window 702 ₂ erroneous insertion end face 708 _2.

The pair of sensor circuit boards 170 carried by the cartridge transport system 60 allow the light from the leading pair of light emitters 172 and light detectors 174 mounted thereon to travel along the virtual arc 700. , And this ray is perpendicular to the plane of the sheet of FIG. Thus, as the cartridge transport system 60 rotates about the pivot axis 100 in the manner described elsewhere, light rays emitted from the leading light emitter 172 will encounter one of the detection and positioning windows 702. Until it is shut off by the sheet metal of the magazine mounting assembly 45.
Therefore, as this ray travels upward along virtual arc 700, it is only detected intermittently by photodetector 174 aligned with light emitter 172. The light beam becomes detectable upon reaching the misinserted end face 708, and (1) in the absence of a cartridge, until the sensing end face 706 is encountered, or (2) in the presence of a cartridge in the cell. It remains detectable until this cartridge is encountered.

As pivoting about pivot axis 100, thereby moving along magazine mounting assembly 45, cartridge transport system 60 uses the tachometer number of carriage rotation motor 166 held by controller 65. , Swivel axis 100
, Its radial position is recognized. Using this tachometer number, the controller 65 may control the leading pair of light emitters 172 and light detectors 174 (related to what kind of operation may be performed on the magazine 40 or cartridge of a particular cell. These are collectively referred to as detection / positioning sensors). Regard cell cartridge C _2, for example, the detection / positioning sensor, the control device 65 when it is desired to inspect the presence of the cartridge C _2, is aligned with the point P _1. When in the point P _1, that light from the light emitter 172 has not been acceptance by the photodetector 174, it is confirmed that the cartridge C ₂ exists. The control device 65 is, when you want to check whether the cartridge C ₂ is erroneously inserted, the detection / positioning sensor this is aligned with the point P _2. At point P _2, if the detection /
Recognizing if rays positioning sensor is not detected, the control device 65, the cartridge C ₂ is erroneously inserted. Controller 65, when it is desired to recover the cartridge C ₂ to the cartridge delivery system 60, the detection / positioning sensor is aligned with the point P _3. When it is desired to insert a cartridge into a cell shown in FIG. 7 as the cartridge C ₂ occupies, it is also Sagashidasa by the control unit 65 and aligning child the detection / positioning sensor and the point P _3.

An alternative method of determining the presence of this cartridge or misinsertion of the cartridge is to record the transition of the sensor and to determine if disturbances are occurring at the appropriate points (eg, points P ₁ and P ₂ ) May be determined. For example, the controller 65 can determine the end face of the cartridge from the light beam of the sensor and refer to the end face of the cartridge to confirm that the cartridge is present, or to insert the cartridge incorrectly. To decide. By determining the transition of the sensor and measuring the cartridge end face relative to the tachometer number, the controller 65 determines whether the sensor is at the point P ₁ (and thereby confirming the presence of the cartridge) or at the point P ₂ (and thereby (Indicating incorrect insertion of the cartridge).

Thus, a series of detection and locating windows 702 formed on the magazine mounting assembly 45 can be used to (1) condition (eg, present or absent or misinsert) the cartridge in the magazine 40 and (2) pivot. It helps to detect the angular position of the cartridge transport system 60 about the axis 100.

Therefore, the detection and positioning opening 702 has three different points therein. These points are as follows: (1) The misinsertion detection point therein (
A P _2), in this error detecting point, if the data cartridge is erroneously inserted into the magazine, the data cartridge is sensed; (2) a cartridge detection points within it (P ₁₎ And at the cartridge detection point, if the data cartridge is present in the magazine, the data cartridge is sensed; and (3) the transport alignment point (P ₃ ) therein and The transport alignment point serves as a reference when the cartridge transport assembly inserts or retrieves the data cartridge from the magazine.

These three points P _{1 to} P ₃ are similar to those shown in FIG. 7 only with respect to cartridge C ₂ with reference to one of the detection and positioning windows 702. It should be understood that the set of three points exists for cartridge activity that is aligned with any other of the detection and positioning windows 702. Window 702 is therefore
It is formed in a predetermined relationship with the cells of the magazine 40.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show front wall 36 with magazine 40 inserted therein, respectively.
And a front view and a rear view of the magazine mounting assembly 45. 1, and as can be seen, at its front surface, the front wall 36 has a recessed opening area 802
, On which the interactive console 804 fits. Interactive control console 804
Has both an input key 806 and a display unit 810. Across the bottom,
The front wall 36 has a series of vent louvers 812.

The vent louvers 812 on the magazine mounting assembly 45 may be used to facilitate airflow through the library and through the tape drive 80 to facilitate tape flow.
0 (included in drive mounting assembly 50). Fans mounted on rear wall 35 assist airflow through library 20.

The front wall 36 of the cartridge library 20 has a central recessed area 818. The two side panels 820 of the recess 818 extend essentially perpendicularly from the front plane of the front wall 36. The upper and lower panels 822, 824 of the central recessed area 818 are internally and centrally tapered from a plane in front of the front wall 36, respectively. The side panels 820 terminate at the front wall 36 at each individual concave panel 830. The magazine receiving opening 840 into which the magazine 40 can be inserted is provided with the concave panel 83.
It extends between zero. The two spaced tabs 841 of the magazine latch assembly 842 hang down from the top panel 822 and extend slightly into the magazine receiving opening 840 (see FIGS. 8A and 16B). In its central part, the upper panel 822 has an upper access recess 844. In a symmetrical manner, the lower panel 824 has a central lower access recess 846. Both the upper access recess 844 and the lower access recess 846 are essentially keystone shaped recesses, which taper in width across the grip side of the magazine toward the center of the side panel 820. Is attached. At its apex, the lower access recess 846 has a trough 848 formed therein (see FIG. 15A).

