Data cartridge library system architecture

A data cartridge library apparatus, comprising:

• a base;
• storage array means, operatively attached to said base so as to be stationary relative to said base, for storing a plurality of data cartridges, wherein said storage array means includes a first side and a second side that is opposite to said first side, a plurality of cartridge housings arranged along an arc about an axis, wherein said plurality of cartridge housings includes a pass-through housing and a storage housing, wherein each of said pass-through housing and said storage housing includes a first opening on said first side of said storage array means through which a data cartridge can be moved, wherein said pass-through housing includes a second opening on said second side of said storage array means through which a data cartridge can be moved;
• player/recorder means, positioned adjacent to said second side of said storage array means, for reading/writing data on a data cartridge, wherein said player/recorder means includes a port for receiving/ejecting a data cartridge, wherein said port is positioned adjacent to said second opening of said pass-through housing so that a data cartridge can be passed between said player/recorder means and said pass-through housing;
• and
• picker means, positioned adjacent to said first side of said storage array means, for moving a data cartridge between said storage array means and said player/recorder means by (1) extracting a data cartridge through said first opening of said storage housing, inserting the data cartridge through said first opening of said pass-through housing, and pushing the data cartridge through said second opening of said pass-through housing to a point at which said player/recorder means can receive the data cartridge and (2) pulling a data cartridge that has been elected from said player/recorder means through said second opening of said pass-through housing, extracting the data cartridge through said first opening of said pass-through housing, and inserting the data cartridge through said first opening of said storage housing.