Abstract: A controller for a commissioning device for storing piece goods such as medicinal packages is provided. The controller includes a delivery table that extends in a first direction, two elongated clamping jaws disposed above the delivery table, the jaws having clamping surfaces that face one another, and a clamping jaw guide apparatus with a frame structure, at least one first and one second guide which are separated from one another in the first direction and extend in a second direction, and at least four clamping jaw carriages which are coupled to the guides and driven in the second direction. Two clamping jaw carriages each are associated with a guide and at least two clamping jaw carriages separated from one another in the first direction are coupled to one clamping jaw, respectively.

Abstract: A kiosk (200) dispenses and receives recorded optical disk media (214) using an interconnected (107) system central server computer (300) through an Internet Service Provider (401). The system central server (300) contains databases and processing, and is connected to a credit verification system (410). The central databases collect inventory administration information and customer data from the kiosks (200) including credit card and email addresses (105). The central server (300) initiates credit verification and sends receipts to customers via email (105). The central server (300) maintains databases that are used for remote inventory control and administration of the kiosk network. A kiosk (200) has the capability to identify a recorded disk (214) for automated restocking and may also perform quality assessment (800) of a recorded disk (214). A kiosk (200) may also provide publishing-on-demand or act as a portal for remotely served advertisement.

Abstract: Techniques to send and receive access commands are provided. The access commands may include an expected media position. The expected media position may be compared to an actual media position.

Abstract: It is possible to reduce influence of backlash effectively and to carry out precise position control even if a drive mechanism uses rotary drive of gears. For this, in moving a subject to be moved by rotation of the gears, an original point for position control is positioned by use of a sensor flag, and afterward the position control is carried out. When positioning, a bias means generates a bias in a moving direction for movement to be moved that backlash of gear drive may be removed. This sets the backlash to substantial “zero” in positioning the original point, and stabilizes an original point reset position.

Abstract: A removable hard drive storage device comprises: a housing having a first and second partition board each formed with a plurality of guiding grooves; a plurality of hard drive casings accommodated between the first and second partition boards. Each of the hard drive casings has a first side plate and a second side plate whose surfaces are each formed with a plurality of guiding units slidably disposed in the guiding grooves. Upper ends of the first and second side plates are each formed with an expansion unit for engaging the upper edges of the first and second partition boards, fixing the hard drive casing at a raised position in the accommodating space. Through the above structure, the hard drive casing can be fixed at the raised position in the accommodating space without separating from the housing for facilitating replacement of the hard drive and without using screws.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to receive 3D image content with a plurality of left eye frames and a plurality of right eye frames, remove a portion of pixels from each left eye frame and from the corresponding right eye frame, combine remaining pixels from each left eye frame of the plurality of left eye frames with remaining pixels from the corresponding right eye frame of the plurality of right eye frames to form a plurality of transport frames where the combined remaining pixels form an alternating pattern of pixels based on either alternating rows of pixels or alternating columns of pixels from each left eye frame and the corresponding right eye frame, and encode the plurality of transport frames for delivery to a media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system, mechanism, and method for physically manipulating media, especially in a data storage environment.

Abstract: Provided is a method of removing a cartridge, that is to be removed, that is housed in a deep side of a cell and stuck on a wall surface of the cell without increasing the number of components. In order to remove the cartridge stuck on the wall surface of the cell, the method includes a pressing step and a releasing step. In the pressing step, a picker mechanism is abutted on a latch lever, and then moved so as to move the latch lever from an engaged position to a released position. This presses the latch lever to increase the urging force of the urging unit. In the releasing step, after the pressing step, the picker mechanism is moved away from the cell to release the urging force of the latch lever spring.

Abstract: Disclosed is an archive system for a double sided optical disc, in which optical disc drives for recording or reading data on second surfaces of double sided optical discs are mounted in at least one of first and second drive bays respectively mounted at left and right sides of a disc picker robot, so that data recording or reading operations on first and second surfaces of double sided optical discs can be automatically performed.

Abstract: A disk laminate includes thin disks laminated to each other, which are to be suctioned and conveyed; and spacers provided between the thin disks to prevent the thin disks from directly contacting each other, the spacers having air permeability.

