Tape cartridge picker for an automated tape cartridge autoloader/library system

摘要

A tape cartridge picker (102) includes a turntable (300) that rotates in a fixed base (301) to interface with at least one tape cartridge storage location (103,104) and at least one tape drive (101). The turntable (300) includes a cavity (316) to receive a tape cartridge (106). The cavity (316) is defined in the turntable (300) about a central axis of rotation so that, once received in the cavity (316), the tape cartridge (106) may be rotated by the turntable (300) for delivery to one of the at least one storage location (103,104) and the at least one tape drive (101). Tape cartridges (106) are loaded onto the turntable (300) using a translation arm (302) that extends horizontally from the turntable (300) to engage a cartridge (106) and pull the cartridge (106) into the cavity (316). Tape cartridges (106) are unloaded from the turntable (300) by extending the translation arm (302) to slide the cartridge (106) out of the cavity (300) and into one of the at least one storage location (103,104) and the at least one tape drive (101). <IMAGE>