Patent ID: 6643226
Filing Date: 2003-11-04
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A mail slot data cartridge exchange system for a data storage system, comprisinga drawer mounted to the data storage system so that said drawer can be moved between a retracted position and an extended position; a cartridge magazine for holding at least one data cartridge, said cartridge magazine being sized to be removably received by said drawer, at least a portion of said cartridge magazine being exposed when said drawer is in the extended position to allow a system operator to access said cartridge magazine when said drawer is in the extended position; a drawer stop index member operatively associated with said drawer so that movement of said drawer stop index member corresponds to movement of said drawer; and lock apparatus mounted to said data storage system, said lock apparatus being switchable between a locked state and an unlocked state, said lock apparatus engaging said drawer stop index member when said lock apparatus is in the locked state and when said drawer is in a regulated extended position, said regulated extended position corresponding to a position of said drawer stop index member.