Patents by Inventor Daniel James Plutt
Daniel James Plutt has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10335942Abstract: Utilities (e.g., systems, apparatuses, methods) that reduce robotic assembly contention in media element storage libraries by translating (e.g., displacing) a robot arm of a first robotic assembly mounted over a first storage array of a storage library away from a central reference plane as the robot arm is being pivoted into a first position adjacent the first storage array to allow a robot arm of a second robotic assembly to slide or otherwise move past the robot arm of the first robotic assembly, even when the robot arms of the first and second robot arms are disposed at the same height (e.g., along a z-axis) within the storage library. For instance, a pivot member of the robot arm may be mounted on a carriage that is configured to translate between the first and second storage arrays in response to the pivot member being pivoted about a pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2017Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: ORACLE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph Paul Manes, Daniel James Plutt, Timothy Craig Ostwald
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Publication number: 20180037409Abstract: Utilities (e.g., systems, apparatuses, methods) that reduce robotic assembly contention in media element storage libraries by translating (e.g., displacing) a robot arm of a first robotic assembly mounted over a first storage array of a storage library away from a central reference plane as the robot arm is being pivoted into a first position adjacent the first storage array to allow a robot arm of a second robotic assembly to slide or otherwise move past the robot arm of the first robotic assembly, even when the robot arms of the first and second robot arms are disposed at the same height (e.g., along a z-axis) within the storage library. For instance, a pivot member of the robot arm may be mounted on a carriage that is configured to translate between the first and second storage arrays in response to the pivot member being pivoted about a pivot axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2017Publication date: February 8, 2018Inventors: Joseph Paul Manes, Daniel James Plutt, Timothy Craig Ostwald
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Patent number: 9821958Abstract: Utilities (e.g., systems, apparatuses, methods) that reduce robotic assembly contention in media element storage libraries by translating (e.g., displacing) a robot arm of a first robotic assembly mounted over a first storage array of a storage library away from a central reference plane as the robot arm is being pivoted into a first position adjacent the first storage array to allow a robot arm of a second robotic assembly to slide or otherwise move past the robot arm of the first robotic assembly, even when the robot arms of the first and second robot arms are disposed at the same height (e.g., along a z-axis) within the storage library. For instance, a pivot member of the robot arm may be mounted on a carriage that is configured to translate between the first and second storage arrays in response to the pivot member being pivoted about a pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2014Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Joseph Paul Manes, Daniel James Plutt, Timothy Craig Ostwald
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Patent number: 9799366Abstract: Utilities that increase the volume of media elements that can be simultaneously loaded and/or unloaded into or from a storage library, facilitate mounting of media element magazines into a storage library, and limit access to an interior of a storage library by users during operation of robotics assemblies of the storage library. One disclosed utility includes a cartridge access port for use with a storage library that has a storage container that is pivotable (e.g., swingable) between at least first and second positions. In the first position, the storage container is adjacent an opening in the housing of the library for loading and unloading of media elements by a user into or from the container via the opening. After the storage container has swung into the second position, the storage container is spaced from the opening and faces the interior of the library for access by a robotics assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Joseph Paul Manes, Daniel James Plutt, Timothy Craig Ostwald
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Publication number: 20160176632Abstract: Utilities (e.g., systems, apparatuses, methods) that reduce robotic assembly contention in media element storage libraries by translating (e.g., displacing) a robot arm of a first robotic assembly mounted over a first storage array of a storage library away from a central reference plane as the robot arm is being pivoted into a first position adjacent the first storage array to allow a robot arm of a second robotic assembly to slide or otherwise move past the robot arm of the first robotic assembly, even when the robot arms of the first and second robot arms are disposed at the same height (e.g., along a z-axis) within the storage library. For instance, a pivot member of the robot arm may be mounted on a carriage that is configured to translate between the first and second storage arrays in response to the pivot member being pivoted about a pivot axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2014Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Joseph Paul Manes, Daniel James Plutt, Timothy Craig Ostwald
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Publication number: 20160155462Abstract: Utilities that increase the volume of media elements that can be simultaneously loaded and/or unloaded into or from a storage library, facilitate mounting of media element magazines into a storage library, and limit access to an interior of a storage library by users during operation of robotics assemblies of the storage library. One disclosed utility includes a cartridge access port for use with a storage library that has a storage container that is pivotable (e.g., swingable) between at least first and second positions. In the first position, the storage container is adjacent an opening in the housing of the library for loading and unloading of media elements by a user into or from the container via the opening. After the storage container has swung into the second position, the storage container is spaced from the opening and faces the interior of the library for access by a robotics assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2016Publication date: June 2, 2016Inventors: Joseph Paul Manes, Daniel James Plutt, Timothy Craig Ostwald
