What is claimed is: 1. A magazine-based data cartridge library comprising: a frame; a shelf system, operatively attached to said frame,- for supporting at least two data cartridge magazines and comprising at least one shelf; a drive that is operatively attached to said frame; a cartridge transport device, operatively attached to said frame, tor moving a data cartridge between a data cartridge magazine and said drive; a magazine transport device, operatively attached to said frame, for' moving a data cartridge magazine within a space defined by said frame; a transport space that defines a volume within said space defined by said frame within which said data cartridge magazine transport operates; wherein said transport space is bounded by a first transport space vertical plane and a second transport space vertical plane that is substantially parallel to said first transport space vertical plane; wherein said transport space has a transport space depth that is the distance between said first and second transport space vertical planes as measured along a line that is perpendicular to said first and second transport space vertical planes; and a magazine space that defines a volume within said space defined by said frame within which a data cartridge magazine resides when operationally oriented with respect to said shelf system such that said magazine transport device is able to displace the data cartridge ma azine relative to said shelf system and operationally located so as to not otherwise interfere with movement of said magazine transport device; wherein said magazine space is bounded by a first magazine space vertical plane and a second magazine space vertical plane that is substantially parallel to said first magazine space vertical plane; wherein said magazine space has a magazine space, depth that is the distance between said first and second magazine space vertical planes as measured along a line that is perpendicular to said first and second magazine space vertical planes; wherein said transport space first and second vertical planes and said magazine space first and second -vertical planes are substantially arallel to one another;
said transport space depth is greater than said magazine space depth and. less than twice said magazine space dβpth.
2. A maga2ine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 1- wherein: said magazine transport device comprises: a magazine picker for displacing a data cartridge magazine towards and away from said shelf; and an elevator for moving said magazine picker within said transport space.
3. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 2, wherein: said cartridge transport device comprises said elevator.
4. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in. claim 1, wherein: said first and second transport space vertical planes and said first and second magazine s ce vertical planes are each planar.
5. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said first and second, transport space vertical planes are concentric.
6. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 5, wherein: said first and second magazine space vertical planes are planar.
7. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said first transport space vertical plane is substantially reduced to a vertical line; and said second transport space vertical plane follows an arc with a radius that extends from said vertical line.
S. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said transport space and said magazine space overlap,
9. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said transport space depth is less than about 150% of said magazme space depth.
10. A magazine-based data cartridge library- as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said transport space depth is less than about 130% of said magazine space depth.
11. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 1, wherein; said magazine space depth is within about +/- 20% of the depth of said drive as measure between a front face and a back face of said drive.
12. A data cartridge magazine for use in a magazine-based data cartridge libraiy that is capable of transporting data cartridge magazines within the Ubraiy, the data cartridge magazine comprising: a box structure with an interior space for accommodating a plurality of data cartridges; wherein said box structure comprises a bottom wall with a bottom wall interior surface and a bottom wall exterior surface; wherein said box structure comprises a side wall that is operatively attached to said bottom wall, extends from said bottom wall to a side wall terminal edge, and has a side wall interior surface and a side wall exterior surface; wherein said bottom wall interior surface and said side wall interior surface define said interior space; wherein said side wall terminal edge defines a top opening for the insertion/extraction, of data cartridges into/from said interior space; a plurality of partitioning structures for dividing said interior space into a plurality of slots with each of said plurality of slots capable of accommodating a data cartridge; and a magazine transport means for being engaged by a portion of a magazine transport device that is associated with a magazine-based data cartridge library and used to displace a data cartridge magazine towards and away from a storage location within a magazine-based data cartridge library.
13. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 12, wherein: said magazine transport means comprises a hole that is associated with one of said bottom wall and said side wall.
14. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 12, wherein: said magazine transport means comprises a protmsion that is associated with, one of said bottom wall and said side waft
15. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 12, wherein: said magazine transport means comprises an indentation that is associated with one of said bottom wall and said side wall,
16. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 12, wherein: said magazine transport means comprises a pair of holes, wit each of said pair of holes associated with one of said bottom wall and said side wall
17. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 12, wherein: said magazine transport means comprises a pair of protrusions, with each of said pair of protrusions associated with one of said bottom wall and said side walL
18. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 12- wherein: said magazine transport means comprises a pair of indentations, with each of said pair of indentations associated with one of said bottom wall and said side wall.
19. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: an engaged/disengaged structure for nse with a sensor that is used to determine if a magazine transport device associated with a magazine-based data cartridge library is engaged disengaged to/fro the data cartridge magazine.
20. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: a magazine orientation structure for ensuring that the data cartridge magazine has a desired orientation within a magazine-based data cartridge library.
21. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 20, wherein: said magazine orientation structure comprises an asymmetric structure this is asymmetric relative to a plane that vertically bisects the data cartridge magazine.
22. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim21, wherein: said asymmetric sliucture comprises a pair of parallel rails.
23. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: a retaining structure for use in holding the data cartridge magazine in association with a shelf within a magazine-based data cartridge library but releasing the data cartridge magazine when a force is applied to the data cartridge magazine by a maga∑ine transport device associated with the magazine-based data cartridge library.
24. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 23, wherein: said retaining structure comprises a notch for engaging a notch-engaging structure associated with a shelf.
25. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 23, wherein: said retaining structure comprises a detent for use in engaging a notch associated with, a shelf.
26. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 23, wherein: said retaining structure comprises: a detent for engaging a notch associated wit a shelf; and a spring for applying a force to said detent.
27. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: a data cartridge orientation structure associated with each of said slots to ensure that when a data cartridge is inserted into a slot, the data cartridge has a desired orientation.
28. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed hi claim 12, further comprising: a plurality of cartridges with each of said plurality of cartridges located in one of said plurality of slots,
29. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: label means for use in identifying the data cartridge magazine.
30. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim.29, wherein: said label means comprises an indentation in said side wall for accommodating a label for identifying the magazine.
31. A data cartridge -magazine, as claimed in claim 29, wherein: said label means comprises: a first indentation in said side wall exterior surface for accommodating a first label for identifying the magazine; and a second indentation in said side wall exterior surface for accommodating a second label for identifying the magazine.
32. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 31, wherein said side wall comprising a -first wall and a second wall that is substantially parallel to said first wall; wherein said first indentation is located in said first wall; and wherein said second indentation is located on said second wall.
33. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 29, wherein: said label means comprises a sleeve for holding a label,
34. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed iα claim.29, wherein: said label means comprises a radio-fiequency identifier.
35. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: a label that identifies the data cartridge magazine and is attached to said box structure at a location that is discsmable by a label reader located wiltoin a magazine-based data cartridge library.
36. A data cartridge magazine for use in a magazine-based data cartridge library that is capable of transporting data cartridge magazines within the library, the data cartridge magazine comprising:
a frame structure that defines a space for accommodating a plurality of data cartridges; a partitioning structure for dividing said space into a plurality of slots with each of said plurality of slots being capable of accommo dating a data cartridge and orienting the data cartridge such that a face of the data cartridge with the greatest surface area hes in a vertical plane when the magazine is operatively situated in a magazine-based data cartridge library; and a magazine transport means for being engaged by a portion of a magazine transport device associated with a magazine-based data cartridge library and used to displace a data cartridge magazine towards or away from a shelf within the magazine-based data cartridge library.
37. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 36, wherein , said frame structure comprises: a first pair of parallel side surfaces; and a second pair of parallel side surfaces that are perpendicular to said first pair of parallel side surfaces.
38. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 36, wherein: said frame structure comprises: a first pair of parallel side surfaces; a top surface that is perpendicular to said first pair of parallel side surfaces; and a bottom surface that is perpendicular to said first pair of parallel side surfaces,
39. A data cartridge magazme, as claimed in claim 36, wherein: said magazine transport means comprises a hole that is associated with said frame structure.
40. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 36, wherein said magazine transport means comprises a protrusion that is associated with said frame structure.
41. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in clai 36, wherein; said magazine transport means comprises an indentation that is associated with said frame structure.
42. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 36, wherein: said magazine transport means comprises a pair of holes that are associated with said •frame structure
43. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 36, wherein: said magazine transport means comprises a pair of protrusions that are associated with said frame structure.
44. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim.36, wherein; said magazine transport means comprises a pair of indentations that are associated with said frame structure.
45. A data cartridge magazme, as claimed in claim 36, fiirther comprising: an engaged/disengaged structure for use with a sensor that is used to determine if a magazine transport device associated with a magazine-based data cartridge library is engaged disengaged to/from the data cartridge magazine.
46. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 36, further comprising: a magazine orientation structure for ensuring that the data cartridge magazine has a desired orientation within a magazine-based data cartridge library.
47. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 46, wherein: said magazine orientation structure comprises an asymmetric structure this is asymmetric relative to a plane that vertically bisects the data cartridge magazine.
48. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 47, wherein: said asymmetric structure comprises a pair of parallel rails.
49. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 36, further comprising: a retaining structure for use in holding said data cartridge magazine in association with a shelf within a magazine-based data cartridge libraty but releasing the data cartridge magazine when a force is applied to the data cartridge magazine by a magazine transport device associated with the magazine-based data cartridge library.
50. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 49, wherein: said retaining structure comprises a notch for engaging a notch-engaging structure associated with a shelf.
51. A data cartridge magazme, as claimed in claim 49, wherein; said retaining structure comprises a detent for use in engaging a notch, associated with a shelf.
52. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 49, wherein: said retaining structure comprises: a detent for engaging a notch associated with a shelf; and a spring for applying a force to said detent.
53. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 36, fbrther comprising: a data cartridge orientation structure associated with each of said slots to ensure that when a data cartridge is inserted in a slot, the data cartridge is in a predetermined orientation.
54. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 36, further comprising: a plurality of cartridges with each of said plurality of cartridges located in one of said plurality of slots.
55. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim.36, further comprising: label means for use in identifying the data cartridge magazine.
56. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 55_ wherein:
said label means comprises an indentation located in a portion of said frame structure that would be considered a side wall when the data cartridge magazine has an operational orientation with respect to a shelf within a magazine-based data cartridge library, wherein said indentation is for accommodating a label for identifying the magazine.
57. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 55, wherein; said label means comprises: a first indentation located in a first portion of said frame structure; and a second indentation in a second portion of said frame structure that is separated from said first portion; wherein said first indentation is for accommodating a first label for identifying the magazine; wherein said second indentation is for accommodating a second label for identifying the magazine; wherein said first and second portions are each located on a section of said frame structure that would be considered a side wall when the data cartridge magazine has an operational orientation with respect to a shelf within a magazine-based data cartridge library system.
58. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 57, wherein: said first portion being located on a first side wal and said second portion being located on a second side wall that is parallel to said first side wall.
59. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 55, wherein: said label means comprises a sleeve for holding a label,
60. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 55, wherein: said label means comprises a radio-frequency identifier,
61. A data cartridge magazine, as claimed in claim 36, further comprising:
a label that identifies the data cartridge magazine and is attached to said frame structure at a location that is discemable by a label reader located within a magazine-based data cartridge library.
62. A magazine-based data cartridge library comprising: a cabinet; a shelf system, located within said cabinet, for supporting at least two data cartridge magazines and comprising at least one shelf; a drive that is located within said cabinet; a magazine transport device, located within said cabinet, for moving a data cartridge magazine within a portion of an interior volume defined by said cabinet; a cartridge -transport device, located within said cabinet, for moving a data cartridge between a data cartridge magazine and said drive; and an entry/exit port for conveying a data cartridge magazine between an environment that is exterior to said cabinet and a space that is interior to said cabinet; wherein said space is accessible to said magazine transport device so that said magazine transport device can move a data cartridge magazine between said space and said shelf of said shelf system
63. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 62, whereim said magazine transport device comprises: a magazine picker for displacing a data cartridge magazine towards and away from said entry/exit port; and an elevator for moving said magazine picker.
64. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 62, wherein; said entry/exit port comprises a data cartridge magazine orientation structure for inhibiting the loading of an incorrectly oriented data cartridge magazine.
65Ύ A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 62, wherein;
said entry/exit port comprises a tray with a lateral cross-section that is asymmetrical relative to a plane that vertically bisects said tray so as to inhibit the loading of an incorrectly oriented data cartridge magazine.