Abstract: A media processing system for processing media having differing properties, the media processing system having a base. The base has a base radial alignment portion, a base vertical alignment portion, and a base retention portion. A set of removable media clamps is included, where each of the set of removable media clamps is adapted for the differing properties of the media, each removable media clamp has a removable media clamp radial alignment portion for engaging the base radial alignment portion and radially aligning the removable media clamp with the base, a removable media clamp vertical alignment portion for engaging the base vertical alignment portion and vertically aligning the removable media clamp with the base, and a media engagement portion for engaging the media. The retention portion is controllable by the media processing system to selectively retain and release a mounted one of the removable media clamps without manual intervention.

Abstract: A storage apparatus includes carriages that are arranged in a matrix and store and transport objects, and a carriage shifting mechanism that is fixed to the storage apparatus and shifts the carriages.

Abstract: A device and method for simultaneously manipulating multiple data storage cartridges or other storage elements in a storage library. The device housing includes an opening for receiving data storage cartridges. A gripping mechanism extends from the opening. The gripping mechanism is adapted to grip a data storage cartridge to be retrieved and to urge the data storage cartridge into the opening. One or more transport mechanisms are attached to one or more inner walls of the housing. The transport mechanisms are adapted such that once a data storage cartridge moves into the opening, the transport mechanisms will urge the data storage cartridge further into the opening until the data storage cartridge is held within the housing. The data storage cartridge can be moved further into the housing such that the gripping mechanism is free to collect additional cartridges.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for use with a media cartridge includes a gripper support and first and second gripper members supported by the gripper support. The gripper members are moveable asymmetrically with respect to the gripper support for gripping the media cartridge.

Abstract: A library system includes a first library device that includes a first-drive for reading information from or writing information to a data storage medium and a first storage cell for storing the data storage medium, a second library device that includes a second drive for reading information from or writing information to the data storage medium and a second storage cell for storing the data storage medium, the second library device being positioned adjacent the first library device, and an elevator that transports the data storage medium between the first library device and the second library device, the elevator being positioned between the first library device and the second library device.

Abstract: A storage medium exchanging device to discharge a movable cell, which is one of plural magazine cells for storing a storage medium inserted from a doorway, and to store the movable cell, include a carrying part on which the movable cell is mounted; and a wrong insertion preventing part which generates discharging force to make the carrying part discharged from the magazine and blocks at least a part of non-doorway of the discharged movable cell.

Abstract: A computer storage library is configured to include a plurality of storage media, with individual storage media housed in respective individual storage slots. Each of the storage media slots may communicate with a storage controller, which in turn may communicate with a host through a network connection. A delivery device is provided for enabling a connection between individual storage slots and a host via the controller on demand. The delivery device enables the storage media to remain stationary during the connection process.

Abstract: A device for storing data carriers has a housing (10). In the housing (10) magazines (12) can be inserted, which accommodate data carriers, e.g. magnetic tape cartridges (26) lying flat. In order to be able to exchange cartridges (26) without moving the magazine (12) out of the housing (10) and without interrupting the operation of the device, end-sided receptacles of the magazines (12) are designed as a changing device (28), which is mounted as a drawer in the associated magazine (12) and which, in the case of the inserted magazine (12), can be extended out of this magazine (12) and out of the housing (10).

Abstract: A cassette insertion control method, wherein when a cassette (1) is sent to the storage part (41) of a garage (8a), the cassette (1) is tilted without positioning the garage (8a) and the cassette (1) to oppose to each other, and sent to the front opening part (40) of the garage (8a) from a tip corner part (45) of the cassette (1), thereby to securely store the cassette (1) in the garage (8a). Thus, even if the accuracy of the stop position of a picker running in a direction parallel with the arranged direction of the garage is not so high, the cassette can be securely stored in the garage.

Abstract: A device and method for simultaneously manipulating multiple data storage cartridges or other storage elements in a storage library. The device housing includes an opening for receiving data storage cartridges. A gripping mechanism extends from the opening. The gripping mechanism is adapted to grip a data storage cartridge to be retrieved and to urge the data storage cartridge into the opening. One or more transport mechanisms are attached to one or more inner walls of the housing. The transport mechanisms are adapted such that once a data storage cartridge moves into the opening, the transport mechanisms will urge the data storage cartridge further into the opening until the data storage cartridge is held within the housing. The data storage cartridge can be moved further into the housing such that the gripping mechanism is free to collect additional cartridges.