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Patent number: 9269391Abstract: Utilities that increase the volume of media elements that can be simultaneously loaded and/or unloaded into or from a storage library, facilitate mounting of media element magazines into a storage library, and limit access to an interior of a storage library by users during operation of robotics assemblies of the storage library. One disclosed utility includes a cartridge access port for use with a storage library that has a storage container that is pivotable (e.g., swingable) between at least first and second positions. In the first position, the storage container is adjacent an opening in the housing of the library for loading and unloading of media elements by a user into or from the container via the opening. After the storage container has swung into the second position, the storage container is spaced from the opening and faces the interior of the library for access by a robotics assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2015Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Joseph Paul Manes, Daniel James Plutt, Timothy Craig Ostwald
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Patent number: 9099148Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing a magnetic clutch to limit Z-directional motion of a mass (e.g., a carriage for transporting a robotic mechanism in context of a storage library). According to embodiments, the mass is suspended by cabling, and its Z-directional movement is controlled by a Z-drive assembly. The Z-drive assembly includes a drive gear made of a magnetic or conductive material, and the drive gear is in magnetic communication with a biasing magnet. Embodiments configured the biasing magnet with a particular magnetic moment and a position relative to the drive gear, so that the spinning of the drive gear induces magnetic currents that tend to counteract the motion of the gear. For example, in the event of power loss to the Z-drive assembly, magnetic clutching is used to limit or prevent motion of the mass under the force of gravity.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: ORACLE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph Paul Manes, Daniel James Plutt
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Patent number: 9076482Abstract: Utilities that increase the volume of media elements that can be simultaneously loaded and/or unloaded into or from a storage library, facilitate mounting of media element magazines into a storage library, and limit access to an interior of a storage library by users during operation of robotics assemblies of the storage library. One disclosed utility includes a cartridge access port for use with a storage library that has a storage container that is pivotable (e.g., swingable) between at least first and second positions. In the first position, the storage container is adjacent an opening in the housing of the library for loading and unloading of media elements by a user into or from the container via the opening. After the storage container has swung into the second position, the storage container is spaced from the opening and faces the interior of the library for access by a robotics assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2015Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Joseph Paul Manes, Daniel James Plutt
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Patent number: 9013828Abstract: Utilities that increase the volume of media elements that can be simultaneously loaded and/or unloaded into or from a storage library, facilitate mounting of media element magazines into a storage library, and limit access to an interior of a storage library by users during operation of robotics assemblies of the storage library. One disclosed utility includes a cartridge access port for use with a storage library that has a storage container that is pivotable (e.g., swingable) between at least first and second positions. In the first position, the storage container is adjacent an opening in the housing of the library for loading and unloading of media elements by a user into or from the container via the opening. After the storage container has swung into the second position, the storage container is spaced from the opening and faces the interior of the library for access by a robotics assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2014Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Joseph Paul Manes, Daniel James Plutt, Timothy Craig Ostwald
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Patent number: 8982506Abstract: Utilities that increase the volume of media elements that can be simultaneously loaded and/or unloaded into or from a storage library, facilitate mounting of media element magazines into a storage library, and limit access to an interior of a storage library by users during operation of robotics assemblies of the storage library. One disclosed utility includes a cartridge access port for use with a storage library that has a storage container that is pivotable (e.g., swingable) between at least first and second positions. In the first position, the storage container is adjacent an opening in the housing of the library for loading and unloading of media elements by a user into or from the container via the opening. After the storage container has swung into the second position, the storage container is spaced from the opening and faces the interior of the library for access by a robotics assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Joseph Paul Manes, Daniel James Plutt
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Patent number: 8890458Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing selective biasing of a platform in context of one or more modules. While moving in the Z-direction with respect to the modules, the platform travels in an unbiased manner. For example, one or more alignment features on the platform are engaged with one or more alignment features on the modules to allow the platform to substantially float within an X-Y region defined by the alignment features. When the platform reaches its desired Z-location, magnetic features bias the platform into a substantially locked and repeatable X-Y position (e.g., using permanent magnets and/or electromagnets). In some embodiments, the platform is locked into an accurate position to allow a robotic mechanism of a storage library to move around efficiently within the modules while still being able to perform operations that involve accurate positioning (e.g., pick and place operations on media cartridges).Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Timothy Craig Ostwald, Joseph Paul Manes, Daniel James Plutt
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Patent number: 8855808Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for targeting using storage magazines. Some embodiments operate in context of a data storage environment, in which the magazines are used to hold data cartridges, and the data cartridges are installed in, removed from, and ferried between the magazines by a robotic mechanism. Magazine implementations include integrated targeting features in the magazine base structure. For example, some side walls of the magazine slots are shaped for optical targeting, while other side walls of the magazine slots are shaped for lead-in (i.e., to minimize undesirable collisions or interference between the cartridges and the magazine slot walls). Some embodiments describe novel locating functionality in context of magazines with integrated targeting features. Other embodiments include other geometric magazine features.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Timothy Craig Ostwald, Matthew David Woodbury, Daniel James Plutt