66, A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 62, wherein: said entiy/exit port comprises a tray; wherein said tray is comprised of a planar surface, a first side surface that is operatively attached to said planar surface, and a second side surface that is operatively attached to said planar surface and substantially parallel to said first side surface; wherein said first side surface has a first shape and said second side surface has a second shape that is different than said first shape; wherein said first and second shapes contribute to inhibiting the loading of an incorrectly oriented data cartridge magazine,
67, A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 62, wherein said entry/exit port comprises a tray; wherein said tray is comprised of a planar surface, a first surface ihat extends away from said planar surface, a second surface, and means for allowing said second surface to move between; (a) a first position that is jn opposition to said first surface to prevent movement of a data cartridge magazine in a direction with a component transverse to said first and second surfaces, and (b) a second position that is not in opposition to said first surface so mat a data cartridge magazine can be moved in a direction with a component transverse to said first and second surfaces.
68, A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 62, wherein said entry/exit port comprises a tray; wherein sai tray is comprised of a planar surface, a first end surface that is operatively connected to said planar surface and extends away from said planar surface, a second end surface, and means for allowing said second end surface to move between: (a) a first position that is in apposition to said first end surface to prevent movement of a data cartridge magazine in a direction with a component transverse to said first and second end surfaces, and (b) a second position that is not in opposition to said first surface so that a data
cartridge magazine can be moved in a direction with a component transverse to said first and second end surfaces,
69. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 68, wherein: said means for allowing comprises a spring for biasing said second end surface towards said first position.
70. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 68, wherein: said second end surface comprises a cam follower surface for contacting a cam to place said second end surface in said second position.
71. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 68, wherein; said second end surface comprises an axle engagement structure; and said means for allowing comprises an axle that is operatively attached to said axle engagement structure.
72. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 68, wherein: said tray is comprised of a first side surface and a second side surface that is substantially parallel to said first side surface; wherein said first and second side surfaces cooperate to prevent movement of a data cartridge magazine in a direction with a component that is transverse to said first and second surfaces.
73. A magazine-based data cartridge library comprising: a cabinet; a shelf system, located within said cabinet, for supporting at least two data cartridge magazines and comprising at least one shelf; a drive that is located within said cabinet; a magazine transport device, located within said cabinet, for moving a data cartridge magazine within a portion of an interior volume defined by said cabinet; a cartridge transport device- located within said cabinet, for moving a data cartridge between, a data cartridge magazine and said drive; and
an entry/exit port for conveying a data cartridge magazine between an environment that is exterior to said cabinet and a space that is interior to said cabinet and that is accessible to said magazine transport device so that said magazine transport device can move a data cartridge magazine between said space and said shelf of said shelf system; wherein said entry/exit port comprises: a magazine holder; means fox moving said magazme holder between: (a) a first position at whidh an operator can either readily associate a data cartridge magazine with said magazine holder or readily remove α data cartridge magazine from said magazine holder, and (b) a second position at which said magazine transport device can either associate a data cartridge magazine with said magazine holder or readily remove a data cartridge magazine from said magazine holder; and a door mechanism for exposing and unexposing said magazine holder.
74. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 73, wherein; said magazine transport device comprises: a magazine picker for displacing a data cartridge magazine towards and away from said entry/exit port; and an elevator for moving said magazine picker.
75. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 73, wherein: said magazine holder comprises a magazine t ^? for supporting an overlying data cartridge magazme.
76. A magazine-based data cartridge Ubraiy, as claimed in claim 73, wherein: said means for moving comprises a motor and a lead screw.
77. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 73, wherein: said door mechanism comprises an exterior door that is movable between an open position at which said magazine holder is exposed to an exterior environment and a closed position at which said magazine holder is not exposed to the exterior environment.
78. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 77, wherein: said door mechanism comprises a linkage for moving said exterior door between said open position and said closed position.
79. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 78, wherein: said linkage extends between said exterior door and an actuator,
80. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 78, wherein: said linkage extends between said exterior door and said means for moving.
81. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 78, wherein: ' said hnkage contributing to moving said exterior door between said open position and said closed position during a time when said magazine holder is moving between said first position and said second position.
82. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 73, wherein: said door mechanism comprises an interior door that is moveable between a closed position at which said magazine holder is not accessible to said magazine transport device and an a open, position at hich said magazine holder is accessible to said a azine transport device.
S3. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 82, wherein; said door mechanism comprises a linkage for moving said interior door between said open position and said closed position,
84. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 83, wherein: said linkage extends between said interior door and an actuator.
85. A magazine-based data cartridge Ebrary, as claimed in claim S3, wherein: said linkage extends between said interior door and Said means for moving.
86. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 83, wherein:
said linkage contributing to moving said interior door between said open position and said closed position during a time when said magazine holder is moving between said second position and said first position.
87, A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 73, wherein; said door mechanism comprises: an exterior door hat is movable between an exterior door open position at which said magazine holder is exposed to the exterior environment and an exterior door closed position at which said magazine holder is not exposed to the exterior environment; and an interior door that is moveable between an interior door closed position at which said magazine holder is not accessible to said magazine transport device and an interior door αpan position at which said -magazine holder is accessible to said magazine transport device,
88. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 87, wherein: said door mechanism comprises: an exterior door linkage for moving said exterior door between said exterior door open position and said exterior door closed position; and an interior door hnkage for moving said interior door between said interior door open position and said interior door closed position.
89, A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 88, wherein; said exterior door linkage extends between said exterior door and an exterior door actuator; and said interior door linkage extends between said interior door and an interior door actuator,
90. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 88, wherein: said exterior door linkage extends between said exterior door and said means for moving; and
said interior door linkage extends between said interior door and said means for moving.
91. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 87, wherein: said door mechanism comprises means for coordinating the movements of said exterior door and said interior door such that: (a) during a time that said exterior door is moving between said exterior door open position and said exterior door closed position, said interior door is moving between said interior door closed position and said interior door open position, and (b) during α time that said exterior door is moving between said exterior door closed position and said exterior door open position, said interior door is moving between said interior door open position and said interior door closed position
92. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 91, wherein: said means fox coordinating comprises a linkage that extends between said exterior door and said interior door;
93. A magazine-based data cartridge hbrary, as claimed in claim 92, wherein: said linkage extends to an actuator.
94. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 92, wherein; said linkage extends to said means for moving.
95. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 87, wherein: said door mechanism comprises means for coordinating the movements of said exterior door and said interior door such that: (a) during a time that said magazine holder is moving between said first position and said second position, said exterior door is moving between said exterior door open position and said exterior door closed position and said interior door is moving between said interior door closed position and said interior door open position, and (b) during a time that said magazine holder is moving between said second position and said first position, said exterior door is moving between said exterior door closed position
and said exterior door open position and said interior door is moving between said interior door open position and said interior door dosed position,
96. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 73, wherein: said door mechamism comprises: a door that Hes in a plane; and a linkage that operates to rotate said door about an axis that is substantially parallel to said plane.
97. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 73, wherein; said door mechanism comprises: a first door that Hes in a first plane; a first linkage that operates to rotate said first door about a first axis that is substantially parallel to said first plane; a second door that Hes in a second plane; and a second linkage that operates to rotate said second door about a second axis that is substantially parallel to said second plane.
98. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 97, wherein: said door mechanism comprises: means for causing said first door to rotate between a first door open position and a first door closed position and said second door to rotate between a second door open position and a second door closed position.
99. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 97, wherein: said door mechanism comprises: means for coordinating the movements of said first door and said second door such that: (a) during a time that said first door is rotating between said first door open position and said first door closed position, said second door is rotating between said second door closed position and said second door open position, and
(b) during a time that said first door is rotating between said first door closed position and said first door open position, said second door is rotating between said second door open position and said second door closed position.
100. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 97, wherein: said door mechanism comprises: means for coordinating the movements of said first door acid said second door such that: (a) during a time that said magazine holder is moving between said first position and said second position, said first door is rotating between said first door open position and said first door closed position and said second door is rotating between said second door closed position and said second door open position, and b) during a time that said magazine holder is moving between said second position and said first position- said first door is rotating between said first door closed position and said first door open position and said second door is rotating between said second door open position and said second door closed position,
101. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 73, wherein; said door mechanism comprises; a door that lies in a plane; and a guide structure that constrains said door to move in said plane.
102. A magazine-based data cartridge libraiy, as claimed in aim 101, wherein: said guide structure constrains said door to translate within said plane.
103. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 101 , wherein: said guide structure constrains said door to rotate within said plane.
104. A magazine-based data cartridge libraiy, as claimed in claim.73, wherein: said door mechanism comprises: a first door that Hes in a first plane; a first guide structure that constrains said first door to move in said first plane;
a second door that lies in a second plane; and a second guide structure that constrains said second door to move in said second plane.
105. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 104, wherein: said first guide structure constrains said first door to translate wifhin said first plane; and said second guide structure constrains said second door to translate within said second plane.
106. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 104, wherein: said door mechanism comprises: means for causing said first door to move between a first door open position and a first door dosed position and said second door to move between a second door open position and a second door dosed position.
107. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 104, wherein: said door mechanism comprises; means for coordinating the movements of said first door and said second door such that: (a) during a time that said first door is moving between said first door open position and said first door closed position, said second door is moving between said second door closed position and said second door open position, and (b) during a time that said first door is moving between said first door dosed position and said first door open position, said second door is moving between said second door open position and said second door dosed position.
108. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 104, wherein: said door mechanism comprises: means for coordinating the movements of said first door and said second door such, that
(a) during a time that said magazine holder is moving between said first position and said second position, said first door is moving between said first door open position and said first door closed position and said second door is moving between said second door closed position and said second door open position, and (b) during a time that said magazine holder is moving between said second position and said first position, said first door is moving between said first door closed position and said first door open position and said second door is moving between said second door open position and said second door dosed position.
109. With respect to a magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary magazine that comprises a cabinet and a magazine transport device located within the cabinet, a method for moving a magazine holder between an environment that is exterior to the cabinet and a space that is interior to the cabinet and accessible to the magazine transport device, the method comprising: providing an entry/exit port for conveying a data cartridge magazine between an environment that is exterior to the cabinet and. a space that is interior to the cabinet; wherein said entry/exit port comprises a magazine holder for supporting a data cartridge magazine; placing said magazine holder in one of a first position and a second position wherein when said magazine holder is at said first position, an operator is either readily able to associate a data cartridge magazine with said magazine holder or readily able to remove a data cartridge magazine from said magazine holder; wherein when said magazme holder is at said second position, a magazine transport device is either readily able to associate a data cartridge magazine with said magazine holder or readily able to remove a data cartridge magazine from said magazine holder; and moving said magazine holder between said first position and said second position,
110. A method, as claimed in claim 109, wherein: said step of moving comprises translating said magazine holder. 11. A method, as claimed in claim 109, wherein: said step for moving comprises rotating said magazme holder.
112. A method, as claimed in claim 109, wherein: said step of moving comprises rotating a door that Hes in a plane about an axis that is substantially parallel to said plane.
113. A method, as claimed in daim 109, wherein: said step of moving comprises rotating a door that Hes in a plane about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to said plane.
114. A method, as claimed in claim 109, wherein: said step of moving comprises translating a door that lies in a plane within said plane.
115. A method- as claimed in claim 109, wherein: said step of moving comprises coordinating the movement of an exterior door and an interior door so that: (a) during a time that said exterior door is moving between an exterior door open position at which said magazine holder is exposed to the exterior environment and an exterior door dosed position at -which said magazine holder is not exposed to the exterior environment, said interior door is moving between an interior door closed position at which said magazine holder is not accessible to said magazine transport device and an interior door open position at which said magazine holder is accessible to said magazine transport device; and (b) during a time that said exterior door is moving between said exterior door closed position and said exterior door open position, said interior door is moving between said interior door open position and said interior door dosed position.
116. A method, as claimed in claim 109, wherein; said step of moving comprises coordinating the movement of an exterior door and an interior door so that: (a) during a time that said magazine holder is moving between said first position and said second position, said exterior door is moving between an exterior door open position at which said magazine holder is exposed to the exterior environment and an exterior door closed position at which said magazine holder is not exposed to the exterior environment, and
said interior door is moving between an interior door closed position at which said magazine holder is not accessible to said magazine transport device and an interior door open position at which said magazine holder is accessible to said magazine transport device; and (b) during a time that said magazine holder is moving between said second position and said first position, said exterior door is moving between said exterior door closed position and said exterior door open position, said mterior door is moving between said interior door open position and said interior door closed position,
117. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary comprising: a frame; a shelf system, operatively attached to said frame, for supporting at least two data cartridge magazines and comprising at least one shelf; a drive that is operatively attached to said frame; a cartridge transport device, operatively attached to said frame, for moving a data cartridge between a data cartridge magazine and said drive; a magazine picker for displacing a data cartridge magazine towards and away from said shelf; and an. elevator for moving said magazine picker; wherein said magazine picker comprises: a magazine support; and means for transporting a data cartridge magazine between said magazine support and a shelf of said shelf system; wherein during transporting of a data cartridge magazine between said magazine support and a shelf said shelf system, said magazine support remains in substantially the same position.
118. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 117, wherein: said cartridge transport device comprises said elevator.
119. A magazine-based data cartridge fibraiy, as daimed in daim 117, further comprising:
an entry/exit port for conveying a data cartridge magazine between an environment that is exterior to a space defined by said frame and an entry/exit space that is interior to said space defined by said frame; wherein said entry/exit space is accessible to said magazine transport device.
120. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 117, wherein: said magazine support comprises a pair of support rails for engaging a data cartridge magazine,
121. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 120, wherein: said means for transporting is located in a space between said pair of support rails.
122. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 20, wherein: said pair of support rails are adapted to engage a pair of data cartridge magazine rails,
123. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 117, wherein: said means for transporting comprises: means for engaging a data cartridge magazine; and means for moving said means for engaging.
124. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 123, wherein: said means for engaging comprises: a member with a surface for contacting a data cartridge magazine; an actuator for selectively providing a motive force for moving said member so that said surface moves into and out of position to contact a data cartridge magazine; and a hnkage that constrains said member to rotate about an axis.
125. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 124, wherein: said actuator comprises a rotational actuator that provides a rotational motive force.
126. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 125, wherein:
said rotational actuator comprises an electric motor.
127- A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 123, wherein; said means for engaging comprises: a member with a first surface for contacting a data cartridge magazine and a second surface for contacting a data cartridge magazine that is separated from said first surface; an actuator for selectively providing a motive force for moving said member so that said first and second surfaces move into and out of position to contact a data cartridge magazine; and a linkage that constrains said member to rotate about an -axis.
128. A magazine-based data cartridge library- as claimed in daim 127, wherein: said member extends from a first terminal end to a second terminal end said axis is located between said first and second terminal ends; and said first and second surfaces are located between said axis and said first terminal end.
129. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 1 7, wherein; said member extends from a first terminal end to a second tei inal end; said axis is located between said first and second terminal ends; said first surface is located between said axis and said first terminal end; and said second surface is located between said axis and said second terminal end.
130. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in daim 129, wherein: said first surface comprises a third surface for contacting a data cartridge magazine and a fburth surface for contacting a data cartridge magazine that is separate from said third surface.
131. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 130, wherein: said second surface comprises a fifth surf ce for contacting a data cartridge magazine and a sixth surface for contacting a data cartridge magazine that is separate from said fifth surface.
132. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 127, wherein: said actuator comprises a rotational actuator that provides a rotational motive force.
133. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 132, wherein: said rotational actuator comprises an electric motor.
134. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 123, wherein: said means for engaging co prises: a member with a surface for contacting a data cartridge magazine; an actuator for selectively providing a motive force for moving said member so that said surface moves into and out of position to contact a data cartridge magazine; and a linkage that constrains said member to move linearly.
135. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 134, wherein; said actuator comprises a linear actuator that provide a Hnear motive force.
136. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in daim 135, wherein: said linear actuator comprises a solenoid.
137. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 123, wherein: said means for engaging comprises a belt; and said means for moving comprises an electric motor for rotating said belt.
138. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in daim 137, wherein: said belt comprises a surface for engaging a surface of a data cartridge magazine.
139. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in daim 123, wherein: said means for moving comprises an electrical motor,
140. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 123, wherein: said means for moving comprises a solenoid
141. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 123, wherein: said means for moving comprises alead screw,
142. A magaziαe-based data cartridge library, as daimed in claim 123, wherein: said means for moving comprises abelt-and-piύley system,
143. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 123, wherein: said means for moving comprises means for linearly translating said means for engaging.
144. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 123, wherein: said means for transporting comprises means for sensing when said means for engaging Has engaged a data cartridge magazine.
145. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in daim 144, wherein: said means for sensing comprises an optical sensdr,
146. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 124, wherein: said means for engaging comprises a force ϊimiter that is located between said actuator and said member.
147. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 146, wherein; said force Hmiter comprises a spring,
148. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as daimed in claim 1 6, wherein: said force Hmiter comprises a first spring and a second spring.
149. With respect to a magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary having a shelf for holding a data cartridge magazine that has a plurality of slots with each slot capable of holding a data cartridge, a method for moving a data cartridge magazine relative to the shelf comprising; providing a member for engaging a data cartridge magazine;
first causing said member to engage a data cartridge magazine that is associated with a shelf; first displacing, foHowing said step of first causing, said member away from said shelf to displace a first point on said data cartridge magazine a first distance away from a second point on said shelf; disengaging, following said step of first displacing, said member from said data cartridge magazine; second displacing, following said step of disengaging, said member towards said shelf; second causing, following said step of second displacing, said member to engage said data cartridge magazine; and third displadng- foHowing said step of second causing, said member away from said shelf to displace said first point on said data cartridge magazine a second distance away from said second point on said shelf that is greater than said first distance.
150. A method, as claimed in claim 149, wherein: said step of first causing comprises rotating said member so that said member is oriented to engage said data cartridge magazine.
151. A method, as claimed in claim 149, wherein: said step of first causing comprises Hnearly translating said member so that said member is oriented to engage said data cartridge magazine.
152. A method, as claimed in daim 149, wherein; said step of first causing comprises: first moving said member from a first position at which said member is unable to engage said data cartridge magazine to a second position at which said member is able to engage said data cartridge magazine; and second moving said member so that said member is oriented to engage said data cartridge magazine.
153. A rosthod- as claimed in claim 152- wherein:
said step of first moving occurs before said step of second moving.
154. A method, as claimed in daim 152, wherein: said step of first moving occurs after said step of second moving.
155. A method, as claimed in daim 152, wherein: said steps of first moving and second moving occur during overlapping time periods.
156. A method, as claimed in claim 149, wherein; said step of first displacing comprises moving said member such that a portion of said data cartridge magazine remains assodated with said shelf,
157. A method, as claimed in claim 149, wherein said step of first displacing comprises moving said member such that a portion of said data cartridge magazine that was previously associated with said shelf is no longer assodated with said shelf
158. A method, as claimed in daim 149, wherein: said step of first displacing comprises moving said member such that said data cartridge magazine is not in a stable position with respect to said shelf regardless of the number and location of data cartridges in said data cartridge magazine,
159. A method, as claimed in daim 149, wherein: said step of first displacing comprises linearly translating said member,
160. A method, as claimed in daim 149, wherein: said step of first displacing comprises linearly translating said data cartridge magazine.
161. A method, as claimed in claim 149, wherein; said step of first displacing comprises pulling said member away from said shelf, wherein a force applying dement that is operatively attachad to said member is located ahead
of a portion of said member that is in engagement with said data cartridge magazine with respect to the direction of displacement.
162. A method, as claimed in daim 149, wherein; said step of disengaging comprises rotating said member so that said member is oriented to not engage said data cartridge magazine.
163. A method, as daimed in claim 1 9, wherein: said step of disengaging comprises linearly translating said member so that said member is oriented to not engage said data cartridge magazine.
164. A method, as claimed in daim 149, wherein; said step of second displadng comprises Hnearly moving said member towards said shelf.
165. A method, as claimed in daim 149, wherein: said step of second causing comprises rotating said member so that said member is oriented to engage said data cartridge magazine.
166. A method, as claimed in claim 149, wherein: said step of second causing comprises linearly translating said member so that said member is oriented to engage said data cartridge magazine.
167. A method, as claimed in claim 149, wherein: said step of third displacing comprises moving said member such that there is substantially no association between said data cartridge magazine and said shelf.
168. A method, as claimed in claim 149, wherein: said step of third displadng comprises moving said member such that aH of the slots of said data cartridge magazine are not located in the space occupied by all of the slots when said data cartridge magazine was located on said shelf prior to said step of first causing.
169. A method, as claimed in claim 149, wherein: said step of third displacing comprises linearly translating said member.
170. A method, as claimed in claim 149, wherein: said step of third displacing comprises Hnearly translating said data cartridge magazine.
171. A method, as daimed in daim 149, wherein; said step of third displacing comprises pushing said member away from said shelf, wherein a force applying element that is operatively attached to said member is located behind a portion of said member that is in engagement with said data cartridge magazme with respect to the direction of displacement.
172. A method, as claimed in claim 149, wherein: during said step of first causing, said member engages a first portion of said data cartridge magazine; and during said step of second causing, said member engages said first portion of said data cartridge magazine.
173. A method, as claimed in claim 149, wherein; during said step of first causing, said member engages a first portion of said data cartridge magazine; and during said step of second causing, said member engages a second portion of said data cartridge magazine that is separated from said first portion of said data cartridge magazine.
174. A method, as -daimed in claim 149, wherein: said shelf is a moveable shelf that is associated with an entry/exit port of the magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary.
175. A method, as claimed in claim 149, further comprising: fourth displacing, foHowing said step of third displacing, said data cartridge magazine towards said shelf.
176. A method, as claimed in claim 175, wherein: said step of fourth displacing comprises: fifth displacing said data cartridge magazine towards said shelf; and sixth displacing, after said step of firth displaάng and after the expiration of a an amount of time during which no displace of said -data cartridge magazine occurs, said data cartridge magazine towards said shelf
177. With respect to a magazine-based data cartridge library having a shelf for holding a data cartridge magazine that has a plurality of slots with each slot capable of holding a data cartridge, a method for moving a data cartridge magazine relative to the shelf comprising: providing a support structure for holding a data cartridge magazine; providing a member for engaging a data cartridge magazine; positioning said support structure at a location adjacent to a shelf on which a data cartridge magazine that is to be moved is located; causing said member to engage said data cartridge magazine that is associated with said shelf; and displacing, following said step of causing, said member away from said shelf to displace said data cartridge magazine away from said shelf and such that at least a portion of said data cartridge magazine is hdd by said support structure.
178. A method, as claimed in daim 177, wherein: said step of positioning occurs before said step of causing.
179. A method, as claimed in claim 177, wherein: said step of causing comprises rotating said member so that said member is oriented to engage said data cartridge magazine.
180. A method, as claimed in claim 177, wherein: said step of causing comprises Hnearly translating said member so that member is oriented to engage said data cartridge magazine.
181. A method, as claimed in claim 177, wherein: said step of causing comprises; first moving said member from a first position at which said member is unable to engage a data cartridge magazine to a second position at which said member is able to engage a data cartridge magazine; and second moving said member so that said member is oriented to engage a data cartridge magazine-
182. A method, as daimed in daim 181, wherein: said step of first moving occurs before said step of second moving.
183. A method, as daimed in claim 181, wherein: said step of first moving occurs after said step of second moving.
184. A method, as claimed in claim 181, wherein: said steps of first moviijg and second moving occur during overlapping time periods.
185. A method, as claimed in daim 177, wherein; said step of displacing terminates when a slot of said data cartridge magazine is sufficiently exposed for a cartridge transport to transport a data cartridge to or from said slot.
186. A method, as claimed in claim 177- wherein: said step of displacing continues at least until there is substantially no assodation between said data cartridge magazine and said shelf
187. A method, as claimed in claim 177, wherein: said step of displacing comprises continues until substantially all of said data cartridge magazine is supported by said support structure.
188. A method, as claimed in claim 187, further comprising: moving, following said step of displacing, said support structure and said data cartridge magazine to a location adjacent to another shelf.
189. A ethod, as claimed in claim 188, further comprising: transporting said data cartridge magazine from said support structure to said another shelf.
190. A method, as claimed in claim 189, wherein: said another shelf is a movable shelf that is assodated with an entry/exit port of the magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary.
191. A method, as claimed in claim 188, further comprising: moving, foHowing said step of displacing, said support structure and said data cartridge magazine to a location adjacent to a drive of the magazine-based data cartridge library.
192. A method, as claimed in claim 177, wherein: said step of displacing comprises: first displacing said member away from said shelf to displace a first point on said data cartridge magazine a first distance away from a second point on said shelf; and second displacing, foHowing said step first displacing, said member away from said shelf to displace said first point on said data cartridge magazine a second distance away from said second point on said shelf that is greater than said first distance; wherein said step of first displacing occurs over a first period of time; wherein said step of second displacing occurs over a second period of time; wherein said first period of time is separated from said second period of time by a third period of time.
193. A method, as claimed in ai 192, further cornpri≤ing: third displacing, following said step of first displacing and before said step of second displacmg, said member towards said shelf during said third period of time.
194. A method, as claimed in claim 177, further comprising:
returning said data cartridge magazine to said shelf.
