Transport mechanism for a storage system

A storage system for use with a plurality of cartridges, the storage system comprising:

• a first tape library and a second tape library, each tape library including a library cavity;
• a frame that extends between the tape libraries, the frame having a longitudinal axis;
• and
• a transporter that receives one of the cartridges, the transporter being adapted to move along the frame between the tape libraries and pivot about an axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the transporter pivoting between a load/unload position and a transport position.

A method for transporting a cartridge between a first tape library and a second tape library, the method comprising the steps of:

• positioning a transport mechanism between the tape libraries, the transport mechanism including a frame that extends between the tape libraries and a transporter, the frame having a longitudinal axis;
• positioning the cartridge in the transporter;
• moving the transporter along the frame between the tape libraries;
• and
• pivoting the transporter about an axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the transporter pivoting between a load/unload position and a transport position.

A storage system adapted for use with a plurality of cartridges, the storage system comprising:

• a first tape library and a second tape library, each tape library including a library cavity;
• a frame that extends between the tape libraries, the frame being fixedly connected to at least one of the tape libraries, the frame having a longitudinal axis;
• and
• a transporter that receives one of the cartridges, the transporter being adapted to move along the frame between the tape libraries and pivot about an axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the transporter pivoting between a load/unload position and a transport position.

A method for transporting a cartridge between a first tape library and a second tape library, the method comprising the steps of:

• positioning a transport mechanism between the tape libraries, the transport mechanism including (i) a frame that extends between the tape libraries, and (ii) a transporter, the frame having a longitudinal axis;
• positioning the cartridge in the transporter;
• moving the transporter along the frame between the tape libraries;
• and
• pivoting the transporter about an axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the transporter pivoting relative to the frame between a load/unload position and a transport position.