公开(公告)号：WO2003054872A1

公开(公告)日：2003-07-03

申请号：PCT/US2002/040267

申请日：2002-12-17

Applicant: STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Inventor： OSTWALD, Timothy, C. ,  PLUTT, Daniel, J.

IPC: G11B15/68

CPC classification number: G11B33/125 ,  G11B15/6835 ,  G11B17/225

Abstract: A method for scaling a media storage library is provided, wherein the library comprises a plurality of media storage cells and at least one media picker robot. The method comprises connecting a new physical component to a section of the library. Examples of new components include additional robots, storage cell arrays, media players, as well as connecting a second adjacent library by means of a pass-through mechanism. Control software integrates this new physical component into the function of the library by auditing the content and function of the new component. During the connection and functional integration of the new component, the rest of the library continues its current operations. The method may further comprise defining at least one work zone within the library, wherein robots do not enter the work zone but continue to operate in other areas of the library.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于缩放媒体存储库的方法，其中所述库包括多个介质存储单元和至少一个介质选择器机器人。 该方法包括将新的物理组件连接到库的一部分。 新组件的示例包括附加的机器人，存储单元阵列，媒体播放器，以及借助于通过机制来连接第二相邻的库。 控制软件通过审核新组件的内容和功能将这个新的物理组件集成到库的功能中。 在新组件的连接和功能集成期间，库的其余部分继续其当前的操作。 该方法还可以包括限定库内的至少一个工作区域，其中机器人不进入工作区域，而是继续在库的其他区域中操作。

公开(公告)号：WO2003058617A1

公开(公告)日：2003-07-17

申请号：PCT/US2002/041641

申请日：2002-12-26

Applicant: STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Inventor： OSTWALD, Timothy, C. ,  PLUTT, Daniel, J. ,  JOHNSON, Bernard, A. ,  MANES, Donald, R. ,  GROW, Roger, H.

IPC: G11B17/22

CPC classification number: G11B17/225 ,  G11B15/6835

Abstract: A data storage library having two inward facing storage arrays and two outward (i.e., back to back) facing arrays between the two inward facing arrays, such that an access device positioned to access one of the outward facing arrays can perform a rotation to be positioned to access one of the inward facing arrays. Thus a single access device can access all four arrays only by performing translations and rotations as necessary.

Abstract translation: 一种数据存储库，具有两个面向内的存储阵列和两个向内（即背对背）面向阵列之间的两个朝内的阵列之间，使得定位成访问面向外的阵列之一的访问装置可执行旋转定位 以访问其中一个向内的阵列。 因此，单个访问设备只能通过根据需要执行翻译和旋转来访问所有四个阵列。

公开(公告)号：WO2002047076A3

公开(公告)日：2002-06-13

申请号：PCT/US2001/045236

申请日：2001-11-29

Applicant: STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Inventor： OSTWALD, Timothy, C. ,  SMITH, Frank ,  FRARY, James, M.

IPC: G11B17/22

Abstract: A method and system for accessing media objects in an automated storage library using (10) a robotic mechanism (12) included mounting the robotic mechanism to a horizontally arranged track (21, 22) arranged in the same plane as first and second horizontal rows of media object storage cells. Each of the media object storage cells houses a media object. The horizontally arranged track is disposed adjacent to the first row of media object storage cells. The robotic mechanism is mounted to the track for moving horizontally along the track. A media object manipulation mechanism such as a gripper mechanism is coupled to the robotic mechanism. The media object manipulation mechanism is vertically movable for moving between the first and second rows of media object storage cells when the robotic mechanism is coupled to the track to manipulate the media objects housed within the first and second rows of media object storage cells.

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：WO2004008455A1

公开(公告)日：2004-01-22

申请号：PCT/US2001/030039

申请日：2001-09-18

Applicant: STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Inventor： OSTWALD, Timothy, C. ,  SMITH, Frank

IPC: G11B17/22

CPC classification number: B25J5/02 ,  G11B15/682 ,  G11B17/225

Abstract: A storage library includes a first robotic mechanism (12a) having an energy coupler (84, 86) and a second robotic mechanism (12b) having an energy coupler. The storage library further includes tracks disposed adjacent to media object storage cells for enabling access to each of the media object storage cells, and powered rails associated with the tracks for providing energy. The first robotic mechanism is movable toward the second robotic mechanism to enable the energy coupler of the first robotic mechanism to couple with the energy coupler of the second robotic mechanism to transfer energy from the first robotic mechanism to the second robotic mechanism. The energy couplers of the first and second robotic mechanisms couple together to transfer energy from the powered rails to the second robotic mechanism. The energy couplers of the first and second robotic mechanisms couple together to transfer energy between on-board energy sources.

Abstract translation: 存储库包括具有能量耦合器（84,86）的第一机器人机构（12a）和具有能量耦合器的第二机器人机构（12b）。 存储库还包括与媒体对象存储单元相邻设置的轨道，用于能够访问每个媒体对象存储单元，以及与轨道相关联的用于提供能量的动力轨。 第一机器人机构可朝向第二机器人机构移动，以使第一机器人机构的能量耦合器与第二机器人机构的能量耦合器耦合，以将能量从第一机器人机构传递到第二机器人机构。 第一和第二机器人机构的能量耦合器耦合在一起以将能量从动力轨道传递到第二机器人机构。 第一和第二机器人机构的能量耦合器耦合在一起以在车载能量源之间传递能量。

公开(公告)号：WO2003003364A1

公开(公告)日：2003-01-09

申请号：PCT/US2002/020444

申请日：2002-06-27

Applicant: STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Inventor： OSTWALD, Timothy, C. ,  SMITH, Frank, T.

