Patent ID: 6271983
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
An access port mounted to an automated tape cartridge library housing for allowing insertion and removal of tape cartridges from the library, said access port comprising:a cartridge access opening formed in the library housing;a stationary cartridge retainer mechanism positioned within the cartridge access opening so that tape cartridges can be loaded and unloaded through the cartridge access opening; anda shell rotatably mounted adjacent the access opening and positioned to rotate about the stationary cartridge retainer mechanism, said shell comprising an opening in the surface thereof to allow operator loading and unloading of a tape cartridge from the stationary cartridge retainer when the shell is rotated to an open position, and library access to the stationary cartridge retainer when the shell is rotated to a closed position, wherein the rotatable shell and the shell opening are dimensioned relative to the cartridge access opening such that a portion of the shell is always positioned between an operator side of the access port and the inside of the tape library.