FIG. 8B shows each of the _seven cartridges C _{1 to} C ₇ loaded in the magazine 40 as (
From the rear). 8B shows a magazine presence sensor 850 (which is
Attached to the rear surface of the front wall 36 below the magazine 40), as well as a magazine latch solenoid 860. The magazine latch solenoid 860 is connected to the tab 8
62 (which is partially cut from the top wall of the magazine mounting assembly 45 and bent down).

FIGS. 14A and 14B are views of the magazine 40 seen from the grip side and the cell side, respectively. For example, as can be seen from FIG. 1A, the grip side of the magazine 40 is visible from the front of the cartridge library 20 when the magazine 40 is inserted into the magazine mounting assembly 45; the cell side of the magazine 40 is located in these cells. Extending inward through the magazine mounting assembly 45 for orienting the loaded cartridge toward the cartridge transport system 60.

In the embodiment shown, the magazine 40 has seven cells 140 on its cell side.
0 (especially, cells 1400 _{1 to} 1400 ₇ ). The magazine 40 is made with each of the cells 1400, such that these cells are in close proximity to the virtual arc 700, as shown in FIG. Is located. Similar points on each of the _seven cartridges C ₁ -C ₇ are equidistant from pivot axis 100. The seven cartridge C ₁ ~C _7,
They are evenly spaced along the virtual arc 700 at equal angular intervals.

As shown in FIG. 14B, each cell 1400 is at least partially defined by two spaced apart cell barriers 1410. In the illustrated embodiment, the cell partition 1410 is formed integrally (eg, molded) with the magazine wall or spine 1420. As shown in FIG. 14B with reference to the cell 1410 _7, each cell partition wall 1410 has a cartridge support ribs or shelf 1422, on which not only the cartridge lower surface (C _BS), inclined tapered Lamp 14
There are 24. Each cell partition 1410 also includes a cartridge side retention wall 1426.
Having. The cantilever cartridge engaging arm 1428 is used to
00 and extends from the side holding wall 1426 in the direction of insertion into the side wall. At its distal end, each cantilevered cartridge engaging arm 1428 has an enlarged head 1430.

The magazine wall or back 1420 has opposed back side edges 1440. The two opposing dorsal side edges 1440 lie in parallel planes (also known as reference planes). Each back side edge 144 in each cell 1400
0 has a cell partition 1410 extending therefrom in a cantilevered manner. Each dorsal side edge 1440 is essentially planar with a side retaining wall 1426 of a cell partition 1410 extending therefrom. In turn, the side retaining wall 1426 has a cantilevered cartridge engaging arm 1428 that extends back toward the dorsal side edge 1440.

The cell barrier ribs 1410 arranged at two intervals per cell 1400
, There are two cantilevered cartridge engaging arms 1428 per cell 1400. Cantilever cartridge engaging arm 142 of cell 1400
8 indicates that the two cantilevered cartridge engaging arms 1428 of the cell 1400 are positioned on the side of the magazine 40 if the cartridge was not properly inserted into the cell Sufficiently flexible to warp beyond the reference surface (eg, warp beyond the reference surface).

FIG. 14C shows a cell 1400 viewed from above, with two cell partitions 1410 connected to (eg, integrally formed with) a magazine wall or spine 1420. FIG. 14D is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 14C. 14C and 14D are drawn to scale.

[0080] Unlike other cell partition walls 1410, cell partition wall 1410 ₇ is apron 1446 integrally formed extending thereunder (see Figure 14B). Magazine apron 1446 has an arched and essentially C-shaped apron edge 1448,
It faces towards the cartridge transport system 60 when the magazine 40 is installed in the magazine mounting assembly 45. The magazine cover 1450 is formed as a mirror image of the apron edge 1448 to some extent.
410 both not connected, defines the top of the cell 1400 _1. Other cells, but it is defined between those adjacent the cell partition walls 1410 that are spaced apart, the cells 1400 _1, cell ledge 1410 ₁ and the magazine cover 14
50. The magazine cover 1450 has a magazine stop 1452 extending vertically therefrom.

On its grip side, the magazine 40 has a series of seven horizontally extending ribs 146.
It has 0, which, in Figure 14A, to connect the two dorsal lateral edges 1440, as the rib 1460 _1, 1460 ₂ ... 1460 _7, are shown. Further, the magazine cover 1450 bridges the back side edge 1440 at the top of the magazine 40. A cartridge window 1664 is formed between the adjacent ribs 1460.
The cartridge window 1664 ₁ is formed between the magazine cover 1450 and the rib 1460 ₁ . At the angle shown in FIG. 14A, the back surface of the cell shelf portion 1410 is visible when no cartridge is inserted in the cell 1400. When a cartridge is present in cell 1400, the end face of the cartridge opposite the cover working end face is visible through cartridge window 1664. Such a visible end surface is typically an end surface with a bar code label or other inscription imprinted thereon, so that
The label or inscription on the cartridge is clearly visible through the cartridge window 1664.

The rib 1460 of the magazine 40 is spread on the grip side of the magazine 40 by two grip fins 1470. The grip fins 1470 are, as shown in FIG.
Extends in a direction parallel to the side plates of magazine spine 1420, and magazine spine 142
It is arranged at an interval inward from the side plate of No. 0.

