Data storage cartridge assembly

An information storage assembly comprising:

• a) a data storage cartridge assembly comprising:
• i) a data storage medium for storing data thereon in machine readable form;
• and
• ii) a casing for supporting said data storage medium therewithin and for shielding said data storage medium from physical contact with other objects;
• b) a data storage medium reader for slideably receiving said data storage cartridge assembly therein and for reading data from said data storage medium;
• c) a cartridge storage cell for storing said data storage cartridge assembly during periods when said cartridge assembly is not inserted in said reader;
• d) mechanized cartridge handling assembly for engaging said cartridge assembly and for moving said cartridge assembly between said cartridge storage cell and said reader;
• said casing having a wear factor associated with sliding contact with any engaged surface of said reader, said cartridge storage cell, and said mechanized cartridge handling assembly of less than 350.times.10.sup.-10 in.sup.3 -min/ft-lb-hr;
• said casing being constructed from a thermoplastic material impregnated with a lubricating filler wherein said lubricating filler comprises at least 15% by weight of said casing.

A data storage cartridge assembly comprising:

• a data storage medium for storing data thereon in machine readable form;
• a casing for supporting said data storage medium therewithin and for shielding said data storage medium from physical contact with other objects;
• and
• a door slideably mounted on said casing for selecting covering and uncovering an opening therein;
• said casing having a wear factor associated with sliding contact with said door of less than 100.times.10.sup.-10 in.sup.3 -min/ft-lb-hr;
• and
• said casing being constructed from a thermoplastic material impregnated with a reinforcing filler which reduces friction comprising at least 30% by weight of said casing.

An information storage assembly comprising:

• a) a data storage cartridge assembly comprising:
• i) a data storage medium for storing data thereon in machine readable form;
• and
• ii) a casing for supporting said data storage medium therewithin and for shielding said data storage medium from physical contact with other objects;
• b) a data storage medium reader for slideably receiving said cartridge assembly therein and for reading data from said data storage medium;
• c) a cartridge storage cell for storing said cartridge assembly during periods when said cartridge assembly is not inserted in said reader;
• d) a mechanized cartridge handling assembly for engaging a cartridge assembly and for moving said cartridge assembly between said cartridge storage cell and said reader;
• said casing having a wear factor associated with sliding contact with any engaged surface of said reader, said cartridge storage cell, and said mechanized cartridge handling assembly of less than 350.times.10.sup.-10 in.sup.3 -min/ft-lb-hr;
• said casing being constructed from a thermoplastic material impregnated with a reinforcing filler which reduces friction, said reinforcing filler which reduces friction comprising at least 30% by weight of said casing.

A method of producing a data storage cartridge assembly comprising the steps of:

• a) constructing a casing door;
• b) constructing a cartridge casing from a thermoplastic material impregnated with a reinforcing filler which reduces friction, said reinforcing filler which reduces friction comprising at least 30% by weight of said casing, said casing having a wear factor, associated with sliding contact with said casing door, of less than 100.times.10.sup.-10 in.sup.3 -min/ft-lb-hr;
• and
• c) mounting a data storage medium within said cartridge casing.