Patent ID: 6445651
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A mass data storage and retrieval system comprising:a mass storage library; a plurality of cartridges, each of the cartridges having media for storing data information located within an enclosure having a top, bottom, front, rear and two sides encasing the media, means for providing access to the media and a cartridge positioning indicator shaped in the form of a recess at one corner of the cartridge; a plurality of data recorder modules for receiving and reading information from and writing information to the media of the cartridge for information storage; at least one storage module each having a plurality of storage cells for retaining the cartridges; at least one input/output station having a plurality of input/output cells for retaining the cartridges and for externally entering and removing cartridges into and out of the mass data storage and retrieval system; and an accessor associated with the storage module for retrieving the cartridges from the storage cells and for transporting the cartridges between the storage module and one of the plurality of data recorders and for returning the cartridges to the storage module, and for transporting the cartridges between the storage cells and input/output cells; wherein the input/output station includes a toggle bracket having fingers, one for each input/output cell in the input/output station, said toggle bracket pivoted to allow access to the input/output cells when the input/output station is open and pivoted to position said fingers of the toggle bracket to enter the recess of correctly positioned cartridges when the input/output station is closed, said toggle bracket preventing the closure of the input/output station if one or more cartridges placed into the input/output station is incorrectly oriented such that one or more of said fingers fails to enter the recess of the incorrectly oriented cartridge.