Patent ID: 6198594
Filing Date: 2001-03-06
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A cartridge forced exit station for use in a library apparatus that includes a storage unit for storing a number of cartridges, each accommodating a storage medium, a transferring mechanism for transferring the individual cartridges among the library apparatus, and a drive unit for performing a desired process on the storage medium in the individual cartridges, said cartridge forced exit station being operable solely to discharge a cartridge judged to be defective out of the library apparatus, said cartridge forced exit station comprising:a storage rack for receiving the defective cartridge transferred by the transferring mechanism from an internal operating space of the library apparatus, within which space the transferring mechanism operates, and for storing the defective cartridge therein; anda door connected to said storage rack such that said door and storage rack are movable as a unit, said door being movably mounted in said cartridge forced exit station and in cooperation with said storage rack selectively providing (i) access to said storage rack from said internal operating space while isolating said storage rack from an external space of the library apparatus, and (ii) access to said storage rack from said external space of the library apparatus while isolating said storage rack from said internal operating space of the library apparatus.