Patent ID: 7515378
Filing Date: 2009-04-07
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. An expandable storage library for removable data storage articles, comprising: a rack; a base unit assembled to the rack, the base unit including an enclosure, at least one media drive, a data storage article rack, a robotic system for storing and accessing a plurality of data storage articles in the data storage article rack, and a processor for controlling the robotic system that records the storage locations of the data storage articles in the data storage article rack for subsequent retrieval; an expansion module having a supplemental media rack that is assembled to the enclosure by sliding the module onto at least one guide rail on the rack and without further disassembly of the enclosure; a door on the enclosure and a supplemental door on the module that is assembled to the door on the enclosure when the expansion module is assembled to the base unit, a first engagement feature on the door and a second engagement feature on the supplemental door, wherein the first and second engagement features are engaged to join the supplemental door to the door; and an interface between the expansion module and the base unit that enables the robotic system and processor to store and retrieve data storage articles that may be stored in the data storage article rack or supplemental data storage article rack.