195. With respect to a magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy having a first shelf and a second shelf that is separated from the first shelf by a space, and each shelf capable of holding a data cartridge magazine that has a pluraEty of slots with each slot capable of holding at least one data cartridge, a method for moving a data cartridge magazine between the first shelf and the second shdf comprising: providing a member for engaging a data cartridge magazine; providing a support structure for holding a data cartridge magazine; positioning said support structure adjacent to a data cartridge magazine that is associated with a first shelf; first causing said member to engage the data cartridge -magazine that is associated with said first shelf; first displadng, foHowing said step of first causing, said member away from said first shelf to move said data cartridge magazine so that said data cartridge magazine is not assodated with said shelf and is associated with said support structure; second displacing, foHowing said step of first displadng, said member towards said second shelf to move said data cartridge magazine so that said data cartridge magazine is not associated with said support strudure and is associated with said second shdf
196. A method, as claimed in claim 195, wherein; said step of first causing comprises rotating said member.
197. A method, as daimed in daim 195, wherein: said step of first causing comprises Hnearly translating said member.
198. A method, as claimed in claim 195, wherein: said step o -first displacing comprises: causing a first movement of said data cartridge magazine to occur over a first period of time; and causing a second movement of said data cartridge magazine to occur over a second period of time;
wherein said first period of time is separated from said second period of time by a third period of time,
199. A method, as claimed in claim 195, wherein: said step of first displacing comprises: disengaging said member from said data cartridge magazine; displacing, foHowing said step of disengaging, said member relative to said data cartridge magazine; and re-engaging said member with said data cartridge magazine.
200. A method, as claimed in claim 195, wherein: said step of second displacing comprises causing a first movement of said data cartridge magazine to occur over a first period of time; and causing a second movement of said data cartridge magazine to occur over a second period of time; wherein said first period of time is separated from said second period of time by a third period of time.
201. A method, as daimed in claim 195, wherein: said step of second displacing comprises: disengaging said member from said data cartridge magazine; displacing, foHowing said step of disengaging, said member relative to said data cartridge magazine; and re-engaging said member with said data cartridge magazine.
202. A method, as claimed in claim 195, further comprising: after said step of first displacing and before said step of second displacing, moving said support structure and the data cartridge magazine associated with said support structure from a first location adjacent to said first shelf to a second location adjacent to said second shelf.
203. A method, as claimed in claim 202, wherein: said step moving comprises moving said support structure and said data cartridge magazine associated with said support structure in a direction with a horizontal component.
204. A method, as claimed in claim 202, wherein; said step moving comprises moving said support structure and said data cartridge magazine associated with said support structure in a direction with a vertical component.
205. A method, as claimed in daim 202, wherein: said step moving comprises moving said support structure and said data cartridge magazine associated with said support structure in a direction with both a horizontal component and a vertical component.
206. A method, as claimed in daim 195, wherein; said step of first displacing causing said data cartridge magazine to move in a first direction; arid said step of second displacing causing said data cartridge magazine to move in a second direction that is parallel to said first direction.
207. A method, as claimed in claim 206, wherein: said first direction and said second direction are oppositely directed
208. A method, as daimed in claim 206, wherein; said first direction and said second direction are in the same direction.
209. A method, as claimed in claim 1 5, wherein; one of said first shelf and said second shelf is a movable shelf that is associated with a entry/exit port of the magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy.
210. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary comprising; a frame;
214, A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 210, further comprising; a drive bay assembly module comprising: a housing structure that defines a first open side, a second open side, and a passageway extending between said first and second open sides; said housing structure comprising a drive bay mounting structure for interfacing with said Hbrary mounting structure such that when said drive bay assembly module is mounted within said space defined by said frame, said first open side is exposed to said cartridge transport device and said second open side is exposed to said space that is operator accessible; a housing plug that is attached to said housing and faces said second open side; and a sled for holding a drive that has a front side with a leceptade for receiving a data cartridge and aback side with a plug interface for receiving electrical signals; said sled comprising: a sled frame that extends from a first end to a second end and is capable of holding a drive such that the receptacle of a drive is adjacent to said first end and the plug interface of the drive is adjacent to said second end; and dectrical connection means for establishing an electrical connection between the plug interface of a drive and a sled plug that faces toward said first end of said sled and is capable of mating with said housing plug; wherein when said sled is positioned in said passageway such that said first end of said frame is adjacent to said first open side and said second end of said frame is adjacent to said second open side, said housing plug faces said sled plug.
215. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 210, further comprising: a drive bay assembly comprising: a housing structure that defines a first open side, a second open side, and a plurality of drive bays, each extending between said first and second open sides; said housing structure comprising a drive bay mounting structure for interfadng with said fibraty mounting structure such that when said drive bay
a shelf system, operatively attached to said frame, for supporting at least two data cartridge magazines and comprising at least one shelf; a drive that is operatively attached to said frame; a cartridge transport device, operatively attached tα said frame, for moving a data cartridge between a data cartridge magazine and said drive; a magazine transport device, operatively attached to said frame, for moving a data cartridge magazine; and an operator alterable space located with a space defined by said frame; wherein said operator alterable space comprises a library mounting structure for receiving a module, a first side that is exposed to said cartridge transport device and a second side that allows an. operator to attach a module to said mounting structure.
211. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy, as daimed in claim 210, further compπsing; a magazine bay assembly module comprising: a housing that defines an interior space that is capable of accommodating a data cartridge magazine and an opening for receiving a data cartridge magazine; said housing structure comprising a magazine bay mounting structure for interfacing with said Hbraiy mounting structure such that when said magazine bay assembly module is mounted within said space defined by said frame, said opening is exposed to at least one of said magazine transport device and said cartridge transport device.
212, A magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 211, wherein: said magazine bay assembly module comprising a bay guide that is located within said housing and capable of cooperating with a magazine guide for orienting a data cartridge magazine within said housing.
213- A magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 211, wherein: said magazine bay assembly comprising pluraHty of bays; wherein each of said pluraHty of bays is capable of accommodating a data cartridge magazine.
assembly module is mounted within said space defined by said frame, said first open side is exposed to said cartridge transport device and said second open side is exposed to said space that is operator accessible; a plurality of housing plugs that are each attached to said housing and face said second open side, wherein one of said plurality of plugs is associated with each of said pluraHty of drive bays; a pluraHty of sleds, each capable of holding a drive that has a front side with a receptacle for recdving a data cartridge and a back side with a plug interface for receiving electrical signals; wherein each of said pluraHty of sleds comprising an electrical connection means for establishing an electrical connection between the plug interface of a drive and a sled plug that is capable of mating with one of said pluraHty of housing plugs.
216. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim.215, wherein: said drive bay assembly comprising a processor, attached to said housing, for distributing electrical signals to each of said pluraHty of housing plugs.
217. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim.216, wherein: said housing comprising a processor bay for holding said processor; wherein said processor bay defining an opening that is exposed to a space that is operator accessible.
218. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 217, wherein: said processor comprising a handle for faciHtating insertion/removal of a portion of said processor through said opening.
21 . A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary comprising: a frame; a shelf system, operatively attached to said frame, for supporting at least two data cartridge magazines and coϊ-nprismg at least one shelf;
a cartridge transport device, operatively attached to said frame, for moving a data cartridge between a data cartridge magazine and said drive; a magazine transport device, operatively attached to said frame, for moving a data cartridge -magazine; and a drive bay assembly for holding a drive.
220. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 219, wherein: said drive bay assembly comprising: a housing structure that defines a first open side which is exposed to said cartridge transport device, a second open side which is exposed to a space that is operator accessible, and a passageway extending between said first and second open sides; a housing plug that is attached to said housing and faces said second open side; and a sled for holding a drive that has a front side with a receptade for receiving a data cartridge and a back side with a plug interface for receiving electrical signals; said sled comprising: a sled frame that extends from a first end to a second end and is capable of holding a drive such that the receptacle of a drive is adjacent to said first end and the plug interface of the drive is adjacent to said second end; and electrical connection means for establishing an electrical connection between the plug interface of a drive and a sled plug that faces toward said first end of said sled and is capable of mating with said housing plug; wherein when said sled is positioned in said passageway such that said first and of said frame is adjacent to said first open side and said second end of said frame is adjacent to said second open side, said housing plug faces said sled plug.
221. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim220, wherein: said housmg comprising a ounting flange for interfacing with mounting strudure.
222. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary- as claimed in daim 220- further comprising:
a door assembly that is attached to said housmg and moveable between a osed position that blocks said passageway when said sled is not positioned in said passageway and an open position when said sled is positioned in said passageway,
223. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 220, wherein; said sled frame comprising a casing that defines an interior space for accommodating a drive and an opening for exposing the receptacle of a drive when a drive is located in said interior space.
224. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 223, wherein- said electrical connection means comprises a device plug, located within said interior space defined by said casing, for mating with the plug interface of a drive.
225. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as daimed in claim 223, wherein: said sled comprises a fan for moving air from said interior space of said casing to an environment that is exterior to said casing.
226. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in daim 220, wherein: said sled being able to hold two, half-height drives.
227. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 220, wherein: said drive bay assembly comprising: a first guide structure associated with said housing; and a second guide structure associated with said sled; wherein said first and second guides structdres cooperate during insertion of said sled into said passageway througjh said second open side of said housing to orient said frame such that said first end of said frame is adjacent to said first open side of said housing, said second end of said frame is adjacent to said second open side of said housing, and said sled plug is substantially aligned with said housing plug.
228. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 220, wherein: said electrical connection means comprises a first plug and a second plug.
229. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in daim 228, wherein: said first plug for conveying a power signal and said second plug for conveying data that is to be written on a medium located in a data cartridge and/or data that has been read from a medium located in a data cartridge.
230. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 228, wherein: said first plug for conveying data that is to be written on a recording medium located in a data cartridge and or data that has been read from a recording medium located in a data cartridge by a first half-hdght, drive; and said second plug for conveying data that is to be written on a recording medium, located in a data cartridge and or data that has been read from a recording medium located in a data cartridge by a second half-height, drive.
231. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 230, wherein: said electrical connection means comprising a third plug means for conveying power signals to two, half-height, drives.
232. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as daimed in claim 220, wherein: said sled frame coniprisiing mounting means for use in attaching a drive to said sled.
233. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 232, wherein: said mounting means comprising means for use in attaching two, half-height drive devices to said sled.
234. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 232, wherein: said mounting means capable of accommodating a first drive with a first mounting interface or a second drive with a second mounting interface that is different than said first mounting interface.
235. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 220, whearein:
said sled comprising a handle for facilitating insertion and removal of said sled from said passageway of said housing by an operator.
236. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 219, wherein: said drive bay assembly comprising: a housing structure that defines a first open side which is exposed to said cartridge transport device, a second open side which is exposed to a space that is operator accessible, and a pluraHty of drive bays, each extending between said first and second open sides; a plurality of housing plugs that are each attached to said housing and face said second open side; wherein one of said plurality of plugs is associated with each of said pluraHty of drive bays; a pluraHty of sleds, each capable of holding a drive that has a front side with a receptacle for receiving a data cartridge and a back side with, a plug interface for receiving electrical signals; wherein each of said plurality of sleds comprising an electrical connection means for estahHshing an electrical connection between the plug interface of a drive and a sled plug that is capable of mating with one of said plurality of housing plugs.
237. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 236, wherein: said drive bay assembly comprising a processor, attached to said housing, for distributing electrical signals to each of said pluraHty of housing plugs.
238. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim.237, wherein: said housmg comprising a processor bay for holding said processor and having an opening that is exposed to a space that is operator accessible.
239. A maga2ine-based data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim.238- wherein: said processor comprising a handle for fecihtating insertion/removal of a portion of said processor through said opening.
240. A data cartridge library comprising: a frame; a shelf system, operatively attached to said frame, for supporthig at least two data cartridge magazines and comprising at least one shelf; drive means that is operatively attached to said frame; a magazine transport device, operatively attached to said frame, for moving a data cartridge magazine; a cartridge transport device, operatively attached to said frame, for moving a data cartridge between a data cartridge magazine and said drive; and a power supply, operatively attached to said frame, for receiving AC power from an external environment and producing DC power in a form suitable for use by said drive means; and a conductor, operatively attached to said frame, for conveying DC power from said power supply to said drive; wherein said conductor has a first flat external surface and a second flat external surface that is substantially paraUd to said first flat external surface.
241. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 240, wherein said frame comprises: a cabinet having a first side, second side, third side and fourth side; wherein said first side is substantially parallel to said second side; wherein said third side is substantially parallel to said fourth side; and wherein said first side is substantially perpendicular to said third side.
242. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 241, wherein: said conductor is located so that said first flat external face is substantially paraHel to one of said first side and third side,
243. A data cartridge Hbrary- as claimed in claim 241, wherein: said conductor is located so that said first Hat external face is substantially perpendicular to said first side.
244. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 240, wherein:
said drive means comprises a drive with a substantiaHy flat outer surface; and said conductor is located so that said first flat external face of said conductor is substantially parallel to said substantially flat outer surface of said drive.
245. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 244, wherein: said substantially flat outer surface of said drive is a horizontally extending surface.
246. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 244, wherein; said substantially flat outer surface of said drive is a verticaHy extending surface.
247. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 240,wherein: said magazine transport device comprises a portion that, during operation, rotates about an axis.
248. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 247, wherein: said conductor is located so that said first flat external face Hes in a radial plane that includes said axis,
249. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 247, wherein: said conductor is located so that said ffrst flat external face lies in. a plane that is substantially parallel to a radial plane that includes said axis.
250. A data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 247, wherein: said conductor is located so that said first flat external ace Hes in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to a tangent of a circular arc having said axis as a center.
251. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 240, wherein: said magazine transport device comprises a portion that, during operation, moves two orthogonal and rectifinear diredions that define a plane.
252. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 251, wherein:
said conductor is located so that said first flat external face is substantially parallel to said plane.
253. A data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 251, wherein: said conductor is located so that said first flat external face is substantiaUy perpendicular to said plane.
254. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 240, wherein: said conductor comprising a pluraHty of laminated electrical conductors.
255. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 240, further comprising: a tap that is electrically connected to said conductor and located between said conductor and said drive means.
256. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in clairh 240, further comprising: a plug comprising a first plug portion and a second plug portion that mates with said first plug portion; wherein said first plug portion is electricahy connected to said condudor, and wherein said second plug portion is electricaHy connected to said drive means.
257. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 240, wherein: said drive means comprises a drive bay for housing at least two drives.
25S. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 240, wherein: said drive means comprises a plurality of drives that are situated in a vertical column.
259. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 240, wherein: said power supply comprising a substantially horizontal top surface; and wherein at least a portion of said conductor is located above said horizontal top surface and with at least a portion of said first flat external face substantiaUy parallel to said horizontal top surface.
260. A magazine-based data cartridge library comprising: a first portion of a magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary comprising; a first frame mat defines a first side; and a first passageway extending through a portion of said first side; a second portion of a magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary comprising: a second frame that defines a second side; and a second passageway extending through a portion of said second side a magazine transport device for moving a data cartridge magazine within said first frame, moving a data cartridge magazine through said first and second passageways, and moving a data cartridge magazine within said second frame.
261. A magazine-based data cartridge libraiy, as claimed in claim 260, wherein: said magazine transport device comprises: a magazine picker; and an elevator for moving said magazine picker; wherein said elevator comprises a horizontal guide,
262. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim.261, wherein: said horizontal guide comprises a continuous horizontal guide that extends between said first and second frames.
263. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim26l, wherein; said horizontal guide comprises; a first horizontal section that extends from a first horizontal section first end to a first horizontal section second end; and a second horizontal section that extends from a second horizontal section first end to a second horizontal section second end; wherein said first horizontal section second end is substaπtiahy aligned with said second horizontal section first end.
264. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary- as claimed in dai 261, wherein: said horizontal guide comprises:
a first horizontal guide section located within said first frame; a second horizontal guide section located within said second frame; and a third horizontal guide section extending between said first horizontal guide section and said second horizontal guide section
265. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 261, wherein: said horizontal guide is substantiaUy linear.
266. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 261, wherein: said horizontal guide follows a curve.
267. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 261, fiirther comprising: a cartridge transport device for moving a data cartridge between a magazine and a drive; wherein said cartridge transport comprises said elevator.
268. A magazine based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 260, wherein: said magazine transport device comprises; a first magazine transport device for moving a data cartridge magazine within said first frame; and a second magazine transport device for moving a data cartridge magazine w hin said second frame and within a first space that is within said first frame.
269. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 268, wherein; said first magazine transport device further for moving a data cartridge magazine within a second space that is within said second frame.
270. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 268, wherein: said magazine transport device comprises: a first magazine transport device moving a data cartridge magazine within said first frame and within space that is located between said first and second frames; and
a second magazine transport device for moving a data cartridge magazine within said second frame and within said space that is located between said first and second frames.
271. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 260, wherein: said magazine transport device comprises a first magazme transport device for moving a data cartridge magazine within said first frame; a second magazine transport device for moving a data cartridge magazine within said second frame; and a third magazme transport device for moving a data cartridge magazine through said first and second passageways.
272. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 271, wherein: said first and second magazine transport devices each move in a plane.
273. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in daim 272 wherein: said third magazine transport device comprises: a support for holding a data cartridge magazine; and means for rotating said support about an axis.
274. A magazine-based data cartridge libraiy, as claimed in claim 272, wherein: said third magazine transport device comprises: a support for holding a dat cartridge magazine; and means for Hnearly translating said support
275. A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in clai 271, wherein: said first and second magazine transport devices each rotate about an axis.
276. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy, as daimed in clai 275, wherein: said second magazine transport device comprises: a support for holding a data cartridge magazine; and
means for rotating said support about an axis.
277. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim.275, wherein: said second magazine transport device comprises: a support for holding a data cartridge magazine; and means for Hnearly translating said support.
278. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 271, further comprising: a cartridge transport device for moving a data cartridge between a magazine and a drive; wherein at least one of said first and second magazine transport devices comprises an elevator; and wherein said cartridge transport device comprises said elevator.
279. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 260, wherein: said first portion is capable of functioning as a magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary without said second portion,
280. A method for making a magazine-based data cartridge library comprising: first providing a magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary comprising: a cabinet; a shelf, located within said cabinet, for supporting a data cartridge magazine; a drive located wilhin said cabinet; a cartridge transport, located within said cabinet, for moving a data cartridge between a data cartridge magazine and said drive; a magazine transport device, located within said cabinet, for movmg a data cartridge magazme within said cabinet; wherein said magazine transport device comprising: a magazine picker; and a guide structure for use in moving said magazine picker within said cabinet; and
wherein said cabinet comprising a side surface that is readily alterable to form a first passageway; and second providing a magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy add-on comprising: an add-on cabinet; wherein said add-on cabinet comprising a side surface that is readily alterable to form a second passageway or has a second passageway.
281. A method, as daimed in claim 280, further comprising: third providing a replacement guide structure for said guide structure of said maga2ine-based data cartridge Hbraiy; wherein when said first passageway of said magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary and said second passageway of said magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary add-on are aKgned, said replacement guide being of a length such that said -magazine picker can be moved within said cabinet and said add-on cabinet.
282. A method, as claimed in claim 280, further comprising: third providing an add-on guide structure for said guide structure of said magazine- based data cartridge Hbrary; wherein when said first passageway of said magazine-based data cartridge library and said second passageway of said magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary add-on are aligned, said guide of said magazine-based data cartridge library and said add-on guide struciture being of a length such that said magazine picker can be moved within said cabinet and said add-on cabinet.
283. A method, as claimed in claim 282, wherein: said add-on guide structure comprises a first add-on guide structure and a second addon guide structure.
284. A method, as claimed in claim 280, wherein: said step of second providing comprising providing a first add-on magazine transport device, located within said add-on cabinet, for moving a data cartridge rαagaziαe within said add-on cabinet.
285. A method, as daimed in claim 284, further comprising: third providing a second add-on data cartridge magazine device for transporting a data cartridge magazine between said magazine based data cartridge Hbrary and said magazine based data cartridge library add-on.
286. A data cartridge libraiy comprising: a frame; a sh system, operatively attached to said frame, for supporting at least two cartridge magazines and comprising at least one shelf; a drive that is operativdy attached to said frame; a magazine transport device, operatively attadied to said frame, for moving a magazine comprised of a frame structure that defines a space for accommodating a plurality of data cartridges and an opening through which a data cartridge can be inserted/removed into/from the space, and a partitioning structure that divides the space into a pluraHty of substantially parallel slots with each slot capable of accommodating a data cartridge, and when such a magazine is assodated with the library, the magazine is oriented such that a data cartridge held within one of said plurality of slots is oriented such that the face of the, data cartridge with the greatest surface area Hes in a substantially vertical plane; and a cartridge transport device, operatively attached to said frame, for moving a data cartridge between a data cartridge magazine and said drive; wherein said magazine transport device is capable of moving a -magazine to a site at which at least two of the pluraHty of substantiaUy parallel slots of the magazine aie exposed to said cartridge transport; wherein said cartridge transport comprises: a grasper for grasping a data cartridge and releasing a previously grasped data cartridge; and a grasper transport, located adjacent to said site, for horizontaUy displacing said grasper so that said grasper is able to insert/remove a data cartridge into/from each of the at least two of the plurality of substantially parallel slots of a magazine positioned at said site.
2S7. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 286, wherein:
said grasper transport comprises a lead screw.
288. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 286, wherein: said grasper transport comprises a rack and pinion.
289. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 286, wherein: said grasper transport comprises a uUey.
290. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 286, wherein: said grasper transport comprises a rotary actuator.
291. A data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 286, wherein: said grasper transport comprises a linear actuator.
292. ' A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 286, wherein: said grasper transport moves at least a portion of said grasper along a substantiaUy horizontal and straight line; and said cartridge transport comprises means for rotating said grasper about a substantially horizontal axis that is substantiaUy perpendicular to said straight line.
293, A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 286, wherein: said grasper transport moves at least a portion of said grasper along a substantially horizontal and ■straight line; and said cartridge transport comprises means for rotating said grasper about a substantially horizontal axis that is substantiaUy parallel to said straight line.
294. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 286, wherein: said grasper transport moves at least a portion of said grasper along a substantiaUy horizontal and straight Hne and said cartridge transport comprises means for rotating said grasper about a substantiaUy vertical axis.
295. A data cartridge libraiy, as claimed in daim 286, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises: means for verticaHy moving at least a portion of said grasper towards and away from said site so that said grasper is capable of displacing a data cartridge within a substantially vertical plane,
296. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 295, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises: means for horizontaUy moving said grasper towards and away from said site so that said grasper is capable of displacing a data cartridge within a substantially vertical plane.
297. A data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 286, wherein: said grasper comprises; ahousing capable of accommodating a first data cartridge with a first height or a second data cartridge with a second height that is greater than the first height, with the height of a data cartridge being the distance between the two substantiaUy parallel faces of the data cartridge that have the greatest surface area
298. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 286, wherein: said magazine transport device and said cartridge transport comprise an elevator.
299. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 286, further comprising; means fox reading a first label and a second label that are each poteπtiaUy assodated with a magazine when the magazme is assodated with the library and that are each differently oriented to the other; wherein the first label is assodated with a magazine and is located in a first plane; wherein the second label is assodated with a data cartridge and located in a second plane that is different than said first plane.
300. A data cartridge Hbrary comprising: afiratne:
a shelf system, operatively attached to said frame, for supporting at least two cartridge magazanes and comprising at least one shelf; a drive that is operatively attached to said frame; a magazine transport device, operativdy attached to said frame, for moving a magazine comprised of a frame structure that defines a space for accommodating a plurality of data cartridges and an opening through which a data cartridge can be inserted/removed into/from the space, and a partitioning structure that divides the space into a pluraHty of substantially paraUel slots with each slot capable of accommodating a data cartridge, and when such a magazine is associated with the Hbrary, the magazine is oriented such that a data cartridge held within one of said pluraHty of slots is oriented such that the face of the data cartridge with the greatest surface area lies in a substantially vertical plane; and a cartridge transport device, operatively attached to said frame, for moving a data cartridge between a data cartridge magazine and said drive; wherein said magazine transport device is capable of moving a magazine to a site at which at least one of the pluraHty of substantially paraUel slots of the magazine are exposed to said cartridge transport; wherein said cartridge transport comprises: a grasper for grasping a data cartridge and releasing a previously grasped data cartridge; and means for linearly moving at least a portion of said grasper relative to said site so that said grasper is capable of displacing a data cartridge within a substantiaUy vertical plane.
301. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 300, wherein: said means for linearly moving comprises means for -vertically moving said grasper.
302. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 300, wherein: said means for Hnearly moving comprises means for horizontally moving said grasper.
303. A data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in daim 300, wherein: said means for linearly moving comprises a lead screw.
304. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 300, wherein: said means for Hnearly moving comprises a rack and pinion.
305. A data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in daim 300, wherein: said means for linearly moving comprises a pvdley.
306. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 300, wherein; said means for linearly moving comprises a rotary actuator.
307. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 300, wherein: said means for linearly moving comprises a linear actuator.