Abstract: A pass-through accessor comprising a fixturing apparatus that can store a plurality of portable data storage cassettes. The pass-through accessor comprises a moveable gripper assembly comprising a plurality of gripping members. The gripper assembly releaseably attaches to a portable data storage cassette disposed in a storage slot, pulls that portable data storage cassette outwardly from the storage slot, and releaseably attaches that portable data storage cassette to one of a plurality of fixturing assemblies disposed on the fixturing apparatus.

Abstract: A portable data storage cartridge comprising a housing, a first information storage medium removeably disposed within the housing, a holographic data storage medium disposed within the housing, wherein the housing is formed to include an aperture, and wherein the holographic data storage medium is disposed adjacent the aperture.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for handling storage cartridges within an automated storage library is provided. In one example, the apparatus includes a frame, a translating member, e.g., a leadnut/leadscrew, and a finger mechanism slidably mounted to the frame. The translating member is operable to translate along the frame. The finger mechanism includes a finger member for engaging a storage device, and the finger mechanism is mechanically associated with the translating member such that translation of the translation member relative to the picker frame results in a translation of the finger mechanism relative to the translation member such that the finger mechanism moves a greater distance than the translation member. A gear assembly, mounted to the translation member, may rotate during translation to cause relative movement of the translation member and finger mechanism.

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: A library apparatus comprises a plurality of cartridges each containing a recording medium, a storage rack in which the plurality of cartridges is stored, at least one drive that records or reproduces data in or from the cartridge, and an accessor that holds the cartridge and transports the cartridge between the storage rack and the drive. Herein, a hand mechanism included in the accessor includes a buffer mechanism that, even if the advancement of the hand mechanism is stopped with the hand mechanism abutted against the cartridge within a predetermined range before reaching a normal position, allows the hand mechanism to hold the cartridge. The buffer mechanism is incorporated in a rotary base included in a crank mechanism. When external force is applied to a crank arm, the buffer mechanism moves a rotary shaft of the crank arm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retrieving data related to a data cartridge contained in a multi-plane media storage system. One or more data retrieval devices are attached to the cartridge access device. A transponder is attached to the data cartridge for storing the related data, and at least one reader attached to a cartridge access device of the media storage system is positionable adjacent the data cartridge for reading the related data from the transponder. A scanner adapted to scan bar code indicia on the data cartridges may also be attached to the cartridge access device at the opposite end from the reader.

Abstract: An external load port magazine for use with a storage unit includes a casing detachably mountable on an exterior of the storage unit and defining therein a space for holding at least one item to be loaded into the storage unit. An opening is formed in the casing for enabling automatic withdrawal or insertion of the at least one item from or into the space when the casing is mounted on the exterior of the storage unit. A mechanism is provided for moving the at least one stored item towards the opening.

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 contactless power system for an automated data storage library having a plurality of storage shelves for storing data storage cartridges, at least one picker for accessing the data storage cartridges with respect to the storage shelves, and a transport system for guiding the picker(s) along at least one path with respect to the storage shelves. The contactless power system comprises a plurality of segmented coils arranged in parallel to the path(s), and in proximity to at least one induction receiver of the picker(s); and at least one power source supplying power to the segmented coils, for inductive transmission of power by the segmented coils to the induction receiver(s) of the picker(s). The power source(s) may switch the supplied power to selected segmented coils based on an indication of the position of the induction receiver(s) of the picker along the path.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system and method for overriding an ejection lock pertain to detecting manipulation of an ejection control element signaling an intent to override the ejection lock, and overriding the ejection lock to enable storage medium ejection.

Abstract: Media selection systems and methods. A media selection system may comprise a coupler mounted on a plunge assembly of a cartridge retrieving device. The coupler slidably engages a storage medium as the cartridge retrieving device moves relative to the storage medium. A method may comprise slidably engaging a storage medium with a cartridge retrieving device as the cartridge retrieving device moves relative to the storage medium.

