Patent Publication Number: US-8982506-B1

Title: Multi-directional media element magazine retention

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to the following U.S. Patent Applications which are filed concurrently with this application and which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent permitted by law: 
     Client Matter Ser. No. 14/517,150, entitled “BULK LOAD CARTRIDGE ACCESS PORT FOR DATA STORAGE LIBRARY;” and 
     Client Matter Ser. No. 14/517,157, entitled “SYSTEM FOR LIMITING ACCESS TO INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT OF TAPE LIBRARY VIA BULK LOAD CARTRIDGE ACCESS PORT.” 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to data storage libraries and, more particularly, to systems and methods of loading a plurality of tape cartridges into a tape library through a common access port. 
     2. Relevant Background 
     Storage library systems are often used by enterprises and the like to efficiently store and retrieve data from storage media. In the case of some storage libraries, the media may be data cartridges (e.g., tape cartridges) that are typically stored and indexed within a set of magazines that may be removably mounted within ports or slots inside the library. When particular data is requested, for instance, a specialized robotic assembly or mechanism (e.g., robotic module) finds the appropriate cartridge, removes the cartridge from its magazine, and carries the cartridge to a drive that is designed to receive the cartridge and read its contents. Some storage libraries have multiple drives that can operate concurrently to perform input/output (IO) operations on multiple cartridges. 
     An important component in the use of an automated storage or tape library is one or more cartridge access ports (CAPs). Generally, a CAP is a port or opening for tape cartridges and/or magazines to pass between the inside or interior environment of the tape library and the outside or exterior environment. After tape cartridges have been loaded onto or into respective slots in a magazine, the magazine may then be inserted into the CAP. In the event the tape cartridges are loaded with their front surfaces (e.g., including labels, bar codes, etc.) facing away from the operator (i.e., towards the inside of the tape library), the tape cartridges may be accessed by a robotics assembly within the tape library. When the tape cartridges are loaded with their front surfaces facing the operator, a portion of the CAP may be configured to rotate the magazine by 180° so that the front surfaces of the tape cartridges face the inside of the tape library for access by the robotics assembly. 
     SUMMARY 
     Existing CAPs on storage libraries are often limited in the number of available slots for loading and unloading tape cartridges or other media elements. For instance, many existing CAPs include a single opening for receipt of a single magazine having ten or so slots for receipt of corresponding tape cartridges. Even when tape libraries include multiple CAPs, the CAPs are not independently, simultaneously accessible by an operator, one or more robotics assembly, etc. For example, existing tape libraries are not configured to allow an operator to load tape cartridges into a first CAP of a tape library while a robotics mechanism within the tape library simultaneously unloads tape cartridges from a second CAP of the tape library (e.g., or while a plurality of robotics mechanisms within the tape library are simultaneously unloading or loading tape cartridges from or into a plurality of respective CAPs of the tape library). Various resulting tape library functionality inefficiencies include reduced tape cartridge load/unload cycles, longer tape cartridge access times, and the like. 
     In view of the foregoing, the inventors have determined that systems, apparatuses, methods and the like (e.g., utilities) are needed that increase the volume of media elements that can be simultaneously loaded and/or unloaded into or from a storage library, facilitate mounting of media element magazines into a storage library, and limit access to an interior of a storage library by users during operation of robotics assemblies inside of the storage library. Broadly, disclosed herein is a CAP for use with an automated storage library that includes a media element storage container that is pivotable (e.g., swingable) between at least first and second positions. In the first position, the storage container is adjacent an opening in a wall of a housing of the tape library for loading and unloading of media elements (e.g., tape cartridges) by a user into or from the storage container via the opening in the housing. As used herein, a “wall” of the housing includes vertical panels or surfaces, horizontal panels or surfaces, and/or the like. The storage container may include one or more openings for storage of media elements, where the openings face outward through the opening in the housing towards an exterior of the storage library in the first position for access by a customer. In the second position, the storage container is spaced from the opening in the housing for access to media elements in the storage container by a robotics assembly of the storage library. That is, the one or more openings of the storage container face towards the interior of the storage library in the second position. 
     The CAP may include any appropriate arrangement of mechanical and/or electromechanical components that are configured to limit access to the interior environment of the storage library when the storage container is in either of the first or second positions. For instance, the CAP may additionally include an access door that is movably (e.g., pivotally, slidably, etc.) attached to the housing between a first position covering the opening in the housing and a second position spaced from the opening in the housing. A latching assembly may be included that automatically locks the access door in its first position over the opening in the housing when the storage container is not in its first position adjacent the opening in the housing and automatically unlocks the access door to allow the access door to be moved into its second position spaced from the opening in the housing when the storage container is locked in its first position adjacent the opening in the housing. 
     Thus, the access door limits access to the interior of the storage library via the opening in the housing when the storage container is not in its first position (e.g., such as when the storage container is moving into its second position, when the storage container is fully seated in its second position, etc.) and the storage container itself limits access to the interior of the storage library when the storage container is in its first position (so that customers can load or remove media elements into or from the storage container via the opening in the housing). In other words, the latching assembly limits or prevents the storage container and access door from both being in their second positions simultaneously (that may otherwise allow for access to the interior environment of the storage container via the opening in the housing). In one arrangement, the storage container may be in the form of a cabinet (e.g., “bookshelf,” box, etc.) having a backwall and a plurality of supports (e.g., shelves) extending away from the backwall towards a front of the cabinet and forming the one or more media element receiving openings. In this regard, the backwall may limit access into the interior of the storage library when the storage container is in its first position. 
     A particular storage library may have a plurality of the disclosed CAPs, such as where each respective robotics assembly of the storage library is associated with a dedicated CAP. In the case of a storage library having a plurality of rail assemblies along which robotics assemblies can travel or translate (e.g., slide), a respective CAP may be located adjacent each of first and second opposite ends of each rail assembly. In this regard, a particular robotics assembly may be operable to slide along a particular rail assembly to one of the respective CAPs to manipulate media elements therewith, such as to load media elements into the storage container of the CAP or to remove media elements from the storage container of the CAP. Furthermore, multiple different robotics assemblies may be simultaneously loading and/or unloading media elements into or from the storage containers of their respective CAPs based on different commands from a host computer interconnected to the storage library. Still further, users can load or unload media elements into or from a storage container of one or more CAPs while different robotics assemblies are manipulating media elements with respect to storage containers of other CAPs of the storage library. 
     When a user desires to perform an enter or load operation of a media element into the storage library, the user may initially input the enter operation into the host computer or software in communication with the storage library. For instance, a user may want to add new blocks of information to the storage library or increase the storage capacity of the storage library. As part of processing the enter operation, the host computer may make a number of determinations such as a location of an available slot in the library, a particular robotics assembly configured to manipulate media elements in the slot, the CAP of the particular robotics assembly, and the like. The host computer may then send a command to a library controller of the storage library to move the storage container of the CAP through a loading zone into its first position (e.g., via a drive motor disposed adjacent a pivot axis of the storage container). Before moving the storage container of the CAP into its first position, the host computer may trigger the robotics assembly (e.g., via a library controller) to unload one or more media elements from the storage container to make room for the media element(s) to be loaded by the user and then to move the robotics assembly out of the loading zone to allow the storage container to be moved into the first position. 
     Movement of the storage container into its first position may automatically lock the storage container in the first position and automatically unlock the access door from its first position to allow the access door to be moved away from the opening in the housing (e.g., via the latching assembly). In one arrangement, the latching assembly may automatically pop open the access door (e.g., move it at least slightly away from its first position towards the second position) whereby a user may grasp the access door and open it the rest of the way. At this point, the one or more openings of the storage container as well as any media elements therein may be viewable and accessible to the user through the opening in the housing of the storage library. In the case of the storage container being in the form of a bookshelf, the entire bookshelf may be directly presented to the user for easy access thereof. 
     At this point, the user may insert one or more media elements into one or more slots of the storage container (which may require removing one or more media elements from the storage container to make room for the one or more media elements to be added). The user may then move (e.g., push) the access door back into its first position over or adjacent the opening in the housing of the storage library. As the access door is pushed so as to be fully seated in its first position, a portion of the access door may engage a portion of the latching assembly which substantially simultaneously locks the access door in its first position and unlocks the storage container. The storage container may then be moved (e.g., under motor control) through the loading zone back into its second position within the storage library. At this stage, the robotics assembly may, if necessary, be moved (e.g., under control of the library controller via the host system) into the loading zone to manipulate media elements of the storage container. 
     Eject operations may be performed somewhat similarly to the above-discussed enter operations. For example, the user may input the eject operation into the host computer which may appropriately determine a location of the media element to be ejected and then automatically trigger the appropriate robotics assembly to retrieve the media element and insert the same into the storage container of the respective CAP of the robotics assembly. The storage container may then be pivoted (e.g., under motor control via the library controller and the host computer) into its first position adjacent the corresponding opening in the housing of the storage library and into engagement with the latching assembly to lock the storage container in its first position and substantially simultaneously unlock the access door. The user may then open the access door and remove the one or more media elements from the storage container. 
     In some arrangements, users may be able to access a particular CAP directly from the storage library rather than having to initiate an access command from a host computer. For instance, a series of buttons or other user manipulable features may be disposed on an outer wall of the housing adjacent each respective CAP of the storage library. Each button may be in electrical communication with the library controller and/or host computer and be configured to convey a different command thereto. In one arrangement, one button may, when manipulated (e.g., depressed), be configured to send a “CAP access” command to the library controller. Upon receipt of the command, the library controller may coordinate with the host computer to move the particular robotics assembly out of the loading zone of the respective CAP and then pivot the storage container of the CAP into its first position so as to lock the storage container in the first position and substantially simultaneously unlock the respective access door so that the one or more openings of the storage container can be accessed via the opening in the housing of the storage library. 
     In one arrangement, one or more ports at various heights in the storage library may be configured to receive media element magazines from various angles to facilitate insertion and removal of the magazines into and from the ports by users. As an example, upper and lower portions of the magazine may include first and second engagement features (e.g., mounting apparatuses) that are respectively configured to engage with corresponding first and second engagement features (e.g., mounting apparatuses) adjacent upper and lower portions of a respective port of the storage library. The respective engagement features may allow the user to insert either the top or bottom portion or end of the magazine first into the port and then slide the top or bottom portion or end toward the respective top or bottom portion of the port before inserting the other of the top or bottom portion or end of the magazine into the port (adjacent the respective other of the top or bottom portion of the port) to fully seat the magazine in the port. The respective engagement features also allow a user to insert the upper and lower portions of the magazine into the upper and lower portions of the port substantially simultaneously to fully seat the magazine in the port. 
     As just one example, a user may find it easier to first insert the upper portion of the magazine into a port and slide the upper portion towards the upper portion of the port and then insert the bottom portion of the magazine into the bottom portion of the port when the port is located above waist level or even above head level. To remove the magazine from the port, the user may initially grasp and lift either of the upper or lower portions of the magazine to disengage the second engagement feature adjacent the bottom of the magazine from the second engagement feature adjacent the bottom of the port. Thereafter, the lower portion of the magazine may be pulled away from the port by pivoting the magazine outwardly about the first engagement feature of the port. After the magazine has at least partially pivoted in this manner, the first engagement feature adjacent the upper portion of the magazine may be at least partially slid away from the other first engagement feature of the port and then the entire magazine removed from the port. In one variation, a user may instead push downwardly on either of the upper or lower portions of the magazine to disengage the first engagement feature adjacent the top of the magazine from the first engagement feature adjacent the top of the port and then pivot the magazine about the second engagement feature of the port to facilitate removal of the magazine from the port. 
