Abstract: A media cartridge insertion apparatus for a media cartridge storage and handling system for use in association with a media cartridge of the type having a rear end portion which is adapted to be inserted into a media drive and having a forward end portion which is adapted to be grasped by a human operator for handling the cartridge comprising a cartridge receiving assembly for receiving a cartridge in a predetermined orientation therewith, said cartridge receiving assembly being displaceable between a first relatively rotated operating position and a second relatively rotated operating position angularly displaced from said first operating position.

Abstract: A door apparatus for a cartridge handling device, such as an optical disk cartridge insertion apparatus, is provided. The door apparatus includes a door which automatically retracts and lifts to open when the handling device is ready to receive or discharge a cartridge and which automatically lowers and extends to close when the handling device is busy and a user cannot insert a cartridge. The door is actuated by movement of the handling device and includes a self-aligning feature which allows the door to float with respect to the panel access opening. The door actuating mechanism is constructed to operate substantially in the same plane as the existing handling device, thus minimizing the overall size of the handling device and door apparatus combination.

Abstract: A frame assembly having improved torsional rigidity may comprise a generally rectangular horizontal base member having a first vertical side wall and a second vertical side wall located on opposite sides of the horizontal base member. The horizontal base member also includes a third vertical side wall located between the first and second vertical side walls. A horizontal guide platform extending from the third vertical side wall lies in a plane that is substantially parallel to a plane containing the horizontal base member. A C-shaped guide rail is attached to the horizontal base member opposite the third vertical side wall.

Abstract: A robotic gripper with two fingers for friction gripping. The fingers are self-locking in that an increased resistance to a pulling force results in an increased gripping force. The fingers are mounted onto a thumb that slides in a sleeve. A post extends into slots in the fingers so that movement of the post relative to the thumb causes the fingers to rotate around pivot points on the thumb. The friction force required to move the thumb relative to the sleeve is greater than the friction force required to move the post relative to the thumb. Therefore, movement of the post typically results in rotation of the fingers and a stationary thumb, but there are several ways in which the post can be locked relative to the thumb to provide movement of the thumb relative to the sleeve. The sleeve also includes features so that if an object is being gripped as the post is moving away from the sleeve, the fingers do not grip when the post is retracted.

Abstract: A structure, guidance, and drive assembly for translation of a robotic picker assembly may comprise a support frame having a front end, a rear end, and two opposed sides. The front and rear ends of the support frame are positioned in parallel, spaced-apart relation to a lateral axis, while the two opposed sides are positioned in parallel, spaced-apart relation to a longitudinal axis, the lateral and longitudinal axes defining a horizontal reference plane. The support frame includes a first elongate bearing surface that is located at about the front end of the support frame. The first elongate bearing surface extends between the two opposed sides of the support frame so that the first elongate bearing surface extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the lateral axis and lies in a first bearing plane that is substantially parallel to the horizontal reference plane. The support frame also includes a second elongate bearing surface that is located at about the rear end of the support frame.

Abstract: An integrated drive system for driving one or more elongate flexible members of a displacement apparatus used in a media handling system. The integrated drive system includes an integral housing and a plurality of shafts fixedly secured to the integral housing. A first linkage device is mounted on one of the shafts and includes a capstan, which may be adapted to receive and retain one or more elongate flexible members, and a first gear integrally formed therewith. A second linkage device is mounted on another shaft and includes a second gear which engages the first gear, and a third gear integrally formed therewith. A motor assembly may also be provided which includes a motor operatively connected to a fourth gear which engages the third gear, a motor shaft, and an overload clutch assembly which prevents the fourth gear from being rotatingly driven with the motor shaft at predetermined intervals. Methods for assembling an integrated drive system and a motor assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: The picker to cartridge slot referencing system may comprise a cartridge storage rack having a plurality of cartridge storage locations aligned along a cartridge storage axis. Each of the plurality of cartridge storage locations is adapted to receive a cartridge having an access end such that the access ends of cartridges, when positioned in the plurality of cartridge storage locations, are aligned along a cartridge access plane. An elongate lateral guide rail is mounted in parallel, spaced-apart relation to the cartridge storage axis and is positioned at about the cartridge access plane. A cartridge engaging assembly adapted to releasably engage the cartridges is slidably mounted to the elongate lateral guide rail, which guides the cartridge engaging assembly along a displacement path that is substantially parallel to the cartridge storage axis. An actuator connected to the cartridge engaging assembly positions the cartridge engaging assembly at predetermined points along the cartridge location axis.