Patent ID: 7076333

Claim:
An automated data storage library, comprising: storage shelves for storing portable data storage cartridges; at least one robot accessor having a gripper, said robot accessor for gripping and transporting at least one selected said portable data storage cartridge with respect to said storage shelves; and a transfer station for releasably, repeatably electrically coupling with respect to a substrate having a plurality of electrical contacts on a substantially flat facing surface thereof, said substrate mounted in said portable data storage cartridge capable of being engaged by a loader, comprising: a matching circuitized flexible substrate having electrical contacts on a facing surface thereof, said electrical contacts arranged to match said portable cartridge electrical contacts when in a face-to-face relationship; an elastomeric compression element having a plurality of protruding compression members positioned at a rear surface of said matching circuitized flexible substrate and said protruding compression members facing and in contact with said rear surface, individual said compression members registered with corresponding individual said electrical contacts; a reference plate for supporting said elastomeric compression element; and a loader for engaging said portable data storage cartridge as received from said robot accessor, registering said cartridge substrate electrical contacts in face-to-face relation with said matching circuitized flexible substrate electrical contacts, and exerting a force on said portable cartridge toward said facing surface of said matching circuitized flexible substrate to cause said portable cartridge substrate to compress said elastomeric compression element between said matching circuitized flexible substrate and said reference plate to create non-wiping contact between said electrical contacts of said portable cartridge substrate and said electrical contacts of said matching circuitized flexible substrate, thereby forming a releasable, repeatable electrical connection therebetween.