Abstract:
A system and method for loading and unloading a data cartridge includes a data cartridge processor having a loader tray for loading and unloading a data cartridge into and from the data cartridge processor. The data cartridge processor records data to or receives data from the data cartridge. A cartridge loader is provided for actuating the loader tray to lower the data cartridge or raise the loader tray to unload the data cartridge into and from the data cartridge processor. An accessor is provided for activating the cartridge loader driven by an actuator for effecting movement of the accessor.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to mass data storage libraries and, more particularly, to a system and method for loading and unloading a data cartridge in a read/write data processor. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Mass data storage libraries are used to store and retrieve data quickly and efficiently. An example of a mass data storage library includes data records or cartridges for storing data, data cartridge processors for recording data to or reading data from the data cartridges, a storage rack or library for holding or storing the data cartridges, and an accessor or transport mechanism for transporting the data cartridges between the storage rack and the data cartridge processors. The data cartridges may include different types or recording media such as cassettes, floppy disks, diskettes, optical disks, compact disks and the like. Additionally, the accessor is used to insert the data cartridges into or remove the data cartridges from the data cartridge processors and the storage rack. 
     Data cartridge processors are available in a variety of configurations. For example, one type of data cartridge processor includes a clutch that engages the data cartridge for recording data to or reading data from the data cartridge. The data cartridge processor is equipped with an external mechanism for actuating the clutch for engaging and disengaging the data cartridge with the data cartridge processor, such as a handle or a motor. 
     Using data cartridge processors in an automated mass data storage library, however, suffers several disadvantages. For example, the accessor or transport mechanism may be unable to access or may be incapable of operating the external mechanism for engaging or disengaging the data cartridge. Alternatively, manually engaging or disengaging the data cartridge with the data cartridge processor is inefficient, especially in large mass data storage libraries. Additionally, motors for engaging or disengaging the data cartridge with the data cartridge processor require secondary control circuitry for operating the motors at selected times, thereby affecting reliability of the mass data storage library. Motors and secondary control circuitry also increases costs associated with the mass data storage library. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, a need has arisen for an improved method for loading and unloading a data cartridge in a read/write data processor. 
     In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for loading and unloading a data cartridge in a read/write data processor are provided that address disadvantages and problems associated with prior art systems and methods. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for loading and unloading a data cartridge comprises a data cartridge processor having a coupler for engaging or disengaging with a data cartridge. The data cartridge processor is operable to record data to or read data from the data cartridge. A cartridge loader is provided for activating the coupler to engage or disengage the data cartridge with the data cartridge processor. The system also comprises an accessor for activating the cartridge loader and an actuator for effecting movement of the accessor. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a method for loading and unloading a data cartridge in a read/write data processing system comprising a data cartridge processor having an opening and a coupler for engaging or disengaging a data cartridge with the data cartridge processor is provided. The data cartridge processor is operable to record data to or read data from the data cartridge. The method comprises inserting or removing the data cartridge into or from the opening in the data cartridge processor with an accessor, and actuating a cartridge loader with the accessor for engaging or disengaging the data cartridge with the data cartridge processor. 
     The invention provides several advantages. For example, the invention provides greater reliability than conventional systems. In one embodiment of the invention, a cartridge loader for activating a coupler to engage or disengage a data cartridge is provided and is activated by an accessor, thereby eliminating a requirement for a motor and associated motor secondary control circuitry for engaging and disengaging the data cartridge with the data cartridge processor. In the same embodiment, manually engaging or disengaging the data cartridge with the data cartridge processor remains available. Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric drawing of a system for loading and unloading a data cartridge in a read/write data processor in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the system shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric drawing of a data cartridge processor in accordance with the present invention; and 
     FIG. 4 is an isometric drawing of the data cartridge processor illustrated in FIG.  3 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention and its advantages are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings. 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a media handling system  10  for loading and unloading a data cartridge  12  into and from a data cartridge processor  14 . The media handling system  10  includes a storage rack or library  16  having a plurality of storage trays or compartments  18  for holding or storing data cartridges  12 . Data cartridges  12  may include different types of recording media such as cassettes, compact discs, optical discs, and the like. Additionally, multiple storage racks  16  may be included in the media handling system  10  to accommodate increased capacity requirements for stored data. 
     The media handling system  10  also includes an accessor  20  for transferring data cartridges  12  between the storage rack  16  and the data cartridge processor  14 . In one embodiment of the invention, accessor  20  includes a robotic mechanism driven by an actuator for transferring data cartridges  12  between the storage rack  16  and the data cartridge processor  14 . However, accessor  20  may include other suitable methods or devices for transferring data cartridges  12  from one location to another. The actuator optionally includes an electrically powered motor or other types of motors, such as air or hydraulically powered motors. In one embodiment of the invention, accessor  20  includes a gripper  22  for grasping or holding data cartridges  12 . In operation, the gripper  22  functions to grasp and hold the data cartridge  12  for transporting between the storage rack  16  and the data cartridge processor  14 . 
     Referring to FIG. 2, the media handling system  10  also includes a system controller  24  for controlling an actuator  26 . The system controller  24  typically includes a processor (not shown) for receiving and responding to requests from an operator by means of an operator keyboard  28  to record data to or read data from data cartridges  12 . For example, location information of particular compartments  18  or data cartridges  12  within storage rack  16  is entered or stored in the system controller  24  through the operator keyboard  28 . Location information of a particular data cartridge processor  14  is also entered or stored in the system controller  24  through the operator keyboard  28 . Other locating devices, such as optical sensor equipment (not shown), may also be associated with the system controller  24  for locating data cartridges  12 , compartments  18  of the storage rack  16  and data cartridge processors  14  within the media handling system  10 . 
