Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed for conducting an inventory of a data storage library. The invention includes providing a plurality of data storage slots for storing data storage cartridges, providing an accessor having a plurality of detectors mounted thereon, and concurrently detecting cartridge information with the plurality of detectors for a corresponding plurality of data storage slots. The detectors may include any combination of detectors, including but not limited to, bar code scanners, radio frequency readers, cartridge presence sensors, or cameras. In certain embodiments, the invention also includes associating the cartridge information with the corresponding data storage slot and storing the information on a data bearing medium.

Abstract: Method and system for a direct transmission of motion path data (310) from a generating system (204) to a control system (205) for use in controlling a servo-driven machine. For example, a machine tool for machining stock material, and the data generating system includes a computer-aided-design software package (301). Tool paths for directing the tool members of the machine tool can be extracted from a design file opened by the CAD software through the operation interface of the CAD software (302). Alternatively, the design file can be used to specify motion paths rather than end product geometry. The CAD interpreter application extracts the motion path data from the design file, eliminating the need to translate the data into another or intermediate form for controlling the machine tool.

Abstract: A distributed nodal system with a source computer processor node storing program code for target node(s). A target node has an updatable firmware memory storing program code for operating a target processor. The target code comprises application code for controlling an embedded device, primary communication code for communicating with a network, backup communication code also having copy code for copying code between portions of the firmware memory, and primary boot code for booting the target processor and having check code. The check code determines whether the primary communication code is corrupted, and if it is corrupted, employs the copy code to overwrite the primary communication code with the backup code. If uncorrupted, the check code determines whether the application code is corrupted, and if corrupted, prevents execution of the code.

Abstract: Method and system for a direct transmission of motion path data (310) from a generating system (204) to a control system (205) for use in controlling a servo-driven machine. For example, a machine tool for machining stock material, and the data generating system includes a computer-aided-design software package (301). Tool paths for directing the tool members of the machine tool can be extracted from a design file opened by the CAD software through the operation interface of the CAD software (302). Alternatively, the design file can be used to specify motion paths rather than end product geometry. The CAD interpreter application extracts the motion path data from the design file, eliminating the need to translate the data into another or intermediate form for controlling the machine tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a multi-gripper equipped accessor in an automated data storage library. More particularly, an apparatus for calibrating a multi-gripper equipped accessor in an automated data storage library, includes at least one additional sensor to calibrate each gripper. Also described is a method for calibrating a multi-gripper equipped accessor in an automated data storage library, wherein one or more additional grippers are calibrated to reduce the effect of tolerances in the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a multi-gripper equipped accessor in an automated data storage library. More particularly, an apparatus for calibrating a multi-gripper equipped accessor in an automated data storage library, includes at least one additional sensor to calibrate each gripper. Also described is a method for calibrating a multi-gripper equipped accessor in an automated data storage library, wherein one or more additional grippers are calibrated to reduce the effect of tolerances in the system.