Dynamic magnetic information storage or retrieval – Record transport with head stationary during transducing – Tape record
Reexamination Certificate
1998-06-11
2001-03-20
Korzuch, William R. (Department: 2652)
Dynamic magnetic information storage or retrieval
Record transport with head stationary during transducing
Tape record
C369S178010
Reexamination Certificate
active
06204992
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to mass data storage libraries and, more particularly, to a system and method for loading and unloading a data cartridge in a read/write data processor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Mass data storage libraries are used to store and retrieve data quickly and efficiently. An example of a mass data storage library includes data records or cartridges for storing data, data cartridge processors for recording data to or reading data from the data cartridges, a storage rack or library for holding or storing the data cartridges, and an accessor or transport mechanism for transporting the data cartridges between the storage rack and the data cartridge processors. The data cartridges may include different types or recording media such as cassettes, floppy disks, diskettes, optical disks, compact disks and the like. Additionally, the accessor is used to insert the data cartridges into or remove the data cartridges from the data cartridge processors and the storage rack.
Data cartridge processors are available in a variety of configurations. For example, one type of data cartridge processor includes a clutch that engages the data cartridge for recording data to or reading data from the data cartridge. The data cartridge processor is equipped with an external mechanism for actuating the clutch for engaging and disengaging the data cartridge with the data cartridge processor, such as a handle or a motor.
Using data cartridge processors in an automated mass data storage library, however, suffers several disadvantages. For example, the accessor or transport mechanism may be unable to access or may be incapable of operating the external mechanism for engaging or disengaging the data cartridge. Alternatively, manually engaging or disengaging the data cartridge with the data cartridge processor is inefficient, especially in large mass data storage libraries. Additionally, motors for engaging or disengaging the data cartridge with the data cartridge processor require secondary control circuitry for operating the motors at selected times, thereby affecting reliability of the mass data storage library. Motors and secondary control circuitry also increases costs associated with the mass data storage library.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a need has arisen for an improved method for loading and unloading a data cartridge in a read/write data processor.
In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for loading and unloading a data cartridge in a read/write data processor are provided that address disadvantages and problems associated with prior art systems and methods. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for loading and unloading a data cartridge comprises a data cartridge processor having a coupler for engaging or disengaging with a data cartridge. The data cartridge processor is operable to record data to or read data from the data cartridge. A cartridge loader is provided for activating the coupler to engage or disengage the data cartridge with the data cartridge processor. The system also comprises an accessor for activating the cartridge loader and an actuator for effecting movement of the accessor.
According to another embodiment of the invention, a method for loading and unloading a data cartridge in a read/write data processing system comprising a data cartridge processor having an opening and a coupler for engaging or disengaging a data cartridge with the data cartridge processor is provided. The data cartridge processor is operable to record data to or read data from the data cartridge. The method comprises inserting or removing the data cartridge into or from the opening in the data cartridge processor with an accessor, and actuating a cartridge loader with the accessor for engaging or disengaging the data cartridge with the data cartridge processor.
The invention provides several advantages. For example, the invention provides greater reliability than conventional systems. In one embodiment of the invention, a cartridge loader for activating a coupler to engage or disengage a data cartridge is provided and is activated by an accessor, thereby eliminating a requirement for a motor and associated motor secondary control circuitry for engaging and disengaging the data cartridge with the data cartridge processor. In the same embodiment, manually engaging or disengaging the data cartridge with the data cartridge processor remains available. Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
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Advanced Digital Information Corporation
Korzuch William R.
Seed IP Law Group PLLC
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