Patent · US Active

Apparatus and method to provide redundant accessor availability

US7941242B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
19References
36Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 29, 2003
Grant dateMay 10, 2011
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 19, 2029

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG11B15/6835
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A method to provide redundant accessor availabilty in an automated data storage library. The method provides a data storage and retrieval system comprising one or more data storage devices a robot accessor and a gripper. Either at the same time or at a later time, the user obtains a second gripper and/or a second accessor. The method allows selection and/or authorization for additional support from the second gripper and/or the second accessor upon request and authorization. The redundant accessor capabilities are provided on an honor system for payment for the additional capability, and/or uses a system for tracking the redundant accessor usage, and/or uses license keys or other controls that must be obtained prior to enabling redundant accessor capabilities.

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