Patent ID: 7212412

Claim:
An array storage system comprising: a shelf defining a tubular closed passage with a frontend opening and a backend opening; a frontend partition in the frontend opening; a backend partition that is removable from the shelf and is adapted for operably supporting a component inserted in the backend; a backplane fixed in movement with the backend partition, the backplane operably engageable in electrical connection with the component on one side of the backplane; and a multiple device array comprising a carrier enclosing a plurality of data storage devices that are electrically connected to a common connector, whereas the carrier is operably slidingly engageable in the frontend partition toward the backplane to connect the common connector to the other side of the backplane, the multiple device array further comprising an alignment member extending outwardly from a leading end thereof to matingly engage the backplane at a first sliding disposition of the carrier in the frontend partition, thereby operably aligning the common connector with the backplane before contacting engagement occurs between the common connector and the backplane at a second sliding disposition of the carrier nearer the backplane.