Patent ID: 8302757

Claim:
A media storage unit for a media recycler, the media storage unit comprising: a first rotary storage device; a second rotary storage device aligned with the first rotary storage device; storage tape for storing a plurality of different types of media items, the storage tape being wound around each of the first and second storage devices and including a plurality of media storage locations associated with the different types of media items including different marks disposed therealong corresponding to the different types of media items; a sensor for detecting the marks; an entry/exit port between the first and second rotary storage devices through which media items can be inserted or removed; and a controller operable to rotate either the first or second storage devices to move the storage tape forwards or backwards while sensing the marks to locate either (i) one of the types of media items for a dispense transaction, or (ii) a space on the storage tape associated with one of the types of media items for a deposit transaction.