     In one arrangement, the ports may be formed in the storage containers of the CAPs disclosed herein. In this regard, a user may be able to insert or remove a magazine from a storage container of a CAP in any of the manners discussed herein. In one arrangement, each storage container of the CAPs may include a plurality of side by side ports, where each port is configured to receive a respective corresponding magazine. 
     In one aspect, a method for mounting a media element magazine into a port of a storage library includes establishing contact between a first mounting apparatus disposed on an upper portion of a magazine and a first mounting apparatus disposed on an upper portion of a port, deflecting the first mounting apparatus of the port with the first mounting apparatus of the magazine from a relaxed position to a first deflected position, allowing the first mounting apparatus of the port to relax to a second deflected position, capturing the first mounting apparatus of the magazine between the first mounting apparatus of the port and a rear wall of the port, and positioning a second mounting apparatus disposed on a lower portion of the magazine between a second mounting apparatus disposed on a lower portion of the port and the rear wall of the port. The upper portion of the magazine is opposite the lower portion of the magazine and the upper portion of the port is opposite the lower portion of the port. 
     In one arrangement, the capturing step may occur before the positioning step. As an example, the positioning step may include pivoting the magazine about the first mounting apparatus of the port. For instance, the positioning step may include first riding a first camming surface of the second mounting apparatus of the magazine along a first camming surface of the second mounting apparatus of the port, and second riding a second camming surface of the second mounting apparatus of the magazine along a second camming surface of the second mounting apparatus of the port, where the second mounting apparatus of the magazine is positioned between the second mounting apparatus of the port and the rear wall of the port after the second riding step. The deflecting step may occur during the first riding step and/or the allowing step may occur during the second riding step. 
     As another example, the method may include, before the establishing step, contacting the rear wall of the port with the first mounting apparatus of the magazine; and sliding the first mounting apparatus of the magazine along the rear wall into contact with the first mounting apparatus of the port to establish the contact between the first mounting apparatus of the magazine and the first mounting apparatus of the port. 
     In another arrangement, the positioning step may occur before the capturing step. For instance, the capturing step may include pivoting the magazine about the second mounting apparatus of the port. In a further arrangement, the capturing and positioning steps may occur substantially simultaneously. 
     In another aspect, a system disclosed herein includes a media element magazine for storing a plurality of media elements and a port for receiving the media element magazine. The magazine includes opposite first and second side portions, opposite upper and lower portions, opposite front and rear portions, a plurality of slots disposed between the first and second side portions along a height of the media element magazine between the upper and lower portions, a first protrusion extending upwardly away from the upper portion, and a second protrusion extending downwardly away from the lower portion. The port includes opposite first and second side portions, opposite upper and lower portions, a rear portion, a biasing member extending downwardly away from the upper portion of the port that biases the first protrusion against the rear portion of the port when the media element magazine is inserted into the port and a projection extending upwardly away from the lower portion of the port that engages with the second protrusion when the media element magazine is inserted into the port. 
     In one arrangement, the biasing member may be in the form of a leaf spring that extends towards the rear portion of the port, such as a leaf spring including a first body portion connected to the upper portion of the port and extending at a first angle of inclination relative to the upper portion and a second body portion connected to the first body portion and extending at a second angle of inclination relative to the upper portion that is greater than the first angle of inclination. 
     In a further aspect, a method of removing a media element magazine from a port of a storage library includes deflecting a first mounting apparatus disposed on an upper portion of a port with a first mounting apparatus disposed on an upper portion of a magazine from a first deflected position to a second deflected position greater than the first deflected position; pivoting a lower portion of the magazine about the first mounting apparatus of port; lifting, during the pivoting step, a second mounting apparatus disposed on a lower portion of the magazine over a second mounting apparatus disposed on a lower portion of the port; allowing the first mounting apparatus of the port to relax to a relaxed position; and removing the media element magazine from the port. 
     Any of the embodiments, arrangements, or the like discussed herein may be used (either alone or in combination with other embodiments, arrangement, or the like) with any of the disclosed aspects. Merely introducing a feature in accordance with commonly accepted antecedent basis practice does not limit the corresponding feature to the singular. Any failure to use phrases such as “at least one” does not limit the corresponding feature to the singular. Use of the phrase “at least generally,” “at least partially,” “substantially” or the like in relation to a particular feature encompasses the corresponding characteristic and insubstantial variations thereof. Furthermore, a reference of a feature in conjunction with the phrase “in one embodiment” does not limit the use of the feature to a single embodiment. 
     In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following descriptions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exterior portion of a storage library that includes a plurality of CAPs according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an interior portion of the storage library of  FIG. 1  with first and second service doors of the storage library being open. 
         FIG. 3  is an exterior perspective view of one of the CAPs of  FIG. 2  with a storage container of the CAP in a first position adjacent an opening through a housing of the storage library and an access door of the CAP in an open second position away from the opening through the housing of the storage library. 
         FIG. 4   a  is an interior perspective view of the storage library of  FIG. 1  and showing the storage container of the CAP of  FIG. 3  in the first position. 
         FIG. 4   b  is an interior perspective view of the storage library similar to  FIG. 4   a  but showing the storage container of the CAP of  FIG. 3  in an intermediate position as it moves through a loading zone of the CAP. 
         FIG. 4   c  is an interior perspective view of the storage library similar to  FIG. 4   b  but showing the storage container of the CAP of  FIG. 3  in an open second position within the interior portion of the storage library away from the opening in the housing. 
         FIG. 5  is an interior perspective view of the CAP of  FIG. 3  with the storage container of the CAP in a second position away from the opening through the housing of the storage library and the access door of the CAP in a closed first position adjacent the opening through the housing of the storage library. 
         FIG. 6   a  is a front perspective view of a CAP according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6   b  is a rear perspective view of the CAP of  FIG. 6   a  with a storage container and an access door of the CAP both being in an open position. 
         FIG. 6   c  is a plan view of the CAP of  FIG. 6   a.    
         FIG. 7   a  is a rear perspective view of the CAP similar to that in  FIG. 6   b  but with the storage container and access door both being in an open position and with an outer plate being removed from an outer door jamb of the CAP to expose a latching assembly of the CAP. 
         FIG. 7   b  is a close-up perspective view of the latching assembly of  FIG. 7   a.    
         FIG. 7   c  is a perspective view of the CAP of  FIG. 7   a  and with a portion of the access door broken away to show a portion of the latching assembly. 
         FIG. 7   d  is a close-up perspective view of the portion of the latching assembly of  FIG. 7   c.    
         FIG. 8   a  is a sectional view of the latching assembly of  FIG. 7   a  in one position with the access door being closed and locked position and the storage container being in a closed but unlocked position. 
         FIG. 8   b  is another sectional view of the latching assembly of  FIG. 7   a  in another position with the access door being closed and locked position and the storage container being in a closed but unlocked position. 
         FIG. 8   c  is another sectional view of the latching assembly of  FIG. 7   a  in another position with the access door being in a closed but partially unlocked position and the storage container being in a closed but unlocked position. 
         FIG. 8   d  is another sectional view of the latching assembly of  FIG. 7   a  in another position with the access door being in a closed and unlocked position and the storage container being in a closed and partially locked position. 
         FIG. 8   e  is another sectional view of the latching assembly of  FIG. 7   a  in another position with the access door being in a closed and unlocked position and the storage container being in a closed and partially locked position. 
         FIG. 8   f  is another sectional view of the latching assembly of  FIG. 7   a  in another position with the access door being in a closed and unlocked position and the storage container being in a closed and partially locked position. 
         FIG. 8   g  is another sectional view of the latching assembly of  FIG. 7   a  in another position with the access door being in a closed and unlocked position and the storage container being in a closed and fully locked position. 
         FIG. 8   h  is another sectional view of the latching assembly of  FIG. 7   a  in another position with the access door being in a closed and locked position and the storage container being in a closed and unlocked position. 
         FIG. 8   i  is another sectional view of the latching assembly of  FIG. 7   a  in another position with the access door being in a closed and locked position and the storage container being in an unlocked position and opened slightly from the position of  FIG. 8   f.    
         FIG. 9   a  is a first exploded perspective view of a media element magazine configured for receipt in a port of a storage library according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9   b  is a second exploded perspective view of the media element magazine of  FIG. 9   a  configured for receipt in a port of a storage library according to an embodiment 
         FIG. 10   a  is a side view of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b.    
         FIG. 10   b  is a close-up side view of a top portion of the port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b.    
         FIG. 10   c  is a close-up perspective view of the top portion of the port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b.    
         FIG. 10   d  is a close-up side view of a bottom portion of the port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b.    
         FIG. 10   e  is a close-up perspective view of the bottom portion of the port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b.    
         FIG. 10   f  is a close-up perspective view of the top portion of the magazine of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b.    
         FIG. 10   g  is a close-up perspective view of the bottom portion of the magazine of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b.    
         FIG. 11   a  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at one stage of a first manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 11   b  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at another stage of the first manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 11   c  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at another stage of the first manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 11   d  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at another stage of the first manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 11   e  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at another stage of the first manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 11   f  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at another stage of the first manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 11   g  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at another stage of the first manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 12   a  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at one stage of a second manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 12   b  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at another stage of the second manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 12   c  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at another stage of the second manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 12   d  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at another stage of the second manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 12   e  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at another stage of the second manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 13   a  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at one stage of a third manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 13   b  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at another stage of the third manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 13   c  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at another stage of the third manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 13   d  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at another stage of the third manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 13   e  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at another stage of the third manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 14   a  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at one stage of a fourth manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 14   b  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at another stage of the fourth manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
         FIG. 14   c  is a sectional view of the magazine and port of  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  at another stage of the fourth manner of installation of the magazine into the port. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed herein are utilities that increase the volume of media elements that can be simultaneously loaded and/or unloaded into or from a storage library, facilitate mounting of media element magazines into a storage library, and limit access to an interior of a storage library by users during operation of robotics assemblies inside of the storage library. One of the disclosed utilities includes a CAP (or media element access port) for use with an automated storage library that has a media element storage container that is pivotable (e.g., swingable) between at least first and second positions. In the first position, the storage container is adjacent an opening in a housing of the tape library for loading and unloading of media elements (e.g., tape cartridges) by a user into or from the storage container via the opening in the housing. After the storage container has swung into the second position, the storage container is spaced from the opening in the housing and faces the interior of the storage library for access by a robotics assembly to media elements in the storage container. 
     A storage library may include a plurality of the disclosed CAPs for respective access by a respective plurality of robotics assemblies inside the storage library. Each of the CAPs may be independently and simultaneously manipulatable by users and/or by respective robotics assemblies in different manners to increase the efficiency and throughput of the storage library. For instance, a user may be loading media elements into the storage container of one CAP of a storage library at the same time that one or more robotics assemblies are grabbing and removing media elements from (and/or loading media elements into) the storage containers of one or more respective other CAPs of the storage library (e.g., CAPs that are above or below the first CAP, across from the first CAP, etc.). 
     With initial reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , one embodiment of a storage library  100  is illustrated in which a plurality of CAPs  200  as disclosed herein may be incorporated. Broadly, the storage library  100  may be a data storage and retrieval system for one or more hosts, computers, servers, and/or the like. In this regard, the storage library  100  may be designed for handling and storing a plurality of media elements and for reading and writing to the media elements using media element players. As used herein, a media element denotes any physical substrate suitable for storing data, such as a tape cartridge. A media element player may be a media element reader and/or writer (such as a tape drive) that translates the data stored on a media element into signals readable by a computer and/or server for reading and writing operations on media elements in response to command from a host, computer and/or server. While  FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a storage library, it is to be understood that CAPs and other utilities disclosed herein may be utilized in numerous other arrangements and contexts in which it is desired to safely, securely and efficiently load and unload components, objects, devices etc. into or from any appropriate storage arrangement. 
