Patent · US Expired

Library service port

US7273344B2 · kind B2 · utility

56Cited by
13References
6Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 13, 2003
Grant dateSep 25, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 1, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S198/95
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A data storage library and method of operation are disclosed wherein access at least to part of at least one robotics mechanism from the data storage library's exterior is permitted. Access is accomplished through a service port in the library's housing. Access to the storage cells, and thus the data cartridges sitting therein, from the library's exterior is blocked. Blocking access to the storage cells may be provided by a geometry of the service port itself, or by a combination of a door and the robotics mechanism being serviced filling the opening created by the service port. For robotics mechanisms operating on a track, part of the track may be routed through the service port to bring the robotics mechanisms to the exterior of the library for maintenance purposes.

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