At its lower part, the magazine 40 has a magazine turning member 1474 integrally formed thereon. Magazine pivot member 1474 has a semi-cylindrical pivot member or surface 1476, which is oriented toward the cell side of magazine 40.
The extent to which the magazine pivot member 1474 crosses the grip side of the magazine 40 is selected so that the magazine pivot member 1474 can fit into a trough 848 formed in the lower access recess 846. The magazine pivot member 1474 has a lower pivot lip 1478 which is notched on this grip side to form a tilted depression 1480.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show two successive stages of inserting magazine 40 into cartridge library 20 through front wall 36. These figures now show the magazine 40 as not including a cartridge, but the cell 14
It should be understood that one or more of the 00's can accommodate a cartridge. In order to insert the magazine 40, the operator (person) hands need to
Hold 70. As shown in FIG. 15A, the magazine 40 first includes the library front wall 3.
6 are aligned with the magazine receiving openings 840. The grip side of the magazine 40 is oriented towards the operator (held by the operator's hand), and the cell side of the magazine 40 is oriented towards the interior of the magazine receiving opening 840. First, when held for this insertion, the magazine 40 is tilted such that the lower portion of the magazine 40 is placed in the magazine receiving opening or cavity 840 before the rest of the magazine 40.

After the initial orientation of FIG. 15A, as shown in FIG.
Is then inserted into the trough 848 of the front wall 36. FIG. 15A shows by arrow 1500 how the end face of the magazine pivot member 1474 is aligned with the end face of the trough 848 to perform the insertion depicted in FIG. 15B.

After inserting the magazine turning member 1474 of the magazine 40 into the trough 848 of the front wall 36, the magazine 40 is moved so that the upper portion of the magazine 40 is in the side panel magazine receiving opening 8.
It is pivoted in trough 848 on its magazine pivot member 1474 until it approaches the top of 40. When pivoted to a sufficient extent, the magazine 40 assumes the position shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 16A shows how the magazine pivot member 1474 engages the trough 848 on the front wall 36 of the cartridge library 20. When inserting the magazine 40, the lower pivot lip 1478 of the magazine 40 is first inserted into the trough 848 and then pivoted about a pivot axis 1602 (which is perpendicular to the plane of the sheet in FIG. 16A). . The lower turning lip 1 is provided by the semi-cylindrical turning surface 1476.
The 478 can be lowered into the trough 848 to rest against the pivot 1502 (which is the back 1504 of the lower access recess 846). The underside of the lower access recess 846 is stepped so that the inclined recess 1480 of the magazine pivoting member 1474 can engage with the magazine 40 when pivoted to its fully inserted position. The engagement of the lower surface of the lower access recess 846 with the lower pivot lip 1478 helps secure or secure the lower portion of the magazine 40 to the cartridge library 20.

At the position shown in FIG. 16A, the presence of the magazine 40 is
0 is detected. As shown in FIG. 16A, the magazine presence sensor 850
It is positioned below the trough 848 of the front wall 36 to have an upward view through the opening 1504. For example, incident light and reflected light emitted from the magazine presence sensor 850 (which are reflected from the lower part of the magazine turning member 1474 of the magazine 40) are indicated by broken lines 1510 and 1512 in FIG. 16A, respectively.
It is described in.

When fully inserted into the magazine receiving opening 840 of the front wall 36 of the cartridge library 20, the top of the magazine 40 is engaged by the magazine latch assembly 842 in the manner shown in FIG. 16B. The underside of the top surface of the magazine mounting assembly 45 has two spaced flanges 1600 depending therefrom. Each flange 1600 has an alignment opening for receiving a pivot shaft 1602 therein. When the magazine latch assembly 842 is unlocked, the pivot shaft 1602
You can turn around. As shown in FIG. 16B, the magazine latch assembly 842
Has a latch body portion 1606 that extends between the flanges 1600 and has an opening to receive the pivot shaft 1602. Latch body part 16
From 06, a projection 1608 extends forward. At its end, the protrusion 160
8 has two V-shaped tabs 841 (visible in cross section) formed thereon. When the magazine 40 is inserted into the magazine receiving opening 840, the tab 841 rests on the uppermost portion on the grip side of the magazine 40. On its underside, the projection 1608 has a stop flange 1620 depending therefrom. When the magazine 40 is completely inserted into the magazine receiving opening 840, the magazine stop 1452
620, thereby preventing the magazine 40 from further pivoting about the pivot axis 1502 or being inserted into the magazine receiving opening 840. The magazine latch assembly 842 is deflected around the pivot shaft 1602 by a torsion spring 1630 in the direction indicated by arrow 1622.

The magazine latch solenoid 860 functions to lock the magazine latch assembly 842 in the position shown in FIG. 16B when the solenoid piston 1640 is in the extended position shown by the dashed line in FIG. Extended solenoid piston 16
The 40 rests against the tail end surface 1650 of the magazine latch assembly 842, thereby causing the magazine latch assembly 842 to (e.g., as shown in FIG. 16B)
It locks essentially flush with the underside of the top side of the magazine mounting assembly 45. When the magazine latch assembly 842 is so locked, the magazine 40 already in the magazine receiving opening 840 cannot be removed. Solenoid piston 1
When 640 is in the retracted position, magazine latch assembly 842 is deflected around pivot shaft 1602 in the direction of arrow 1622 (eg, toward flush contact with the underside of the top surface of magazine mounting assembly 45). You. However, warpage of torsion spring 1630 can be overcome by an operator inserting magazine 40 into magazine receiving opening 840 in the manner described above. When fully inserted, magazine stop 1452 contacts stop flange 1620 of magazine latch assembly 842 and tabs 84 of magazine latch assembly 842.
1 engages with the grip surface of the magazine 40 and holds the magazine 40 in the magazine receiving opening 840. Next, once the magazine latch solenoid 860 is activated to lock the magazine latch assembly 842, the magazine 40 is securely locked to the magazine mounting assembly 45.

