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: An apparatus includes a rotatable chuck for supporting a substrate and a splash guard. The splash guard surrounds the chuck and surrounds a substrate mounted on the chuck. The splash guard has a portion that deflects fluid being flung off the substrate by centrifugal action in a manner so as to not splash back onto the substrate. The splash guard is moveable between a process position in which the upper annular edge of the splash guard extends above the chuck and a substrate on the chuck, and a load/unload position in which the splash guard is tilted so that one side of the upper annular edge is below an upper edge of the chuck. The movement of the splash guard facilitates loading and unloading of a substrate.

Abstract: A substrate processing system has a first substrate cleaner and a second substrate cleaner. The first substrate cleaner comprises a forward portion and a rear portion. The forward portion includes a rotatable substrate support. The rear portion is vertically thicker than the forward portion. The rear portion includes a device for rotating the support. The second substrate cleaner includes the elements included in the first substrate cleaner. The second substrate cleaner is stacked above the first substrate cleaner with the forward portions being vertically aligned and the rear portions being vertically aligned. A space is formed between the forward portions to permit access to the forward portion of the first substrate cleaner and to permit ample gas flow into the area between the forward portions of the first and the second substrate cleaners.

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 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 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: 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: An apparatus for cleaning a substrate includes a bearing assembly, a tubular shaft, a substrate support, a process bowl, and a dispenser. The tubular shaft has an upper end and a lower end. The lower end is rotatably mounted to the bearing assembly. The shaft provides an area through which cleaning liquid can be directed. The substrate support has a lower region connected to the tubular shaft and an upper region that supports the substrate. The process bowl surrounds and is spaced outwardly from the substrate support. The process bowl has a slot in an outer wall that receives a robot arm that positions the substrate on the substrate support and that withdraws the substrate from the substrate support. The dispenser has an outlet that directs liquid through the area, toward the upper region. The dispenser is positioned beneath the upper region.

Abstract: A substrate processing system has a first substrate cleaner and a second substrate cleaner. The first substrate cleaner comprises a forward portion and a rear portion. The forward portion includes a rotatable substrate support. The rear portion is vertically thicker than the forward portion. The rear portion includes a device for rotating the support. The second substrate cleaner includes the elements included in the first substrate cleaner. The second substrate cleaner is stacked above the first substrate cleaner with the forward portions being vertically aligned and the rear portions being vertically aligned. A space is formed between the forward portions to permit access to the forward portion of the first substrate cleaner and to permit ample gas flow into the area between the forward portions of the first and the second substrate cleaners.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a rotatable chuck for supporting a substrate and a splash guard. The splash guard surrounds the chuck and surrounds a substrate mounted on the chuck. The splash guard has a portion that deflects fluid being flung off the substrate by centrifugal action in a manner so as to not splash back onto the substrate. The splash guard is moveable between a process position in which the upper annular edge of the splash guard extends above the chuck and a substrate on the chuck, and a load/unload position in which the splash guard is tilted so that one side of the upper annular edge is below an upper edge of the chuck. The movement of the splash guard facilitates loading and unloading of a substrate.