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: The present invention is directed to a data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, is comprised of: (a) a frame or cabinet that defines an interior space; (b) a magazine; (c) a drive bay; (d) a picker; (e) an elevator for moving the picker; and (f) a robotics module that can be removed from the interior of the frame and is comprised of the picker and a substantial portion of the elevator.

Abstract: Methods for controlling the position of a plunge mechanism which is mounted to a cartridge engaging assembly are disclosed herein. In one method, the position of a plunge mechanism associated with a cartridge engaging assembly is regulated by 1) providing a reference mark on the plunge mechanism, 2) detecting a size of the reference mark on the plunge mechanism, and then 3) determining the position of the plunge mechanism based on the size of the detected reference mark. In another method, a plunge mechanism is moved to an extended position within a cartridge engaging assembly by 1) initiating movement of the plunge mechanism from a retracted toward an extended position in accordance with an open loop control schedule, and then 2) after moving the plunge mechanism for a predetermined distance, switching control of the movement of the plunge mechanism to a closed loop control schedule, and monitoring a detector which detects a reference mark provided on the plunge mechanism.

Abstract: Cartridge-handling apparatus for a media storage system. One embodiment comprises a carriage and a translate frame pivotally mounted to the carriage. A rotational drive system is operatively associated with the carriage, the rotational drive system rotating the translate frame about a y-axis in the media storage system. At least one cartridge-engaging assembly is mounted in the translate frame.

Abstract: At least an optical disk, a spindle motor, an optical head assembly and a seeking mechanism are mounted in a disk cartridge to accordingly establish a hermetically sealed structure. On the other hand, a disk cartridge guide member, an optical assembly, a disk cartridge lock mechanism, and an optical path switching mechanism are mounted in an optical disk drive. This enables the structure of improving the dust immunity of the disk cartridge and the low cost. Moreover, the optical disk drive can accommodate a plurality of disk cartridges. Thus, a disk cartridge implements a memory corresponding to various services. Or, an optical library of the present invention has mechanisms for mounting and detaching the optical disk cartridge accordingly accommodating a large number of disk cartridges in a limited space. Moreover, it is possible to provide an extremely small type of an optical disk drive to thereby design a memory unit applicable to various services including a portable apparatus.

Abstract: A storage system (10), including a transport assembly (18) for moving a plurality of cartridges (26) between a storage rack (12) and a tape drive (14) includes a guide (32), a transport mover (30), a transporter (28) and a cartridge mover (34). The guide (32) extends between the storage rack (12) and the tape drive (14). The transport mover (30) moves the transporter (28) along the guide (32) between the storage rack (12) and the tape drive (14). The transporter (28) selectively receives the cartridges (26) and includes a first transport receiver (36A) and a second transport receiver (36B) that can each receive and transport one of the cartridges (26). With this design, while one cartridge (26) is being used by the tape drive (14) the transport assembly (18) can retrieve another cartridge (26) from the storage rack (12) for immediate insertion into the tape drive (14) upon rewinding of the first cartridge (26).

Abstract: A housing for an information storage medium where at least one surface of that housing includes a plurality of grooves. A locomotion apparatus to move Applicants' housing within an information storage and retrieval system, where that apparatus includes at least one rotatable shaft and at least one drive member disposed on that shaft, where each such drive member has the shape of a truncated cone, and where each such drive member includes a drive surface which includes a plurality of ribs. Applicants' drive member contacts the grooved surface of Applicants' housing such that one or more of the ribs disposed on the drive surface intermeshes with one or more of the grooves in the housing. Rotation of the rotatable shaft in a first direction causes the housing the move in a second direction. Rotation of the rotatable shaft in a third direction causes the housing to move in a fourth direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magazine-based data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of shelves that are capable of holding a plurality of data cartridge magazines, one or more drives, a magazine transport for moving magazines within the cabinet, and a cartridge transport for moving data cartridges between a magazine and a drive.