By inserting the magazine 40 into the magazine mounting assembly 45 in order,
All cartridges C are considered correctly loaded in magazine 40 before insertion. If a cartridge is erroneously inserted into the magazine 40 (for example, if it is inserted backward), the magazine 40 has a structure for preventing the magazine 40 from being inserted into the magazine mounting assembly 45.

With respect to the above points, FIG. 17A shows a correctly loaded cartridge C present in cell 1400 of magazine 40. Taking into account the fact that this cartridge has been correctly loaded into the magazine 40, the magazine 40 is
0, the cantilevered mis-insertion arm 1428 on each side of this cell
Magnified head 14 resiliently bent and at the distal end of cantilevered misinsertion arm 1428
30 is accommodated in a notch N formed in the cartridge in the manner shown in FIG. 17A.

FIG. 17B, on the other hand, shows what happens when the cartridge is loaded backwards into the magazine 40. Since the cartridge C of FIG. 17B is inserted backward, the notch n of this cartridge is
430 is not properly positioned to accommodate it. Therefore, the enlarged head 1430
Are deflected outwardly from cartridge C rather than accommodated by notches or other physical depressions formed in the cartridge. In such a situation, when the magazine 40 is inserted into the magazine receiving opening 84, the cantilevered misinsertion arm 1428 of the improperly loaded cell may deflect outwardly in the manner shown in FIG. 17B. , Against the front of the magazine mounting assembly 45 in such a manner as to prevent complete insertion of the magazine 40 into the magazine receiving opening 840.

FIGS. 18A to 18D show another embodiment of a magazine latch assembly for the magazine mounting assembly 45 (in particular, the magazine latch assembly 1842). The magazine latch assembly 1842 differs from the previous magazine latch assembly 842 (see, for example, FIG. 16B) primarily in providing elastic damping when the magazine 40 is inserted into the top surface of the magazine receiving opening 840. ing. 18A to 1
Elements depicted in 8D that are common to similar elements in the previous embodiment remain numbered as before.

When viewed from its top in FIG. 18C, the magazine latch assembly 1842 includes a pivot latch member 1850, which pivot pin 1 formed on its tail 1854.
Orbit around 852. The pivot latch member 1850 has two forwardly extending arms 1860. The distal end of the arm 1860 is shown in FIGS.
As seen in B, a V-shaped tab 1841 is formed on the back surface. The underside of the pivot latch member 1850 carries a T-shaped plunger 1870. Plunger 1
At its front end 870 has two spaced-apart sloped surfaces 1872 that contact the magazine 40 inserted into the magazine receiving opening 840.
The tail of plunger 1870 slides in groove 1880 formed by tail 1854 of latch member 1850. Plunger 1870 is deflected forward toward insertion magazine 40 by spring 1882, which also resides in groove 1880 in tail 1854.

As shown in FIG. 18D, a leaf spring 1890 mounted on top of the magazine mounting assembly 45 deflects the pivoting latch member 1850 to, for example, the magazine receiving opening 840 toward the inserted magazine. Is slightly protruded. As the magazine is inserted into the top of the opening 840, the magazine will
50 by applying an upward force, thereby causing the latch member 1850 to move the leaf spring 189
The robot turns in opposition to the zero warping force. As the magazine 40 rides in place under the tab 1841, the magazine will
And the plunger 1870 elastically absorbs the insertion force of the magazine. Due to the reduced insertion force of the magazine by the plunger 1870, the cartridges in the magazine tend to remain in their cells and are not removed from the magazine.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a cartridge library (particularly, cartridge library 420) according to the second embodiment, in which cartridges K ₁ , K ₂ ... K ₆ are stored. The cartridges K ₁ , K ₂ ... K ₆ are 8 mm tape cartridges (for example, ANSI Standard 8 mm tape cartridges). In the following, generally in reference to cartridge library 420, when referring to cartridges rather than any particular cartridge, such representative cartridges will simply be referred to by the reference letter "K". Cartridge library 42
It should be understood that 0 is not limited to the particular type of data cartridge shown, and that other cartridges can be used instead.

The cartridge library 420 includes a frame 432 and a cover (not shown) (this is shown in FIGS.
0). The frame 432 has a lower or base plate 434 and a front wall 436. Within frame 432, a row of cartridges 440 (also known as cartridge storage); drive assembly 4
50; drive assembly transport system 460 and controller 465 are mounted. The control device 465 is mounted on a circuit board, which in turn is mounted on the frame 432. The control circuitry is edge-oriented and attached to the rear panel of the chassis of the library via a SCSI connector.

The frame front wall 436 has an opening therein for accommodating the cartridge storage section 440. The cartridge housing 440 has a mounting wall 470, which is generally arcuate. The rear surface of the mounting wall 470 is provided with a radially extending partition 474.
(See figure). Partition 474 forms a plurality of cells 476 for receiving cartridges K ₁ , K ₂ ... K ₆ .

FIG. 11 shows a drive assembly 450 of the cartridge library 420. The drive assembly 450 has a drive 500, which
02. The carriage 502 has an essentially rectangular mounting plate 50.
4, and opposing side walls 506. Further, the carriage 502 includes a front wall 508.
(See FIG. 12). The front wall 508 has two rectangular openings 510,
Through it, an engagement arm 520 extends.

