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：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：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：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：EP1218883A1

公开(公告)日：2002-07-03

申请号：EP00970449.5

申请日：2000-09-06

Applicant: Storage Technology Corporation

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

IPC: G11B17/22 ,  G11B15/68

CPC classification number: G11B17/225 ,  G11B15/68

Abstract: A robotic guidance mechanism for transporting storage media cartridges along linear and curved routes within a data storage library. The guidance mechanism includes a robotic assembly operating on a guide rail (102). Two guides (202, 204) of the robotic assembly move in two guide paths (302, 304) in the guide rail to route and orient the robotic assembly in a plane defined by the guide rail. A third guide of the robotic assembly engages a guide surface on the guide rail to prevent the robotic assembly from rotating out of the guide rail plane. A picker assembly is provided in the robotic assembly to handle one of the storage media cartridges.

公开(公告)号：EP1031149B1

公开(公告)日：2002-09-04

申请号：EP98923351.5

申请日：1998-06-01

Applicant: STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Inventor： FALACE, Joseph, P. ,  MANES, Joseph, P. ,  PLUTT, Daniel, J.

IPC: G11B15/68 ,  G11B17/22

CPC classification number: G11B15/6835 ,  G11B17/225

Abstract: The robotic docking apparatus for a cartridge library system having a cartridge storage array provides a docking apparatus on the robotic arm that mates with corresponding features on the storage compartments. The docking apparatus enables the cartridge retrieval mechanism to automatically and precisely align with the storage compartment that contains the selected data cartridge by using passive alignement mechanisms and without requiring the use of a vision system or expensive tight mechanical tolerances. The robotic docking apparatus is incorporated into the robotic arm in the form of a docking feature that protrudes from the front of the cartridge retrieval mechanism. The docking feature is of length sufficient to begin engagement of the mating docking receptacle formed in each of the storage compartments in the storage array prior to the remainder of the cartridge retrieval mechanism contacting the data cartridge stored therein. The docking feature is tapered in shape, being narrower in width at the distal end thereof, so that as the reach mechanism of the robotic arm extends the cartridge retrieval mechanism toward the storage compartment the taper of the docking feature forces the cartridge retrieval mechanism into alignment with the docking receptacle.

公开(公告)号：EP1031149A1

公开(公告)日：2000-08-30

申请号：EP98923351.5

申请日：1998-06-01

Applicant: STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Inventor： FALACE, Joseph, P. ,  MANES, Joseph, P. ,  PLUTT, Daniel, J.

IPC: G11B15/68 ,  G11B17/22

CPC classification number: G11B15/6835 ,  G11B17/225

Abstract: The robotic docking apparatus for a cartridge library system having a cartridge storage array provides a docking apparatus on the robotic arm that mates with corresponding features on the storage compartments. The docking apparatus enables the cartridge retrieval mechanism to automatically and precisely align with the storage compartment that contains the selected data cartridge by using passive alignement mechanisms and without requiring the use of a vision system or expensive tight mechanical tolerances. The robotic docking apparatus is incorporated into the robotic arm in the form of a docking feature that protrudes from the front of the cartridge retrieval mechanism. The docking feature is of length sufficient to begin engagement of the mating docking receptacle formed in each of the storage compartments in the storage array prior to the remainder of the cartridge retrieval mechanism contacting the data cartridge stored therein. The docking feature is tapered in shape, being narrower in width at the distal end thereof, so that as the reach mechanism of the robotic arm extends the cartridge retrieval mechanism toward the storage compartment the taper of the docking feature forces the cartridge retrieval mechanism into alignment with the docking receptacle.