| 摘要 |
<p>A modular data storage system (10, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) for handling and storing data cartridges which may comprise a plurality of modular units (e.g., 16, 18) which are attachable to one another to form adjacent modular units. Conductive track members (20, 22, 24) extend laterally across the modular units (16, 18). The modular data storage system may further comprise at least one wireless cartridge access device (36, 136, 152, 154, 156, 158, 236) for receiving a cartridge (e.g., 14) and transferring it to another location. The system may further comprise at least one modular corner unit (202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216) which is attachable to modular units (e.g., 224, 226) at each end (218, 220) thereof. The adjacent modular units and corner unit(s) may be stacked vertically upon one another to form a plurality of levels (90, 92, 94, 96, 160, 162, 164, 166) of adjacent modular units. At least one of the modular units may comprise a cartridge-receiving module (12), a power module which supplies electrical current to the conductive track members, a service module (250) adapted to receive and provide access to a cartridge access device (e.g., 236) in order to service the cartridge access device, a control module (246) which communicates with the cartridge access device (e.g., 236) via a wireless signal, or an elevator module (110, 260, 262) adapted to vertically translate the cartridge access device (136, 236) among the levels (90, 92, etc.) of adjacent modular units. The modular data storage system may be arranged in a closed geometric configuration (Fig. 5) and comprise at least one access door (252, 254, 256) thereto. The system may further comprise an upper panel and a lower panel, forming a completely enclosed area that is accessible through the access door(s) (252, 254, 256). <IMAGE></p> |
