Abstract: Storage library systems and methods of operating and assembling library systems are provided. The storage library system may include a stationary support member having a first axis and a cartridge transport assembly. The cartridge transport assembly includes a cartridge retrieving mechanism configured to retrieve a removable media cartridge, said cartridge transport assembly being coupled to the support member, wherein the cartridge retrieving mechanism is positionable in four degrees of freedom. The method of operating a tape library may include transmitting instruction signals to a robotics controller disposed on a cartridge transport assembly, translating the cartridge transport assembly along a stationary support member, and positioning the cartridge retrieving mechanism in four degrees of freedom relative to the stationary support member.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment an automated storage library is provided. The automated storage library may include a media drive, an array of storage bins for holding storage devices, and a robotic transfer mechanism for transporting storage devices between the media drive and the storage bins. The storage library includes a housing for supporting the media drive, the robotic transfer mechanism, and the storage bins, and a structure within the housing that is associated with one or more storage bins, wherein the structure is extendable at least partially from the housing.

Abstract: A mechanical gripper mechanism for transporting and handling storage devices is provided. In one example, the gripper mechanism includes a pair of opposing gripper fingers rotatably mounted to the picker frame, each having a distal end adapted to engage opposite minor side surfaces of a storage device. The opposing gripper fingers are further interconnected by corresponding geared surfaces such that the gripper fingers rotate together. In one example, the proximal ends of the gripper fingers include geared surfaces that are directly coupled to rotate the gripper fingers together.

Abstract: A mechanical gripper mechanism for transporting and handling storage devices including a sensor to determine the position of opposing gripper fingers is provided. The gripper mechanism includes a pair of opposing gripper fingers rotatably mounted to a picker frame, each having a distal end adapted to engage a storage device. The gripper mechanism further includes at least one optically detectable indicator associated with the position and movement of the gripper fingers, and an optical sensor positioned to detect at least one of the optically detectable indicators. In one example, the at least one optically detectable indicators are disposed in a curve coupled to a gear associated with rotating the gripper fingers.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment a storage library system for storing and retrieving media devices is provided where media drives may be added modularly to the storage library. The storage library includes at least one media drive module having a frame configured to include at least one media drive, a power supply, and interface communication electronics. The drive module may further include optional data path bridge/control electronics. The storage library includes a housing having storage bins for storing storage cartridges, a mechanism for transferring storage cartridges, and an opening for receiving two or more media drive modules therein.

Abstract: A cabinet, rack frame or equipment that includes a temporary workshelf that may be stowed within the profile of a cabinet, rack frame or equipment when not in use. When in use, the workshelf extends to provide a work surface that may be used, for example to hold a laptop computer or other portable equipment, as a writing surface. The workshelf may be positioned in the cabinet or rack so that when extended, the workshelf provides an ergonomic work surface. Additionally, when extended, the workshelf may expose a portion of a front face of the cabinet, rack frame or equipment. The front face may house one or more functional units such as a data port, door latch, power switch, display or a control panel. When the workshelf is extended, a technician may have access to the functional units.

Abstract: Storage library systems and methods of operating and assembling library systems are provided. The storage library system may include a stationary support member having a first axis and a cartridge transport assembly. The cartridge transport assembly includes a cartridge retrieving mechanism configured to retrieve a removable media cartridge, said cartridge transport assembly being coupled to the support member, wherein the cartridge retrieving mechanism is positionable in four degrees of freedom. The method of operating a tape library may include transmitting instruction signals to a robotics controller disposed on a cartridge transport assembly, translating the cartridge transport assembly along a stationary support member, and positioning the cartridge retrieving mechanism in four degrees of freedom relative to the stationary support member.

Abstract: A cabinet, rack frame or equipment that includes a temporary workshelf that may be stowed within the profile of a cabinet, rack frame or equipment when not in use. When in use, the workshelf extends to provide a work surface that may be used, for example to hold a laptop computer or other portable equipment, as a writing surface. The workshelf may be positioned in the cabinet or rack so that when extended, the workshelf provides an ergonomic work surface. Additionally, when extended, the workshelf may expose a portion of a front face of the cabinet, rack frame or equipment. The front face may house one or more functional units such as a data port, door latch, power switch, display or a control panel. When the workshelf is extended, a technician may have access to the functional units.

Abstract: A mechanical gripper mechanism for transporting and handling storage devices including a sensor to determine the position of opposing gripper fingers is provided. The gripper mechanism includes a pair of opposing gripper fingers rotatably mounted to a picker frame, each having a distal end adapted to engage a storage device. The gripper mechanism further includes at least one optically detectable indicator associated with the position and movement of the gripper fingers, and an optical sensor positioned to detect at least one of the optically detectable indicators. In one example, the at least one optically detectable indicators are disposed in a curve coupled to a gear associated with rotating the gripper fingers.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment a mechanical gripper mechanism for transporting storage devices and having a cartridge detector is provided. The gripper includes a pair of opposing gripper fingers, where each gripper finger includes a proximal end pivotally mounted to the picker frame, and a distal end adapted to engage minor side surfaces of a storage device. Further, the gripper mechanism includes a cartridge detector extending away from the picker frame and at least partially depressible between the pair of opposing gripper fingers. The distal end of the cartridge detector has a larger cross-sectional area than the proximal end of the cartridge detector.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment an automated storage library is provided. The automated storage library may include a media drive, an array of storage bins for holding storage devices, and a robotic transfer mechanism for transporting storage devices between the media drive and the storage bins. The storage library includes a housing for supporting the media drive, the robotic transfer mechanism, and the storage bins, and a structure within the housing that is associated with one or more storage bins, wherein the structure is extendable at least partially from the housing.