308. A data cartridge library, as claimed in dai 300, wherein: said cartridge transport compris s: a grasper transport, located adjaceαat to said site, for horizontally displacing said grasper so that said grasper is able to insert remove a data cartridge into/frorα each of the at least two of the pluraHty of substantially paraUel slot of a magazine positioned at said site.
309. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 300, wherein; said cartridge transport comprises: means for rotating said grasper about a horizontal axis.
310. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 300, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises: means for rotating said grasper about a vertical axis.
311. A data cartridge Hbrary- as claimed in daim300, wherein: said grasper comprises: a housing capable of accommodating a first data cartridge with a first height and a second data cartridge with a second height that is greater than the first height, with the height of a data cartridge being the distance between the two substantially paraUd faces of the data cartridge that have the greatest surface area.
312. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 300, wherein; said magazine transport device comprises: a magazine picker for moving a magazine to and from said shelf; and an elevator; said cartridge transport comprises said elevator.
313. A data cartridge Hbrary, as clabπsd in daim 300, further comprising: means for Teading a first label and a second that are each potentiaUy associated with a magazine when the magazine is associated with the Hbraiy and that are each differently oriented to the other; wherein the first label is associated with a magazine and is located in a first plane; wherein the second label is associated with a data cartridge and located in a second plane that is different than said first plane.
314. A data cartridge Hbrary comprising: a frame; a shelf system, operatively attached to said frame, for supporting at least two cartridge magazines and comprising at least one shelf; a drive that is operativdy attadied to said frame; a magazine picker, operatively attadied to said frame, for moving a magazine to and from said shdf; and a cartridge transport, operatively attached to said frame, for moving a data cartridge between a data cartridge magazine and said drive; wherein said cartridge transport comprises an elevatoi wherein said devatσr supports said magazine picker,
315. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 314, wherein: said elevator comprises a carriage; wherein said magazine picker is operativeily attached to said carriage.
316. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 3 4, wherein:
said elevator comprises: means for moving said magazine picker in one rectilinear dimension.
317. A data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 314, wherein: said elevator comprises: means for moving said magazine picker in two rectilinear dimensions.
318. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 314, wherein: said elevator comprises: means for moving said magazine picker along an arc with a fixed radius.
319. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 314, wherein: said elevator comprises: means for moving said magazine picke* in a cylindrical space,
320. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 314, wherein said elevator comprises: an electrical motor.
321. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 314, wherein,: said elevator comprises: a first electrical motor; and a second electrical motor.
322. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 314, wherein: said elevator comprises: a counterweight.
323. A data cartridge Hbrary. as claimed in daim 314, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises: a grasper for grasping a data cartridge and releasing a previously grasped data cartridge; and
a grasper transport, located adjacent to said site, for hαrizontaUy displacing said grasper.
324. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 14, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises: a grasper for grasping a data cartridge and releasing a previously grasped data cartridge; and means for rotating said grasper about an axis.
325. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 314, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises; a grasper for grasping a data cartridge and releasing a previously grasped data cartridge; and means for linearly moving at least a portion of said grasper towards and away from a magazine so that said grasper is capable of displacmg a data cartridge within a substantially vertical plane.
326. A data cartridge Hbrary, as daimed in claim 314, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises: a housing capable of accommodating a first data cartridge with a first height and a second data cartridge with a second height that is greater than the first height, with the height of a data cartridge being the distance between the two substantiaUy parallel faces of the data cartridge that have the greatest surface area,
327. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 314, further comprising: means for reading a first label and a second label that are each potentially associated with a magazine when the magazine is associated with the Hbrary and that are each differently oriented to the other; wherein the first label is asso ated with a magazine and is located in a first plane; wherein the second label is assodated with a data cartridge and located in a second plane that is different than said first plane.
328. A data cartridge Hbrary comprising: a frame; a shdf system, o eratively attached to said frame, for supporting at least two cartridge magazines and comprising at least one shelf; a drive that is operatively attached to said frame; a magazine transport device, operatively attached to said frame, for moving a magazine; a cartridge transport, operatively attached to said frame, for moving data cartridge between a data cartridge magazme and said drive; and means for reading a first label and a second label that are each poteπtiaHy associated with a magazine when the magazine is associated with the library and that are each differently oriented to the other, wherein the first label is associated with a magazine and is located in a first plane; wherein the second labd is associated with a data cartridge and located in a second plane that is different than said first plane.
329. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 328, wherein: said means for reading comprises:. a label rea er; and means for moving said label reader between a first orientation for reading a first label and a second orientation for reading a second label.
330- A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 329, wherein; said means for moving comprises: means for rotating said label reader.
331. A data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 329, wherein; said means for moving comprises; aans for rotating said label reader about a substantially horizontal axis.
332. A data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 331, wherein: said means for moving comprises:
means for rotating said label reader about a substantially horizontal axis and through an angular range that extends across a vertical plane that includes said substantially horizontal axis so that said label reader is capable of reading first labels associated with magazines located on both sides of said vertical plane-
333. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 329, wherein: said label reader is operatively attached to said cartridge transport.
334. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 329, wherein: said means for moving comprises: means for Hnearly translating said label reader.
335. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 328, wherein said means for reading comprises: a first label reader for reading a first labd; and a second labd reader for reading a second label.
336. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 335, wherein: said first label reader is associated with said magazine transport device.
337. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 336, wherein: said magazine transport device comprises; a magazine picker for moving a magazine in a direction to associate a magazine with said shelf; wherein said first label reader is associated with said magazine picker and aHgned in said direction.
338. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 335, wherein: said second labd reader is operatively attached to said cartridge transport.
339. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 338, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises:
a grasper for grasping a data cartridge and releasing a previously grasped data cartridge; and means for linearly moving at least a portion of said grasper in a direction towards a magazine; wherein said second label reader is operatively attached to said cartridge transport and aligned in said direction.
340. A data cartridge libraty, as claimed in. claim 328, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises: a grasper for grasping a data cartridge and releasing a previously grasped data cartridge; and a grasper transport for horizontaUy displacing said grasper.
341. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 328, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises: a grasper for grasping a data cartridge and releasing a previously grasped data cartridge; and •means for rotating said grasper about an axis.
342. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 328, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises: a grasper for grasping a data cartridge and releasing a previously grasped data cartridge; and means for Hnearly moving at least a portion of said grasper towards and away from a magazine so that said grasper is capable of displacing a data cartridge within a substantiaUy vertical plane.
343. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 328, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises: a housing capable of accommodating a first data cartridge with a first height and a second data cartridge with a second height that is greater than the first height,
with the height of a data cartridge being the distance between the two substantiaUy paraUel faces of the data cartridge that have the greatest surface area.
344. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 328, wherein: said magazine transport device comprises: a magazine picker; and an elevator; wherein said cartridge transport comprises said elevator.
345. A data cartridge library comprising: a frame; a shelf system, operatively attadied to said frame, for supporting at least two cartridge magazines and comprising at least one shelf; a drive that is operatively attadied to said frame; a magazine transport device, operatively attached to said frame, for moving a magazine; and a cartridge transport, operatively attached to said frame, for moving a data cartridge between a data cartridge magazine and said drive; wherein said cartridge transport comprises: a grasper for grasping a data cartridge and releasing a previously grasped data cartridge; and means for rotating said grasper about an. axis.
346. A data cartridge library, as claimed in daim 345, wherein: said means for rotating comprises means for rotating said grasper about a horizontal axis,
347. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 345, wherein: said means for rotating comprises means for rotating said grasper about a vertical axis.
348. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 345, wherein:
said means for rotating comprises means for rotating a data cartridge about an axis that is parallel to the face of the data cartridge with the greatest area.
349. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 345, wherein: said means for rotating comprises an electrical motor.
3 0, A data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 345, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises: a grasper transport for hαrizontaUy displacing said grasper so that said grasper is able to insert remove a data cartridge into/from magazine,
351. A data cartridge library, as claimed in daim 345, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises: means for vertically moving said grasper so that said grasper is capable of displacing a data cartridge within a substantiaUy vertical plane.
352. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 345, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises: means for horizontaHy moving said grasper so that said grasper is capable of displacing a data cartridge within a substantiaUy vertical plane.
353, A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 345, wherein: said grasper comprises: a housing capable of accommodating a first data cartridge with a first height and a second data cartridge with a second height that is greater than the first height, with the height of a data cartridge being the distance between the two substantiaUy paraUel faces of the data cartridge that have the greatest surface area.
354, A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 345, wherein: said magazine transport device-comprises: a cartridge magazine picker; and an elevator;
wherein said cartridge transport comprises said elevator.
355. A data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 345, further comprising: means for reading a first label and a second that are each potentially associated with a magazine when the magazine is associated with the library and that are each, differently oriented to the other; wherein the first label is associated with a magazme and is located in a first plane; wherein the second label is assodated with a data cartridge and located in a second plane that is different than said first plane.
356. A data cartridge library comprising: a frame; a shelf system, operatively attached to said frame, for supporting at least two cartridge magazines and comprising at least one shelf; a drive that is operatively attadied to said frame; a magazine transport device, operatively attached to said frame, for moving a magazine; and a cartridge transport, operatively attached to said frame, for moving a data cartridge between a data cartridge magazine and said drive; wherein said cartridge transport comprises: a grasper for grasping a data cartridge and releasing a previously grasped data cartridge, said grasper comprising a housing capable of accommo ating a first data cartridge with a first height or a second data cartridge with a second height that is greater than the first height, with the height of a data cartridge being the distance between the two substantiaUy parallel faces of the data cartridge that have the greatest surface area
357. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 356, wherein: said housing comprises: a first member comprising a first planar surface;
a second member comprising a second planar surface that is separated from said first member by a distance that is greater than said first depth and less than said second depth; and means, operatively connected to said first member, for aUowing said first membesr to move relative to said second member so that said second member is separated from, said first member by a distance that is greater than said second depth.
358. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 357, wherein: said means comprises a spring.
359. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 356, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises: • a grasper transport for horizontaUy displacing said grasper so that said grasper is able to insert remove a data cartridge into/from a magazine.
360. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in daim 356, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises: means for rotating said grasper about a horizontal axis.
361. A data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 356, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises; means for rotating said grasper about a vertical axis.
362. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 356, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises: means for vertically moving said grasper rdative o a data cartridge magazβine so that said grasper is capable of displacmg a data cartridge within a substantiaUy vertical plane.
363. A data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in daim 356, wherein: said cartridge transport comprises:
means for horizontaUy moving said grasper relative to a magazine so that said grasper is capable of displacing a data cartridge within a substantiaUy vertical plane.
364. A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 356, wherein: said cartridge magazine transport device comprises: a cartridge magazine picker; and an elevator; wherein said cartridge transport comprises said elevator.
365- A data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 356, further comprising: means for reading a first label and a second that are each potentially associated with a magazine when the magazine is associated with the Hbrary and that are each differently oriented to the other wherein the first label is associated with a magazine and is located in a first plane; wherein the second label is associated with a data cartridge and located in a second plane that is different than said first plane.
366. 'With respect to a magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary that is capable of storing a pluraHty of cartridge magazines on a shelf where a magazine located on a shelf orients data cartridges such that the face of the data cartridge with the greatest surface area lies in a substantially vertical plane, a method for moving a data cartridge from a cartridge magazine stored on a shelf to a player/recorder, the method comprising: first positioning a magazine picker adjacent to the portion of a shdf on which a magazine that contains a data cartridge is located; first using, following said step of first positioning, said magazine picker to move said magazine to a site at which at least the portion of the magazine that contains the data cartridge is accessible by a cartridge transport; second using, following said step of first using, a grasper to remove the data cartridge from the magazine by displacing the data cartridge such that the data cartridge moves in a substantially vertical plane; and third using, foHowing said step of second using, said cartridge transport to insert the magazine into the player/recorder.
367. A method, as claimed in daim 366, wherein: said step of first positioning comprises: using an elevator to move said magazine picker.
368. A method, as daimed in claim 367, wherein:, said step of first using comprises: using a gripper to transfer the magazine from the shelf to a support surface.
369. A method, as claimed in claim 368, wherein: said site comprises the location of said support surface.
370. A method, as claimed in claim 366, wherein: said step of second using comprises: fourth using a grasper transport to move said grasper to a location immediately adjacent said data cartridge in said magazine.
371. A method, as claimed in claim 370, wherein said step of second using comprises: fifth using a grasper translator for moving said grasper to engage said data cartridge in said magazine and remove said data cartridge from said magazine.
372. A method, as claimed in claim 366, wherein: said step of third using comprises: rotating said data cartridge about a horizontal axis before inserting said data cartridge in said player/recorder.
