Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed of a module attachable to an electronics rack. The module includes a housing attachable to a rear part of the electronics rack. One or more pairs of laterally-running mounting channels are positioned within the housing and one or more service panels are positioned within the housing. Each of the one or more service panels is movably mounted to a corresponding pair of mounting channels, and each of the one or more service panels can be coupled to at least one electronic device to be mounted in the electronics rack. Implementing the modules to racks and data centers can be realized with multiple methods.

Abstract: In a printing unit, a detecting unit is made to pass over a hole formed at the center of an optical disk and to detect the position of the center of the hole, and an obtaining unit obtains the detected position of the center of the hole as the center of the optical disk. Then, a setting unit sets a print position for the optical disk based on the obtained position of the center of the optical disk.

Abstract: A library device includes: a housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the housing having a first surface and a second surface differing from each other; a first track that is provided within the housing, the first track extending along the first surface; a second track that is provided within the housing, the second track extending along the second surface, the second track being parallel with the first track; and an accessor device that includes a first portion engaging with the first track, and a second portion engaging with the second track.

Abstract: An automated warehouse system may require less space than conventional warehouse systems. The automated warehouse system is configured so that loads are stored in storage areas formed by vertically extending support pillars and horizontally extending beams. The loads are loaded into the storage areas, and the loads are unloaded from storage areas. The automated warehouse system comprises: vertical guide rails disposed on the support pillars; horizontal guide rails disposed on the beams; and a movable platform having a frame body and guide rollers, at least part of the frame body having the same rectangular shape as a shape of at least part of at least one of the storage areas and having vertical frame members and horizontal frame members, the guide rollers being disposed on the vertical frame members and engaging the vertical guide rails or disposed on the horizontal frame members and engaging the horizontal guide rails.

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 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 library apparatus includes a drive unit for writing data into or reading data from a cartridge, a cell unit having a plurality of cells to store the cartridges and a bottom plate in which a guide groove is formed, a movement unit for moving the cartridge along the guide groove between the cell and the drive unit, the movement unit being arranged under the cell unit, and a control unit for controlling the movement unit to move up through the guide groove, to engage the cartridge, and to move the engaged cartridge.

Abstract: A disc transportation mechanism for a disc processing device holds and transports discs by gripping the center hole of the disc. The disc transportation mechanism has a hole position detector and a position adjustment mechanism. The hole position detector detects the position of the center hole in a disc discharged to a disc transfer position from a label printer. The position adjustment mechanism can change the position of the gripping mechanism on the arm. After moving the arm to the disc transfer position, the transportation mechanism control unit controls the arm moving mechanism and/or position adjustment mechanism based on the detected position of the center hole to move the gripping mechanism to a picking position where it can grip the disc. The gripping mechanism can therefore correctly grip the disc even when the disc is not correctly discharged to the disc transfer position, and label damage can therefore be prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing data storage capacity of a media library is disclosed herein. The elevation or vertical clearance of a tray assembly included in the library is configured to permit access of data storage media stored near the floor of the library.

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: When a rotation shaft reaches a first standstill position, a contact piece is received in a first hooked groove. A grasping mechanism unit is forced to enjoy a change in the attitude around the rotation shaft by the rotation angle of 90 degrees. When the rotation shaft further reaches a first terminal position, the grasping mechanism unit is forced to restore the predetermined attitude around the rotation shaft by the rotation angle of 90 degrees. The linear motion of the rotation shaft is in this manner interconnected to the rotational movement of the grasping mechanism unit in a library apparatus. A pulley, a timing belt and an electric motor can be omitted from the driving mechanism for the grasping mechanism unit. This results in a simplified structure. The production cost is thus reduced. The transporting mechanism can have a longer service life.

Abstract: A robotic unit with a picker (18) serves for handling data media in a storage device. The robotic unit can be traversed with a base plate (24) on a guide bar (16). On the base plate (24) a rotary plate (28) is disposed which can be turned about a vertical axis. On the rotary plate (28) two motors (52, 56) are disposed, each of which causes, via a toothed wheel drive, the translational and the turning movement of the robotic unit. The toothed wheel drives (48, 50, 54, 58) are disposed in a common plane in an indented recess (46) of the base plate (24).

