Patent ID: 7522373

Claim:
An automated data storage library, comprising: a plurality of storage shelves configured to store data storage cartridges; at least one data storage drive configured to read and/or write data with respect to said data storage cartridges; a bus bar; a library communication interface configured to communicate with said bus bar; and a robot accessor comprising: a picker configured to access and deliver at least one said data storage cartridge to and from said storage shelves and said at least one data storage drive; a drive system configured to move said robot accessor and to position said picker, at least such that said picker may be positioned to access and deliver said at least one data storage cartridge; an accessor communication interface; a bus bar relay configured to engage and disengage said bus bar; and a robot control configured to operate said drive system to move said robot accessor, to operate said picker to access and deliver said at least one data storage cartridge, to operate said bus bar relay to engage said bus bar when said robot accessor is stationary, and to operate said accessor communication interface to provide communication capability with said library communication interface via said bus bar relay and said bus bar when said bus bar relay engages said bus bar.