373. A method, as daimed in claim 366, wherein: said step of third using comprises: moving said data cartridge using an elevator that also moves said cartridge magazine picker before inserting said data cartridge in said player/recorder.
374. A magazine data storage element for use in a magazine-baSed data Hbrary that is capable of transporting magazines within the library, the data cartridge magazine comprising: a frame structure that defines a space for accommodating a pluraHty of hard disk drives that each have a hard disk drive-interconnect connector; an interconnect structure comprising: a pluraHty of interconnect-hard disk drive connectors with each of said pluraHty of interconnect-hard disk drive cormectoτs capable of connecting with a hard disk drive-interconnect connector; a magazine-drive connector for connecting .with a drive-magazine connector; and connection circuitry for connecting each of said pluraHty of interconnect-hard disk drive connectors with said magazine-drive connector; and a magazine transport means for being engaged by a portion of a magazine transport device associated with a magazine-based library and used to displace a magazine towards or away from a shelf within the magazine-based libraiy.
375. A magazine data storage element, as daimed in claim 374, wherein: said frame structure comprises: a first pair of parallel side surfaces; a second pair of paraUel side surfaces that are perpendicular to said first pair of paraUel side surfaces; a third pair of paraUd side surfaces that are perpendicular to said first pair of parallel side surfaces and said second pair of parallel side surface; and a hole in one side surface of said first, second and third pairs of parallel side surfaces for exposing said magazine-drive connector.
376. A magazine data storage dement, as daimed in claim 374, wherein: said frame structure comprises: a first pair of parallel side surfaces; a second pair of parallel side surfaces that are perpendicular to said first pair of paraUel side surfaces;
a third pair of paralld side surfaces that are perpendicular to said first pair of paraUd side surfaces and said second pair of parallel side surface; a first hole in one side surface of said first pair of paraUel side surfaces; and a second hole in the other side surface of said first pair of paraUel side surfaces.
377. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 374, whetein: said frame structure comprises a cage capable of holding two of said plurality ofhard disk drives,
378. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 374, wherein: said frame structure comprises a plurality of cages with each of said plurality of cages capable of holding two of said plurality o hard disk drives,
379. A magazine data storage element, as daimed in claim 374, wherein: said frame structure comprises: base surface; and a cage that is operatively attached to said base surface and capable of holding two of said pluraHty ofhard disk drives.
380. A magazine data storage element, as claimed i claim 374, wherein: said frame structure comprises; a base surface; and a plurality of cages that are each operatively attached to said base surface and capable of holding two of said pluraHty ofhard disk drives.
381. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 374, fiirther comprising: a plurality of hard disk drives located within said space defined by said frame structure.
382. A magazine data storage dement, as claimed in claim 374, further comprising;
a drive transport feature for being engaged by a insertion ejection device of a magazine data storage element drive to move the magazine data store element into and out of the magazine data storage dement dri es.
383. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in clai 374, wherein: said interconnect structure comprises a soHd state memory element
384. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 383, wherein: said solid state memory element comprises a EEP OM.-
385. A magazine data storage dement, as daimed in claim 374, further comprising: label means for use in identifying the data cartridge magazine.
386. A magazine data storage element, as daimed in claim 385, wherein: said label means comprises an indentation located in a portion of said frame structure that would be considered a side wall when the magazine data storage dement has an operational orientation with respect to a shelf within a magazine-based Hbrary, wherein said indentation is for accommodating a labd for identifying the magazine data storage element
387. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 385, wherein; said label means comprises: a first indentation located in a first portion of said -frame structure; and a second indentation in a second portion of said frame structure that is separated from said first portion; wherein said first indentation is for accommodating a first label for identifying the magazine; wherein said second indentation is for accommodating a second label for identifying the magazine; wherein said first and second portions are each located on a section of said frame structure that would be considered a side wall when the magazine data storage element has an operational orientation with respect to a shdf within a magazine-based Hbrary system.
388. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 387, wherein: said first portion being located on a first side wait and said second portion being located on a second side waU that i≤ paraUd to said first side waU.
389. A magazme data storage element, as claimed in claim 385, wherein: said label means comprises a sleeve for holding a label.
390. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 385, wherein: said label means comprises a radio-frequency identifier.
391. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 374, further comprising: a labd that identifies the magazine data storage dement and is attached to said frame structure at a location that is discemable by a label reader located within a magazine-based Hbrary,
392. A magazine data, storage element for use in a magazine-based data Hbrary that is capable of transporting magazines within the library, the data cartridge magazine comprising; a frame structure -that defines a space for accommodating a plurality of hard disk drives; a pluraHty of hard disk drives that are located in said space defined by said frame structure and that each have a hard disk drive-interconnect connector; an interconnect structure comprising: a pluraHty of intsrconnect-hard disk drive connectors with each of said pluraHty of interconnect-hard disk drive connectois capable of connecting with a hard disk drive-interconnect connector; a magazine-drive connector for connecting with a drive-magazine connector; and connection circuitry for connecting each of said plurality of interconnect-hard disk drive connectors with said magazine-drive connector; and
a magazine transport means for being engaged by a portion of a magazine transport device associated with a magazine-based and used to displace a data cartridge magazine towards or away from a shelf within the magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary.
393. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 392, wherein: each of said pluraHty o hard disk drives has a serial signal interface.
394. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 392, wherein: each of said plurality ofhard disk drives is one of an serial ATA drive, serial SCSI drive and FibreChaπnel drive.
395. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 392, wherein: each of said pluraHty o hard disk drives is an 2 1/2" hard disk drive.
396. A magazine data storage dement, as claimed in claim 392, wherein: said magazine transport means comprises a protrusion that is associated with one of said bottom waU and said side wall
397. A magazine data storage dement, as daimed in claim 392, wherein: said magazine transport means comprises an indentation that is associated with one of s-aid bottom waU and said side waU.
398. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim.392- wherein; said magazine transport means comprises a hole that is associated with one of said bottom wall and said side wall
399. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 392, wherein: said magazine transport means comprises a pair of protrusions, with, each of said pair of protrusions assodated with one of said bottom waU and said side wall.
400. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 392, wherein;
said magazine transport means comprises a pair of indentations, with each of said pair of indentations assodated with one of said bottom wall and said side wall.
401. A magazme data storage element, as claimed in claim 392, wherein; said magazine transport means comprises a pair of holes, with each of said pair of holes associated with one of said bottom wall and said side waU
402. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 392, further comprising: an engaged/disengaged stmdure for use with a sensor that is used to determine if a magazine transport device associated with a magazine-based Hbrary is engaged/disengaged to/from the magazine data storage element.
403. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in daim 392, further comprising: a magazme orientation structure for ensuring that the magazine data storage dement has a desired orientation within a magazine-based Hbrary.
404. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 403, wherein; said magazine orientation structure comprises an asymmetric structure this is asymmetric relative to a plane that verticaUy bisects the magazine data storage dement.
405. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 404, wherein: said asymmetric structure comprises a pair of paraUel raUs.
406. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 392, -further comprising: a retaining structure for use in holding the magazine data storage element in association with a shelf within a magazine-based library but releasing the magazine data storage element when a force is appHed to the magazine data storage element by a magazme transport device associated with the magazine-based Hbrary,
407. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 406, wherein: said retaining structure comprises a notch for engaging a notch-engaging structure associated with a shelf.
408. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in claim 406, wherein; said retaining structure comprises a detent for use in engaging a notch associated with a shelf
409. A magazine data storage element, as claimed in 013011406, wherein: said retaining structure comprises: a detent for engaging a notch associated with a shelf; and a spring for applying a force to said detent.
410. A magazine data storage element drive for use with a magazine data storage element comprised of a frame structure, aplurality ofhard disk drives supported by the frame structure, and an interconnect structure that extends between each of the hard disk drives and a magazine-drive connector, the drive comprising: a frame for supporting a magazine data storage dement; and a magazine data storage dement cable, operatively attached to said frame, comprising a drive-magazine connector for connecting with a magazine-drive connector of a magazme data storage element, a drive-device connector, and conductors extending between said drive- magazine connector and said drive-device connector.
411. A magazine data storage element drive, as claimed in claim 410, wherein: said frame comprises a guide for aHgning a magazine-drive connector of a magazine data storage element with said drive-magazine connector.
412. A magazine data storage element drive, as claimed in claim 410, wherein: said drive-magazine connector comprises a pluraHty of pins.
413. A magazine data storage dement drive, as claimed in claim 412, wherein said drive-magazine connector comprises a pluraHty of spring-loaded pins.
414. A magazine data storage element drive, as claimed in claim 410, further comprising: an insertion ejection device for:
(a) applying a force to a magazine data storage element that causes the magazine plug of a magazine data storage element to move towards said drive- magazine connector; and (b) applying a force to a magazine data storage element that causes the magazine plug of a magazine data storage element to move away from said drive- magazine connector.
415. A magazine data storage element drive, as claimed in claim 414, further comprising: afan.
416. A magazine data storage element drive, as claimed in claim 410, wherein: said frame comprises an exterior housing; wherein said exterior housing comprises: atop surface, • a bottom surface that is separated from and substantiaUy paraUel to said top surface, a first side surface that is substantiaUy perpendicular to said top surface; a second side surface that is separated from and substantiaUy parallel to said first side surface; a front surface that is substantiaUy perpendicular to said top surface and said first side surface; and a back surface that is separated from and substantiaUy paraUel to said front surface; wherein said front surface defines a opening for recdving a agazine data storage element.
417. A magazine data storage element drive, as claimed in claim 416, wherein: said exterior housing having a hdght that is the distance between said top surface and said bottom surface; and said exterior housing having a width that is the distance between first side surface and said second side; and
wherein said height and said width of said housing conform to the specifications of one of a rack mounted LTO- DLT and SAIT tape drive.
418. A magazine-based Hbrary for use with a magazine data storage element comprised of a frame structure, a pluraHty of hard disk drives supported by the frame structure, and an interconnect structure that extends between each of the hard disk drives and a magazine -drive connector, the magazine-based library comprising: a frame; a shelf system, operatively attached to said frame, capable of supporting at least two magazine data storage dements and comprising at least one shelf; a magazine data storage element drive, operativdy attached to said frame, and comprising a drive-magazine connector for connecting with a magazine-drive connector of a magazine data storage dement to establish a connection between, a magazine data storage element and a host computer so that data can be transferred between the magazine data storage element and 1he host computer; a magazine transport device for moving a magazine data storage element between said shdf and said magazine dat storage element drive.
419. A magazine based library, as claimed in claim 418, wherein said magazine transport device comprises: a -magazine picker for displacing a magazine data storage element towards and away from said shelf and towards and away from said magazine dat storage element drive; and an devator for moving said magazine picker to a location adjacent said shelf and to a location adjacent to said magazine data storage dement drive.
420. A magazine-based Hbraiy, as claimed in daim 418, further comprising; an entry/exit port for conveying a magazine data storage element between an environment that is exterior to said frame and a space interior to said frame.
421. A magazine-based Hbrary, as claimed in claim 418- further comprising:
a transport space that defines a volume within said space defined by said frame within which said magazine transport device operates; wherein said transport space is bounded by a first transport space vertical plane and a second transport space vertical plane that is substantiaUy paraUel to said first transport space vertical plane; wherein said transport space has a transport space depth that is the distance between said first and second transport space vertical planes as measured along a line that is perpendicular to said first and second transport space vertical planes; and a magazine space that defines a volume within said space defined by said frame within which the at least two magazine data storage elements reside when operationaUy oriented with respect to said shelf system such that said magazine transport device is able to displace a magazine data storage element relative to said shelf system and operationaUy located so as to not otherwise interfere with movement of said magazme transport device; wherein said magazine space is bounded by a first magazine space vertical plane and a second magazine space vertical plane that is substantially paraUal to said first magazine space vertical plane; wherein said magazine space has a magazine space depth that is the distance between said first and second magazine space vertical planes as measured along a line that is perpendicular to said first and second magazine space vertical planes; wherein said transport space first and second vertical planes and said magazine space first and second vertical planes are substantiaUy parallel to one another; said magazine space depth is greater than said magazine space depth and less than twice said magazine space depth.
422. A magazine-based library, as claimed in daim 418, further comprising: a drive bay assembly for holding said magazine data storage element drive.