     In operation, in response to an operator&#39;s request for information, the system controller  24  initiates operation of the actuator  26  to move the accessor  20  to the storage rack  16  for retrieving a designated data cartridge  12 . The system controller  24  and actuator  26 , using stored location information and/or other locating devices, moves the accessor  20  to the storage rack  16  to a designated compartment  18  or data cartridge  12 . The accessor  20  and gripper  22  function to grasp the designated data cartridge  12  and transport the data cartridge  12  to the data cartridge processor  14 . 
     Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated an exploded isometric view of the data cartridge processor  14  incorporating the present invention. The data cartridge processor  14  includes an opening  30  for receiving data cartridges  12 . In one embodiment of the invention, the data cartridge processor  14  includes a coupler  32  for engaging or disengaging the data cartridges  12  for recording data to or reading data from the data cartridges  12 . In one embodiment, the coupler  32  includes a clutch; however, other suitable methods or devices may be used to engage or disengage the data cartridge  12  with the data cartridge processor  14 . Additionally, examples of suitable data cartridge processors  14  include any of the DTLtape family of tape drive products manufactured by Quantum Corporation. Attached to the data cartridge processor  14  is a cartridge loader  34  for activating the coupler  32 . The cartridge loader  34  includes a shaft  36  attached to the coupler  32  such that rotational movement of shaft  36  activates the coupler  32  to engage or disengage the data cartridge  12  with the data cartridge processor  14 . As illustrated, the shaft  36  has a D-shaped configuration, although other suitable shapes and configurations are equivalents and perform the same function. A bell crank  38  is attached to the shaft  36  providing for leveraged rotation of the shaft  36  to activate the coupler  32 . Preferably, the bell crank  38  has a generally hollow D-shaped configuration for slidably coupling to the D-shaped section of the shaft  36 , although other suitable shapes or configurations are equivalents for attaching to the shaft  36 . 
     As illustrated, bell crank  38  includes outwardly extending arms  40 , each arm  40  having an opening  42 . Also included in the cartridge loader  34  is a plurality of push buttons  44  pivotally attached to the extending arms  40  of the bell crank  38 , each push button  44  having a slot  46  for receiving an arm  40 . Additionally, each push button  44  includes an opening  48  disposed adjacent slot  46  and extending through the push button  44 . 
     The push buttons  44  are attached to the arms  40  by pivot pins  50  inserted through the openings  48 . The pivot pins  50  are secured in place by means of E-clips  52  or other suitable devices. 
     The cartridge loader  34  also includes a housing  54  attached to a side wall of the data cartridge processor  14  to enclose the bell crank  38  and push buttons  44 . Threaded fasteners  56  attach the housing  54  to the data cartridge processor  14 . A plurality of apertures  58  are formed in the housing  54  to receive the push buttons  44 . Additionally, the housing  54  includes an opening  60  to receive outwardly extending bell crank  38 . The bell crank  38  extends through the opening  60  and is secured in position with a bushing  62 . 
     Push buttons  44  cooperate and extend through apertures  58  and the linear motion of the push buttons  44  are translated into rotational motion of the bell crank  38 . Push button guides  66  are attached to the housing  54  to facilitate movement of the push buttons  44  within the apertures  58 . 
     The operation of the above-described embodiment will now be briefly described. The system controller  24 , in response to a request to record data to or read data from data cartridges  12 , activates the actuator  26  to direct the accessor  20  to the storage rack  16 . Using previously entered or stored location information of a designated data cartridge  12 , the system controller  24  positions accessor  20  in front of the storage rack  16  in position to select the designated data cartridge  12  from the storage rack  16 . After the accessor  20  is in the desired position, the gripper  22  (not shown) functions to grasp or hold the designated data cartridge  12  and to remove the data cartridge  12  from the storage rack  16 . 
     After securing possession of a designated data cartridge  12 , the system controller  24  directs the accessor  20  to transport the data cartridge  12  from the storage rack  16  to the data cartridge processor  14 . As previously discussed, location information of the data cartridge processor  14  is entered or stored in the system controller  24  through the operator keyboard  28 , or the system controller  24  may use other suitable methods or devices for locating a particular data cartridge processor  14 . 
     When the data cartridge  12  has been positioned at the data cartridge processor  14 , the gripper  22  inserts the data cartridge  12  into the opening  30 . The accessor  20 , using the gripper  22 , activates the cartridge loader  34  by depressing one of the push buttons  44 . When the accessor  20  depresses a push button  44 , it moves inwardly thereby causing the bell crank  38  to rotate. Rotation of the bell crank  38  causes the shaft  36  to rotate resulting in activation of the coupler  32  to engage or disengage the data cartridge  12  with the data cartridge processor  14 . 
     As best shown in FIG. 4, operation of the bell crank  36  provides alternately projecting push buttons  44  extending outwardly from the housing  54 . Therefore, actuation of one push button  44  results in engaging the data cartridge  12  and actuation of the other push button  44  results in disengaging the data cartridge  12 . Additionally, location information applied to the opening  30  of the data cartridge processor  14  and cartridge loader  34  may be entered or stored in the system controller  24  to enable positioning of the gripper  22 . Thus, the above-described embodiment of the invention provides an efficient media handling system  10  by providing automatic loading and unloading of data cartridges  12  into and from data cartridge processors  14 . 
     Additionally, the described media handling system  10  provides greater flexibility than conventional systems by allowing manual loading and unloading of data cartridges  12  into and from data cartridge processor  14 . For example, the push buttons  44  may be manually depressed to activate the coupler  32  to engage or disengage the data cartridge  12  with the data cartridge processor  14 . 
     Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.