     Generally, the storage library  100  may include a housing  104  in the form of a framework of vertical or horizontal framing members that are covered by a plurality of vertical and horizontal wall or panel members (not labeled) and that form an interior portion or environment  120  (labeled in  FIGS. 2 and 4   a - 4   c ) for storing media elements and media players. A plurality of removable media element modules  126  (e.g., magazines, see  FIGS. 2 and 4   a - 4   c ) of any appropriate form factors may be removably secured to interior walls of the housing  104  inside the interior portion  120  of the housing  104  in any appropriate manner (via latches, thumbscrews, and/or the like). Each media element storage module  126  may include one or more cells or slots (not labeled) for receipt of one or more corresponding media elements and/or media players. 
     To manipulate one or more of the media elements within the housing  104 , the storage library  100  may include a plurality of robotics assemblies  128  that are respectively configured to slide along rail assemblies  132  within the housing  104  under control of a library controller or control unit via commands received from a host computer. As just one example, first and second robotics assemblies  128   1 ,  128   2  (see  FIG. 2 ) may each be configured to slide or translate along one or more of the rails assemblies  132  at a particular level (e.g., height) of the storage library  100  for manipulating media elements at the particular level (e.g., removing media elements from a media element storage module  126  and inserting the same into a media element player or vice versa, reading labels on the media players or media elements, reading labels of media elements, unloading media elements from respective first and second CAPs  200  and loading the media elements into a media element storage module  126  or media player of the storage library  100  as discussed in more detail below, etc.). One or more additional robotics assemblies  128  may be configured to slide along respective rail assemblies  132  at one or more additional levels of the storage library  100  for manipulation of media elements thereof (see  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c ). 
     One or more service doors, such as first and second service doors  108 ,  112  of the housing  104  may be respectively opened (e.g., such as pivoting the first and second service doors  108 ,  112  about respective axes  109 ,  113 ) to provide walk-in access to the interior portion  120  of the storage library  100  (e.g., such as to perform any necessary maintenance or service on components within the interior portion  120  while robotics assemblies  128  within the interior portion  120  are not in service). Each rail assembly  132  may generally include a first end  136  adjacent the first service door  108  and an opposite second end  140  adjacent the second service door  112 . In one arrangement, each robotics assembly  128  may be generally configured to slide along a substantial entirety of a particular rail assembly  132  between its first and second ends  136 ,  140 . 
     In the case where two or more robotics assemblies  128  are engaged with the same rail assemblies  132  on the same level of the storage library  100 , each of such robotics assemblies  128  may be configured to slide or otherwise move only along particular sections of the rail assemblies. For instance, first robotics assembly  128   1  of  FIG. 2  may be configured to generally slide between first end  136  of rail assemblies  132  and a substantial midpoint of the rail assemblies  132  (e.g., in the back of storage library  100 , not visible in  FIG. 2 ) while second robotics assembly  128   2  of  FIG. 2  may be configured to generally slide between second end  136  of rail assemblies  132  and a substantial midpoint of the rail assemblies  132 . As another example, each of the first and second rail assemblies  128   1 ,  128   2  may be configured to slide along a substantial entirety of the rail assemblies  132  between the first and second ends  136 ,  140  (e.g., but not past the other of the first and second rail assemblies  128   1 ,  128   2 ). 
     While the first and second service doors  108 ,  112  could be opened to allow users to insert and remove media elements into or from the interior portion of the housing  104 , doing so would generally be impractical due to the need to shut or power down one or more of the robotics assemblies  128  and/or other components or equipment within the interior portion  120  of the housing  104  to limit injury to the users and damage to such equipment. In this regard, the storage library  100  includes a plurality of CAPs  200  disposed within respective openings  116  through the housing  104  of the storage library  100  that allow users to insert media elements into and remove media elements from the interior portion  120  of the storage library  100  via the CAPs  200  free of having to open the service doors  108 ,  112  and/or shut down or take robotics assemblies  128  and other components within the interior portion  120  out of service. Even though each of the openings  116  (and thus the CAPs  200 ) is shown as being disposed through one of the first or second service doors  108 ,  112 , the openings  116  and CAPs  200  may in other embodiments be disposed through other walls or portions of the housing  104  (e.g., non-movable walls) to facilitate insertion and removal of media elements into and from the interior portion  120  of the housing  104 . A plurality of CAPs  200  may be arranged along horizontal and/or vertical axes. 
     At least one opening  116  and a respective CAP  200  may be disposed at each respective level (e.g., height) of the storage library  100  so as to allow users to access media elements on each level of the storage library  100 . As shown, each level of the storage library  100  may have first and second CAPs  200 , such as a first CAP  200  in the first service door  108  adjacent the first end  136  of the rail assemblies  128  for robotics assemblies  132  that manipulate media elements on the level and a second CAP  200  in the second service door  112  adjacent the second end  140  of the rail assemblies  128  for robotics assemblies  132  that manipulate media elements on the level. In the case where each level of the storage library  100  includes a single robotics assembly  128 , each robotics assembly  128  may be able to access either the first CAP  200  of the first service door  108  or the second CAP  200  of the second service door  112  (e.g., by sliding along the rail assemblies  128  to either the first or second end  136 ,  140 ). In the case where each level of the storage library  100  includes first and second robotics assemblies  128 , such as first and second robotics assemblies  128   1 ,  128   2  of  FIG. 2 , the first robotics assembly  128   1  may be configured to access the first CAP  200  of the first service door  108  and the second robotics assembly  128   2  may be configured to access the second CAP  200  of the second service door  112 . 
     Broadly, each CAP  200  includes a storage container  204  that is configured to pivot or swing within the interior portion  120  about a pivot axis  216  from a first position adjacent the respective opening  116  in the housing  104  (see storage container  204  of CAP  200   3  in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4   a ) through a respective “loading zone”  124  of the storage library  100  (see storage container  204  of CAP  200   3  in  FIG. 4   b ) to a second position spaced from the opening  116  (see storage container  204  of CAP  200   3  in  FIGS. 4   c  and  5 ). Each storage container  204  may generally include a body or housing  220  of any appropriate shape and form (e.g., in the form of a box, “bookshelf,” etc.) that includes at least one opening  224  for receipt of one or more media elements and a back or rear wall  226  (see  FIGS. 4   a  and  5 ) that prevents or limits media elements and/or other items (e.g., human hands) from passing all the way through the storage container  204 . The storage container  204  of each CAP  200  may be pivotally secured to or relative to the housing  104  about the pivot axis  216  in any appropriate manner. For instance, a first bracket member  280  that is rigidly or otherwise non-movably secured to the storage container  204  may be appropriately pivotally secured to a second bracket member or assembly  282  that is rigidly or otherwise non-movably secured to the housing  104 . See  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   c  and  5 . 
     In this regard, the storage container  204  may also be considered a door that, when in its closed first position, prevents or inhibits access into the interior portion  120  of the storage library  100 . In one arrangement, the at least one opening  224  may include a plurality of slots or cells  228  (see  FIGS. 3 and 5 ), each of which is sized for receipt of a respective corresponding media element (e.g., such as with a label of the media element facing outward away from the storage container  204 ). In one variation, the opening  224  of the storage container  204  may be sized for receipt of one or more media element storage modules  230  (e.g., magazines), where each media element storage module includes a plurality of slots  228  therein. 
     In the first position (e.g., see  FIG. 3 ), the opening  224  (and slots  228 ) of the storage container  204  faces outwards through the respective opening  116  of the housing  104  towards an exterior environment outside of the storage container  204  so that users may load or unload media elements (e.g., tape cartridges) into or from the slots  228  of the storage container  204  via the respective opening  116  in the housing  104  (e.g., such as after one or more appropriate commands have been sent from a host computer to a library controller of the storage library  100 ). In the second position (e.g., see storage containers  204  of CAPS  200   1 ,  200   2 ,  200   4  in  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c  and storage containers  204  of CAP  200   3    FIG. 4   c ), the opening  224  and slots  228  of the storage container  204  face the interior portion  120  of the housing  104  so that a robotics assembly  128  on the particular level of the storage library  100  can manipulate media elements of the storage container  204 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c , for instance, it can be seen how storage containers  204  are disposed against the inside wall(s) of the housing  104  (e.g., where back walls  226  are disposed adjacent the inside walls of the housing  104 ) in a manner similar to the media element storage modules  126  of the housing  104 . More specifically, the storage containers  204  may generally have a similar profile to those of the media element storage modules  126  within the housing  104 . In this regard, each robotics assembly  128  may be able to slide along the rail assemblies  132  over a particular storage container  204  and manipulate media elements of the storage container (e.g., inserting or removing media elements) in the same manner as if the robotics assembly  128  was manipulating media element storage modules  126  on the same level in the storage library. The library controller and host computer may communicate to move a robotics assembly  128  out of the loading zone  124  of a particular CAP  200  before the storage container  204  of the CAP  200  swings from the first position to the second position or vice versa (e.g., via a motor  234  configured to pivot the storage container  204  about the pivot axis  216  between the first and second positions, see  FIGS. 2   b  and  5 ). 
     With reference to FIGS.  1  and  3 - 4   c , each CAP  200  may also include at least one access door  208  that is movably mounted to or relative the housing  104  between at least a closed, first position that covers an opening  116  in the housing and thereby limits access to the interior portion  120  of the housing (e.g., see access doors  208  of CAPs  200   1 ,  200   2 ,  200   4  of  FIGS. 1 and 4   a - 4   c ) and an open, second position where the access door  208  is spaced from the opening  116  in the housing  104  and allows access to the opening  224  or slots  228  of the storage container  204  of the CAP  200  (e.g., when the storage container  204  is in its first position adjacent the opening  116 , see access door  208  of CAP  200   1  of  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). In one arrangement, the access door  208  may be pivotally secured to or relative to the housing  104  about a pivot axis  238  (see  FIG. 3 ) between the first and second positions. As an example, the access door  208  may be pivotally secured to or relative to one of the first or second service doors  108 ,  112  of the housing  104 . For instance, the access door  208  may be movably secured to a framing assembly  212  that is rigidly or otherwise non-movably secured to one of the first or second service doors  108 ,  112  within one of the openings  116 . When the access door  208  is pivotally secured to one of the first or second service doors  108 ,  112 , the pivot axis  238  may thus be movable relative to the pivot axis  216  about which the storage container  204  pivots or swings (e.g., during pivoting of the one of the first or second service doors  108 ,  112 ). In another arrangement (not shown), the access door  208  may be slidably secured to or relative to the housing  104  (e.g., one of the first and second access doors  108 ,  112 ) between the first and second positions (e.g., such as where opposite lateral edges of the access door  208  are slidably received in corresponding spaced tracks or grooves on the first or second doors  108 ,  112  of the housing). 
     Each access door  208  may generally be in the form of a body or housing that prevents or limits access through the opening  116  in the housing  104  (e.g., and thus into the interior portion  120  of the housing  104 ) when the access door is in the closed, first position. As just one example, each access door  208  may include an outer frame  242  and a substantially solid panel  246  (e.g., transparent glass, metal, composites) secured thereto or thereacross, where the outer frame  242  and panel  246  are sized for close receipt in and over the opening  116  in the housing  104  (e.g., see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). 
     As discussed previously, it is important to prevent or limit user access into the interior portion  120  of the housing  104  of the storage library  100  to correspondingly limit contact between users and components within the interior portion  120  such as moving robotics assemblies  128 , electrical connections, and the like. In this regard, each CAP  200  and the library controller of the storage library work in concert to at least substantially ensure that at least one of the access door  208  or the storage container  204  of each CAP  200  is in its first position over and adjacent the opening  116  in the housing  116  at all times. 
