Patent ID: 6330217
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A media cartridge insertion apparatus for a media cartridge storage and handling system for use in association with a media cartridge of the type having a rear end portion which is adapted to be inserted into a media drive and having a forward end portion which is adapted to be grasped by a human operator for handling the cartridge comprising:a) a housing supporting a cartridge carrier, said housing having a forward end portion and a side portion and having a housing longitudinal axis, said housing having a forward opening for enabling hand-insertion and hand-removal of cartridges by a human operator and having a side opening for enabling machine-insertion and machine-removal of cartridges by a mechanized cartridge handling apparatus; andb) said cartridge carrier being angularly displaceable relative to said housing, said cartridge carrier having a central longitudinal axis and having forward and rear end portions which are adapted to be positioned in corresponding adjacent relationship with the forward and rear end portions of a cartridge received therein; said cartridge carrier having a forward end opening adapted to enable longitudinal insertion and removal of cartridges from said cartridge carrier; said cartridge carrier comprising a first operating position associated with hand-insertion and hand-removal of cartridges, wherein said forward end portion of said cartridge carrier is positioned proximal said forward end portion of said housing; said cartridge carrier having a second operating position associated with machine-insertion and machine-removal of cartridges, wherein said forward end portion of said cartridge carrier is positioned proximal said side portion of said housing;c) a track having a forward end portion and a rear end portion fixedly associated with said housing and operably associated with said cartridge carrier.