Tractor mechanism for robotic magnetic tape cartridge handling system
US5513947A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 1992 |
| Grant date | May 7, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B15/6835
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
This apparatus comprises a mechanically simple and lightweight tractor mechanism for use with a robotic object handling system to retrieve objects from a plurality of object storage locations. A finger gripper mechanism is used to grasp an object with a predetermined amount of force. The finger gripper mechanism is enclosed by a substantially rectangular box-like enclosure. The finger gripper mechanism is attached to a carriage which is moveable along one axis of the rectangular enclosure on a pair of tracks, which tracks are located one on each of two opposite sides of the interior of the enclosure. The carriage rides on these tracks and is transported from a retracted position entirely within the enclosure to an activated position juxtaposed to an opening in the enclosure by a tractor mechanism that makes use of a pair of toothed belts, each belt being juxtaposed along the length of one of the tracks on which the carriage slides. The use of the two toothed belts enables the precise positioning of the carriage and prevents the finger gripper mechanism from binding as it slides along the pair of tracks.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.