公开(公告)号：WO1998021719A1

公开(公告)日：1998-05-22

申请号：PCT/US1997019366

申请日：1997-10-28

Applicant: STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Inventor： STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION ,  MANES, Joseph, P. ,  WAIT, Donald, B. ,  FALACE, Joseph, P. ,  FIRD, Randal ,  BLACK, David ,  PLUTT, Daniel ,  CREAGER, Robert, S. ,  MEHLBERG, Adam ,  WILSON, Scott

IPC: G11B15/68

CPC classification number: G11B15/6835

Abstract: An apparatus for latching and ejecting cartridges from a cartridge tape drive (84) in a storage library system includes a robotically actuated hand assembly (82) having a pin (92) extending therefrom. A rotatable lever (90) extending from the tape drive is pivotable between a first position in which the cartridge is locked in the drive, and a second position in which the cartridge is ejected. The pin (92) is moved to engage the lever (90) to rotate the lever (90) between the two positions as the hand assembly (82) is actuated. A visible pattern (116) is applied to a rotatable rod (112) in the tape drive. The pattern is offset such that it moves into and out of alignment with a target (118) as viewed by a line-scan camera to indicate the status of the tape drive.

Abstract translation: 用于从存储库系统中的盒式磁带驱动器（84）锁定和弹出盒的装置包括具有从其延伸的销（92）的机器人致动的手组件（82）。 从带驱动器延伸的可旋转杆（90）可以在其中盒被锁定在驱动器中的第一位置和其中弹出盒的第二位置之间枢转。 当手组件（82）被致动时，销（92）被移动以接合杠杆（90）以将杠杆（90）旋转在两个位置之间。 可视图案（116）被施加到带驱动器中的可旋转杆（112）。 该图案被偏移，使得其与由行扫描相机观察到的目标（118）移动进出对齐以指示磁带驱动器的状态。

公开(公告)号：WO1998021033A1

公开(公告)日：1998-05-22

申请号：PCT/US1997019365

申请日：1997-10-28

Applicant: STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Inventor： STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION ,  MANES, Joseph, P. ,  WAIT, Donald, B. ,  CREAGER, Robert, S. ,  MEHLBERG, Adam ,  TODOR, John, S. ,  FALACE, Joseph, P. ,  WILSON, Scott, D.

IPC: B32B31/00

CPC classification number: G11B17/225 ,  G11B15/6825

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for auditing cartridges and empty cells (28, 34) in a storage library system including a plurality of cells (28, 34) for storing cartridges and further including a robotically actuated hand assembly (10). A line-scan camera (20, 22) is secured to the hand assembly (10), and a visible pattern (30) is positioned within each cell (28, 34) such that the visible pattern (30) is readable by the line-scan camera (20, 22) when the line-scan camera (20, 22) is moved to a position adjacent the particular cell (28, 34) if the cell (28, 34) is empty. The visible pattern (30) is positioned such that the presence of a cartridge within the particular cell (28, 34) would prevent viewing of the visible pattern (30) within the cell (28, 34) by the line-scan camera (20, 22). The line-scan camera (20, 22) is operated in a manner to search for the visible pattern (30) within each cell (28, 34) for auditing numbers of cartridges and empty cells (28, 34) in the storage library system.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种方法和装置，用于对存储库系统中的盒和空单元（28,34）进行审核，包括用于存储盒的多个单元（28,34），并且还包括机器人致动的手组件（10）。 行扫描照相机（20,22）固定到手组件（10）上，并且可视图案（30）位于每个单元（28,34）内，使得可见图案（30）可被线 如果单元（28,34）为空，则当行扫描相机（20,22）移动到与特定单元（28,34）相邻的位置时，扫描相机（20,22）。 可见图案（30）被定位成使得在特定单元（28,34）内的盒的存在将阻止通过线扫描相机（20）观察单元（28,34）内的可见图案（30） ，22）。 线扫描照相机（20,22）以搜索每个单元（28,34）内的可见图案（30）的方式操作，用于审查存储库系统中的墨盒数量和空单元格（28,34） 。

公开(公告)号：WO2005057573A1

公开(公告)日：2005-06-23

申请号：PCT/US2004/040510

申请日：2004-12-03

Applicant: STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Inventor： OSTWALD, Timothy, C. ,  MANES, Joseph, P. ,  PLUTT, Daniel, J. ,  BENSON, Jon

IPC: G11B17/22

CPC classification number: G11B17/225 ,  G11B15/6835

Abstract: A storage library which enables capacity expansion without additional robotics hardware includes a frame, first and second modules having respective cells, and a robot. The frame supports the first module at a first frame length position such that the first cells are positioned at the first frame length position and along the periphery of a channel extending within the frame interior through the frame length. The frame supports the second module when the second module is mounted to the frame such that the second cells are positioned at the second frame length position and along the channel periphery. The robot (26, 90) has a support connected to the frame and a picker (32) movably connected to the support. The picker moves through the channel to manipulate media elements held by the first cells, and to manipulate media elements held by the second cells when the second module is mounted to the frame.