The carriage mounting plate 504 has both a sensing side (shown in FIGS. 11 and 12) and a cam side (shown in FIGS. 13A-13E). The carriage mounting plate 504 is
Although substantially flat, at the rear, the carriage mounting plate 504 has an offset portion, which appears as a horizontal area 540 on its sensing side and as a recess 542 on its cam side.

The drive 500 is fixed to the carriage mounting plate 504 with a screw fastener through an existing screw hole in the housing of the drive 500.

As shown in FIG. 11, at their distal ends, the engagement arms 520 have “L” shaped actuator fingers 522 projecting vertically therefrom. Finger 522 has a cylindrical extension 524 and a generally triangular finger tip 526. The finger tip 526 is shaped to engage with a cartridge changer notch M provided on the cartridge K.

At the rear, the cartridge mounting plate 504 has two semi-circular grooves 550, 552 extending therethrough. As further described herein, the light interrupter protrudes through groove 552 and moves along the arcuate path of groove 552. During the movement process, the optical circuit breaker is mounted on the cartridge mounting plate 50.
Four sensor assemblies 554, 556 and 55 mounted on the sensing side of four
For each of 8, block the light beam. Each sensor assembly 554, 556 and 558 includes a bridge extending over groove 552. On the back side of each bridge, electromagnetic light travels from the source to the sensor. This light beam is not shown per se, but the light source and light detector backside for each sensor assembly is shown in FIG. For example, the sensor assembly 554 has a source 554S and a detector 554D.

The cam side of the cartridge mounting plate 504 is shown in each of FIGS. 13A to 13E. As described above, the recess 542 is formed on the cam side of the cartridge mounting plate 504. The recess 542 has two eccentrics 570 rotatably mounted thereon. Each eccentric 570 has a toothed or gear-shaped perimeter. One of the eccentrics 570 has a light interrupter 571 radially disposed thereon,
It extends through a groove 552 (see FIG. 12). The worm gear 574 meshes between the eccentrics 570. The worm gear 574 is rotatably held in the recess 542, and its drive end is connected to a drive motor 576. Drive motor 576 is also mounted within recess 542.

Each eccentric 570 is mainly circular, and the eccentric connector 5
80 are provided. The eccentric 570 can have their respective connectors 580 formed integrally therewith. Eccentric connector 580 carries a pivot pin 582 to which the proximal end of engagement arm 520 is pivotally connected.

The cartridge loader of this second embodiment has both an engagement arm 520 and a flipper assembly described below. Each engagement arm 520 is a rigid single piece having two segments, specifically, a segment 584 and a forearm segment 586. The arm segments 584 are deflected toward each other by an extension spring 589. At the intersection of segments 584, 586, each engagement arm 520 carries a cam follower pin 588.

Referring to FIG. 13A, the cam follower pin 588 of the engagement arm 520 extends below the engagement arm 520 into the cam groove 590. As described below, the cam groove 540 engages as the cartridge loader moves through each of its critical points, as shown in each of FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D and 13E. This is useful for defining the movement path of the joint arm 520.

From each of the side walls 506 of the carriage 502, a secondary cartridge contact assembly projects forward, also known as a flipper assembly 600. As described in further detail herein, flipper assembly 600 is activated in response to movement of engagement arm 520. The flipper assembly 600 has a cartridge contact element 602, which serves to perform a "soft load" of the cartridge K already partially inserted into the drive 500. Further, when removing or ejecting cartridge K from drive 500, cartridge contact member 602 serves as a stop and registrar.

The flipper assembly 600 has a protrusion in the form of a mounting plate 610 extending from the front end of the carriage side wall 506. Second cartridge contact element 60
2 is pivotally connected to the mounting plate 610 at point 612 (see FIG. 13A). In addition, a torsion spring connects the cartridge contact element 602 and the mounting plate 610, but is hidden in the recess (which connects the cartridge contact element 602 and the mounting plate 610). The cartridge contact element 602 is configured to have two cartridge co-operating surfaces 616, 618, as well as an arm follower notch 614. The cartridge co-operation surface 616 is essentially rounded, but serves to push the cartridge K into the drive 500 during soft loading. Cartridge co-operation surface 618 is essentially straight, but serves as a stop and registrar upon ejection of cartridge K.

The engagement arm 520 and flipper assembly 600 perform the functions of a primary and secondary cartridge loader. The cartridge loading operation for loading the cartridge K into the drive 500 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13.
D and the particular sequence shown in FIG. 13E is described.

FIG. 13A shows a first part of the cartridge loader. In this first part, the cartridge loader is engaged in a fully extended position and a completely separated position in anticipation of gripping cartridge K (cartridge K is held in cartridge storage 440). It has a joint arm 520. Extending means that the engagement arms 520 are in the furthest range where they move toward the cartridge housing 440, and separated means that the engagement fingers 526 cause them to move away from each other. Means the maximum distance. In the position shown in FIG. 13A, drive assembly 450 is free to move (eg, rotate) to be extracted from cartridge storage 440 and aligned with selected cartridge K. In the first position, the cartridge contact element 602 of the flipper assembly 600 is spring open and opened by a torsion spring, not shown.

The first position shown in FIG. 13A is a sensing position. That is, the light interrupter 571 blocks light rays to the sensor assembly 558 (see FIG. 12). Therefore, the controller 465 of the cartridge library 420 recognizes that the engagement fingers 526 are fully extended and ready to grip the cartridge K.