Abstract: Data storage libraries as disclosed that provide for accessors that turn upon angled rails. In the library, a first rail and a second rail form an angle. The first and second rail each have a drive surface, but the drive surfaces are on different vertical planes. A switching mechanism of the accessor is then configured to move a drive mechanism between the different vertical planes of the drive surfaces. If the switching mechanism positions the drive mechanism adjacent to the drive surface of the first rail, then the drive mechanism engages the drive surface of the first rail to move the accessor along the first rail. If the switching mechanism switches the position of the drive mechanism adjacent to the drive surface of the second rail, then the drive mechanism engages the drive surface of the second rail to move the accessor along the second rail.

Abstract: A disc transportation mechanism for a disc processing device holds and transports discs by gripping the center hole of the disc. The disc transportation mechanism has a hole position detector and a position adjustment mechanism. The hole position detector detects the position of the center hole in a disc discharged to a disc transfer position from a label printer. The position adjustment mechanism can change the position of the gripping mechanism on the arm. After moving the arm to the disc transfer position, the transportation mechanism control unit controls the arm moving mechanism and/or position adjustment mechanism based on the detected position of the center hole to move the gripping mechanism to a picking position where it can grip the disc. The gripping mechanism can therefore correctly grip the disc even when the disc is not correctly discharged to the disc transfer position, and label damage can therefore be prevented.

Abstract: Data storage libraries as disclosed that provide for accessors that turn upon angled rails. In the library, a first rail and a second rail form an angle. The first and second rail each have a drive surface, but the drive surfaces are on different vertical planes. A switching mechanism of the accessor is then configured to move a drive mechanism between the different vertical planes of the drive surfaces. If the switching mechanism positions the drive mechanism adjacent to the drive surface of the first rail, then the drive mechanism engages the drive surface of the first rail to move the accessor along the first rail. If the switching mechanism switches the position of the drive mechanism adjacent to the drive surface of the second rail, then the drive mechanism engages the drive surface of the second rail to move the accessor along the second rail.

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 picker mechanism and a library device having the picker mechanism are provided in which their miniaturization can be achieved. A drive device mounted on the library device and the picker mechanism to load and unload data cartridges to and from a cell in a magazine include a swivel mechanism made up of a swivel driving motor to rotate the picker mechanism on an elevator that supports the picker mechanism, a feeding section having a picker arm on its side that is connected to a notch to be held in a fixed manner which is formed on a side of the data cartridge and, a feeding section driving mechanism made up of a picker driving motor to move the feeding section in a straight line.

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: A device for storing optical discs is disclosed. The device includes a housing, a carousel arranged in the housing for movement relative to the housing, the carousel having a plurality of storage compartments each for storing a disc, an opening in the housing through which a disc can pass, drive means for driving the carousel relative to the housing to align each of the storage compartments and a disc stored in that storage compartment in registry with the opening, and an ejection system to eject a disc from a storage compartment and through the opening in said housing. The ejection system is powered by a motor and a clutch system, and control means is provided to cause said carousel to rotate and to cause the ejection system to operate as instructed by a user.

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: Applicants' automated data storage system includes a first media storage library having a first rail system, a garage having a movable rail system, said garage being disposed adjacent the media storage library, and a plurality of accessors movably disposed on either the first rail system or the movable rail system. In another embodiment, Applicants' automated data storage system further includes a second media storage library, having a second rail system, disposed adjacent the garage, such that the plurality of accessors is movably disposed on the first rail system, the second rail system, or the movable rail system. Applicants' invention further includes a method to move an accessor from the first media storage library into the garage, or from the first media storage library, through the garage, and into the second media storage library. Applicants' invention further includes a method to balance the workload of a plurality of data drives disposed within Applicants' automated data storage system.

