Patent ID: 7532431

Claim:
A tape automation system, comprising: a base automation tape unit having a first cabinet with sidewalls and at least one tape magazine therein having a plurality of tape receiving regions, a tape drive, a tape pickup which transports tapes from the tape receiving regions to the tape drive, a pickup guide along which said tape pickup travels, and an elevator which moves said tape pickup and pickup guide perpendicularly with respect to said path of travel; an add-on tape automation unit having a second cabinet with sidewalls at a top of the first cabinet and at least one tape magazine therein; said base unit cabinet having a top cover which is removed and said add-on unit having an opening in a floor of its cabinet for access of said tape pickup of said base unit; said base unit elevator being designed to operate said tape pickup when said base unit has its cover thereon and also having a sufficient perpendicular movement for said tape pickup when said add-on unit is in place for retrieval of tapes from said add-on unit magazine and delivery to said tape drive of said base unit; and said add-on unit not having a tape pickup.