Patents by Inventor Michael P. McIntosh

Michael P. McIntosh 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).

  • Publication number: 20230297146
    Abstract: A data storage library system includes a data storage library, at least one environmental conditioning unit, at least one data storage drive retained within the data storage library, and at least one access door for providing access to an interior portion of the data storage library. The system also includes a library controller, wherein the library controller is configured to initiate a service mode prior to and during a service procedure performed within the data storage library, and further wherein at least one operational state within the at least one data storage drive is changed during the service mode. The change in the at least one operational state may be, for example, an increase in temperature within the at least one data storage drive, or the insertion of a data storage cartridge into the at least one data storage drive during the service mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Ernest S. Gale, Brian G. Goodman, Icko E. T. Iben, Leonard G. Jesionowski, James M. Karp, Michael P. McIntosh, Shawn M. Nave, Lee C. Randall
  • Patent number: 11726533
    Abstract: A data storage library system includes a data storage library, at least one environmental conditioning unit, at least one data storage drive retained within the data storage library, and at least one access door for providing access to an interior portion of the data storage library. The system also includes a library controller, wherein the library controller is configured to initiate a service mode prior to and during a service procedure performed within the data storage library, and further wherein at least one operational state within the at least one data storage drive is changed during the service mode. The change in the at least one operational state may be, for example, an increase in temperature within the at least one data storage drive, or the insertion of a data storage cartridge into the at least one data storage drive during the service mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ernest S. Gale, Brian G. Goodman, Icko E. T. Iben, Leonard G. Jesionowski, James M. Karp, Michael P. McIntosh, Shawn M. Nave, Lee C. Randall
  • Publication number: 20230016829
    Abstract: A data storage library system includes a data storage library, at least one environmental conditioning unit, at least one data storage drive retained within the data storage library, and at least one access door for providing access to an interior portion of the data storage library. The system also includes a library controller, wherein the library controller is configured to initiate a service mode prior to and during a service procedure performed within the data storage library, and further wherein at least one operational state within the at least one data storage drive is changed during the service mode. The change in the at least one operational state may be, for example, an increase in temperature within the at least one data storage drive, or the insertion of a data storage cartridge into the at least one data storage drive during the service mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Ernest S. Gale, Brian G. Goodman, Icko E. T. Iben, Leonard G. Jesionowski, James M. Karp, Michael P. McIntosh, Shawn M. Nave, Lee C. Randall
  • Patent number: 11500430
    Abstract: A data storage library system includes a data storage library, at least one environmental conditioning unit, at least one data storage drive retained within the data storage library, and at least one access door for providing access to an interior portion of the data storage library. The system also includes a library controller, wherein the library controller is configured to initiate a service mode prior to and during a service procedure performed within the data storage library, and further wherein at least one operational state within the at least one data storage drive is changed during the service mode. The change in the at least one operational state may be, for example, an increase in temperature within the at least one data storage drive, or the insertion of a data storage cartridge into the at least one data storage drive during the service mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ernest S. Gale, Brian G. Goodman, Icko E. T. Iben, Leonard G. Jesionowski, James M. Karp, Michael P. McIntosh, Shawn M. Nave, Lee C. Randall
  • Patent number: 11269302
    Abstract: An enclosure configured to at least partially surround a data storage library, and a system including a data storage library and enclosure(s). The enclosure includes at least one surface configured to surround the at least one library access opening and form a chamber and to permit movement of the movable panel to permit access to the interior of the data storage library, and at least one enclosure access opening in the at least one of the surface to permit access to the interior of the chamber. The enclosure is configured to resist environmental conditions from intruding into the interior of the enclosure, and is further configured to permit exterior environmental conditions from within the interior of the library to intrude into the chamber of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jose G. Miranda Gavillan, Brian G. Goodman, Leonard G. Jesionowski, Michael P. McIntosh, Shawn M. Nave, Kenny Nian Gan Qiu
  • Patent number: 11263841
    Abstract: A data storage library system includes a data storage library having at least one library frame, at least one environmental conditioning unit associated with the data storage library and configured to control one or more interior environmental conditions within the at least one library frame, and at least one access door for providing access to an interior portion of the at least one library frame. The system also includes a library controller configured to initiate a service mode prior to and/or during a service procedure performed within the at least one library frame, wherein the service mode comprises configuring the at least one environmental conditioning unit to adjust the one or more environmental conditions within the at least one library frame toward one or more exterior environmental conditions outside of the data storage library. Optionally, a lock and/or indicator (visual and/or audible) may control access to the interior of the library frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ernest S. Gale, Icko E. T. Iben, Leonard G. Jesionowski, James M. Karp, Michael P. McIntosh, Shawn M. Nave, Lee C. Randall
  • Patent number: 11203429
