Transfer unit extending between two or more cabinets for expansion of tape library systems
US6438623B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B15/6835
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A relatively simple and easily installed transfer unit is disclosed employing a movable cartridge bin assembly which travels horizontally between two or more cabinets of respective tape cartridge library systems, to enable the expansion of individual library systems thereby increasing overall mass storage system capacity. The bin assembly is presented to a typical cartridge handling robot of respective library systems as if it were part of the stationary bin array housed within the cabinet, which allows the cartridge to be accessed and loaded in a constant orientation. A drive means provides the translation of the bin assembly and cartridge, and depots at preset stop locations include sensor means for indicating the location of the bin assembly and the presence of a cartridge in the bin assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.