FIG. 13B shows the second position, where the finger 526 first engages the notch M of the cartridge K. The position of FIG. 13B is reached as motor 576 rotates worm gear 574, causing eccentric 570 to rotate in the forward direction indicated by arrow FD. As the eccentric 570 rotates in the forward direction FD, the cam follower pin 588 advances toward the cam groove 590 (particularly a segment of the cam groove 590 at the front of the drive assembly 450). The arched movement of the cam follower pin 588 in the cam groove 590 causes the forearm 586 to move the finger tip 52
6 are swiveled towards each other until they engage the cartridge changer notch M. The second position in FIG. 13B is not sensed for the light interrupter 571. The flipper assembly 600 is essentially not involved in the second position operation of FIG. 13B.

FIG. 13C shows a third position, in which engagement arm 520 includes a respective flipper as rotation continues in direction FD and cartridge K is pulled toward drive 500. Fasten the assembly 600. Referring again to FIG. 13B, the continued movement of the engagement arm 520 causes the engagement arm 52 to move.
The zero cylindrical extension 524 (see FIG. 11) mates with each arm follower notch 614 of the flipper assembly 600. In such an actual engagement shown in FIG. 13C, subsequent retraction of the engagement arm 520 (i.e., movement to the left of the drawing) causes the flipper assembly 600 (which is a cylindrical extension of the engagement arm 520). It can be seen that the interlocks are pivoted about their points of attachment to the flipper assembly mounting plate 610. In other words, the cartridge contact elements 602 of the flipper assembly 600 pivot toward each other.

As can be seen from FIG. 13C, the retraction of the engagement arm 520 causes the cartridge K
Is inserted into the slot of the drive 500. However, cartridge K
Does not continue long enough to fully insert cartridge K into drive 500. In fact, as shown in FIG. 13D, upon continued retraction, the engagement arm 520 begins to disengage before the cartridge K is fully inserted into the drive 500. The final push to fully insert the cartridge K into the drive 500 is applied by the cartridge contact element 602 of the flipper assembly 600. In this regard, the pivoting of the cartridge contact element 602, which began in FIG.
6 is continued until the cartridge 6 comes into contact with the cartridge K and thrusts the cartridge K into the drive 500. When fully swiveled, the cartridge co-operation surface 616 will drive the drive 50
0, which is essentially flush with the front, the rounded tip of which pushes the cartridge K through the slot in the drive 500. The pivoting of flipper assembly 600 results from the retraction of engagement arm 520 in the manner described above. That is, the engagement arm 520 continues to retreat (at some point, it no longer
Notch 614 of the flipper assembly 600
The cylindrical extension 524 meshing with pivots the flipper assembly 600 in the manner shown in FIG. 13D.

FIG. 13D therefore shows a fourth position of the cartridge loader of the presently described embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13D shows that the light interrupter 571 must continuously block the light beams of both sensor assemblies 556 and 554 (see FIG. 12) to reach this fourth position. is there. Upon receiving a signal indicating that it is interfering with the light beam of both sensors 556 and 554, the controller 4
65 recognizes that the cartridge K has been completely inserted into the drive 500.

Before the ejection of the cartridge K from the drive 500, the control device 465 determines that the eccentric 570 rotates in the reverse direction (the direction indicated by the arrow RD in FIG. 13E) and the engagement arm 5
Activate motor 576 to extend 20 slightly. Such rotation and extension are shown, albeit slightly, by contrasting FIG. 13D with FIG. 13E. Due to the extension of the engagement arm 520, the flipper assembly 600
Slightly pivoted away from each other, the cartridge cooperating surface 618 is
As shown at 3E, at rest, it is spaced slightly away from the front of drive 500 and held parallel thereto.

The degree of operation of the motor 576 to achieve the position of the flipper assembly 600 shown in FIG. 13E is controlled by the controller 465. At this point, the motor 576 is only activated until the light interrupter 571 blocks the light beam of the sensor assembly 576 (see FIG. 11). Upon receiving a signal indicative of a light blockage of sensor assembly 576, controller 465 stops motor 576, and flipper assembly 600 is then correctly positioned at the position shown in FIG. 13E.

Although FIG. 13E shows the cartridge K after ejection from the drive 500, the pre-ejection arrangement of the flipper assembly 600 can be identified. Before discharge
The cartridge co-operating surface 618 is positioned essentially parallel to the front of the drive 500, and thus effectively serves as a stop for the cartridge K upon ejection of the cartridge K. Therefore, even if the cartridge K is ejected from the drive 500, the cartridge K does not fall from the drive 500. Rather, because of the known arrangement of the cartridge co-operating surface 618, which is fixedly held adjacent to the cartridge K, the cartridge K is positioned and its position is accurately recognized.

After positioning cartridge K in the manner described above with respect to FIG. 13E, motor 576 is activated again to extend engagement arm 520. As the engagement arm 520 extends, the finger 526 engages the notch M in the cartridge K and moves the cartridge K to the desired cell 476 in the library 420.
Carry on. The cell containing the cartridge K may be the same cell from which it was drawn, or, alternatively, may be another cell aligned with the drive assembly 450 due to the movement of the drive assembly 450.

The drive assembly transport system 460 is under the control of the controller 465 but is responsible for rotating the drive assembly 450 in line with the selected cartridge cell 476. As shown in FIG. 9, the drive assembly transport system 46
0 is the motor 600 attached to the frame 432 by the bracket 602
Having. Drive assembly 450 is mounted on a shaft that coincides with vertical axis 630. The drive assembly transport system 460 has a gear on such a shaft, which is connected to the motor 600 by a suitable transmission. Activation of motor 600 causes pivoting of entire drive assembly 450 about axis 630.

The term “library” as used herein is intended to have a system of varying intelligence and degree of automation (including cartridge stackers and autoloaders). Furthermore, the term "cartridge" as used herein is a synonym for other commonly used terms describing cassettes and housings, including transmissible media. Should also be understood.

