Passive data cartridge pass-through

Abstract

Data storage device pass-through devices, systems incorporating data storage device pass-though devices and methods of using data storage device pass-through devices are described. Extensible storage device holders are capable of passing data storage device into and out of a data storage device library storage unit. The described extensible storage device holder comprises a pass-through housing and one or more extensible supports. The extensible storage device holder vertically passes storage device held within the pass-through housing. Thus, the extensible storage device holder may pass storage device from a first (source) library to a second (target) library. The extensible storage device holder does not require a guide or track connecting the first library and the second library.

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field of the Disclosure [0002] Described herein are devices and methods for manipulating data storage media, particularly devices and methods for transporting storage media between or within storage media libraries. [0003] 2. Background [0004] Automated storage systems, including cartridge libraries, are commonly used to store data storage media. One or more individual storage units may contain many data storage devices, as well as multiple media drives for reading from and writing to the storage devices. Automated robotic devices may be used to move storage devices between the various storage cells and to and from the media drives within the storage unit. Individual storage devices may be indexed, and the entire system may be controlled by a device (or devices) capable of coordinating the movement of the storage devices. [0005] One type of storage system includes two or more storage device libraries which may be linked together for coordinated control. With thi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] Also described herein are extensible storage device holders for moving a storage device vertically comprising a pass-through housing and three extensible scissor-lift support members coupled to the pass-through housing. The scissor-lift support members are configured to translate between a collapsed configuration corresponding to a first position of the pass-through housing and an extended configuration corresponding to a second position of the pass-through housing that is vertical to the first position. The extensible supports substantially limit lateral motion of the pass-through housing during translation between the first position and the second position.

[0016] Also described herein are library storage units adapted to vertically pass and accept storage devices comprising a first storage device library unit including a first library cavity, and an extensible storage device holder located substantially within the first library cavity. The extensible storage device holder is configured to move at least one storage device vertically in or out of the first library cavity. The extensible storage device holder comprises a pass-through housing configured to hold one or more storage devices and at least one extensible support coupled to the pass-through housing. The extensible support is configured to translate between a collapsed configuration corresponding to a first position of the pass-through housing and an extended configuration corresponding to a second position of the pass-through housing that is vertical to the first position. Further, the extensible support substantially limits lateral motion of the pass-through housing during translation between the first position and the second position. The first storage device library unit is configured to stack with a second storage device library unit so that storage devices may be passed between the first and second storage device library cavities by the extensible storage device holder.

Problems solved by technology

For example, if many storage devices in a library storage unit are requested at the same time, delays may result if the number of demanded storage devices exceeds the number of media drives, or the ability of the robotic handlers to process the demand.

These mechanisms add material costs and take up space within the storage units.

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