Data storage and retrieval system having a data cartridge conveyor with independently operable drives each with an associated cartridge transfer mechanism

A system for storing and retrieving data, such system comprising:

• a cabinet having a linear region therein;
• a conveyor system, adapted for slidable insertion into and removal from an opening in the cabinet, for holding data cartridges in a continuous closed loop arrangement, such loop being substantially linear along the linear region in the cabinet when the conveyor is disposed within the cabinet;
• a plurality of independently operable drive mechanisms disposed within the cabinet adjacent along the linear region in the cabinet;
• wherein the conveyor system includes a plurality of data cartridge carriers;
• wherein each one of the data cartridge carriers provides an open ended pocket for receiving a corresponding data cartridge and including:
• a plurality of data cartridge transfer mechanisms, each one being associated with a corresponding one of the drive mechanisms for transferring one of the data cartridges between said associated one of the drive mechanisms and one of the data cartridge carrier pockets, each one of the data cartridge transfer mechanisms being adapted to engage one of the data cartridges in the conveyor system and retract said one of the data cartridges from the conveyor system and insert such retracted data cartridge into the associated one of the drive mechanisms and to engage a data cartridge in the associated drive mechanism and transport such data cartridge to the conveyor system.