    Abstract: A data storage system that moves and transfers components (e.g., the data storage cartridges, data storage magazines, etc.) utilizing drone systems is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises at least one data storage library for storing, reading, and writing of data to or on a plurality of data storage cartridges and at least one drone vehicle. The system also includes a processing device and a non-transitory, computer-readable memory containing programming instructions. The programming instructions are configured to cause the processing device to receive a request to transfer a data storage component to a destination location, in response to receiving the request, instruct a drone vehicle to perform at least part of the transfer of the data storage component to the destination location, and by the drone vehicle, perform at least part of the transfer of the data storage component to the destination location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian G. Goodman, Tom Haberman, Michael P. McIntosh, Shawn M. Nave, Kenny Nian Gan Qiu, George G. Zamora
  • Patent number: 11158355
    Abstract: A data storage library system includes at least one data storage library, the at least one data storage library comprising at least one library frame, wherein the at least one library frame has at least one environmental conditioning unit configured to control one or more environmental conditions within the at least one library frame. The system also includes at least one access door for providing access to an interior portion of the at least one library frame, a library controller, and at least one louver, where the louver may be selectively moveable to control a communication pathway for external air to enter the at least one library frame. In one embodiment, the at least one louver may be controlled by the library controller to automatically open when it is detected that the one or more access doors are opened, and to close the louver when the one or more access doors are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ernest S. Gale, Icko E. T. Iben, Leonard G. Jesionowski, James M. Karp, Michael P. McIntosh, Shawn M. Nave, Lee C. Randall
  • Publication number: 20210191479
    Abstract: A data storage library system includes a data storage library, at least one environmental conditioning unit, at least one data storage drive retained within the data storage library, and at least one access door for providing access to an interior portion of the data storage library. The system also includes a library controller, wherein the library controller is configured to initiate a service mode prior to and during a service procedure performed within the data storage library, and further wherein at least one operational state within the at least one data storage drive is changed during the service mode. The change in the at least one operational state may be, for example, an increase in temperature within the at least one data storage drive, or the insertion of a data storage cartridge into the at least one data storage drive during the service mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Ernest S. Gale, Brian G. Goodman, Icko E. T. Iben, Leonard G. Jesionowski, James M. Karp, Michael P. McIntosh, Shawn M. Nave, Lee C. Randall
  • Patent number: 10888026
    Abstract: An air curtain canister for creating an air curtain includes a housing having a form factor approximating an exterior of a data storage drive. The air curtain canister also includes a fan for creating an airflow in the housing and a nozzle for directing the airflow exiting the housing in a predefined trajectory for creating an air curtain. A data storage library includes an array of drive slots each configured to receive a data storage drive therein. The data storage library also includes a plurality of air curtain canisters positioned laterally in the array of drive slots for creating an air curtain across a front of the remaining drive slots in the array. A method includes selectively instructing air curtain canisters in a data storage library to create an air curtain across a front of an array of drive slots in the data storage library.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn M. Nave, Michael P. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 10839859
    Abstract: A data storage library includes an array of drive slots each configured to receive a data storage drive therein. The data storage library also includes a nozzle for creating an air curtain across a front of the array of drive slots and a fan for creating an airflow through the nozzle. A method includes selectively instructing a fan to create an airflow through a nozzle for creating an air curtain across a front of an array of drive slots in the data storage library. A computer program product is configured to perform the foregoing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn M. Nave, Michael P. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 10762926
    Abstract: A data storage system that moves and transfers components utilizing drones is disclosed. The data storage system comprises a data storage library for reading and writing of data on a plurality of data storage cartridges, at least one drone vehicle, a processing device, and a non-transitory, computer-readable memory containing programming instructions. The programming instructions are configured to cause the processing device to: receive a request to transfer a data storage component to a destination location in the data storage library, in response to receiving the request, instruct a drone vehicle to perform at least part of the transfer of the data storage component to the destination location, and perform at least part of the transfer of the data storage component to the destination location by the drone vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian G. Goodman, Tom Haberman, Michael P. Mcintosh, Shawn M. Nave, Kenny Nian Gan Qiu, George G. Zamora
  • Patent number: 10676278
    Abstract: A data storage system that moves and transfers components utilizing drone systems is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of data storage libraries comprising a first data storage library for the storage, reading, and writing of data on a plurality of data storage cartridges and a second data storage library for the storage of data on a plurality of data storage cartridges, and at least one drone vehicle. The system also includes a processing device and a non-transitory, computer-readable memory containing programming instructions. The programming instructions are configured to cause the processing device to receive a request to transfer a data storage component to a destination location, in response to receiving the request, instruct a drone vehicle to transfer the data storage component to the destination location, and transfer the data storage component to the destination location by the drone vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian G. Goodman, Tom Haberman, Michael P. McIntosh, Shawn M. Nave, Kenny Nian Gan Qiu, George G. Zamora