Abstract: A mechanical gripper mechanism for transporting and handling storage devices is provided. In one example, the gripper mechanism includes a pair of opposing gripper fingers rotatably mounted to the picker frame, each having a distal end adapted to engage opposite minor side surfaces of a storage device. The opposing gripper fingers are further interconnected by corresponding geared surfaces such that the gripper fingers rotate together. In one example, the proximal ends of the gripper fingers include geared surfaces that are directly coupled to rotate the gripper fingers together.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment a storage library system for storing and retrieving media devices is provided where media drives may be added modularly to the storage library. The storage library includes at least one media drive module having a frame configured to include at least one media drive, a power supply, and interface communication electronics. The drive module may further include optional data path bridge/control electronics. The storage library includes a housing having storage bins for storing storage cartridges, a mechanism for transferring storage cartridges, and an opening for receiving two or more media drive modules therein.

Abstract: Positive acting differentials of the type having toothed drivers and couplers which automatically connect the two axles together to provide optimum traction for the vehicle, yet releases one axle when the vehicle is proceeding around a curve without drive wheel slippage, whereby only a single axle is engaged through the drive system. In assemblies of the type wherein the axles are retained in the assembly by a C clip, at least one driver is slotted so as to provide space for the insertion of C clip during assembly. This allows selection of the driver and coupler thicknesses without being restricted by the possible positions of the C clip groove in the axles during assembly, and reduces wear in the driver and coupler teeth by eliminating asymmetry between the engaging drivers and couplers. Preferred and some alternate embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Positive acting differentials of the type having drivers driven in rotation by a pinion pin and couplers coupled to the axles of a vehicle, the drivers and couplers having facingly disposed teeth forced into engagement when the pinion pin is driving the respective driver or drivers by forcibly contacting the same at an angle. The teeth on the drivers or couplers or both in the present invention have a chamfer on the outer part of the teeth in comparison to the base region of the teeth, so that the facingly disposed teeth on the drivers and couplers are forced into engagement when the base regions of the teeth are engaging and the pinion pin is driving the respective driver or drivers by forcibly contacting the same at an angle, but the teeth on the drivers and couplers will only climb each other when the outer regions of the teeth are engaging and the pinion pin is driving the respective driver or drivers. A preferred and an alternate embodiment are disclosed.

Abstract: A positive acting differential which automatically connects the two axles together to provide optimum traction for the vehicle, yet releases one axle when the vehicle is proceeding around a curve without drive wheel slippage, whereby only a single axle is engaged through the drive system. The positive acting differential includes a ring structure which, for the disengaged wheel, will shift to a position preventing the driver and coupler teeth from engaging in the normal manner, thereby alleviating the noise and harsh operating characteristic known as "cycling" associated with locking types of differentials. The ring structure is located within a groove in the respective coupler and elastically retained against a frusto-conical surface to provide a desired frictional drag and positive axial location of the ring structure relative to the coupler. A preferred and an alternate embodiment are disclosed.

Abstract: A positive acting differential of the type having toothed drivers and couplers which automatically connect the two axles together to provide optimum traction for the vehicle, yet release one axle when the vehicle is proceeding around a curve without drive wheel slippage, whereby only a single axle is engaged through the drive system. In assemblies of the type wherein the axles are retained in the assembly by a C clip, at least one driver and one spacer are slotted so as to provide space for the insertion of C clip during assembly. This allows selection of the driver and coupler thicknesses without being restricted by the possible positions of the C clip groove in the axles during assembly, and reduces wear in the driver and coupler teeth by eliminating a source of asymmetry between the engaging drivers and couplers. Preferred and some alternate embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A positive acting differential which automatically connects the two axles together to provide optimum traction for the vehicle, yet releases one axle when the vehicle is proceeding around a curve without drive wheel slippage, whereby only a single axle is engaged through the drive system. The positive acting differential includes a ring structure which, for the disengaged wheel, will shift to a position preventing the driver and coupler teeth from engaging in the normal manner, thereby alleviating the noise and harsh operating characteristic known as "cycling" associated with locking types of differentials. A spacer with attached paddles supports multiple pinion pins. The paddles loosely couple the motion of the pinion pins to the ring structure. A preferred and an alternate embodiment are disclosed.

Abstract: Positive acting differentials of the type having toothed drivers and couplers which automatically connect the two axles together to provide optimum traction for the vehicle, yet releases one axle when the vehicle is proceeding around a curve without drive wheel slippage, whereby only a single axle is engaged through the drive system. In assemblies of the type wherein the axles are retained in the assembly by a C clip and a thrust slug, at least one driver and one spacer are slotted so as to provide space for the insertion of C clip during assembly, and a thrust slug is fitted within the spacers. This allows selection of the driver and coupler thicknesses without being restricted by the possible positions of the C clip groove in the axles during assembly, and reduces wear in the driver and coupler teeth by eliminating a source of possible cocking between the engaging drivers and couplers. Preferred and some alternate embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A quiet and smooth, positive acting, no-slip differential which automatically connects the two axles together to provide optimum traction for the vehicle, yet releases one axle when the vehicle is proceeding around a curve without drive wheel slippage, whereby only a single axle is engaged through the drive system. The quiet and smooth, positive acting, no-slip differential includes a movable member which, for the disengaged wheel, will shift to a position preventing the driver and coupler teeth from engaging in the normal manner, thereby eliminating the noise and harsh operating characteristic known as "cycling" associated with locking types of differentials. This moveable member does not prevent all engagement, however, so that re-engagement of the driver and coupler will automatically occur to provide the desired differential locking when called upon to do so. A preferred and an alternate embodiment are disclosed.