Patent ID: 6542787
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A library for storing a cartridge of data-storage media, comprising:a removable module; a chassis having a module receptacle sized to removably receive the removable module; cartridge storage slots disposed within the chassis; a media drive disposed within the removable module and having a drive opening, the media drive operable to receive and release the cartridge through the drive opening; a cartridge transporter disposed within the chassis and operable to transport the cartridge between one of the cartridge slots and the media drive when the module is disposed within the module receptacle; a library control circuit disposed within the chassis and coupled to the cartridge transporter; an interface circuit disposed within the removable module and coupled to the media drive, the interface circuit being operable to interface with a host computer that is external to the chassis, the media drive and interface circuit being movable as a unit with the removable module; a first connector coupled to the interface circuit and carried by the removable module for movement therewith; and a second connector coupled to the library control circuit and positioned at the module receptacle to be connected to the first connector when the removable module is received in the module receptacle to couple the interface circuit to the library control circuit.