System and method for providing power and control signals to a cartridge access device in a cartridge storage system

• Main Authors: EHRLICH RONALD L, SCHMIDTKE GREGG S, REASONER KELLY J, MUELLER ROBERT L, HOLMQUIST THOMAS W
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 03.12.2002
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: INFORMATION STORAGE; INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORDCARRIER AND TRANSDUCER; PHYSICS

A cartridge access device in a cartridge storage system is designed to retrieve a cartridge from a storage device and to transfer the cartridge to a particular location within the system. Once the cartridge is no longer needed at the particular location, the cartridge access device retrieves the cartridge from the particular location and returns the data cartridge to the storage device. The data cartridge device preferably includes at least two engaging members that engage a respective surface of a frame assembly. Channels in the surfaces of the frame assembly guide the engaging members and, therefore, the cartridge access device as the cartridge access device moves. The engaging members are engaged with a respective conductive track member that extends through the channels in the frame assembly. Electrical current is passed through the conductive track members and the engaging members to the cartridge access device in order to supply the cartridge access device with electrical power and/or to communicate control signals to the cartridge access device. Therefore, a power cable and/or a control cable does not have to be physically connected to the cartridge access device in order for the components on the cartridge access device to receive electrical power and/or control signals.