Patent ID: 6515822
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
An expansion kit for a data storage system which includes an original plurality of vertically stacked modular housing units, each modular housing unit comprising a plurality of data storage media receiving devices; a data storage media handling device adapted to laterally displace media between said media receiving devices; and an original vertical lift mechanism attached to said data storage media handling device and adapted to vertically displace said handling device along a vertical displacement path extending adjacent to said vertically stacked modular housing units and comprising a drive assembly fixedly positioned with respect to said modular housing units and an original linkage mechanism connected between said drive assembly and said handling device comprising:at least one additional modular housing unit connectively stackable with said original vertically stacked housing units; and a linkage mechanism replacement unit having a configuration dependent upon the number of modular housing units in said data storage system and operably connectable between portions of said original vertical lift mechanism when said at least one additional modular housing unit is operably stackable connected with said original vertically stacked modular housing units; wherein said original linkage mechanism comprises an original lead screw and wherein said linkage mechanism replacement unit comprises a replacement lead screw.