Frank David Gallo - Tucson AZ Hartmut Ernst Hausler - Tucson AZ Scott Martin Rockwell - Tucson AZ
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation - Armonk NY
International Classification:
G11B 1722 G11B 3300
US Classification:
369 36
Abstract:
The present invention provides an Input/Output station of an automated storage and retrieval system, or library, which uses an elevator mechanism to vertically translate a cartridge or a magazine containing a plurality of cartridges from a maximum vertical position above the top surface of the library to a minimum vertical position beneath the top surface and internal to the library. The Input/Output station is aligned with the other components of the library such that the vertical path of the elevator mechanism does not interfere with the path of the accessor. The operation of the Input/Output station does not pause the accessor and thus, does not interfere with the operation of the other automated processes within the library. Cartridges can be added to or removed from the library using the Input/Output station while the accessor is moving a different cartridge from a storage cell in the storage array to a drive.
Angled Drive Mounting Structure For Data Storage Library
Hartmut Ernst Hausler - Tuscon AZ Paul Yu-Fei Hu - Tuscon AZ Kevin Keith Kartchner - Tuscon AZ Steve John Roffinoli - Tuscon AZ
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation - Armonk NY
International Classification:
A47B 8100
US Classification:
312283
Abstract:
Disclosed is a mounting structure for mounting a horizontal insertion loading data storage drive in a data storage library having downwardly inclined shelves. A bracket mounts the data storage drive, and support bars are mounted in parallel in the data storage library and support the bracket on each side at a downwardly inclined angle. Thus, the horizontal insertion loading data storage drive is mounted at the downwardly inclined angle to receive data storage media from a robot accessor at the angle of the downwardly inclined shelves. The mounting structure support bars are parallel slides which slidably support the bracket at the downwardly inclined angle. A ratchet bar is mounted in the library at the downwardly inclined angle, and has a plurality of ratchet holes in the downwardly inclined direction. A latch is mounted on the bracket for engaging the ratchet holes of the ratchet bar to support the bracket and data storage drive against sliding on the support bar slides. The latch includes a movable tab for engaging the ratchet holes and a release actuator connected to the tab, so that operation of the release actuator disengages the tab from the engaged ratchet hole.
Removeable Media Drive Unit With Loader Interlock To Indicate Presence Of Object
Frank D. Gallo - Tucson AZ Hartmut E. Hausler - Tucson AZ Paul Y.-F. Hu - Tucson AZ Kevin K. Kartchner - Tucson AZ Scott M. Rockwell - Aurora CO Stephen J. Roffinoli - Tucson AZ James C. Simkins - Tucson AZ
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation - Armonk NY
International Classification:
G11B 1518
US Classification:
360 71
Abstract:
An interlock system is provided for removable-media drive unit to prevent the drive loader from attempting to pull in and mount a data cartridge before it is released by a mechanical gripper or human hand. The interlock system includes a light source and a photodetector positioned in front of the drive on opposite sides of the path cartridge takes when it is being inserted or removed from the drive loader. The presence of the cartridge, gripper or other object in the path interrupts a light beam from the light source thereby signalling the drive controller to disable the drive loader. When the gripper has released the cartridge and withdrawn, or when the path is otherwise clear, the photodetector again detects the light beam and signals the drive controller that the loader can be safely enabled. In one embodiment, the light source and photodetector are mounted on a card which plugs into the face of the drive. The presence of the card indicates to the drive controller that the drive is installed in a library environment and causes the drive controller to execute appropriate program code to interpret signals from the photodetector and enables and disables the drive loader in response.
Frank David Gallo - Tucson AZ Hartmut Ernst Hausler - Tucson AZ Scott Martin Rockwell - Tucson AZ
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation - Armonk NY
International Classification:
G11B 1722 G11B 3300
US Classification:
360 92
Abstract:
The present invention provides an Input/Output station of an automated storage and retrieval system, or library, which uses an elevator mechanism to vertically translate a cartridge or a magazine containing a plurality of cartridges from a maximum vertical position above the top surface of the library to a minimum vertical position beneath the top surface and internal to the library. The Input/Output station is aligned with the other components of the library such that the vertical path of the elevator mechanism does not interfere with the path of the accessor. The operation of the Input/Output station does not pause the accessor and thus, does not interfere with the operation of the other automated processes within the library. Cartridges can be added to or removed from the library using the Input/Output station while the accessor is moving a different cartridge from a storage cell in the storage array to a drive.
John V. Acciaioli - Tucson AZ Hartmut E. Hausler - Tucson AZ Chester D. Holden - Tucson AZ Martin J. Marotti - Tucson AZ Scott M. Rockwell - Tucson AZ Terry R. Roscoe - Tucson AZ Roland Zapfe - Tucson AZ
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation - Armonk NY
John V. Acciaoli - Tucson AZ Hartmut E. Hausler - Tucson AZ Chester D. Holden - Tucson AZ Martin J. Marotti - Tucson AZ Scott M. Rockwell - Tucson AZ Terry R. Roscoe - Tucson AZ Roland Zapfe - Tucson AZ
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation - Armonk NY
US Classification:
D14108
Name / Title
Company / Classification
Phones & Addresses
Hartmut Hausler Director
GERMAN-AMERICAN CLUB OF TUCSON, INC
Director 11825 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85749