     To further understand how user access into the interior portion  120  of the housing  104  of the storage library  100  through any of the openings  116  is prevented or at least limited, a couple of examples of functionality of the CAPs  200  and storage library  100  will now be provided (although it is to be understood that the functionality encompassed herein is not limited to the ensuing examples). Initially, assume a user loads a plurality of media elements into the slots  228  of the storage container  204  of CAP  200   3  (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). For instance, the user may have accessed any appropriate host computer in communication with the library controller of the storage library  100  and inputted any appropriate storage library access operation into the host computer (e.g., an enter or load operation to load media elements into the storage library  100  and/or an eject operation to remove media elements from the storage library  100 ). In conjunction with processing the enter operation, the host computer and/or library controller may have determined in any appropriate manner that media elements are to be loaded into and/or removed from the storage container  204  of CAP  200   3 . For instance, the media player into which one of the media elements is to be inserted is located on the same level of the storage library  100  as CAP  200   3  or there are available media element storage modules  126  on the same level of the storage library  100  as CAP  200   3 . 
     In any case, the storage container  204  of CAP  200   3  may be locked in the first position shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4   a  while the user loads media elements into or removes media elements from the storage container  204  of CAP  200   3  (e.g., where the storage container  204  of the  200   3  prevents or at least limits user access into the interior portion  120  of the storage library  104 , such as via the back wall  226  of the storage container  204 ). More specifically, the CAP  200   3  and/or library controller of the storage library  100  may function to ensure that when the access door  208  has at least partially moved away from its first position adjacent and covering the opening  116  towards the second position (e.g., but not necessarily all the way to the position shown in  FIG. 3 ), the storage container  204  of the CAP  200   3  is automatically locked in the first position adjacent and over the opening  116  (as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). 
     The term “locked” (and variations thereof, such as lock, locks, etc.) as used herein means that the storage container  204  is unable to be moved out of or away from the first position absent administrator override or the access door  208  being moved (e.g., pivoted) back into its fully closed, first position over the opening  116  (e.g., like access doors  208  of CAPs  200   1 ,  200   2 ,  200   4  of  FIGS. 1 and 4   a - 4   c ). As will be discussed in more detail below in relation to  FIGS. 6   a - 8   i , each CAP  200  may include a mechanical latching assembly  300  that ensures that at least one of the storage container  204  or access door  208  of the CAP  200  is in its closed, first position over the opening  116  in the housing  104  at all times. In the above example, the latching assembly  300  thus disallows movement of the access door  208  of the CAP  200   3  away from its closed, first position (e.g., and into the open, second position shown in  FIG. 3 ) unless the storage container  204  of the CAP  200   3  is in its closed, first position. 
     Conversely, closure of the access door  208  of the CAP  200   3  into its first position over the opening  116  (e.g., see position of access door  208  of the CAP  200   3  in  FIGS. 4   b ,  4   c  and  5 ; also for reference see access doors  208  of CAPs  200   1 ,  200   2 ,  200   4  in  FIGS. 1 and 4   a - 4   c ) unlocks the storage container  204  of the CAP  200   3  and allows the storage container  204  to be moved (e.g., pivoted via motor  234  and library controller) through the loading zone  124  of the CAP  200   3  and into its second position within the interior portion  120  of the housing  104 , such as against an interior wall of the housing  104  adjacent one or more media element storage modules  126  within the housing  104 . As just one example, the storage container  204  may pivot through no more than about 90° between its first and second positions. 
     The library controller of the storage library  100  prevents or at least limits any robotics assemblies  128  of the storage library  100  from moving into one or more particular loading zones  124  when storage containers  204  of CAPs  200  of the one or more particular loading zones  124  are moving from their first positions into their second positions or vice versa. For instance, the library controller may, in response to a load or eject request from a host computer, and in conjunction with determining a particular CAP  200  of the storage library  100  to be involved in the load or eject procedure (e.g., in this case, CAP  200   3 ), move any robotics assemblies  128  out of the loading zone  124  of the particular CAP  200  (e.g., along rail assemblies  132 ) and also inhibit the robotics assemblies  128  from moving into the loading zone  124  when the storage container  204  of the particular CAP  200  is moving between the first and second positions. In one arrangement, the library controller may inhibit any robotics assemblies  128  from moving into the loading zone  124  of a particular CAP  200  unless the storage container  204  of the particular CAP  200  is in its second position against the inner wall of the housing  104  (e.g., like storage containers  204  of CAPs  200   1 ,  200   2 ,  200   4  in  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c ). 
     Again with reference to the above example, and once the storage container  204  of the CAP  200   3  has been fully seated and locked in its second position within the interior portion  120  (e.g., via the motor  234  under control of the library controller) so that the slots  228  are facing the interior portion  120  (e.g., see  FIG. 4   c ), a robotics assembly  128  may, under control of the library controller, slide along the rail assemblies  132  into the loading zone  124  of the CAP  200   3  and manipulate media elements in the slots  228  of the storage container  204  of the CAP  200   3  (robotics assembly  128  not shown for CAP  200   3  in  FIG. 4   c  but see robotics assemblies  128  in loading zones  124  of CAPs  200   1  and CAP  200   4  in  FIG. 4   c ). For instance, the robotics assembly  128  may grab and remove one or more media elements from the storage container of the CAP  200   3 , slide along rail assemblies  132  to one or more media players, and insert the media elements into the one or more media players. Alternatively, the robotics assembly  128  may insert the one or more media elements into one or more media element storage modules  126  for later use. Still further, the robotics assembly  128  may grab and remove one or more media elements from one or more media players or media element storage modules  126 , slide down into the loading zone  124  of the CAP  200   3 , and insert or load the same into one or more slots  228  of the storage container  204 . 
     Upon a subsequent request to access the storage container  204  of the CAP  200   3 , the library controller may move any robotics assemblies  128  out of the loading zone of the CAP  200   3  and operate the motor  234  of the CAP  200   3  to pivot the storage container  204  about pivot axis  216  into the first position against and adjacent the opening  116  of the housing  104  (e.g., see  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4   a ). Again as will be discussed in more detail below in relation to  FIGS. 6   a - 8   i , moving the storage container  204  into the closed position against or adjacent the opening  116  automatically causes the latching assembly  300  of the CAP  200   3  to lock the storage container  204  of the  200   3  in the first position over the opening  116  and substantially simultaneously unlock the access door  208  of the CAP  200   3  to allow the access door  208  to be opened or moved (e.g., under user power) into its open, second position so that media elements may be inserted into and/or removed from the storage container  204 . 
     While an example operation involving CAP  200   3  was discussed, it is to be understood that the various other CAPs  200  and corresponding robotics assemblies  128  may function in a similar regard. Furthermore, each CAP  200  and its corresponding robotics assembly  128  may be operated independently of the various other CAPs  200  and their respective robotics assemblies  128 . As just one example, the storage container  204  of the CAP  200   3  may be in the first position (and its access door  208  in its open, second position) for loading of media elements by a user while at the same time the storage containers  204  of CAPs  200   1  and  200   4  are in their second positions (and their access doors  208  in their closed, first positions) for access to media elements of the storage containers  204  by their respective robotics assemblies). This arrangement advantageously increases media element load/unload cycles and reduces media element access times. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c , various views of a CAP  200  according to one embodiment are illustrated (e.g., any of the CAPs  200  of  FIGS. 1-5 ). As shown, the CAP  200  broadly includes a framing assembly  212  that is configured (e.g., sized, dimensioned, etc.) to be received in an opening  116  of the housing  104 , where the storage container  204  is pivotally securable adjacent a first side of the framing assembly  212  and the access door  208  is movably (e.g., pivotally) securable adjacent an opposite second side of the framing assembly  212 . The framing assembly  212  may include a body  250  that is generally shaped and sized to be received within the opening  116  of the housing. The body  250  defines an opening  252  through which media elements can be inserted into and removed from the at least one opening  224  (e.g., slots  228 ) of the storage container  204 . The body  250  may include first and second spaced vertical members  258 ,  260  (e.g., jambs) that are appropriately rigidly connected to first and second spaced horizontal members  262 ,  264  and that collectively define the opening  252  of the body  250 . 
     In one arrangement, the storage container  204  may be pivotally secured to one of the first and second vertical members  258 ,  260  (e.g., to the first vertical member  258 ) on a first side of the body  250  to pivot about pivot axis  216 . In another arrangement, the storage container  204  may be pivotally secured to a portion of the housing  104  that does not move with first or second service doors  108 ,  112  (i.e., so that opening of one of the first or second service doors  108 ,  112  when the storage container  204  is in its open second position within the interior portion  120  does not necessarily move the storage container  204 ). With reference to  FIGS. 4   a  and  5 , for instance, a first bracket member  280  that is rigidly or otherwise non-movably secured to the storage container  204  may be appropriately pivotally secured to a second bracket member or assembly  282  that is rigidly or otherwise non-movably secured to a service door jamb  284  of the housing  104  (e.g., a vertical jamb for first service door  108  that is adjacent or near first vertical member  258  of framing assembly  212 , where first service door  108  moves (e.g., pivots) relative to service door jamb  284 ). In this regard, the storage container  204  may pivot or swing towards and away from the first side of the framing assembly  212  via the first and second bracket members/assemblies  280 ,  282 . 
     The access door  208  may be pivotally securable (e.g., via hinge assembly  286 ) to or relative to one of the first and second vertical members  258 ,  260  (e.g., also relative to the first vertical member  258 ) on an opposite second side of the body  250  to pivot about pivot axis  238 . In one arrangement, the storage container  204  may be considered a “first door” of the CAP  200  and the access door  208  may be considered a “second door” of the CAP  200 . 
     The framing assembly  212  may also include a bezel  254  secured to the body  250  and generally extending about an outer periphery of the body  250 , where the bezel  254  has an outer cross-dimension that is greater than an inner cross-dimension of the opening  116  in the housing  104  (e.g., opening  116  in the first or second service door  108 ,  112 ) to facilitate mounting of the CAP  200  to the housing  104 . For instance, the body  250  of the framing assembly  212  of a particular CAP  200  may be inserted into a particular opening  116  in one of the first or second service doors  108 ,  112  of the housing  104  from the exterior environment into the interior portion  120  of the housing  104  until the bezel  254  contacts the outer surface of the one of the first or second service doors  108 ,  112 . The body  250  may then be secured in any appropriate manner to the one of the first or second service doors  108 ,  112  so that the body  250  is rigidly attached to (e.g. non-movable relative to) the one of the first or second service doors  108 ,  112 . For instance, fasteners may be threaded through apertures in the first and second vertical members  258 ,  260  and/or first and second horizontal members  262 ,  264  and into opposing inside portions of the one of the first or second service doors  108 ,  112  surrounding the opening  116 . Additionally or alternatively, fasteners may be inserted through apertures in the bezel  254  and into corresponding apertures of the first or second service door  108 ,  112 . 
     As mentioned above, each CAP  200  includes a mechanical latching assembly  300  that prevents or inhibits customer access to the interior portion  120  of the storage library  100  via the opening  116  in the housing  104  (and the opening  252  in the framing assembly  212 ) by mechanically disallowing one of the storage container  204  and access door  208  from moving into its open, second position away from the opening in the housing  104  and the opening  252  in the framing assembly  212  unless the other of the storage container  204  and access door  208  is locked in its closed, first position over and adjacent the opening in the housing  104  and the opening  252  in the framing assembly  212 . With reference now to  FIGS. 7   a ,  7   b  and  8   a , the latching assembly  300  includes first and second interconnected latch members or levers  304 ,  308  that are pivotally connected to the second vertical member  260  of the framing assembly  212  at respective spaced, parallel pivot axes  306 ,  310  (e.g., that are perpendicular to the pivot axes  216 ,  238 ), such as via respective pivot pins or the like disposed through the levers and into the second vertical member  260  (note that an outer support plate (not labeled) of the second vertical member  260  of the framing assembly  212  has been removed for clarity in  FIGS. 7   a - 8   i  as compared to  FIGS. 6   a - 6   b ). Broadly, the first and second interconnected levers  304 ,  308  are configured to automatically lock one of the storage container  204  or access door  208  (e.g., prevent or inhibit movement of one of the storage container  204  or access door  208  relative to the framing assembly  212  and the one of the first and second service doors  108 ,  112  (or other portion of the housing  104 ) to which the framing assembly  212  is rigidly secured) when the other of the storage container  204  or access door  208  is unlocked (e.g., allowed to move away from the framing assembly  212  or other portion of the housing  104  to which the framing assembly  212  is rigidly secured). 