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: A storage library for recording and retrieving information from storage media cartridges each having a label side includes a front side having an opening. Left and right slots are disposed proximate the left and right sides of the storage library for holding the storage media cartridges. The slots and the storage media cartridges are oriented so that each label side of the storage media cartridges is visible to an operator through the opening. Each of the slots are accessible to the operator via the opening for the operator to access the storage media cartridges being held by the slots. A media drive is disposed proximate the back side of the storage library and is operative to receive a storage media cartridge through a port. A robotic mechanism is disposed between the slots and is operative to move the storage media cartridges between the slots and the media drive.

Abstract: A data storage library having two inward facing storage arrays and two outward (i.e., back to back) facing arrays between the two inward facing arrays, such that an access device positioned to access one of the outward facing arrays can perform a rotation to be positioned to access one of the inward facing arrays. Thus a single access device can access all four arrays only by performing translations and rotations as necessary.

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: Cartridge-handling apparatus for use in a media storage system. According to an embodiment of the invention, the cartridge-handling apparatus may comprise a platform mounted in the media storage system and movable along a displacement path defined therein. A carriage is mounted to the platform and rotatable about a line normal to the displacement path. In addition, a cartridge-engaging assembly is mounted to the carriage, and faces different directions when the carriage is so rotated. A lift system operatively associated with the cartridge-engaging assembly is provided for vertically positioning the cartridge-engaging assembly relative to the carriage.

Abstract: A segmented power strip for supplying electrical power to a robotic device for use in a data storage system, the robotic device adapted to move along a guide rail. The power strip includes first and second substantially planar members each having an end and a conductor for making electrical contact with the robotic device. The first and second members are assembled to create a joint where the conductor of the first member is proximate the conductor of the second member such that the robotic device maintains electrical contact with at least one conductor as the robotic device traverses the joint. The ends of the first and second members are adapted to cooperate such that at least one of the first and second members moves laterally relative to the other during assembly thereof. At least one of the first and second members is biased against lateral motion relative to other.

Abstract: Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device along a displacement path may comprise a first elongate gear rack aligned along the displacement path and a second elongate gear rack positioned in spaced-apart relation to the first elongate gear rack so that the second elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement path. A first drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device engages the first elongate gear rack. A second drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device engages the second elongate gear rack. A pinion drive apparatus operatively associated with the first and second drive pinions rotates the first and second drive pinions to move the cartridge access device along the first and second elongate gear racks.

Abstract: A storage library suitable for rack-mount and desktop installations. Internally the storage media cartridges and one or more media drives are arranged in a horseshoe configuration. The storage media cartridges are positioned in slots along the left and right sides of the library, and the media drives are positioned adjacent the back side. Additional slots may be provided near the middle of the horseshoe configuration to increase the library's storage capacity. A robotic mechanism is positioned between the two rows of storage media cartridges and operative to transport the storage media cartridges between the media drive and the slots. The slots are arranged so that the storage media cartridges can be installed and removed from the library through an opening provided in the front side of the library. The storage media cartridges are oriented in the slots so that their labels are viewable through the opening. A bar-code reader may be mounted on the robotic assembly to read bar-codes on the labels.

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: In a library apparatus, a vertical rail is fixed on a cover member so that a storage medium input-output machine disposed inside the library apparatus moves in a vertical direction, and a horizontal rail moves along the vertical rail in the vertical direction so that the storage medium input-output machine moves in a horizontal direction. Thus, storage media can move between storage medium storing shelves and a drive. The horizontal rail is provided with a mounting section.

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: A system for scaling robotic mechanisms in a storage library is provided. The invention comprises a plurality of storage cell rows and a plurality of robots coupled to guide rails, which allow the robots to move along the rows of storage cells. The robots have picker mechanisms that can manipulate items in the storage cells, and displacement mechanisms that allow the pickers to move between rows of storage cells. The displacement mechanisms on the robots are configurable to allow the picker mechanisms to access a specified number of storage cell rows. The displacement mechanisms of the robots can be reconfigured in order to change the number of storage cell rows covered by a single robot, and guide rails can be added and removed to accommodate different numbers and sizes of robots.

