Patent ID: 6286078
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: G06F,G11B

Abstract:
A method for a tape storage library having at least two tape drives and a robot assembly for mounting and dismounting tape cartridges in the tape drives, the method comprising:mounting a first tape cartridge in a first tape drive using the robot assembly;processing the first tape cartridge with the first tape drive;generating a first allocation signal after the first tape cartridge has been processed;providing the first allocation signal to the robot assembly;mounting a second tape cartridge in a second tape drive using the robot assembly upon receipt of the first allocation signal by the robot assembly;processing the second tape cartridge with the second tape drive;rewinding the first tape cartridge with the first tape drive after the first tape cartridge has been processed;dismounting the first tape cartridge from the first tape drive using the robot assembly while processing the second tape cartridge with the second tape drive; anddeallocating the first tape drive in response to the first allocation signal.