Abstract: A system for transferring a cartridge includes at least two opposing bars, each bar adapted to slide in a longitudinal direction between an open position and a closed position; and at least two grippers, each gripper attached to an end of one of the bars and adapted to engage a cartridge when the bars are in the closed position. Each of the bars is further from a center point when in the open position than in the closed position. The bars and the grippers are adapted to move in a transverse direction in order to transfer the cartridge in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A disk-anchoring device for use in an optical disk drive to receive and locate an optical disk includes a substrate, a clamper, a clamper frame, a clamper holder, an elastic element, a frame clamper and a rack slider. The clamper frame has a first protrusion portion. The rack slider has an inclined portion and a second protrusion portion. The elastic element is elastically positioned on the substrate and can function to press down the clamper frame. When the optical disk is loaded, the rack slider can move to have the first protrusion portion of the clamper frame abut the second protrusion portion of the rack slider. The optical disk positioned in the optical disk drive can then be hold elastically and accurately by the clamper, the elastic element, and abutment between the first protrusion portion of the clamper frame and the second protrusion portion of the sliding plate.

Abstract: A loading device for loading an information carrier into a recording/playback unit is provided. The loading device includes a pair of gripping elements that are actuatable to grip the information carrier therebetween. A transport mechanism moves the gripping elements during the loading of the information carrier. The gripping elements are supported by the transport mechanism for movement relative to the transport mechanism. A control mechanism is provided for actuating the gripping elements when the gripping elements are moved by the transport mechanism.

Abstract: Media storage system and method for identifying storage locations therein. One embodiment of the media storage system may comprise at least one storage library having a storage area therein. At least one access panel operatively associated with the at least one storage library, the at least one access panel opening to provide access to the storage area in the at least one storage library. A picker assembly mounted in the at least one storage library having at least one indicator mounted to the picker assembly. The at least one indicator identifying the at least one access panel when the at least one access panel is ready to open.

Abstract: Disclosed is a library of hard disk drives with transparent emulating interface. The hard disk drives are shelved in associated storage locations in the library. A library controller translates the logical address of a requested hard disk drive known to the requesting host computer to a physical address or location within the library. A picker preferably mounts the requested disk drive to a destination receptacle which may be part of a backplane of the library, and the controller accesses the hard disk drive. Library operation is transparent to the host computer, the library emulating a selected type of storage device.

Abstract: A method of displacing a media holder assembly of a media autochanger between a first rotational registration position and a second rotational registration position.

Abstract: Provided is a library system apparatus including an array of storage cells and a plurality of storage devices. The storage devices include a storage medium and a data interface through which data on the storage medium is transferred. A gripper assembly includes extended members capable of engaging one storage device, movement electronics capable of moving the gripper assembly to the storage cells and engaging one storage device located within one storage cell, and a data interface. Data communication is enabled between the gripper assembly and storage device data interfaces when the gripper assembly is engaged with the storage device. Further, a library controller is in communication with the gripper assembly and executes logic to receive an input/output (I/O) request with respect to data in one target storage device in one storage cell and send commands to the gripper assembly to move to the storage cell including the target storage device and engage the target storage device in the storage cell.

Abstract: A cartridge picker assembly may include a frame having a first side wall and a second side wall positioned in spaced-apart relation, the first side wall of said frame defining lateral plane. A thumb assembly is slidably mounted to the first and second side walls of the frame so that the thumb assembly is capable of moving toward and away from a cartridge access end of the frame. A guide member mounted to the thumb assembly engages the lateral guide surface on the first side wall of the frame so that lateral motion of the thumb assembly is controlled as the thumb assembly moves toward and away from the cartridge access end of the frame.

Abstract: Provided is a gripper assembly including a gripper capable of engaging a storage device having a data interface through which data is transferred to a storage medium within the storage device. The gripper assembly includes extending members capable of engaging the storage device, a data interface capable of engaging the storage device data interface to allow data communication with the storage medium in the storage device, and movement electronics to move the gripper in at least one direction.

Abstract: Cartridge-handling apparatus for a media storage system. One embodiment comprises a carriage and a translate frame pivotally mounted to the carriage. A rotational drive system is operatively associated with the carriage, the rotational drive system rotating the translate frame about a y-axis in the media storage system. At least one cartridge-engaging assembly is mounted in the translate frame.