     Each of the first and second levers  304 ,  308  includes a respective locking portion or arm  312 ,  316  on one side of its respective pivot axis  306 ,  310  that is configured to mechanically engage with a corresponding portion of one of the storage container  204  and access door  208  to prevent or inhibit movement thereof relative to the framing assembly  212  (and thus the openings  116 ,  252 ). Furthermore, each of the first and second levers  304 ,  308  includes a respective release portion or arm  320 ,  324  on an opposite side of its respective pivot axis  306 ,  310  and rigidly (e.g., non-movably) connected to the respective locking portion  312 ,  316  that, when manipulated by an external force as discussed below, moves (e.g., pivots) its respective locking portion  312 ,  316  out of locking engagement with the one of the storage container  204  or access door  208 . A biasing member  328  (e.g., coil spring or the like) interconnects the first and second levers  304 ,  308  in a manner to induce rotation of one of the first or second levers  304 ,  308  about its respective pivot axis  306 ,  310  in one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in response to the other of the first or second latch members  304 ,  308  being rotated about its respective pivot axis  306 ,  310  in the other of the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In this regard, manipulation of one of the release arms  320 ,  324  in one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about its respective pivot axis  306 ,  310  to release its corresponding locking portion  312 ,  316  from one of the storage container  204  or access door  208  automatically pulls (via the biasing member  328 ) the other of the locking portions  312 ,  316  in the other of the clockwise or counterclockwise direction about its pivot axis  306 ,  310  into locking engagement with the other of the storage container  204  or access door  208 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 7   a ,  7   b  and  8   a , each of the storage container  204  and access door  208  includes a respective trigger member  332 ,  336  (e.g., which may be considered part of the latching assembly  300 ) that is configured to engage the release arm  324 ,  320  of the second and first levers  308 ,  304 , respectively, when the storage container  204  and access door  208  are moved into their closed, first positions. As an example, the trigger member  336  of the access door  208  may be in the form of a rigid tab (e.g., protrusion, etc.) that is rigidly connected to (non-movable relative to) a portion of the access door  208  so as to align with, contact, and forcibly move and pivot the release arm  320  of the first lever  304  about the pivot axis  306  (e.g., in a clockwise direction) against the spring force of the biasing member  328  upon closure of the access door  208  into its closed, first position. For instance, the trigger member  336  may be secured to a portion of the outer frame  242  of the access door  208  on a side of the outer frame  242  opposite the side through which the pivot axis  238  extends. 
     The trigger member  332  of the storage container  204  may generally be configured to align with, contact, and forcibly move and pivot the release arm  324  of the second lever  308  about the pivot axis  310  (e.g., in a clockwise direction) against the spring force of the biasing member  328  upon closure of the storage container  204  into its closed, first position in first movement direction  360 . In one arrangement, the trigger member  332  may be in the form of a spring-loaded tab that is configured to forcibly urge the release arm  324  about the pivot axis  310  when the storage container  204  is being moved into its closed, first position in the first movement direction  360  and that is configured to be forcibly urged and pivoted about a pivot axis  340  (e.g., in a clockwise direction) when the storage container  204  is being moved out of its closed, first position and towards its open, second position in an opposite second movement direction  364 . For instance, the storage container  204  may include a stop member  344  that is rigidly connected to (non-movable relative to) a portion of the storage container  204  and that contacts the trigger member  332  and inhibits the trigger member  332  from furthermore movement in a counterclockwise direction about pivot axis  340  either in response to a biasing force applied by biasing member  348  or a return force applied by release member  324 . 
     As shown, the trigger member  332  may include a cam surface  352  that is configured to convert motion of the trigger member  332  (and thus storage container  204  as a whole) in the first movement direction  360  into a rotational or pivoting movement of the release arm  324  about pivot axis  310  (e.g., upwards in a clockwise direction) upon contact of the cam surface  352  with the release arm  324 . To reduce friction and facilitate the camming action of the cam surface  352 , the end of the release arm  324  may include a wheel  356  (e.g., or roller) pivotally attached thereto against which the cam surface  352  is configured to contact during movement of the storage container  204  in the first direction  360 . While the wheel  356  is illustrated as being pivotally attached to the release arm  324 , the reverse arrangement is also encompassed herein whereby the wheel  356  is disposed on the trigger member  332  and the cam surface  352  is disposed on the end of the release arm  324 . 
     Each of the storage container  204  and access door  208  includes a securement member  368 ,  372  that is configured to engage with the locking portions  312 ,  316  of the first and second levers  304 ,  308 , respectively, to inhibit movement of the storage container  204  and access door  208  away from their closed, first positions. The securement member  368  may be rigidly attached or connected to (non-movable relative to) the housing  220  of the storage container  204  while the securement member  372  may be rigidly attached or connected to (non-movable relative to) the outer frame  242  or other portion of the access door  208 . 
     In one arrangement, the securement member  372  of the access door  208  may be an edge of a wall  380  of the access door  208  against which a tooth  378  (e.g. projection) of the locking portion  316  is configured to engage. For instance, the tooth  378  (e.g., projection) of the locking portion  316  may be configured to enter an aperture  379  through the wall  380  as the access door  208  is being moved in a first direction  374  into its closed, first position and then snap past and engage the edge of the wall  380  so as to inhibit movement of the access door  208  in an opposite second direction  376  towards its open, second position. While not labeled, the tooth  378  may include a cam surface that is configured to engage the edge of wall  380  and facilitate snapping of the tooth  378  past the edge of the wall  380  and subsequent engagement therewith. 
     The securement member  368  of the storage container  204  may be in the form of protrusion or projection past which a tooth  382  of the locking portion  312  of the first lever  304  is configured to snap and engage with the storage container  204  moving in the first direction  360  to inhibit subsequent movement of the storage container  204  in the opposite second direction  364 . In one arrangement, the locking portion  312  may include a series of notches  384  (e.g., stepped portions) to allow for increasing degrees of locking engagement between the locking portion  312  and the securement member  368  (and thus increasing degrees of locking of the storage container  204  against the framing assembly  212  and the opening  116  in the housing  104 ). In one variation and as shown in  FIG. 7   b , the trigger member  332  and securement member  368  may be embodied in a single member or component that may be secured to an outer side surface  205  of the storage container  204  in any appropriate manner. 
     To facilitate the reader&#39;s understanding of how the various components of the latching assembly  300  interact to maintain one of the storage container  204  or access door  208  in its first, closed position at substantially all times, reference will now be made to  FIGS. 8   a - 8   i  which illustrate various operational stages of the latching assembly  300 . Not all reference numerals are included on each of  FIGS. 8   a - 8   i  in the interest of clarity. 
     As seen in  FIG. 8   a , the access door  208  is locked in its closed, first position against the framing assembly  212  of the CAP  200  by way of locking engagement between the locking portion  316  of the second lever and the securement member  372  of the access door  208  (where the access door  208  is generally unable to be moved away from the framing assembly  212  towards its open, second position. In its closed, first position as discussed previously, the access door  208  inhibits user access into the interior portion  120  of the storage library  100  via the opening  116  through the housing  104  (e.g., through one of the first and second service doors  108 ,  112 ). See access doors  208  of CAPs  200   1 ,  200   2 ,  200   4  in  FIGS. 1 and 4   a - 4   c . As also seen in  FIG. 8   a , the storage container  204  is unlocked and at least partially moved away or spaced from its closed, first position against the framing assembly  212  (and over the opening  116  in the housing and the opening  252  in the framing assembly  212 ). In this position, the storage container  204  is movable in the second direction  364  towards its open, second position within the interior portion  120  of the storage library  100  (e.g., about pivot axis  216  via motor  234  of  FIG. 4   a ). 
       FIG. 8   b  illustrates the locking assembly  300  after the storage container  204  has been moved from its position in  FIG. 8   a  towards (but not yet to) the framing assembly  212  in first direction  360  (e.g., via motor  234  of  FIG. 4   a  under control of the library controller in response to a load or eject operation request from a host computer). As seen, the trigger member  332  of storage container  204  makes an initial contact with wheel  356  (or other appropriate portion) of release arm  324 . Continued movement of the storage container  204  in the first direction  260  then forces the release arm  324  of the second lever  308  to pivot or rotate upwardly in a clockwise direction about pivot axis  310  (e.g., via the cam surface  352  of the trigger member  332  engaging the wheel  256  and the stop member  344  inhibiting pivoting of the trigger member  332  about pivot axis  340 ). See  FIG. 8   c.    
     As mentioned previously, the release arm  324  and locking portion  316  of the second lever  308  are non-movably connected to each other on opposite sides of pivot axis  310 . In this regard, the upward clockwise movement of the release arm  324  about pivot axis  310  induced by the trigger member  332  induces a corresponding downward, clockwise movement of the locking portion  316  about pivot axis  310  which pulls the tooth  378  of the locking portion  316  out of engagement with the securement member  372  of the access door  208  (and thus unlocks the access door  208 ). Note how the tooth  378  has moved downward in  FIG. 8   c  from its position in  FIG. 8   b.    
     Furthermore, the clockwise movement of the release member  324  (and thus the second lever  308  as a whole) about the pivot axis  310  at least slightly stretches or loads the biasing member  328  interconnected between the first and second levers  304 ,  308  which substantially instantaneously induces a corresponding counterclockwise movement of the first lever  304  about pivot axis  306  upon the biasing member  328  recoiling or otherwise moving back towards a relaxed or less stretched position. Specifically, it can be seen how first and second opposite ends of the biasing member  328  are attached to the first and second levers  304 ,  308  on opposite outside portions of the pivot axes  306 ,  310 . In this regard, clockwise movement of the second lever  308  about pivot axis  310  induces a corresponding counterclockwise movement of the first lever  304  about pivot axis  306  while clockwise movement of the first lever  304  about pivot axis  306  induces a corresponding counterclockwise movement of the second lever  308  about pivot axis  310 . 
     With additional reference now to  FIG. 8   d , the counterclockwise movement of the first lever  304  about the pivot axis  306  (induced by the trigger member  332  via the biasing member  328 ) forcibly urges the release arm  320  of the first lever  304  against the trigger member  336  of the access door  208  to force the access door  208  in the second direction  376  towards its second, open position. See gap  386  between access door  208  and framing assembly  212  in  FIG. 8   d . In other words, the counterclockwise movement of the first lever  304  forces the release arm  320  against the trigger member  336  to at least partially “pop open” the access door  208 . Substantially simultaneous with the release arm  320  popping open the access door  208 , the locking portion  312  of the first lever  304  moves downward into locking engagement with the securement member  368  of the storage container  204 . As shown in  FIG. 8   d , the tooth  382  of the locking portion  312  has been moved in front of the securement member  368  and the securement member  368  is seated in one of the notches  384  of the locking portion  312 . At this point, the storage container  204  is locked against any attempted movement in the second direction  364  by virtue of the tooth  382  blocking such movement of the securement member  368 ; this may represent a closed, locked position of the storage container  204 . 
