Patent ID: 6025972
Filing Date: 2000-02-15
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A cartridge handling system for storing and accessing at least one data cartridge, comprising:a frame having a first cartridge access side located adjacent a first plane, a second cartridge access side located adjacent a second plane, and a third cartridge access side located adjacent a third plane, wherein at least two of said first plane, said second plane, and said third plane are non-parallel;a guide member associated with said frame, said guide member comprising a first section located adjacent the first cartridge access side of said frame, a second section located adjacent the second cartridge access side of said frame, and a third section located adjacent the third cartridge access side of said frame, the first, second, and third sections of said guide member being connected so that said guide member comprises a substantially continuous member and so that the first and third sections of said guide member are located in spaced-apart relation and wherein the second section of said guide member is oriented substantially transverse to the first and third sections so that said guide member comprises a substantially U-shaped member;a cartridge access device having a cartridge access end, said cartridge access device engaging said guide member so that the cartridge access end is adjacent the first cartridge access side when said cartridge access device is located on the first section of said guide member and so that the cartridge access end is adjacent the second cartridge access side when said cartridge access device is located on the second section of said guide member;a substantially continuous gear rack having a first section, a second section, and a third section, wherein the first section of said gear rack is positioned adjacent the first section of said guide member, the second section of said gear rack is positioned adjacent the second section of said guide member, and the third section of said gear rack is positioned adjacent the third section of said guide member;a pinion gear mounted for rotation on said cartridge access device, said pinion gear engaging said gear rack; anda motor operatively connected to said pinion gear for rotating said pinion gear to cause said cartridge access device to move along said guide member.