Patent ID: 7451461

Claim:
A modular data storage system for handling and storing data cartridges, comprising: a) a cartridge access device; b) at least two laterally adjacent modular units, each of said modular units comprising: i) a plurality of cartridge receiving devices; ii) a first elongate gear rack having first and second ends and aligned along a displacement path; iii) a first elongate guide member integral with said first elongate gear rack and extending along the displacement path substantially between the first and second ends of said first elongate gear rack; iv) a first bearing mounted to the cartridge access device, said first bearing engaging said first elongate guide member, wherein said first elongate guide member comprises first and second opposed bearing surfaces and wherein said first bearing mounted to the cartridge access device slidably engages the first and second opposed bearing surfaces of said first elongate guide member; v) a second elongate gear rack aligned along said displacement path and positioned in spaced-apart relation to said first elongate sear rack; and vi) wherein the first elongate gear racks of said laterally adjacent modular units are substantially in alignment with one another, and the second elongate gear racks of said laterally adjacent modular units are substantially in alignment with one another, such that said cartridge access device may be translated among said laterally adjacent modular units; c) a translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device along a displacement path, comprising: i) a first drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device, said first drive pinion engaging said first elongate gear rack; ii) a second drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device, said second drive pinion engaging said second elongate gear rack; and iii) a pinion drive apparatus operatively associated with said first and second drive pinions, said pinion drive apparatus rotating said first and second drive pinions to move the cartridge access device among the first and second elongate gear racks of said laterally adjacent modular units.