     In one arrangement, continued movement of the storage container  204  in the first direction  360  towards the framing assembly  212  can result in increasing degrees of locking of the storage container  204  to the framing assembly  212  (e.g., over the aperture  252  in the framing assembly  212  and the aperture  116  in the housing  103 ). For instance,  FIG. 8   e  illustrates the locking assembly  300  after the storage container  204  has been further moved in the first direction  360  towards the framing assembly  212 . One observation is that the continued forcing of the trigger member  332  against the release member  324  results in the wheel  356  rolling up the cam surface  352  of the trigger member and thus the second lever  308  pivoting about the pivot axis  310  in a clockwise direction. Another observation is that the securement portion  368  has slid partially along the first notch  384  towards an adjacent second notch  384  of the locking portion  312  of the first lever  304 . A further note (while maybe not readily observable from the figures) is that the clockwise movement of the second lever  308  has at least partially loaded (stretched) the biasing member  328 . 
     In  FIG. 8   e , the wheel  356  of the release portion  324  is at or near a substantial upper or top portion of the trigger member  332 . In this regard, continued movement of the storage container  204  in the first direction  360  pushes the trigger member  332  past the wheel  356  and allows the wheel  356  to drop over the top of the trigger member  332  onto an opposite side of the trigger member  332  and the second lever  308  to pivot about the pivot axis  310  in a counterclockwise direction. See  FIG. 8   f . As shown, movement of the wheel  356  past the trigger member  332  has caused the trigger member  332  to pivot about pivot axis  340  in a direction away from the stop member  344  (e.g., clockwise as shown in the figures). More specifically, the spring force exerted by the loaded biasing member  328  on the second lever  308  upon return to a less stretched state facilitates the pivoting or rotation of the second lever  308  about the pivot axis  310  and exerts a force against the trigger member  332  that is greater than a spring force of the biasing member  348  previously holding the trigger member  332  against the stop member  344  to pivot the trigger member  332  in the clockwise direction about pivot axis  340  away from the stop member  344 . 
     As the storage container  204  is moved further in the first direction  360 , a portion of the storage container  204  eventually makes contact with a portion of the framing assembly  212  at which point the storage container  204  is unable to be moved any further in the first direction  360 . See  FIG. 8   g . For instance, an outer peripheral portion  206  (e.g., outer edge) of the storage container  204  (labeled in  FIG. 6   b ) may make abutting contact with a corresponding inside peripheral edge or ledge  214  (labeled in  FIG. 6   b ) that at least partially surrounds the aperture  252  of the framing assembly  212 . At substantially the same time that the outer peripheral portion  206  of the storage container  204  abuts the inner peripheral ledge  214  of the framing assembly  212 , the securement portion  368  slides into a second notch  384  of the locking portion  312  of the first lever  304  and the biasing member  328  pivots the first lever  304  about pivot axis  306  to tightly hold the second notch  384  over the securement portion  368 . At this point, the storage container  204  is further locked against any attempted movement in the second direction  364  (e.g., towards an open position away from the framing assembly  212 ) by virtue of inside walls of the second notch  384  blocking such movement of the securement member  368 ; this may represent another, further (e.g., fully) closed and locked position of the storage container  204 . It is also noted how the biasing member  348  may return the trigger member  332  to its position against stop member  344 . 
     A customer may now grasp and open the access door  208  to its second open position and load and/or remove media elements into or from the storage container  204  via the opening  116  in the housing and the opening  252  of the framing assembly  212  of the CAP  200 . For instance, see CAP  200   3  in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . However, the customer is unable to access or reach into the interior portion  120  of the storage library  100  as the storage container  204  is in its closed and locked first position over the opening  116  in the housing  104  with the backwall  226  of the storage container  204  blocking any such access. 
     When the customer has completed the loading or removal of media elements into or from the storage container  204 , the access door  208  may be closed by the customer or in other appropriate manners (e.g., motor control). More specifically, the access door  208  may be pivoted about pivot axis  238  from its second open position into its first closed position over the opening  116  in the housing  104  (e.g., in one of the first or second service doors  108 ,  112 ) against the framing assembly  212  of the CAP  200 . For instance, the access door  208  may be pushed until an outer periphery (not labeled) of the access door  208  abuts an inside peripheral edge or ledge  215  of the framing assembly  212  (ledge  215  labeled in  FIGS. 3 and 6   a ), where the peripheral ledges  214 ,  215  are generally on opposite sides of the framing assembly  212 . See access doors  208  of CAPs  200   1 ,  200   2 ,  200   4  of  FIGS. 1 and 4   a - 4   c.    
     Turning now to  FIG. 8   h , a view of the latching assembly  300  and CAP  200  are shown after the access door  208  has been moved in the first direction  374  into its first closed position. Note removal of gap  386  between  FIGS. 8   g  and  8   h . One observation is that movement of the access door  208  in the first direction  274  into its first closed position causes the securement member  372  of the access door  208  to make contact with and force the tooth  378  of the locking portion  316  of the second lever  308  downward (and thereby pivot the second lever  308  in a clockwise direction about pivot axis  310 ) to allow the tooth to move past the securement member  372  and then snap back into place on an opposite side of the securement member  372 . At this point, the access door  208  is locked in its first closed position against movement of the access door  208  in the second direction  376  away from the framing assembly  212  (and thus away from the opening  116  in the housing  104 ). 
     Substantially simultaneous with aforementioned locking engagement between the locking portion  316  of the second lever  304  and the securement member  372  of the access door, the trigger member  336  of the access door makes contact with and forces the release arm  320  of the first lever in a clockwise direction about the pivot axis  306 . The clockwise movement of the first lever induced by closing of the access door  208  moves the locking portion  312  of the first lever  304  away from the securement member  368  of the storage container  204  and thereby unlocks the storage container  204  from the framing assembly  212 . See  FIG. 8   h . At this point, the storage container  204  can be moved in the second direction  364  (e.g., via motor  234  of  FIG. 2   b ) away from the framing assembly  212  (e.g., pivoted about the pivot axis  216 ) into its second open position within the interior portion  120  of the storage library  100  whereby a robotics assembly  128  can slide in front of the opening  224  (e.g., slots  228 ) of the storage container  204  to insert and/or remove media elements thereinto or therefrom. See  FIGS. 2   b  and  8   i.    
       FIG. 8   i  illustrates how movement of the storage container  204  in the second direction  364  away from the framing assembly  212  causes the wheel  356  of the release arm  324  to exert a force against the trigger member  332  and thereby pivot the trigger member about pivot axis  340  in a clockwise direction against a return force being applied by biasing member  348 . After the wheel  356  has cleared the trigger member  332 , the biasing member  348  returns the trigger member  332  to its position against stop member  344  in preparation for a subsequent closing and locking of the storage container  204  to the framing assembly  212 . See  FIG. 8   a.    
     As discussed previously, one manner of storing media elements in the storage library  100  (e.g., in the storage container  204  of a CAP  200 , within the interior portion  120  of the storage library  100  against a wall of the housing  104 , etc.) is to load the media elements into a media element storage module or magazine (e.g., media element storage module  126  of  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c , media element storage module  230  of  FIG. 5 , etc.) which may be appropriately mounted into the storage library  100  (e.g., into the storage container  204 , against a wall of the housing  104  inside the interior portion  120 , etc.). Existing media element storage modules or magazines are often hung from a rod or the like inside a CAP or a port of the storage library. Other existing media element magazine loading arrangements require aligning and mounting componentry on the magazine (e.g., pins or slots) with corresponding mounting componentry on the inside of the CAP or port (e.g., the other of the pins or slots). However, these existing mounting arrangements can make the act of mounting media element magazines into a CAP or port of a storage library difficult or burdensome when the CAP or port is not at eye or chest level or otherwise not at an ergonomically comfortable position. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b , first and second exploded perspective views of a media element storage module or magazine  400  (e.g., media element storage module  230  of  FIG. 5 , media element storage module  126  of  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c ) and a storage container  500  (e.g., storage container  204  of CAP  200 ) having a housing or body  504  and a plurality of ports  508  within the housing  504  are shown. As will be discussed, the magazine  400  and ports  508  have respective interengageable mounting or engagement components that facilitate mounting (insertion) of the magazine  400  into a port  508  and removal of the magazine  400  from the port  508  at various different heights and angles within a storage library (e.g., storage library  100  of  FIGS. 1-5 ). While the port(s)  508  will be discussed in the content of a storage container  500  (e.g., storage container  204  of CAP  200 ), it is to be understood that the one or more ports  508  may also be embodied in other contexts within a storage library, such as adjacent an inner wall of the housing  104  inside the interior portion  120  (i.e., not necessarily in the swinging storage container  204  of CAP  200 ). For instance, one or more ports  508  may be appropriately disposed on the inside wall of the housing  104  for receipt of one or more of the media element storage modules  126  of  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c.    
     Broadly, the media element magazine  400  includes a housing  404  (e.g., body, frame, etc.) generally defined by opposite first and second side portions or side walls  408 ,  412 , opposite upper and lower portions  416 ,  420 , and opposite front and rear portions  422 ,  426 . The housing  404  also defines a plurality of vertically spaced, parallel slots  424  (e.g., compartments, bays) for receipt of a corresponding plurality of media elements (e.g., tape cartridges). For instance, the plurality of slots  424  may be formed by a plurality of shelves, grooves, ledges, and/or the like (not labeled) formed between the first and second side walls  408 ,  412  along the height of the magazine  400  between the upper and lower portions  416 ,  420 . The width, height, and depth of each of the slots  424  may be selected to accommodate any appropriate media element form factors. 
     The storage container  500  broadly includes a housing  504  that defines one or more ports  508  for receipt of one or more magazines  400  as discussed in more detailed below. For instance, each port  508  includes or is defined by first and second side portions or side walls  512 ,  516 , opposite upper and lower portions or walls  520 ,  524 , a back or rear wall  528  (e.g., back wall  226  of  FIG. 4   a ). The width, height, and depth of each of the slots ports  508  may generally be selected to accommodate any appropriate form factors of the magazines  400 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  and  10   a - 10   g  the magazine  400  includes first and second mounting apparatuses  428 ,  432  that are respectively connected to or formed on (or at least adjacent) the upper and lower portions  416 ,  420  of the housing  404  and each port  508  includes first and second mounting apparatuses  532 ,  536  that are respectively connected to or formed on (or at least adjacent) the upper and lower portions or walls  520 ,  524  of the port  508 . The first mounting apparatus  428  of the magazine  400  is configured to engage with the first mounting apparatus  532  of the port  508  and the second mounting apparatus  432  of the magazine  400  is configured to engage with the second mounting apparatus  536  of the port  508 . As will be discussed below, the first and second mounting apparatuses  428 ,  432  of the magazine  400  and corresponding first and second mounting apparatuses  532 ,  536  of the port  508  advantageously allow the magazine  400  to be inserted into the port  508  with the upper portion  416  first, the lower portion  420  first, or with the upper and lower portions  416 ,  420  substantially simultaneously which facilitates mounting of the magazine  400  into the port  508  at various heights and at various angles. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9   b ,  10   a ,  10   b  and  10   c , the first mounting apparatus  532  of the port  508  may be in the form of a biasing member (e.g., leaf spring) having a first portion  540  (e.g., first end) rigidly (e.g., non-movably) secured or connected to or adjacent the upper wall  520  (e.g., via fastener(s) extending through the first portion  540  and the upper wall  520 ). The first mounting apparatus  532  also includes an opposite second portion  544  (e.g., free end) disposed between the first portion  540  and the back wall  528 , where the second portion  544  spaced from the upper wall  520  and back wall  528  in a relaxed (non-deflected) position of the first mounting apparatus  532 . A body portion  548  interconnects the first and second portions  540 ,  544  and effectively cantilevers the second portion  544  from the upper wall  520 . More specifically, the body portion  548  slopes away from the first portion  540  and upper wall  520  in a direction towards the back wall  528  in the relaxed position of the first mounting apparatus  532 . 
