| 摘要 |
Apparatus for storing and transferring digital electromagnetic information. The apparatus makes use of a plurality of standard pipe cartridges each of which is independently capable of storing a quantity of electromagnetic information. The cartridges are removably stored in a carousel which is rotatably carried on a control housing. The carousel is removable from the control housing, permitting interchangeability of carousels and access to substantial quantitites of stored information. The control housing includes a plurality of independently operable read/write stations, each of which has a read/write head for transferring information. The read/write heads are selectively connected to output ports permitting access to computer equipment. The control housing also includes means for indexing a selected cartridge relative to a selected read/write station. Each of the stations includes means for effecting release of the indexed cartridge from the carousel and for transporting the cartridge to a read/write position within the station. After information is transferred between the cartridge tape and read/write head, the cartridge is returned to its stored position in the carousel. Each of the stations is provided with means for sensing improper orientation of the cartridge within the carousel and for preventing release of the cartridge from the carousel if improperly oriented.
|