Although the drive assembly of the present invention has been described as being able to move at an angle about a pivot axis, it should be understood that other modes of movement or directions are within the scope of the present invention. is there. That is, the present invention is applicable to other embodiments in which a movable drive assembly has a cartridge loading mechanism mounted thereon. For example, the drive assembly of the present invention can be linearly translated or moved to selectively align with a linearly extending row of cartridge cells. The particular transport mechanism described in the present invention is not considered exhaustive or limiting.

Furthermore, the number of cells shown in the above library is only illustrative. More or less cells can be provided.

In addition, the library controller of the present invention can perform other operations (including, for example, communicating with a drive to facilitate cartridge processing and / or cartridge insertion / ejection).

The various features of the invention may possibly be integrated, though not themselves described in the figures. For example, injection molding can be used to provide an integral structure of the various elements.

Although the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather to the extent attached. It should be understood that various modifications and equivalent arrangements are included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein reference numerals and symbols refer to the same parts throughout the different views. It will be clear from the more specific description. These drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a side isometric view of the exterior of a cartridge library according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1A is an exploded view of a housing and basic parts of the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1B is a side isometric view of the interior of the cartridge library of FIG. 1 with the housing removed.

FIG. 1C is a side isometric view of the interior of the cartridge library of FIG. 1 with the housing and other elements removed.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded side view of the cartridge transport system of the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a further exploded side view of the cartridge transport system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the engagement arm actuation unit of FIG. 2 further exploded and inverted.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a flipper assembly used in the cartridge transport system of FIG.

FIG. 4A is a side perspective view showing a series of operations performed by the cartridge transport system of the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is a side perspective view showing a series of operations performed by the cartridge transport system of the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4C is a side perspective view showing a series of operations performed by the cartridge transport system of the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4D is a side perspective view showing a series of operations performed by the cartridge transport system of the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4E is a side perspective view showing a series of operations performed by the cartridge transport system of the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is a top view showing a series of operations performed by the cartridge transport system of the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5B is a top view showing a series of operations performed by the cartridge transport system of the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5C is a top view showing a series of operations performed by the cartridge transport system of the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5D is a top view showing a series of operations performed by the cartridge transport system of the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5E is a top view showing a series of operations performed by the cartridge transport system of the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6A is a bottom view of the engagement arm actuation unit with the lower plate removed, showing the sequence of operations performed by the cartridge transport system of the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the engagement arm actuation unit with the lower plate removed, showing the sequence of operations performed by the cartridge transport system of the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6C is a bottom view of the engagement arm actuation unit with the lower plate removed, showing the sequence of operations performed by the cartridge transport system of the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

6D is a bottom view of the engagement arm actuation unit with the lower plate removed, showing a sequence of operations performed by the cartridge transport system of the cartridge library of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 6E is a bottom view of the engagement arm actuation unit with the lower plate removed, showing the sequence of operations performed by the cartridge transport system of the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of the magazine mounting assembly of the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are front and rear views, respectively, of the front wall and magazine mounting assembly of the cartridge library of FIG. 1 with a magazine inserted therein.

8B are front and rear views, respectively, of the front wall and magazine mounting assembly of the cartridge library of FIG. 1 with a magazine inserted therein.

FIG. 9 is a left side perspective view of a cartridge library according to a second embodiment of the present invention with a cover removed.

FIG. 10 is a right side perspective view of the cartridge library of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a drive assembly for use with the cartridge library of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the drive assembly of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13A is a side view of different portions of a cartridge loader included in the drive assembly of FIG.

13B is a side view of a different portion of the cartridge loader included in the drive assembly of FIG.

13C is a side view of a different portion of the cartridge loader included in the drive assembly of FIG.

FIG. 13D is a side view of different portions of a cartridge loader included in the drive assembly of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13E is a side view of different portions of a cartridge loader included in the drive assembly of FIG.

FIG. 14A is an isometric view from the grip side and the cell side of a magazine that can be used with the cartridge library of FIG. 1, respectively.

FIG. 14B is an isometric view from the grip side and the cell side of a magazine that can be used with the cartridge library of FIG. 1, respectively.

FIG. 14C is a top view of a part of a cell provided in the magazine of FIGS. 14A and 14B.

FIG. 14D is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 14C.

FIG. 15A is an isometric view of two successive initial stages of inserting the magazine of FIGS. 14A-14D into the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15B is an isometric view of two successive initial stages of inserting the magazine of FIGS. 14A-14D into the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16A shows the lower part of the magazine inserted into the cartridge library of FIG. 1,
In particular, it is a sectional side view showing the engagement of the magazine swivel member in the trough of the front wall of the library.

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional side view showing the upper part of the magazine inserted into the cartridge library of FIG. 1;

17A is a cross-sectional bottom view showing the insertion of the magazine of FIGS. 14A-14D into the cartridge library of FIG. 1 when the cartridge is correctly placed in a cell of the magazine.

FIG. 17B shows that the cartridge is not correctly placed in the cells of the magazine (eg,
14A-14 when the cartridge library of FIG.
It is sectional bottom view which shows insertion of the magazine of D.

FIG. 18A is a front perspective view from below of a front panel of a cartridge library with an insertion force attenuating magazine latch assembly.

