Positioning system for removable data storage cartridges

A system for positioning a data storage cartridge in a read/write mechanism, the cartridge characterized by a first planar surface that fronts the read/write mechanism and a second planar surface perpendicular to and extending away from the first planar surface, the cartridge movable in a first direction from a loading position to a pre-aligned position in which the cartridge is partially installed in the read/write mechanism and then in a second direction transverse to the first direction from the pre-aligned position to an aligned operating position in which the cartridge is fully installed in the read/write mechanism, the system comprising:

• a beveled recess in the first planar surface;
• a pair of holes in the second planar surface;
• and
• first, second, third and fourth alignment structures affixed to the read/write mechanism, the third and fourth alignment structures oriented perpendicular to and projecting out toward the second planar surface;
• the first alignment structure disposed such that as the cartridge is moved toward the pre-aligned position the first alignment structure abuts the beveled recess;
• and
• the first, second, third and fourth alignment structures disposed such that when the cartridge reaches the pre-aligned position the first alignment structure bottoms out in the beveled recess, the second alignment structure abuts the first planar surface at a location away from the beveled recess, the third alignment structure is substantially aligned with one of the holes in the second planar surface and the fourth alignment structure is substantially aligned with the other of the holes in the second planar surface.