Abstract: An autochanger includes an imaging device affixed to a media handling device. The autochanger is of the type that uses optical indicia to identify media pieces located therein. The imaging device is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the media handling device. The autochanger moves the imaging device to positions relative to the media pieces where the imaging device can read the indicia. The autochanger further moves the imaging device relative to the media handling device to optimize the reading capability of the imaging device without increasing the size of the autochanger.

Abstract: A storage library with a stand-alone guide rail system is provided. The library comprises at least one array of storage cells and a guide rail running along the storage cells. A picker robot is coupled to the guide rail, wherein the robot moves along the guide rail and can manipulate objects within the storage cells. The library also comprises a central power source and controller that controls the movement of the robot. The robot receives power and control only from the central power source and controller directly through the guide rail, without any external input from other components in the library. In one embodiment, multiple library enclosures are connected with guide rails, wherein the guide rails form a single, integrated power and communication connection between the robot and the central power source and controller, independent and exclusive of the separate enclosures.

Abstract: A system for scaling robotic mechanisms in a storage library is provided. The invention comprises a plurality of storage cell rows and a plurality of robots coupled to guide rails, which allow the robots to move along the rows of storage cells. The robots have picker mechanisms that can manipulate items in the storage cells, and displacement mechanisms that allow the pickers to move between rows of storage cells. The displacement mechanisms on the robots are configurable to allow the picker mechanisms to access a specified number of storage cell rows. The displacement mechanisms of the robots can be reconfigured in order to change the number of storage cell rows covered by a single robot, and guide rails can be added and removed to accommodate different numbers and sizes of robots.

Abstract: A cartridge picker assembly may include a frame having a first side wall and a second side wall positioned in spaced-apart relation and a cartridge access end. A lateral guide surface being substantially parallel to a lateral plane is associated with the first side wall of the frame. 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 the cartridge access end of the frame. A guide member flaunted 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: The present invention is directed to a data cartridge library system that realizes a reduced cost by reducing the number of certain components, especially expensive components, that are needed to perform certain functions within the library. With respect to certain functions, a reduced cost is realized by using lower precision compenentry in combination with componentry that compensates for lower precision while still providing a reduced component cost with respect to a given function. In one embodiment of the invention, a data cartridge picker is provided that: (1) uses a single electro-mechanical device for the functions of grasping a data cartridge, retracting a grasped cartridge from a drive/storage location, inserting a grasped cartridge into a drive/storage location, and releasing a grasped cartridge once position in a desired location; (2) is capable of compensating for variations in cartridge positioning; (3) has a gripping mechanism that.

Abstract: In a data media storage library for storing and accessing storage media, the storage media being contained in cartridges, the data media storage library having a library housing, an access opening in the library housing for inserting cartridges, a storage array within the library housing including a number of storage locations, a plurality of media storage elements adapted to hold the storage media, a plurality of data transfer elements adapted to read and write information on the storage media, and a media transport element within the library housing adapted to move the storage media between the media storage element and the data transfer element, an import/export element including: a cartridge holder receiving the media cartridge from the access opening; a first lead screw mounted in a first direction between a first point and a second point and rotating about a first axis parallel to the first direction; a cartridge holder carrier threaded on the first lead screw and connected to the cartridge holder for t

Abstract: A cartridge engaging assembly for translating a cartridge is disclosed. The cartridge engaging assembly may include a linearly translatable cartridge engaging device adapted to engage a cartridge, and a first drive assembly operably connected to the cartridge engaging device which is adapted to linearly translate the cartridge engaging device in a lateral direction. A second drive assembly is operably connected to the cartridge engaging device and is adapted to linearly translate the cartridge engaging device in a longitudinal direction. A third drive assembly is operably connected to the cartridge engaging device and is adapted to rotate the cartridge engaging device around an axis. In one embodiment, the cartridge engaging assembly also includes a flip latch assembly, and the second drive assembly and the third drive assembly use the same motor. One or two tracking devices such as a bar code reader may also be included.