Patent ID: 8079040
Filing Date: 2011-12-13
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A device comprising a data storage cartridge loading and unloading mechanism comprising: a cartridge carrier for releasably receiving a data cartridge and for moving the data cartridge towards or away from a data cartridge coupler and for moving the data cartridge laterally between cartridge loaded and unloaded positions; at least two carrier cam members associated with the cartridge carrier; a pair of laterally spaced apart carrier guide members, each carrier guide member having at least one carrier guide cam slot to receive one of the at least two carrier cam members, each carrier guide cam slot being configured: to permit the cartridge carrier to move laterally between cartridge loaded and unloaded positions; and to cause the cartridge carrier to move towards or away from the data cartridge coupler in response to movement of the one carrier cam member within the carrier guide cam slot between cartridge loaded and unloaded positions; wherein the cartridge carrier moves the data cartridge laterally between cartridge loaded and unloaded positions in response to lateral movement of a carrier transporter, wherein each carrier guide cam slot is generally S-shaped, wherein each carrier guide cam slot comprises a forward longitudinal slot segment extending from a front end to a rearward end, an intermediate slot segment extending and slanting downwardly from the rearward end of the forward slot segment to a rearward end of the intermediate slot segment, and rearward slot segment extending from the rearward end of the intermediate slot segment to a rearward end of the rearward slot segment, wherein one carrier guide cam slot of one carrier guide member is positioned vertically above the carrier guide cam slot of the other carrier guide member, wherein one of the carrier guide members comprises primary and secondary carrier guide cam slots, wherein the secondary carrier guide cam slot is positioned vertically above the primary carrier guide cam slot, and wherein the other of the carrier guide members comprises a single carrier guide cam slot, and wherein the secondary carrier guide cam slot is positioned vertically above the single carrier guide cam slot.