Robotic corner negotiating systems and methods for automated storage libraries
US7328442B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 2005 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B15/6835
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for transferring storage cartridges within an automated storage library is provided. The apparatus includes a sled and a track for supporting and guiding the sled. The track includes a corner portion wherein the sled moves through the corner portion without changing the orientation of the sled relative to the track and storage library system. The corner portion may include a 90 degree turn. The sled may further include a gripper mechanism for handling storage cartridges. The gripper mechanism may rotate relative to the sled to access various storage device interface positions adjacent the track. In another example, the apparatus may further include a motor located remotely from the track and coupled to the sled via a cable pulley system, which drives the sled through the corner portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.