Library storage module with cartridge pass-through system
US6059509A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B17/22
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A library storage module is provided with a pass-through system operable to transfer tape cartridges in any direction between the original library storage module and an additional library storage module, wherein each library storage module is provided with a respective pass-through port. A pass-through tray is located in the original library storage module, and is sized to receive at least one cartridge. Preferably, the pass-through tray is provided with an extension bar attached thereto which provides an engagement surface for an actuator, such as a robotic arm, located inside each library storage module. A guide rail is provided along which the pass-through tray moves, the guide rail extending through the respective pass-through ports of the library storage modules. Upon instructions from a processor, one of the robotic arm applies force to the extension bar, thereby moving the pass-through tray and any cartridges contained therein along the guide rail between the adjacent library storage modules. Therefore, the pass-through system is operable to transfer cartridges between adjacent library storage modules without requiring a change of the orientation of the cartridges, and witho…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.