Storage apparatus for shuffling removable storage media

Abstract

An apparatus includes a housing that is configured to receive and retain a plurality of removable storage media, and a shuffler that is positioned at least partially within the housing. The housing includes an open first end, an opposed, closed second end, a first channel that receives and retains a first subset of the plurality of removable storage media, and a second channel that receives and retains a second subset of the plurality of removable storage media. The first channel and the second channel are shaped to receive and retain the plurality of removable storage media in respective single-file rows via the open first end. The shuffler is movable between a resting position and a second position wherein the shuffler has been moved away from the resting position. The shuffler includes a rake that protrudes into the first channel to contact and move a first removable storage medium of the first subset of the plurality of removable storage media toward the open first end when the shuffler is moved from the resting position to the second position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.