     In one arrangement, the body portion  548  may include a first portion  552  disposed at a first angle of inclination α 1  with respect to the upper wall  520  and a second portion  556  connected to the first portion  552  that is disposed at a second angle of inclination α 2  with respect to the upper wall  520  that is greater than the first angle of inclination α 1  (e.g., in the relaxed state of the first mounting apparatus  532 ). This arrangement allows the second portion  544  of the first mounting apparatus  532  to exert a downward force against the upper portion  416  of the magazine  400  upon insertion of the magazine  400  into the port  508  greater than the downward force that would be generated when the body portion  548  is of a single inclination between the first and second portions  540 ,  544  or when the second angle of inclination α 2  is less than the first angle of inclination α 1 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9   a ,  10   a ,  10   d  and  10   e , the second mounting apparatus  536  of the port  508  may be in the form of a protrusion or projection generally extending upwardly away from the lower wall  524  toward the upper wall  520 . For instance, the second mounting apparatus  536  may include a ramp having a first, leading ramp or cam surface  560  and a second, trailing ramp or cam surface  564  between the first surface  560  and the back wall  528 . In one arrangement, the first surface  560  may be disposed at a first angle of inclination θ 1  relative to the lower wall  524  and the second surface  564  may be disposed at a second angle of inclination θ 2  relative to the lower wall  524  that is greater than the first angle of inclination θ 1 . Each of the first and second surfaces  560 ,  564  may be directly attached to the lower wall  524  and may be connected to each other at an apex  568 . In one arrangement, the second mounting apparatus  536  may be a portion of the bottom wall  524  that is punched out of the bottom wall  524  in a direction towards the upper wall  520 . In another arrangement, the second mounting apparatus  536  may be a separate piece that is appropriately mounted to the bottom wall  524  (e.g., with fasteners, via welding, etc.). For instance, the second mounting apparatus  536  may be in the form of a biasing member (e.g., leaf spring or the like) that functions in a manner similar to the first mounting apparatus  532  (e.g., to allow extraction of the magazine  400  by pulling outward on the bottom portion  420  of the magazine  400 ). 
     As mentioned above, the first mounting apparatus  428  of the magazine  400  is configured to engage with the first mounting apparatus  532  of the port  508  during the loading and unloading of the magazine  400  into the port  508 . Turning now to  FIGS. 9   a  and  10   f , the first mounting apparatus  428  may be in the form of at least one protrusion or projection extending away from the upper portion  416  of the magazine  400 , such as adjacent the rear portion  426  of the magazine  400 . For instance, the first mounting apparatus  428  may include a body  430  having a rear surface  436 , an opposite front surface  440 , and an upper surface  444  between the front and rear surfaces  436 ,  440 . The rear surface  436  tapers or slopes away from the upper surface  444  downwardly towards the rear portion  426  of the magazine  400 . In contrast, the front surface  440  protrudes sharply from the upper portion  416  of the magazine  400  towards the upper surface  444 . 
     As will be discussed in more detail below, the second portion  544  of the first mounting apparatus  532  of the port  508  is configured to ride along the rear surface  436  and then seat between the front surface  440  of the first mounting apparatus  428  of the magazine and the upper portion  416  of the magazine during one manner of insertion of the magazine  400  into the port  508 . While the first mounting apparatus  428  is shown as having first and second bodies  430  in  FIGS. 9   a  and  10   f , other embodiments envision that the first mounting apparatus  428  includes only a single body  430  disposed along a substantial entirety of a width of the magazine  400  between the first and second side walls  408 ,  412 , or along less than an entirety of the width of the magazine (e.g., over a central portion of the magazine  400 ). 
     Furthermore, the second mounting apparatus  432  of the magazine  400  is configured to engage with the second mounting apparatus  536  of the port  508  during the loading and unloading of the magazine  400  into the port  508 . Turning now to  FIGS. 9   b ,  10   g  and  11   b , the second mounting apparatus  432  may be in the form of a protrusion or projection generally extending downwardly away from the lower portion  420  in a direction opposite the upper portion  416 . For instance, the second mounting apparatus  432  may include a ramp having a first, leading ramp or cam surface  448  and a second, trailing ramp or cam surface  452 , where the first surface  448  is positioned between the second ramp surface  452  and the rear portion  426 . In one arrangement, the first surface  448  may be disposed at a first angle of inclination Θ 1  relative to the lower portion  420  of the magazine  400  and the second surface  452  may be disposed at a second angle of inclination Θ 2  relative to the lower portion  420  that is greater than the first angle of inclination Θ 1 . Each of the first and second surfaces  448 ,  452  may be directly attached to the lower portion  426  and may be connected to each other at an apex  456 . In one arrangement, the second mounting apparatus  432  may be an integral portion of the magazine  400  that is appropriately molded with the rest of the magazine  400 . In another arrangement, the second mounting apparatus may be a separate piece that is appropriately mounted to the bottom portion  420  (e.g., with fasteners, via welding, etc.). 
     To facilitate the reader&#39;s understanding of how the above-discussed mounting apparatuses engage to facilitate mounting and dismounting of the magazine  400  into and from the port  508  in numerous different manners (e.g., depending upon port height, user height, etc.), reference will now be made to  FIGS. 11   a - 14   c  which illustrate various successions of sectional views of the magazine  400  and port  508  as the magazine  400  is being inserted into the port  508 . With initial reference to  FIGS. 11   a - 11   b , the upper portion  416  of the magazine  400  is shown as being inserted into the port  508  (with the rear portion  426  of the magazine generally facing the rear wall  528  of the port  508 ) and the first mounting apparatus  428  of the magazine  400  making contact with the first mounting apparatus  532  of the port  508  before the second mounting apparatus  432  of the magazine  400  makes contact with the second mounting apparatus  536  of the port  508 . 
     More specifically, the rear surface  436  of the first mounting apparatus  428  may contact the first portion  552  of the body  548  of the first mounting apparatus  532  and slide therealong towards the second body portion  556 . After the rear surface  436  has contacted and slid along the first body portion  552 , the lower portion  420  of the magazine  420  may then be inserted into the port  508  adjacent the lower wall  524  of the port  508  until the leading ramp surface  448  of the second mounting apparatus  432  of the magazine  400  contacts or is at least closely adjacent the leading ramp surface  560  of the second mounting apparatus  536  of the port  508 . See  FIG. 11   c . With reference to  FIGS. 11   b - 11   c , it can be seen how the user may effectively pivot the magazine  400  about a pivot point formed by the first mounting apparatuses  428 ,  532  as the second mounting apparatus  432  moves from its position in  FIG. 11   b  to that in  FIG. 11   c.    
     Turning now to  FIG. 11   d , continued urging of the top portion  416  of the magazine  400  (e.g., against the front portion  422 ) in a direction towards the back wall  528  of the port  508  re-establishes or maintains contacts between the rear surface  436  of the first mounting apparatus  428  and the first body portion  552  and then deflects the first mounting apparatus  532  upwardly towards the upper wall  520  as the rear surface  436  and upper surface  444  of the first mounting apparatus  428  contact the second body portion  556 . In this regard, the second body portion  556  functions as a camming surface that translates or converts the substantially linear motion of the first mounting apparatus  428  along a first axis or plane (as the upper portion  416  is being urged into the port  508 ) into an upward pivoting motion of the first mounting apparatus  532  towards the upper wall  520  about the first portion  540  of the first mounting apparatus  532 . As the rear surface  436  of the first mounting apparatus  428  reaches the second (e.g., free) end  544  of the first mounting apparatus  532  (again, during continued urging of the upper portion  416  of the magazine  400  into the port  508 ), the second end  544  slides up the rear surface  436  resulting in further deflection of the first mounting apparatus  532  towards the upper wall  520  (thus making the rear surface  436  a camming surface) and over the upper surface  444  (see  FIG. 11   d ) before settling against the front surface  440  of the first mounting apparatus  428  (see  FIG. 11   e ). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 11   d - 11   e , settling of the second end  544  of the first mounting apparatus  532  against the front surface  440  allows the first mounting apparatus  532  to return slightly towards its relaxed, non-deflected position. Furthermore, the second end  544  exerts a downward and rearward force against the front surface  440  and upper portion  416  of magazine (e.g., the rearward force being towards rear wall  528  of port  508 ) which captures or pins the first mounting apparatus  428  of the magazine  400  between the first mounting apparatus  532  of the port  508  and the rear wall  528  of the port  508  and thus holds the upper portion  416  of the magazine  400  against removal from the port  508  in a direction away from or opposite the rear surface  528 . Still further, an upper portion of the rear portion  426  of the magazine  400  is now in contact with or closely adjacent the rear wall  528  of the port  508 . 
     As shown now in  FIGS. 11   f - 11   g , the lower portion  420  of the magazine  400  can now be urged towards the rear wall  528  of the port  508 . More specifically, the pinning of the first mounting apparatus  428  between the second portion  544  of the first mounting apparatus  532  and the rear wall  528  of the port  508  allows the magazine  400  to pivot (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction) about the second portion  544  as the lower portion  420  is being urged into the port  508 . As the magazine  400  pivots, the leading ramp surface  448  of the second mounting apparatus  432  slides or rides up and along the leading ramp surface  560  of the second mounting apparatus  536  resulting in the entire magazine  400  moving upwards towards the upper wall  520  of the port  508  and the first mounting apparatus  532  being deflected again towards the upper wall  520 . See  FIG. 11   f.    
     With continued urging of the lower portion  420  of the magazine  400 , the apex  456  of the second mounting apparatus  432  contacts the apex  568  of the second mounting apparatus  536  before the trailing ramping surface  452  makes contact with and slides or rides along the trailing ramp surface  564 . As the trailing ramp surface  452  slides along the trailing ramp surface  564 , a camming action between the two surfaces further pushes the lower portion  420  of the magazine  400  towards the rear surface  528  of the port  508  as the lower portion  420  settles against the lower wall  524  of the port  508 . Furthermore, the first mounting apparatus  532  slightly returns towards its relaxed position (note how first mounting apparatus  532  has slightly moved away from the upper wall  520  in  FIG. 11   g  as compared to in  FIG. 11   f ). Stated differently, the first mounting apparatus  532  may move from a first deflected position in  FIG. 11   f  to a second deflected position in  FIG. 11   g , where the second deflected position is a lower state of deflection of the first mounting apparatus  532  than is the first deflected position. 
     At this point, the magazine  400  is now located and secured within the port  508  for manipulation by users or robotics assemblies of a storage library. As discussed above, any attempt to pull the magazine  400  out of the port  508  in a first direction  600  away from the rear wall  528  of the port  508  (e.g., in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rear wall  528  of the port  508 ) would be resisted by the second portion  544  of the first mounting apparatus  532  applying a resistive force against the front surface  440  of the first mounting apparatus  428 . Furthermore, camming engagement between the trailing ramp surfaces  452 ,  564  would move the magazine  400  in a slightly upward direction towards the upper surface  520  further deflecting the first mounting apparatus  532  against the upper surface  520  and thus further urging the second end  544  of the first mounting apparatus  532  against the front surface  440  of the first mounting apparatus  428 . 
     To remove the magazine  400  from the port  508 , the magazine  400  may be lifted or pushed in a second (e.g., upward) direction  604  (e.g., perpendicular to the first direction  600  and parallel to the rear wall  528 ), such as from the top portion  416  or bottom portion  420  of the magazine  400 . Stated differently, the magazine  400  may be moved in the second direction  604  in a manner so that the rear portion  426  of the magazine  400  slides along or moves substantially parallel to the rear wall  528  of the port  508  (and so that the trailing ramp surface  452  separates from the trailing ramp surface  564 ). This movement of the magazine  400  results in the first mounting apparatus  428  moving upwardly towards the upper wall  520  through the space between the second portion  544  of the first mounting apparatus  532  and the rear wall  528  and the first mounting apparatus  532  being deflected towards the upper wall  520 . 
