Patent ID: 6068436
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
In two juxtaposed automated cartridge library systems that robotically store and retrieve a plurality of media cartridges stored therein, a pass thru apparatus connected to a first and a second of said two juxtaposed automated cartridge library systems, for automatically transporting media cartridges from said first to said second of said two juxtaposed automated cartridge library systems, comprising:cartridge receiving means, located within said first of said two juxtaposed automated cartridge library systems, for receiving a selected media cartridge deposited therein by a robot mechanism operational in said first of said two juxtaposed automated cartridge library systems, comprising:means for providing a media cartridge receiving aperture that is bounded on at least two opposing sides by walls,means, operable in response to insertion of said selected media cartridge in said media cartridge receiving aperture, for preventing said selected media cartridge from being withdrawn back out of said media cartridge receiving aperture;means, responsive to a receipt of said selected media cartridge, for automatically transporting said selected media cartridge from said first of said two juxtaposed automated cartridge library systems to said second of said two juxtaposed automated cartridge library systems; andmeans for depositing said selected media cartridge, received from said cartridge receiving means, into said means for automatically transporting in an orientation to enable a robot mechanism operational in said second of said two juxtaposed automated cartridge library systems to access said selected media cartridge.