US5607275A — Cartridge library and method of operation

Claim 1

Independent Claim 262 words

An automated library for handling a plurality of data storage units stored therein, the library comprising: a frame; a cabinet which substantially encloses the frame and has an entry/exit port formed therein through which a data storage unit can be passed; a drum-like member mounted on the frame for rotational motion about a drum axis, the drum-like member having a plurality of faces on an exterior periphery thereof with at least one of the faces having a rack mounted thereon, the rack accommodating a plurality of data storage units; a plurality of I/O drives for performing input/output operations with respect to a data storage unit inserted therein, the drives being vertically mounted on the frame; a motor mounted on the frame for rotationally driving the drum-like member; a unit engagement device mounted to the frame for engaging and transporting, in a direction parallel to the drum axis, data storage units whereby data storage units are selectively insertable into one of the drive and an active one of the racks; an entry/exit transport device which selectively transports a storage unit between the entry/exit port and an entry/exit home position within the cabinet; wherein the following lie essentially flush in a vertical plane: exposed faces of storage units in the active one of the racks; front surfaces of the plurality of I/O drives; and a face of a storage unit engaged by the entry/exit transport device and held in the entry/exit home position; and wherein the entry/exit home position is situated between the active one of the racks and the plurality of I/O drives.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 262 words

An automated library for handling a plurality of data storage units stored therein, the library comprising: a frame; a cabinet which substantially encloses the frame and has an entry/exit port formed therein through which a data storage unit can be passed; a drum-like member mounted on the frame for rotational motion about a drum axis, the drum-like member having a plurality of faces on an exterior periphery thereof with at least one of the faces having a rack mounted thereon, the rack accommodating a plurality of data storage units; a plurality of I/O drives for performing input/output operations with respect to a data storage unit inserted therein, the drives being vertically mounted on the frame; a motor mounted on the frame for rotationally driving the drum-like member; a unit engagement device mounted to the frame for engaging and transporting, in a direction parallel to the drum axis, data storage units whereby data storage units are selectively insertable into one of the drive and an active one of the racks; an entry/exit transport device which selectively transports a storage unit between the entry/exit port and an entry/exit home position within the cabinet; wherein the following lie essentially flush in a vertical plane: exposed faces of storage units in the active one of the racks; front surfaces of the plurality of I/O drives; and a face of a storage unit engaged by the entry/exit transport device and held in the entry/exit home position; and wherein the entry/exit home position is situated between the active one of the racks and the plurality of I/O drives.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 25 words

The library of claim 1, wherein each face of the drum-like member is sized to accommodate a rack capable of housing ten data storage units.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 23 words

The library of claim 1, wherein the plurality of I/O drives and the motor are mounted in the cabinet beneath the drum-like member.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 30 words

The library of claim 1, wherein the drum-like member has a hub and a plurality of spokes extending therefrom, a number of the spokes equalling a number of the faces.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 17 words

The library of claim 4, wherein one of the spokes has a home position flag mounted thereon.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 20 words

The library of claim 1, further comprising a storage medium cleaning device mounted to the frame beneath the drum-like member.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 28 words

The library of claim 1, wherein the cabinet has a length along the drum axis which is twice a length of the drum-like member along the drum axis.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 46 words

The library of claim 1, wherein the entry/exit transport device comprises a unit engagement arm which travels in an entry/exit transport plane when transporting the selected data storage unit, and wherein the unit engagement arm is extensible in a direction lying in the entry/exit transport plane.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 26 words

The library of claim 8, wherein the unit engagement arm is extensible for selectively engaging and releasing the selected data storage unit at the entry/exit port.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 27 words

The library of claim 1, wherein the predetermined position is aligned with the storage receptacle and the drive in a plane perpendicular to the entry/exit transport plane.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 60 words

The library of claim 1, wherein the cabinet which encloses the frame defines a cabinet first vertical height section and a cabinet second vertical height section; and wherein the motor is mounted on the frame in the cabinet first vertical height section and the drum-like member is mounted on the frame to reside in the cabinet second vertical height section.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 178 words

An automated library for handling a plurality of data storage units stored therein, the library comprising: a frame having mounted thereon a rack-accommodating surface upon which a rack is mountable, the rack accommodating a plurality of data storage units; a rack mount attachable to the rack-accommodating surface, the rack mount having the rack mounted thereon; at least one I/O drive for performing input/output operations with respect to a data storage unit inserted therein, the drive being mounted on the frame; a unit engagement device for engaging and transporting data storage units whereby data storage units are transportable between the drive and the rack; a sensor for determining when a rack is mounted to the rack-accommodating surface the sensor comprising a rack feeler member pivotally mounted to the rack mount, the rack feeler member having a first end and a second end, the first end extending through an aperture provided in the rack mount for contact with a rack engaged by the rack mount and for causing the second end to be pivoted into a rack presence confirmation position.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 178 words

An automated library for handling a plurality of data storage units stored therein, the library comprising: a frame having mounted thereon a rack-accommodating surface upon which a rack is mountable, the rack accommodating a plurality of data storage units; a rack mount attachable to the rack-accommodating surface, the rack mount having the rack mounted thereon; at least one I/O drive for performing input/output operations with respect to a data storage unit inserted therein, the drive being mounted on the frame; a unit engagement device for engaging and transporting data storage units whereby data storage units are transportable between the drive and the rack; a sensor for determining when a rack is mounted to the rack-accommodating surface the sensor comprising a rack feeler member pivotally mounted to the rack mount, the rack feeler member having a first end and a second end, the first end extending through an aperture provided in the rack mount for contact with a rack engaged by the rack mount and for causing the second end to be pivoted into a rack presence confirmation position.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 31 words

The library of claim 12, further comprising a detector mounted on the frame for detecting when the second end of the rack feeler member is in the rack presence confirmation position.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2000-03-03	2000-09-02	2001-03-04	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2004-03-03	2004-09-02	2005-03-04	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2008-03-03	2008-09-02	2009-03-04	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Cartridge library and method of operation

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