Data storage

Abstract

A data storage library comprising a plurality of library modules ( 13, 15 ) for storing a plurality of data storage media ( 35 ) and writing data to and reading data from said media ( 35 ), at least two of said library modules ( 13, 15 ) being in adjacent vertical arrays, and transfer means ( 33 ) for transferring said media ( 35 ) from one array to an adjacent array, the transfer means ( 33 ) effecting translation of the data storage media ( 35 ) from one array to the adjacent array in a substantially horizontal direction whilst substantially maintaining the orientation of the transferred media ( 35 ) relative to respective arrays.

1 . A data storage library comprising a plurality of library modules for storing a plurality of data storage media and writing data to and reading data from said media, at least two of said library modules being in adjacent vertical arrays, and transfer means for transferring said media from one array to an adjacent array, the transfer means effecting translation of the data storage media from one array to the adjacent array in a substantially horizontal direction whilst substantially maintaining the orientation of the transferred media relative to respective arrays.  
     
     
         2 . A data storage library according to  claim 1 , wherein the transfer means transfers the data storage media from one array to the adjacent array with the storage media oriented substantially vertically and in a plane substantially perpendicular to the fronts of the respective modules.  
     
     
         3 . A data storage library according to  claim 1 , wherein the transfer means includes a track and an associated carriage moveable on the track.  
     
     
         4 . A data storage library according to  claim 3 , including at least two carriages which are moveable on said track.  
     
     
         5 . A data storage library according to  claim 3 , wherein tranfer means includes a toothed belt for positively engaging and moving the carriages.  
     
     
         6 . A data storage library according to  claim 1 , including more than one transfer means for effecting the transfer of data storage media between the adjacent arrays.  
     
     
         7 . A data storage library according to  claim 1 , including more than two arrays of adjacent library modules and the transfer means effect transfer of data storage media between the said arrays.  
     
     
         8 . A data storage library according to  claim 1 , including more than two arrays of adjacent library modules and the transfer means effects transfer of data storage media between all of the arrays.  
     
     
         9 . A data storage library according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said arrays includes a plurality of library modules disposed substantially vertically with respect to each other, and the said at least one array includes vertical shuttle means for moving data storage media between the library modules.  
     
     
         10 . A data storage library according to  claim 1 , wherein the transfer means in at least one of the arrays is present in a link module which is separate from the library modules of the said at least one array.  
     
     
         11 . A data storage library according to  claim 10 , wherein each array includes at least one link module.  
     
     
         12 . A data storage library according to  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the link modules includes storage means for storage of data storage modules.  
     
     
         13 . A data storage library according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the arrays includes a library module including transfer means for transferring said media from one array to an adjacent array.  
     
     
         14 . A data storage library according to  claim 1 , wherein the said adjacent arrays have fronts which are substantially in line with each other and the transfer means operates substantially along a straight line between the arrays.  
     
     
         15 . A data storage library according to  claim 1 , including an angle compensating unit for changing the direction of translation of the data storage media whilst substantially maintaining the orientation of the transferred media relative to the respective arrays when two of the adjacent arrays have fronts which are at an angle to each other.  
     
     
         16 . A data storage library according to  claim 1 , wherein the data storage media are magnetic tape cartridges.