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Patent number: 8800858Abstract: Systems and methods are described for using topographic and/or contrast spot scanning to facilitate various types of functionality in context of a data storage library. A robotic mechanism includes a hand assembly that has one or more integrated spot scanners. The hand assembly is configured to travel in at least two directions and to rotate, thereby locating and/or pointing the spot scanner in desired locations throughout the data storage library. By sweeping the spot scanner across a scan window, contrast and/or topographic data can be acquired and decoded to generate a profile of a region. The profile can be interpreted to facilitate functions, such as calibration of robot location with respect to media cartridges, targeting, proximity detection, empty cell detection, etc.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Daniel James Plutt, Timothy Craig Ostwald, Joseph Paul Manes
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Patent number: 8749913Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for facilitating relatively simple installation and/or removal of magazines in context of modules of a data storage system. For example, it may be desirable to fill a magazine with data storage cartridges and to install the full magazine into the data storage system. Embodiments use staged structural features to sequentially guide and align the magazine into a desired position in a data storage system. The structural features are designed to facilitate relatively simple installation while providing sufficiently accurate and secure positioning.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Daniel James Plutt, Matthew David Woodbury, Blake Jonathan Mynatt
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Patent number: 8613386Abstract: Systems and methods are described for using topographic and/or contrast spot scanning to facilitate various types of functionality in context of a data storage library. A robotic mechanism includes a hand assembly that has one or more integrated spot scanners. The hand assembly is configured to travel in at least two directions and to rotate, thereby locating and/or pointing the spot scanner in desired locations throughout the data storage library. By sweeping the spot scanner across a scan window, contrast and/or topographic data can be acquired and decoded to generate a profile of a region. The profile can be interpreted to facilitate functions, such as calibration of robot location with respect to media cartridges, targeting, proximity detection, empty cell detection, etc.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2012Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Jon Mark Holdman, Daniel James Plutt, Timothy Craig Otswald
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Patent number: 8596525Abstract: Systems and methods are described for using topographic and/or contrast spot scanning to facilitate various types of functionality in context of a data storage library. A robotic mechanism includes a hand assembly that has one or more integrated spot scanners. The hand assembly is configured to travel in at least two directions and to rotate, thereby locating and/or pointing the spot scanner in desired locations throughout the data storage library. By sweeping the spot scanner across a scan window, contrast and/or topographic data can be acquired and decoded to generate a profile of a region. The profile can be interpreted to facilitate functions, such as calibration of robot location with respect to media cartridges, targeting, proximity detection, empty cell detection, etc.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Jon Mark Holdman, Daniel James Plutt, Timothy Craig Otswald
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Publication number: 20130317643Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for targeting using storage magazines. Some embodiments operate in context of a data storage environment, in which the magazines are used to hold data cartridges, and the data cartridges are installed in, removed from, and ferried between the magazines by a robotic mechanism. Magazine implementations include integrated targeting features in the magazine base structure. For example, some side walls of the magazine slots are shaped for optical targeting, while other side walls of the magazine slots are shaped for lead-in (i.e., to minimize undesirable collisions or interference between the cartridges and the magazine slot walls). Some embodiments describe novel locating functionality in context of magazines with integrated targeting features. Other embodiments include other geometric magazine features.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: ORACLE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Timothy Craig Ostwald, Matthew David Woodbury, Daniel James Plutt
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Publication number: 20130306579Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for facilitating relatively simple installation and/or removal of magazines in context of modules of a data storage system. For example, it may be desirable to fill a magazine with data storage cartridges and to install the full magazine into the data storage system. Embodiments use staged structural features to sequentially guide and align the magazine into a desired position in a data storage system. The structural features are designed to facilitate relatively simple installation while providing sufficiently accurate and secure positioning.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2012Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: ORACLE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Daniel James Plutt, Matthew David Woodbury, Blake Jonathan Mynatt
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Publication number: 20130292461Abstract: Systems and methods are described for using topographic and/or contrast spot scanning to facilitate various types of functionality in context of a data storage library. A robotic mechanism includes a hand assembly that has one or more integrated spot scanners. The hand assembly is configured to travel in at least two directions and to rotate, thereby locating and/or pointing the spot scanner in desired locations throughout the data storage library. By sweeping the spot scanner across a scan window, contrast and/or topographic data can be acquired and decoded to generate a profile of a region. The profile can be interpreted to facilitate functions, such as calibration of robot location with respect to media cartridges, targeting, proximity detection, empty cell detection, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: ORACLE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Daniel James Plutt, Timothy Craig Ostwald, Joseph Paul Manes