Abstract translation: 一种能够在没有附加的机器人硬件的情况下实现容量扩展的存储库包括具有相应单元的框架，第一和第二模块以及机器人。 框架在第一框架长度位置处支撑第一模块，使得第一单元格位于第一框架长度位置处，并且沿着在框架内部延伸通过框架长度的通道的周边。 当第二模块安装到框架上时，框架支撑第二模块，使得第二单元格位于第二框架长度位置并沿着通道周边。 机器人（26,90）具有连接到框架的支撑件和可移动地连接到支撑件的拾取器（32）。 拾取器移动通过通道以操纵由第一单元保持的介质元件，并且当第二模块安装到框架时操纵由第二单元保持的介质元件。

公开(公告)号：WO1998021127A1

公开(公告)日：1998-05-22

申请号：PCT/US1997019364

申请日：1997-10-28

Applicant: STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Inventor： STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION ,  MANES, Joseph, P. ,  BLACK, David

IPC: B65G01/02

CPC classification number: G11B15/6835

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for handling a cartridge (56) having a cartridge notch (54) formed therein in a storage library system includes a hand frame (12) adapted for receiving cartridges (56) and a reach system assembly (24) movable along the hand frame assembly (12). A latch arm assembly (36) is pivotally connected to the reach carriage assembly (42) and includes a latch tooth (52) thereon for selectively engaging the cartridge notch (54). The latch arm assembly (36) is pivotally movable between a first latching position for engagement in the notch, and a put position wherein the latch arm (36) is positioned for pushing the cartridge (56) out of the hand frame.

Abstract translation: 一种用于处理其中形成在存储库系统中的盒缺口（54）的盒（56）的装置（10），包括适于接收盒（56）的手框（12）和可沿着 手框组件（12）。 闩锁臂组件（36）可枢转地连接到到达托架组件（42），并且在其上包括用于选择性地接合盒凹口（54）的闩锁齿（52）。 闩锁臂组件（36）可在用于接合在凹口中的第一闩锁位置和放置位置之间枢转运动，其中锁定臂（36）定位成将卡盘（56）推出手框。

公开(公告)号：EP1690256A1

公开(公告)日：2006-08-16

申请号：EP04812932.4

申请日：2004-12-03

Applicant: STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Inventor： OSTWALD, Timothy, C. ,  MANES, Joseph, P. ,  PLUTT, Daniel, J. ,  BENSON, Jon

IPC: G11B17/22 ,  G11B15/68

CPC classification number: G11B17/225 ,  G11B15/6835

Abstract: A storage library which enables capacity expansion without additional robotics hardware includes a frame, first and second modules having respective cells, and a robot. The frame supports the first module at a first frame length position such that the first cells are positioned at the first frame length position and along the periphery of a channel extending within the frame interior through the frame length. The frame supports the second module when the second module is mounted to the frame such that the second cells are positioned at the second frame length position and along the channel periphery. The robot (26, 90) has a support connected to the frame and a picker (32) movably connected to the support. The picker moves through the channel to manipulate media elements held by the first cells, and to manipulate media elements held by the second cells when the second module is mounted to the frame.

公开(公告)号：EP1151432B1

公开(公告)日：2002-10-02

申请号：EP99966220.8

申请日：1999-12-14

Applicant: Storage Technology Corporation

Inventor： MANES, Joseph, P. ,  BLACK, David, C.

IPC: G11B15/68 ,  G11B17/22

CPC classification number: G11B17/225 ,  G11B15/6835

Abstract: Some storage library systems use servo motors to control positioning of the hand assembly for removal of an ejected cartridge from a tape drive. This and other methods of positioning the hand assembly may be inaccurate or time consuming, and may inadvertently result in pushing the cartridge too far into the tape drive (10). The present invention provides a storage library system including a tape drive (10) for receiving, reading and ejecting cartridges (12), wherein the tape drive has a front face (14). A locator plate (16) is attached to the front face. The locator plate (16) has a stall limit surface (18). A robotically-movable hand assembly (22) is operative to retrieve ejected cartridges from the tape drive. The robotically-movable hand assembly includes a stall limit feature (36) protruding therefrom from abutting against the stall limit surface to limit movement of the hand assembly toward the tape drive to properly space the hand assembly with respect to the tape drive for removing cartridges from the tape drive. Additionally, the hand assembly includes a z-limit feature (26) and the locator plate includes a z-locator feature (20) which is engageable with the z-limit feature to properly locate the hand assembly vertically with respect to the tape drive.

