Patent · US Expired

Balanced horizontal axis assembly for use in an automated memory cartridge system

US5456569A · kind A · utility

9Cited by
10References
3Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 16, 1993
Grant dateOct 10, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 16, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG11B15/6835
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

For primary use in a storage and retrieval subsystem in a data processing system, a robotic transfer system acts to transfer selected electronic magnetic storage cartridges between their storage and transducing positions, typically between vertically stacked concentric tape storage holders and a selected tape drive. The robotic transfer system for handling tape cartridges includes two hands, each mounted on a separate vertical axis disposed at opposite ends of a balanced rotating horizontal axis, such that no tape cartridge is ever more than 90.degree. away from the nearest hand. The use of two hands also provides a redundant data retrieval capability without concentrating the weight of two hands at a single end of a revolving horizontal arm, thus reducing the moments generated by angular movement and providing for faster tape access time and greater long-term system reliability.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.