  • Patent number: 10679666
    Abstract: A data storage library system includes at least one data storage library comprising at least one library frame and at least one environmental conditioning unit, the at least one environmental conditioning unit configured to control one or more environmental conditions within the at least one library frame. The system further includes at least one access door for providing access to an interior portion of the data storage library, a library controller, and at least one warning indicator associated with the data storage library and in electronic communication with the library controller. The at least one warning indicator is configured to provide an indication to an operator when the conditions within the data storage library are such that the at least one access door may be opened and when the conditions within the data storage library are such that the access door should not be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ernest S. Gale, Icko E. T. Iben, Leonard G. Jesionowski, James M. Karp, Michael P. McIntosh, Shawn M. Nave, Lee C. Randall
  • Patent number: 10669091
    Abstract: An automated health product dispensary library, according to one embodiment includes storage slots configured to receive health product cartridges that have health products therein; and an accessor, configured to transport tape cartridges, for transporting the health product cartridges. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tara Astigarraga, Louie A. Dickens, Dennis W. Fried, Michael P. McIntosh, Stephen L. Schwartz, Daniel J. Winarski, George G. Zamora
  • Patent number: 10660240
    Abstract: A method of servicing a data storage library includes providing an enclosure configured to surround at least one library access opening to form a chamber. The at least one enclosure has an access opening of sufficient size to permit an adult human access to the interior chamber, and the enclosure is configured to resist environmental conditions from the exterior of the enclosure from intruding into the chamber and to permit environmental conditions from the interior of the library to intrude into the chamber. The method also includes acclimating the chamber so that at least one desired environmental condition in the chamber is within a desired range of the corresponding environmental condition within the interior of the library. Additionally, the method includes accessing the interior of the library via the at least one library access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jose G. Miranda Gavillan, Brian G. Goodman, Leonard G. Jesionowski, Michael P. McIntosh, Shawn M. Nave, Kenny Nian Gan Qiu
  • Publication number: 20200154609
    Abstract: An air curtain canister for creating an air curtain includes a housing having a form factor approximating an exterior of a data storage drive. The air curtain canister also includes a fan for creating an airflow in the housing and a nozzle for directing the airflow exiting the housing in a predefined trajectory for creating an air curtain. A data storage library includes an array of drive slots each configured to receive a data storage drive therein. The data storage library also includes a plurality of air curtain canisters positioned laterally in the array of drive slots for creating an air curtain across a front of the remaining drive slots in the array. A method includes selectively instructing air curtain canisters in a data storage library to create an air curtain across a front of an array of drive slots in the data storage library.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Shawn M. Nave, Michael P. McIntosh
  • Publication number: 20200152241
    Abstract: A data storage library includes an array of drive slots each configured to receive a data storage drive therein. The data storage library also includes a nozzle for creating an air curtain across a front of the array of drive slots and a fan for creating an airflow through the nozzle. A method includes selectively instructing a fan to create an airflow through a nozzle for creating an air curtain across a front of an array of drive slots in the data storage library. A computer program product is configured to perform the foregoing method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Shawn M. Nave, Michael P. McIntosh
  • Publication number: 20200117153
    Abstract: An enclosure configured to at least partially surround a data storage library, and a system including a data storage library and enclosure(s). The enclosure includes at least one surface configured to surround the at least one library access opening and form a chamber and to permit movement of the movable panel to permit access to the interior of the data storage library, and at least one enclosure access opening in the at least one of the surface to permit access to the interior of the chamber. The enclosure is configured to resist environmental conditions from intruding into the interior of the enclosure, and is further configured to permit exterior environmental conditions from within the interior of the library to intrude into the chamber of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Jose G. Miranda Gavillan, Brian G. Goodman, Leonard G. Jesionowski, Michael P. McIntosh, Shawn M. Nave, Kenny Nian Gan Qiu
  • Patent number: 10566023
    Abstract: A data storage library system includes a data storage library, at least one environmental conditioning unit, at least one data storage drive retained within the data storage library, and at least one access door for providing access to an interior portion of the data storage library. The system also includes a library controller, wherein the library controller is configured to initiate a service mode prior to and during a service procedure performed within the data storage library, and further wherein at least one operational state within the at least one data storage drive is changed during the service mode. The change in the at least one operational state may be, for example, an increase in temperature within the at least one data storage drive, or the insertion of a data storage cartridge into the at least one data storage drive during the service mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ernest S. Gale, Brian G. Goodman, Icko E. T. Iben, Leonard G. Jesionowski, James M. Karp, Michael P. McIntosh, Shawn M. Nave, Lee C. Randall