公开(公告)号：EP0938729A1

公开(公告)日：1999-09-01

申请号：EP97913781.0

申请日：1997-10-28

Applicant: STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Inventor： MANES, Joseph, P. ,  WAIT, Donald, B. ,  FALACE, Joseph, P. ,  FIRD, Randal ,  BLACK, David ,  PLUTT, Daniel ,  CREAGER, Robert, S. ,  MEHLBERG, Adam ,  WILSON, Scott

IPC: G11B15

CPC classification number: G11B15/6835

Abstract: An apparatus for latching and ejecting cartridges from a cartridge tape drive (84) in a storage library system includes a robotically actuated hand assembly (82) having a pin (92) extending therefrom. A rotatable lever (90) extending from the tape drive is pivotable between a first position in which the cartridge is locked in the drive, and a second position in which the cartridge is ejected. The pin (92) is moved to engage the lever (90) to rotate the lever (90) between the two positions as the hand assembly (82) is actuated. A visible pattern (116) is applied to a rotatable rod (112) in the tape drive. The pattern is offset such that it moves into and out of alignment with a target (118) as viewed by a line-scan camera to indicate the status of the tape drive.

公开(公告)号：EP0938438A1

公开(公告)日：1999-09-01

申请号：EP97913780.0

申请日：1997-10-28

Applicant: STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Inventor： MANES, Joseph, P. ,  BLACK, David

IPC: B65G1 ,  G11B15

CPC classification number: G11B15/6835

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for handling a cartridge (56) having a cartridge notch (54) formed therein in a storage library system includes a hand frame (12) adapted for receiving cartridges (56) and a reach system assembly (24) movable along the hand frame assembly (12). A latch arm assembly (36) is pivotally connected to the reach carriage assembly (42) and includes a latch tooth (52) thereon for selectively engaging the cartridge notch (54). The latch arm assembly (36) is pivotally movable between a first latching position for engagement in the notch, and a put position wherein the latch arm (36) is positioned for pushing the cartridge (56) out of the hand frame.

公开(公告)号：EP1151432A1

公开(公告)日：2001-11-07

申请号：EP99966220.8

申请日：1999-12-14

Applicant: Storage Technology Corporation

Inventor： MANES, Joseph, P. ,  BLACK, David, C.

IPC: G11B15/68 ,  G11B17/22

CPC classification number: G11B17/225 ,  G11B15/6835

Abstract: Some storage library systems use servo motors to control positioning of the hand assembly for removal of an ejected cartridge from a tape drive. This and other methods of positioning the hand assembly may be inaccurate or time consuming, and may inadvertently result in pushing the cartridge too far into the tape drive (10). The present invention provides a storage library system including a tape drive (10) for receiving, reading and ejecting cartridges (12), wherein the tape drive has a front face (14). A locator plate (16) is attached to the front face. The locator plate (16) has a stall limit surface (18). A robotically-movable hand assembly (22) is operative to retrieve ejected cartridges from the tape drive. The robotically-movable hand assembly includes a stall limit feature (36) protruding therefrom from abutting against the stall limit surface to limit movement of the hand assembly toward the tape drive to properly space the hand assembly with respect to the tape drive for removing cartridges from the tape drive. Additionally, the hand assembly includes a z-limit feature (26) and the locator plate includes a z-locator feature (20) which is engageable with the z-limit feature to properly locate the hand assembly vertically with respect to the tape drive.

公开(公告)号：EP0960022A1

公开(公告)日：1999-12-01

申请号：EP97946310.0

申请日：1997-10-28

Applicant: STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Inventor： MANES, Joseph, P. ,  WAIT, Donald, B. ,  CREAGER, Robert, S. ,  MEHLBERG, Adam ,  TODOR, John, S. ,  FALACE, Joseph, P. ,  WILSON, Scott, D.

IPC: B65G1 ,  G06K7 ,  G11B15 ,  G11B17

CPC classification number: G11B17/225 ,  G11B15/6825

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for auditing cartridges and empty cells (28, 34) in a storage library system including a plurality of cells (28, 34) for storing cartridges and further including a robotically actuated hand assembly (10). A line-scan camera (20, 22) is secured to the hand assembly (10), and a visible pattern (30) is positioned within each cell (28, 34) such that the visible pattern (30) is readable by the line-scan camera (20, 22) when the line-scan camera (20, 22) is moved to a position adjacent the particular cell (28, 34) if the cell (28, 34) is empty. The visible pattern (30) is positioned such that the presence of a cartridge within the particular cell (28, 34) would prevent viewing of the visible pattern (30) within the cell (28, 34) by the line-scan camera (20, 22). The line-scan camera (20, 22) is operated in a manner to search for the visible pattern (30) within each cell (28, 34) for auditing numbers of cartridges and empty cells (28, 34) in the storage library system.