FIG. 18B is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18C is a top perspective view of the insertion force attenuating magazine latch assembly of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18D is a side and rear perspective view of the magazine mounting assembly upon which the insertion force attenuating magazine latch assembly of FIG. 18A is mounted.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP , KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZW (71) Applicant 1685 38th Street, Boulder, Colorado 80301, U.S.A. S. A. (72) Inventor Miller, John Dee. United States Colorado 80302, Boulder, Brook Road 210 (72) Inventor Stearns, Steve United States of America Colorado 80301, Boulder, Madiera Court 2996 (72) Inventor Cole, David G. United States Colorado 80303, Boulder, Ithaca Drive 1475 F-term (reference) 5D057 AA01 BB28 BF02 BF05 CB05 CC13 EB13 EB17

Claims (31)

[Claims] 1. A magazine defining cells for a cartridge of an information storage medium, the magazine comprising: a magazine wall; at least one cell partition extending from the magazine wall toward a mouth of the cell; The cartridge has a distal end extending in a direction in which the cartridge is insertable into the cell and the cantilever arm when the cartridge is properly inserted into the cell. A magazine comprising a cantilevered arm having a cartridge engagement profile such that the cantilevered arm does not extend beyond the reference plane but deflects beyond the reference plane if the cartridge is not properly inserted. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cell divider deflects both cantilever arms beyond their respective reference planes when said cartridge is improperly inserted into said cell. A device having two opposing cantilevered arms that spread apart and are attached thereto. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cell partition is a shelf on which the cartridge rests. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said magazine wall is arcuate in shape. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said magazine has a plurality of cell partitions for defining a plurality of cells, and wherein said plurality of cell openings are axial. Devices arranged at an angle around the perimeter. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the magazine wall has spaced ribs with a cartridge window formed between the adjacent ribs. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said magazine wall has handle fins extending therefrom. 8. An automatic library for handling cartridges of information storage media, the library comprising: a library frame; a magazine for containing at least one cartridge; a drive for converting information about the media of the cartridge; A cartridge transport system for transporting the cartridge between the magazine and the drive; wherein the magazine is located within the library frame if the cartridge is improperly inserted into the magazine. An automatic library, comprising: a cartridge engaging member that deflects so as to prevent insertion of the magazine into a magazine cavity. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said magazine defines a cell for said cartridge, and at least one of: a magazine wall; and at least one extending from said magazine wall toward a mouth of said cell. And wherein the cartridge engaging member comprises a cantilever arm attached to the cell partition, wherein the cantilever arm has a direction in which the cartridge is insertable into the cell. And the cantilever arm has a cartridge engagement profile, which allows the cantilever arm to extend beyond a reference plane when the cartridge is properly inserted into the cell. An apparatus wherein the cantilever arm does not extend but deflects beyond a reference plane if the cartridge is not properly inserted. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cell divider deflects both cantilever arms beyond their respective reference planes if the cartridge is improperly inserted into the cell. Spread apart and attached there
Device with two opposing cantilever arms. 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the cell partition is a shelf on which the cartridge rests. 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said magazine wall is arcuate in shape. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the magazine has a plurality of cell dividers for defining a plurality of cells, and wherein the plurality of cell openings are axial. Devices arranged at an angle around the perimeter. 14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the magazine wall has spaced ribs with a cartridge window formed between the adjacent ribs. 15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said magazine wall has handle fins extending therefrom. 16. A magazine defining cells for a cartridge of an information storage medium, the magazine comprising: a magazine wall having an arcuate shape; at least one cell extending from the magazine wall toward a mouth of the cell. A magazine comprising a cartridge engaging member attached to the cell partition for engaging the cartridge. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said magazine has a plurality of cell dividers for defining a plurality of cells, and wherein said plurality of cell openings are axial. Devices arranged at an angle around the perimeter. 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the magazine wall has spaced ribs having a cartridge window formed between the adjacent ribs. 19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said magazine wall has handle fins extending therefrom. 20. An automatic library for handling cartridges of information storage media, the library comprising: a library frame; a magazine for containing at least one cartridge; a drive for converting information about the media of the cartridge; A cartridge transport system for transporting the cartridge between the magazine and the drive; wherein the magazine comprises: a magazine wall having an arcuate shape; a direction from the magazine wall to the mouth of the cell. An automated library comprising: at least one cell divider extending into the cell divider; and a cartridge engaging member attached to the cell divider for engaging the cartridge. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the magazine has a plurality of cell dividers for defining a plurality of cells, and wherein the plurality of cell openings are axial. A device arranged at an angle around its circumference. 22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the magazine wall has spaced ribs with a cartridge window formed between the adjacent ribs. 23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said magazine wall has handle fins extending therefrom. 24. An automated library for handling cartridges of information storage media, the library comprising: a library frame; a magazine providing at least one cell for accommodating at least one cartridge; A drive for converting information; a cartridge transport system for transporting the cartridge between the magazine and the drive; wherein the library frame is arranged such that the cell opening guides in the insertion direction. An automated library having a magazine receiving opening through which the magazine is inserted. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the magazine receiving opening is configured such that opposing edges of the magazine can be engaged by the library frame at a second edge of the magazine receiving opening. A device having a first edge into which the first end of the magazine must fit and around which the first end of the magazine must pivot. 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein a trough is formed at the first edge of the magazine receiving opening for receiving a semi-cylindrical protrusion on the magazine, and Wherein the semi-cylindrical protrusion pivots within the trough. 27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said magazine wall has an arcuate shape. 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the magazine has a plurality of cell partitions for defining a plurality of cells, and wherein the plurality of cell openings are axial. Devices arranged at an angle around the perimeter. 29. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said magazine wall comprises spaced ribs having a cartridge window formed between said adjacent ribs. 30. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said magazine wall has handle fins extending therefrom. 31. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the library frame has a lock proximate a second edge of the magazine receiving opening for locking the magazine in the magazine receiving opening. apparatus.