Disk cartridge data storage methods and apparatus
OwnerStephen V. Deckersinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for storing data which employ a hard disk memory media which is operably supported within a cartridge shell to form a disk cartridge. The disk cartridge can be employed in the manner of a tape cartridge wherein the disk cartridge can be stored in a communicatively isolated condition until required for read/write operations whereupon the disk cartridge can be communicatively linked to another device which transmits data to, or receives data from, the disk cartridge. The disk cartridge can adhere to a given tape cartridge form factor so as to enable both tape cartridges and disk cartridges to be employed together in a single automated library system.
Claims20
An data storage apparatus, comprising:
- a disk cartridge comprising a cartridge shell and a hard disk memory medium operably supported therein;
- and,
- a docking device configured to temporarily receive the disk cartridge in communicative linkage therewith.
A data storage apparatus comprising:
- a disk cartridge comprising:
- a cartridge shell;
- a hard disk operably supported within the cartridge shell;
- a cartridge interface mounted on the cartridge shell;
- and,
- a docking device comprising:
- a receptacle which is defined in the docking device, and which is configured to supportably receive the disk cartridge therein;
- and,
- a docking interface which is supported on the docking device, and which is configured, in conjunction with the cartridge interface, to communicatively link the disk cartridge and the docking device while the disk cartridge is supported within the receptacle.
A data storage method, comprising:
- providing a hard disk memory medium and a host device;
- storing the hard disk memory medium in a communicatively isolated condition;
- communicatively linking the hard disk memory medium to the host device;
- writing data from the host device to the hard disk memory medium;
- and,
- restoring the hard disk memory medium to a communicatively isolated condition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.