Expansion guide alignment for a storage library
US8724332B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 29, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 13, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 18, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B15/6835
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods are described for maintaining secure and contiguous guide transitions in the context of modular installations. Embodiments of the guides are configured to automatically register and couple with each other during installation of their respective modules to provide relatively high tolerance guide transitions, even in the context of relatively lower tolerance modular installations. In some embodiments, a guide is configured to be biased in a first position when its respective module is not installed. When its module is located in a partial-install location relative to an adjacent module with the guide in the first position, guide features mechanically register with features of the adjacent module's guide. When moved into a full-install position, the guide moves into a second position causing the guide to finally register and couple with the adjacent guide, thereby manifesting a stable and contiguous transition between the guides.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.