     The amount of deflection of the first mounting apparatus  532  allowed may be selected so that the apex  456  of the second mounting apparatus  432  can be at least just lifted or pushed over the apex  568  of the second mounting apparatus  536  and the magazine  400  pivoted (e.g., in a clockwise direction) about the second portion  544  of the first mounting apparatus  532  in a direction opposite than when the lower portion  420  was being pushed into the port  508 . For instance, compare  FIGS. 11   f  and  11   e . Continued pivoting of the magazine  400  about the second portion  544  of the first mounting apparatus  532  (e.g., via pulling on the magazine  400  near the lower portion  420 ) eventually releases the first mounting apparatus  428  from the first mounting apparatus  532  and eventually allows the magazine  400  to be fully removed from the port  508 . 
       FIGS. 12   a - 12   e  present another succession of sectional views of the magazine  400  and port  508  as the magazine  400  is being inserted into the port  508  in another manner of mounting. In  FIG. 12   a , the upper portion  416  of the magazine  400  may be inserted into the port  508  (with the rear portion  426  of the magazine  400  generally facing the rear wall  528  of the port  508 ) so that the first mounting apparatus  428  of the magazine  400  makes contact with the rear wall  528  of the port  508  (instead of the first mounting apparatus  428  making contact with the first body portion of the first mounting apparatus  532  is discussed in relation to  FIGS. 11   a - 11   b ). The magazine  400  may then be urged along a direction  608  (e.g., non-perpendicular and non-parallel to each of directions  600 ,  604  of  FIG. 11   g ) so that the first mounting apparatus  428  slides upwardly along the rear wall  528  into a gap  572  between the second portion  544  of the first mounting apparatus  532  and the rear wall  528 . See  FIGS. 12   b - 12   c.    
     In one arrangement, a front edge  576  of the lower wall  524  of the port may slidingly support the rear portion  426  of the magazine  400  as the magazine  400  is being urged in the direction  608  to facilitate smooth insertion of the magazine  400  into the port  508 . See  FIG. 12   a . Additionally, the upper portion  416  of the magazine  400  may eventually contact a front edge  580  of the upper wall  520  of the port  508  to facilitate insertion of the lower portion  420  of the magazine  400  into the port  508 . See  FIGS. 12   b - 12   c . More specifically, the magazine  400  may be initially pivoted about the front edge  580  of the port  508  (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction) so that the lower portion  420  of the magazine  400  clears the lower wall  524  of the port  508  and begins moving towards the rear wall  528  of the port  508 . Once the front surface  440  of the first mounting apparatus  428  engages the second portion  544  of the first mounting apparatus  532  and the second portion  544  begins applying a resistive force against the front surface  440 , the upper portion  416  of the magazine  400  may separate from the front edge  580  of the port  508  and the magazine may continuing pivoting in the same direction (e.g., in the counterclockwise direction) about the second portion  544  of the first mounting apparatus  532 . A user may now complete the insertion of the magazine  400  into the port  508  as discussed previously in relation to  FIGS. 11   f - 11   g . See  FIGS. 12   d - 12   e.    
       FIGS. 13   a - 13   e  present another succession of sectional views of the magazine  400  and port  508  as the magazine  400  is being inserted into the port  508  in another manner of mounting. In  FIG. 13   a , the lower portion  420  of the magazine  400  may be inserted into the port  508  (with the rear portion  426  of the magazine  400  generally facing the rear wall  528  of the port  508 ) so that the leading ramp surface  448  of the second mounting apparatus  432  contacts and slides along the leading ramp surface  560  of the second mounting apparatus  536 . See  FIGS. 13   b - 13   c . After the apex  456  of the second mounting apparatus  432  contacts the apex  568  of the leading ramp surface  560  (see  FIG. 13   c ), the trailing ramping surface  452  makes contact with and slides along the trailing ramp surface  564  creating a camming action that pushes the lower portion  420  of the magazine  400  towards the rear surface  528  of the port  508  before the apex  456  settles against the lower wall  524  of the port  508  (see  FIG. 13   d ). 
     The upper portion  416  of the magazine  400  can then be urged or forced towards the rear wall  528  of the port  508  and the magazine  400  pivoted about trailing ramp surface  564  of the second mounting apparatus  536  so that the first mounting apparatus  428  of the magazine  400  contacts and slides along the first mounting apparatus  532  of the port  508 . Continued urging of the upper portion  416  of the magazine  400  causes the first mounting apparatus  432  to deflect the first mounting apparatus  532  towards the upper wall and the second portion  544  of the first mounting apparatus  532  to slide over the first mounting apparatus  428  until it is seated against the front surface  440  of the first mounting apparatus  432 . At this point, the magazine  400  is located and secured within the port  508  for manipulation by users or robotics assemblies of a storage library. 
       FIGS. 14   a - 14   c  present another succession of sectional views of the magazine  400  and port  508  as the magazine  400  is being inserted into the port  508  in another manner of mounting. As shown in  FIG. 14   a , the upper and lower portions  416 ,  420  of the magazine  400  may be inserted into the port  508  adjacent the upper and lower walls  520 ,  524  of the port  508  substantially simultaneously (e.g. in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rear wall  528 ). For instance, continued urging of the upper and lower portions  416 ,  420  of the magazine  400  may result in the first mounting apparatus  428  contacting the first mounting apparatus  532  and the second mounting apparatus  432  contacting the second mounting apparatus  536  substantially simultaneously and the first and second mounting apparatuses  428 ,  432  eventually seating behind the first and second mounting apparatuses  532 ,  536  to locate and secure the magazine  400  within the port  508 . 
     It will be readily appreciated that many additions and/or deviations may be made from the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As an example, various sensors may be appropriately located throughout the storage library  100  to detect one or more events or occurrences and signal the library controller or host computer regarding the same. For instance, sensors may be appropriately located throughout the storage library  100  to detect when a storage container  204  of a particular CAP  200  is in its first position against an opening  116  in the housing  104  (e.g., like storage container  204  of CAP  200   3  in  FIG. 4   a ), when a storage container  204  of a particular CAP  200  is in its second position within the interior portion  120  (e.g., like storage container  204  of CAP  200   4  in  FIG. 4   a ), when a particular robotics assembly  128  is in the loading zone  124  of a particular CAP  200  (e.g., like robotics assembly  128  of CAP  200   1  in  FIG. 4   a ), etc. The library controller may process the received signals to move robotics assemblies  128  into and out of loading zones  124 , allow storage containers  204  to be moved through their respective loading zones  124  into either their first or second positions, and/or the like in a manner that limits unintended movements and/or damage among or between various components of the storage library  100 . 
     In one arrangement, an inside surface of the access door  208  (e.g., the surface configured to face the opening  116  in the housing  104  and the opening  252  in the framing assembly  212 , not labeled) may include one or more features or components configured to contact any media elements protruding from the opening  224 /slots  228  of the storage container  204  and urge any such media elements into a fully (or substantially fully) seated position within the opening  224 /slots  228  as the access door  208  is being moved into its closed, first position. For instance, one or more ribs or splines  268  may be appropriately connected or attached to the inside surface of the access door  208  so as to protrude from the inside surface along a height dimension of the access door. See  FIGS. 5 and 6   a . Upon loading of media elements into slots  228  of the opening  224  (slots not shown in  FIG. 6   a , but see slots  228  in  FIG. 3 ), closure of the access door  208  into its closed first position over the opening  116  in the housing  104  and the opening  252  in the framing assembly  212  induces contact between the splines  268  and the media elements to push any protruding media elements fully into the slots  228 . With the media elements are substantially fully seated in the storage container  204 , the storage container  204  may then be moved (pivoted) into its second position within the interior portion  120  of the storage library  100 . See storage container  204  of CAP  200   3  in  FIGS. 4   b - 4   c.    
     In another arrangement, each CAP  200  may include more than one access door  208  configured to selectively cover the opening  116  through the housing or allow access therethrough. As an example, each CAP  200  may include first and second access doors  208  that are respectively pivotally secured to the first and second vertical members  258 ,  260  (or to the first and second horizontal members  262 ,  264 ) of the framing assembly  212 . For instance, the latching assembly  300  may be appropriately configured to lock the access doors  208  in their closed positions over the opening  116  when the storage container  204  is in its open, second position within the interior portion  120  of the storage library  100  and unlock the access doors  208  to allow the access doors  208  to be moved into an open position away from the opening  116  when the storage container  204  is in its closed, first position against the opening  116 . 
     In a further arrangement, while clockwise rotation of the second lever  308  has been discussed as inducing counterclockwise rotation of the first lever  304  to lock the storage container  204  and clockwise rotation of the first lever  304  has been discussed as inducing counterclockwise rotation of the second lever  308  to lock the access door  208 , the reverse arrangement is also encompassed herein whereby counterclockwise rotation of the second lever  308  induces clockwise rotation of the first lever to lock the storage container  204  and counterclockwise rotation of the first lever induces clockwise rotation of the second lever  308  to lock the access door  208 . Additionally, the first and second levers  304 ,  308  could in some arrangements be referred to as the second and first levers, respectively (e.g., in addition to the first door/storage container  204  and second door/access door  208 ). 
     In one embodiment, the first mounting apparatuses  428  could be disposed closer to the front portion  422  and the first mounting apparatus  532  could be disposed closer to the front opening  510  than as shown in the figures. In another embodiment, the biasing member of the first mounting apparatus  532  of the port could be disposed on the upper portion  416  of the magazine  400  while the protrusion(s) of the first mounting apparatus  428  of the magazine could be disposed on the upper portion  520  of the port  508 . In this arrangement, the biasing member would be connected to the upper portion  416  of the magazine and configured to generally slope away from the upper portion  416  towards the front opening  510  in the relaxed position of the biasing member. Also in this arrangement, the protrusion extending away from the upper portion  520  of the port  508  would have a front, stop surface facing the rear wall  528  of the port  508  (instead of facing away from the rear wall  528  towards the front opening  510  as shown in  FIGS. 11   a - 14   c , for instance. 
     As another example, while the first and second mounting apparatuses  428 ,  432  and  532 ,  536  of the magazine  400  and port  508  were illustrated in  FIGS. 9   a - 14   c  as being respectively disposed adjacent the upper and lower portions of the magazine  400  and port  508 , other embodiments envision that the first and second mounting apparatuses  428 ,  432  and  532 ,  536  could alternatively be disposed adjacent the first and second side walls or side portions of the magazine  400  and port  508 . In this regard, a user could insert either of the first or second side portions  408 ,  412  of the magazine  400  into the port  508  first followed by the other of the first or second side portions  408 ,  412  (or could insert the first and second side portions  408 ,  412  into the port  508  simultaneously). In this arrangement, for instance, the first mounting apparatus  532  of the port  508  would be secured to one of the first or second sidewalls  512 ,  516  of port  508  and be configured to deflect towards the one of the first or second sidewalls  512 ,  516  upon contact by the first mounting apparatus  428  of the magazine  400  as discussed herein. 
     Some embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. For example, the host computer, library controller, and/or the like may be provided in such computer-readable medium and executed by one or more processors (e.g., processing units, processing cores, or the like). The computer-readable medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a non-volatile computer-readable medium, a composition of matter affecting a machine-readable propagated signal, or a combination of one or more of them. 
     One or more various combinations of the above discussed arrangements and embodiments are also envisioned. While this disclosure contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the disclosure. Furthermore, certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a sub combination. 
     Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and/or parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software and/or hardware product or packaged into multiple software and/or hardware products. 
     The above described embodiments including the preferred embodiment and the best mode of the invention known to the inventor at the time of filing are given by illustrative examples only.