IPC: G11B15/68

CPC classification number: G11B15/682 ,  G05B19/4068 ,  G11B15/68 ,  G11B15/6815 ,  G11B15/6835 ,  G11B17/225

Abstract: A system and method for distributing electrical power to an automated robotic device (20) for transporting media cartridges in a data storage library. The system and method include a power distribution rail assembly (1) having first and second electrically conductive rails for providing electrical power to the automated robotic device, the first and second rails provided with opposite electrical charges. The system and method also include multiple contacts on the automated robotic device for making electrical contact with the first and second rails. The contacts include a first pair of contacts (6) for making electrical contact with the first rail and a second pair of contacts for making electrical contact with the second rail. At least one of the first pair of contacts and at least one of the second pair of contacts maintain contact with the first and second rails, respectively, as the automated robotic device moves in the data storage library.

Abstract translation: 一种用于将电力分配给自动化机器人设备（20）的系统和方法，用于在数据存储库中传送介质盒。 该系统和方法包括配电轨道组件（1），其具有用于向自动机器人设备提供电力的第一和第二导电轨道，第一和第二轨道设置有相反的电荷。 该系统和方法还包括在自动机器人装置上的多个触点，用于与第一和第二导轨电接触。 触头包括用于与第一导轨电接触的第一对触头（6）和用于与第二导轨电接触的第二对触点。 当自动机器人装置在数据存储库中移动时，第一对触点中的至少一个和第二对触点中的至少一个分别保持与第一和第二导轨的接触。

公开(公告)号：EP1053546B1

公开(公告)日：2002-04-10

申请号：EP99904292.2

申请日：1999-01-27

Applicant: STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Inventor： OSTWALD, Timothy, C.

IPC: G11B15/68 ,  G11B17/22 ,  G11B17/08

CPC classification number: G11B15/6885 ,  G11B17/08 ,  G11B17/22 ,  G11B17/221

Abstract: The horizontally oriented autoloader for data storage cartridges orients the data storage cartridges in a horizontally oriented loading bin, and occupies a vertical space consistent with the vertical dimensions of the associated cartridge drive. These features of the present autoloader thereby enable multiple autoloader equipped cartridge drives to be mounted in a vertical stack. This increases the effective utilization of the computer center floor space. In addition, the bookshelf design of the autoloader trays allows for easier loading and unloading of cartridges, with the data storage cartridges being maintained in the same order and orientation as they were in the manual storage racks from which they were removed. The horizontal data storage cartridge movement mechanism is spring loaded to attain higher performance without motor drive. Furthermore, smaller motors are used in the data storage loading mechanism than in the vertically oriented autoloader systems to implement the necessary autoloader functions while consuming less power.

公开(公告)号：EP1252625A2

公开(公告)日：2002-10-30

申请号：EP01903028.7

申请日：2001-01-08

Applicant: Storage Technology Corporation

Inventor： OSTWALD, Timothy, C. ,  PLUTT, Daniel, L.

IPC: G11B15/00

CPC classification number: G11B15/6835 ,  G11B15/6825 ,  G11B15/688 ,  G11B17/225 ,  Y10S198/95

Abstract: A data storage library and method of operation are disclosed wherein access at least to part of at least one robotic mechanism from the data storage library's exterior is permitted. Access is accomplished through a service port in the library's housing. Access to the storage cells, and thus the data cartridges sitting therein, from the library's exterior is blocked. Blocking access to the storage cells may be provided by a geometry of the service port itself, or by a combination of a door and the robotic mechanism being serviced filling the opening created by the service port. For robotic mechanisms operating on a track, part of the track may be routed through the service port to bring the robotic mechanisms to the exterior of the library for maintenance purposes.

公开(公告)号：EP1053546A1

公开(公告)日：2000-11-22

申请号：EP99904292.2

申请日：1999-01-27

Applicant: STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Inventor： OSTWALD, Timothy, C.

IPC: G11B15/68 ,  G11B17/22 ,  G11B17/08

CPC classification number: G11B15/6885 ,  G11B17/08 ,  G11B17/22 ,  G11B17/221

Abstract: The horizontally oriented autoloader for data storage cartridges orients the data storage cartridges in a horizontally oriented loading bin, and occupies a vertical space consistent with the vertical dimensions of the associated cartridge drive. These features of the present autoloader thereby enable multiple autoloader equipped cartridge drives to be mounted in a vertical stack. This increases the effective utilization of the computer center floor space. In addition, the bookshelf design of the autoloader trays allows for easier loading and unloading of cartridges, with the data storage cartridges being maintained in the same order and orientation as they were in the manual storage racks from which they were removed. The horizontal data storage cartridge movement mechanism is spring loaded to attain higher performance without motor drive. Furthermore, smaller motors are used in the data storage loading mechanism than in the vertically oriented autoloader systems to implement the necessary autoloader functions while consuming less power.

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.