Patent ID: 6848114

Claim:
A data storage system comprising: multiple, separate housings arranged in a vertically stacked relationship, each housing defining an interior and each including: a first opening providing access to the interior; and a first data media exchange apparatus configured as a first drawer, the first data media exchange apparatus mounting a plurality of media storage devices each storing a plurality of data media, the first data media exchange apparatus being movable between a closed position in which the media storage devices are located within the interior of the housing, and an open position in which at least a portion of the first data media exchange apparatus extends through the first opening and horizontally outward from the housing and in which at least some of the media storage devices are located outside the interior; a data exchange device for exchanging data stored on the plurality of data media; a media handling system for transferring the plurality of data media between the plurality of media storage devices and the data exchange device; a first bulk access apparatus movable between a closed position in which the first bulk access apparatus covers the first openings of each of the multiple, separate housings, and an open position in which the first bulk access apparatus provides access to the first openings; and a locking mechanism configured to provide a first state in which the first bulk access apparatus is securely attached to the data storage system and in which access to the first openings is restricted, and a second state in which the first bulk access apparatus is not locked to the data storage system and access to the first openings is provided, wherein the locking mechanism includes both an electromechanical device and a key lock.