Enabling reliable communication between an accessor and a tape library

Abstract

A method is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including physically transporting tape cartridges in a tape library using an accessor. The method further enables communication between the accessor and the tape library using a flexible cable assembly. The flexible cable assembly includes a flexible channel and multiple twisted wire pairs loosely routed through the flexible channel. The multiple twisted wire pairs independently and substantially freely move within the flexible channel.

1 . A method comprising:
 physically transporting tape cartridges in a tape library using an accessor; and   enabling communication between the accessor and the tape library using a flexible cable assembly, the flexible cable assembly comprising:
 a flexible channel; and 
 a plurality of twisted wire pairs loosely routed together through the flexible channel, the plurality of twisted pairs independently and substantially freely moving within the flexible channel. 
   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible channel comprises a flexible track and a retention membrane to substantially enclose the flexible track. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of the flexible track and the retention membrane are fabricated from plastic. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising forming at least one of slits and apertures in the flexible track to impart flexibility thereto. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising using the plurality of twisted wire pairs to transport at least one of communication signals and electrical power. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing at least one power cable in the flexible channel in addition to the plurality of twisted wire pairs. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising isolating the plurality of twisted wire pairs and the at least one power cable within the flexible channel. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein isolating the plurality of twisted wire pairs and the at least one power cable comprises providing a partition element in the flexible track. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ends of the plurality of twisted wire pairs are substantially fixed relative to one another to enable connectors to be attached thereto. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the ends of the plurality of twisted wire pairs are laminated to enable connectors to be attached thereto.