423. A magazine-based library, as claimed in claim 422, wherein: said drive bay assembly comprising; a housing structure that defines a first open side which is exposed to said magazine transport device, a second open side which is exposed to a space that is
operator accessible, and a passageway extending between said first and second open sides; a housing plug that is attached to said housing and faces said second open side; and a sled for holding a magazine data storage element drive thai has a front side with a receptacle for receiving a magazine data storage element and a back side with a plug interface fox receiving electrical signals; said sled comprising: a frame that extends from a first end to a second end and is capable of holding magazine data storage dement drive such that the receptacle of a magazine data storage dement drive is adjacent to said first end and the plug interface of the magazine data storage dement drive is adjacent to said second ■aid; and electrical connection means for establishing an dectrical connection between the host plug interface of a magazine data storage element drive and a sled plug that faces toward said first end of said sled and is capable of mating with said housing plug; wherein when said sled is positioned in said passageway such that said first end of said frame is adjacent to said first open side and said second end of said frame is adjacent to said second open side, said housing plug faces said sled plug.
424. A magazine-based Hbrary, as claimed in claim 418, further comprising: an operator alterable space located with a space defined by said frame; wherein said operator alterable space comprises a Hbraiy mounting structure for recdving a module, a first side that is exposed to said magazine transport device and a second side that allows an operator to attach a module to said mounting structure.
425. A magazine-based Hbrary, as claimed iα claim 424, further comprising: a drive bay assembly module comprising: a housing structure that defines a first open side which is exposed to said magazine transport device, a second open side which is exposed to a space that is
operator accessible*, and a passageway extending between said first and second open sides; said housing structure comprising a drive bay mounting structure for ixiterfating with said libraty rnonnting structure such that when said drive bay assembly module is mounted within said space defined by said frame, said first open side is exposed to said magazine transport device and said second open side is exposed to said space that is operator accessible; a housing plug that is attached to said housing and faces said second open side; and a sled for holding a magazine data storage element drive that has a front side with a receptacle for receiving a magazine data storage element and a back side with a plug interface for receiving electrical signals; said sled comprising: a frame that extends from a first end to a second end and is capable of holding a magazine data storage element drive such that the receptacle of a magazine data storage element drive is adjacent to said first end and the plug interface of the magazine data storage dement drive is adjacent to said second end; and electrical connection means for establishing an electrical connection between the host plug interface of a magazine data storage element drive and a sled plug that faces toward said first end of said sled and is capable of mating with said housing plug; wherein when said sled is positioned in said passageway such that said first end of said frame is adjacent to said first open side and said second end of said frame is adjacent to said second open side, said housing plug faces said sled plug,
426. A -magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 424, further comprising: a magazine bay assembly module comprising: a housing that defines an interior space that is capable of accommodating a magazine data storage dement and an opening foτ receiving a -magazine data storage element;
said housing structure comprising a magazine bay mounting structure for interfacing with said Hbrary mounting structure such that when said magazine bay assembly module is mounted within said space defined by said frame, said opening is exposed to at least one of said magazine transport device.
427. A magazine-based library, as claimed in claim 4 8, further comprising: a power supply, operatively attached to said frame, for receiving AC power from an external environment and producing DC power in a form suitable for use by said magazine data storage element drive; and a conductor, operatively attached to said frame, for conveying DC power from said power supply to said magazine data storage element drive; wherein said conductor has a first flat external surface and a second flat external surface that is substantiaUy paraUel to said first flat external surface.
428. A magazine-based Hbraiy, as claimed in claim 418, wherein said frame comprising: a first frame that defines a first side; a first passageway extending through a portion of s aid first side; a second frame that defines a second side; and a second passageway extending through a portion of said second side; wherein said magazine transport device is capable of moving a magazine data storage dement within said first fiame^ moving a magazine data storage element through said first and second passageways, and moving a magazine data storage element within said second frame.
429. A magazine based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 428, wherein: said magazine transport device comprising: a first magazine transport device for -moving a magazine data storage element within said first frame; and a second magazme transport device for moving a magazine data storage element within said second frame.
430, A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 428, wherein: said magazine transport device comprising: a first magazine transport device for moving a magazine data storage element within said first frame; a second magazine transport device for moving a magazine data storage element through said first and second passageways; and a third magazine transport device for moving a magazine data storage element within said second frame.
431, A magazine-based data cartridge Hbrary comprising: a frame; a shdf system, operatively attached to said frame, capable of supporting at least two magazines, with each of the magazines being one of a magazine data storage element and a data cartridge magazine, and comprising at least one shelf; a data cartridge drive, operatively attached to said frame, for transferring data between a host computer and a recording medium located within a cartridge; a magazine data storage dement drive, operatively attached to said frame, for transferring data between a host computer and a magazine data storage element comprised of a pluraHty ofhard disk drives; a cartridge transport, operatively attached to said frame, for moving a data cartridge between a data cartridge magazine and said data cartridge drive; a magazine transport device*, operatively attached to said frame, that is capable of moving, within a space defined by said frame, a magazine that is either a data cartridge magazine or a magazine data storage element.
432. A magazine-based Hbrary, as claimed in claim 431, wherein: said magazine transport device comprises: a m-agazine picker for displacing a magazine towards and away from said shelf; and an elevator for moving said magazine picker.
433. A magazine-based library, as claimed in daim 432, wherein:
said cartridge transport comprises said elevator,
434. A magazine based library, as claimed in claim 431, wherein; said magazine transport device comprises: a magazine picker for displacing a magazme data storage dement towards and away from said shelf and towards and away from said magazine data storage element drive and for displacing a data cartridge magazine towards and away from said shelf; and an elevator for moving said magazine picker to a location adjacent said shelf and to a location adjacent to said magazine data storage dement drive.
435. A magazine-based library, as claimed in. daim 431, further comprising: an entry/exit port for conveying a -magazine that is either a magazine data storage element or a data cartridge magazine between an environment that is exterior to said frame and a space interior to said frame.
436. A magazine-based library, as claimed in daim 431, further comprising: a transport space that defines a volume within said space defined by said frame within which said magazine transport device operates; wherein said transport space is bounded by a first transport space vertical plane and a second transport space vertical plane that is substantiaUy pardld to said first transport space vertical plane; wherein said transport space has a transport space depth that is the distance between said first and second transport space vertiςal planes as measured along a line that is peipesndicular to said first and second transport space vertical planes; and a magazine space that defines a volume within said space defined by said frame within which the at least two magazine data storage elements reside when operationaUy oriented with respect to said shelf system such that said magazine transport device is able to displace a magazine data storage element relative to said shdf system and operationaUy located so as to not otherwise interfere with movement of said magazine transport device;
wherein said magazine space is bounded by a first magazine space vertical plane and a second magazine space vertical plane ihat is substantially paraUel to said first magazine space vertioal plane; wherein said magazine space has a magazine space depth that :ls the distance between said first and second magazine space vertical planes as measured along a line that is perpendicular to said first and second magazine space vertical planes; wherein said transport space first and second vertical planes and said magazine space first and second vertical planes are substantially paraUel to one another, said magazine space depth is greater than said magazine space depth and less than twice said magazine space depth.
437. A magazine-based library, as claimed in daim 431, further comprising: a drive bay assembly for holding said magazine data storage element drive.
438. A magazine-based library, as claimed in claim 437, wherein: said drive bay assembly comprising: a housing structure that defines a first open side which is exposed to said magazine transport device, a second open side which is exposed to a space that is operator accessible, and a passageway extending between said first and second open sides; a housing plug that is attached to said housing and faces said second open side; and a sled for holding a magazine data storage dement drive that has a front side with a receptadθ for receiving a magazine data storage dement and a back side with a plug interface for receiving electrical signals; said sled comprising: a frame that extends from a first end to a second end and is capable of holding a magazine data storage element drive such that the receptacle of a magazine data storage element drive is adjacent to said first end and the plug interface of 1bs magazine data storage element drive is adjacent to said second aid; and
electrical connection means for establishing an electrical connection between the host plug interface of a magazine data storage dement drive and a sled plug that faces toward said first end of sa sled and is capable of mating with said housing plug; wherein when said sled is positioned in said passageway such that said first end of said frame is adjacent to said first open side and said second end of said frame is adjacent to said second open side, said housing plug faces said sled plug.
43 . A magazine-based library, as claimed in daim 431, further comprising: an operator alterable space located with a space defined by said frame; wherein said operator alterable space comprises a Hbrary mounting strudure for receiving a module, a first side that is exposed to said magazine transport device and a second side that allows an operator to attach a module to said mounting structure.
440, A magazine-based Hbrary, as claimed in daim 439, further comprising: a magazine dat storage dement drive bay assembly module comprising: a housing structure that defines a first open side which is exposed to said magazine transport device, a second open side which is exposed to a space that is operator accessible, and a passageway extending between said first and second open sides; said housing structure comprising a drive bay mounting structure for interfacing with said Hbrary mounting structure such that when said drive bay assembly module is mounted within said space defined by said frame, said first open side is exposed to said magazine transport device and said second open side is exposed to said space that is operator accessible; a housing plug that is attached to said housing and faces said second open side; and a sled for holding a magazine data storage element drive that has a front side with a receptacle for receiving a magazine data storage element and a back side with a plug interface for receiving electrical signals; said sled comprising:
a frame that extends from a first end to a second end and is capable of holding a magazine data storage element drive such that the receptacle of a magazine data storage element drive is adjacent to said first end and the plug interface of the magazine dat storage dement drive is adjacent to said second end; and electrical connection means for estabHshing an. electrical connection between the host plug interface of a magazine data storage element drive and a sled plug that faces toward said first end of said sled and is capable of mating with said housing plug; wherein when said sled is positioned in said passageway such that said first end of said frame is adjacent to said first open side and said second end of said frame is adjacent to said second open side, said housing plug faces said sled plug.
441. A magazine-based data cartridge libraiy, as claimed in claim. 439, further omprising; a data cartridge drive bay assembly module comprising: a housing structure that defines a first open side, a second open side, and a passageway extending between said first and second open sides; said housing structure comprising a drive bay mounting structure for interfacing with said library mounting structure such that when said drive bay assembly module is mounted within said space defined by said frame, said first open side is exposed to said cartridge transport and said second open side is exposed to said space that is operator accessible; a housing plug that is attached to said housmg and faces said second open side; and a sled for holding a drive that has a front side with a receptacle for receiving a data cartridge and a back side with a plug interface for recdymg electrical signals; said sled comprising: a frame that extends from a first end to a second aid and is capable of holding a drive such that the receptacle of a drive is adjacent to said first end and the plug interface of the drive is adjacent to said second end; and
elecfrical connection means for establishing an electrical connection between the plug interface of a data cartridge drive and a sled pliig that faces toward said first end of said sled and is capable of mating with said housing ping; wherein when said sled is positioned in said passageway such that said first end of said frame is adjacent to said first open side and said second end of said frame is adjacent to said second open side, said housing plug faces said sled plug.
442. A magazine-based data cartridge Hbraiy, as claimed in daim 439, •further comprising: a magazine bay assembly module comprising: a housing that defines an mterior space that is capable of accommodating either a magazine data storage element or a data cartridge magazine and an opening for recdving a magazine data storage deraάnt or a data cartridge magazine; said housing structure comprising a -magazine bay mounting structure for interfacing with said Hbrary mounting structure such that when said magazine bay assembly module is mounted wilhin said space defined by said frame, said opening is exposed to at least one of said .magazine transport device and said cartridge transport.
443. A magazine-based library, as el-aimed in daim 431, further cornprising: a power supply, operatively attached to said frame, for recdying AC power from an external environment and producing DC power in a form suitable for use by said magazine data storage element drive and said data cartridge drive; and a conductor, operativdy attached to said frame, for conveying DC power from said power supply to said magazine data storage dement drive and said data storage drive; wherein said conductor has a first flat external surface and a second flat external surface that is substantiaUy araUel to said first flat external surface,
444. A magazine-based Hbrary, as claimed in claim 431, wherein: said frame comprising: a first frame that defines a first side; a first passageway extending through a portion of said first side;
a second frame that defines a second side; and a second passageway extending through a portion of said second side; wherein said magazine transport device is capable of moving a magazine datastorage element within said first frame, moving a magazine data storage element through said first and second passageways, and moving a magazine data storage element within said second frame.
445. A magazine based data cartridge Hbrary, as claimed in claim 444, wherein: said magazine transport device comprising: a first magazine transport device capable of moving either a magazine data storage element or a data cartridge magazine within said first frame; and a second magazine transport device capable of moving a either a magazine- data storage dement or a data cartridge magazine within said second frame.
446- A magazine-based data cartridge library, as claimed in claim 444, wherein; said magazine transport device comprising: a first magazine transport device capable of moving either a magazine data storage element or a data cartridge magazine within sdd first frame; a second magazine transport device capable of moving either a magazine data storage element or a data cartridge magazine through said first and second passageways; and a third magazine transport device capable of moving either a magazme data storage element or a data cartridge magazine within said second frame.
330S979_1-DOC