Single tape cartridge access port

摘要

An access port for loading single tape cartridges into and retrieving single tape cartridges from an automated tape cartridge library system. A door is rotatably mounted in an opening in an exterior panel of the library system. The shape of the door is designed so that the opening is blocked at all times, regardless of the position of the door. A tape cartridge tray is mounted on the rear side of the door, slanted downward at a ten degree angle. The downward slant of the tray enables the robot to accurately find tape cartridges placed therein and restrains the tape cartridge from accidental dislodgement. A latch mechanism is provided to prevent the door from rotating when the robot is operating near the access port. The latch has an actuator preventing unlatching of the door. The actuator is activated by the operating system when it is safe to rotate the door. A tape cartridge is inserted into the tray and the actuator is activated to unlatch the door. The door is unlatched and rotated so the tape cartridge can be removed.