Storage Technology Corporation

Other

Joseph Philip Falace

Clark M Janssen

Donald Wayne Selg

Joseph Paul Manes

David T Hoge

Wayne Richard Hemzacek

John Sam Todor

Daniel James Plutt

Donovan M Janssen

Adam Wayne Mehlberg

Robert S Creager

Donald B Wait

David C Black

Michael W Johnson

Jeffrey M Waynik

John S Todor, Jr

Scott D Wilson

Scott David Wilson

Larry Robert Hedding

Steven A Bendson

John David Miller

Randal Fird

David C Graves

A compact tape drive for reading and writing data on single reel magnetic tape cartridges. The compact tape drive has a tape threading mechanism that extracts the leader block from the magnetic tape cartridge and threads the leader block into a takeup reel that is located juxtaposed to the loaded magnetic tape cartridge. A separate magnetic tape wrap mechanism having a plurality of cooperatively operative tape wrap arms is also provided to position the magnetic tape around a set of tape guides and the read/write head. The magnetic tape wrap mechanism functions both to thread the magnetic around the takeup reel, spanning the space in front of the read/write head, and then to wrap the magnetic tape around the read/write head. In addition, the tape elevator, electronics and other standard tape drive assemblies are included in a predefined volume.

Compact tape drive for reading and writing data on single reel magnetic tape cartridges

The robotic docking apparatus for a cartridge library system having a cartridge Storage array provides a docking apparatus on the robotic arm that mates with corresponding features on the storage compartments. The docking apparatus enables the cartridge retrieval mechanism to automatically and precisely align with the storage compartment that contains the selected data cartridge by using passive alignment mechanisms and without requiring the use of a vision system or expensive tight mechanical tolerances. The robotic docking apparatus is incorporated into the robotic arm in the form of a docking feature that protrudes from the front of the cartridge retrieval mechanism. The docking feature is of length sufficient to begin engagement of the mating docking receptacle formed in each of the storage compartments in the storage array prior to the remainder of the cartridge retrieval mechanism contacting the data cartridge stored therein. The docking feature is tapered in shape, being narrower in width at the distal end thereof, so that as the reach mechanism of the robotic arm extends the cartridge retrieval mechanism toward the storage compartment the taper of the docking feature forces the cartridge retrieval mechanism into alignment with the docking receptacle.

Robotic docking apparatus for a cartridge library system having a cartridge storage array

The recent trend towards incorporating a higher density of data tracks on magnetic tape has necessitated more accurate mechanisms for positioning tape heads. A system for seeking tracks on a magnetic tape via a fine position adjustment system includes a carriage frame that holds a magnetic tape head. The magnetic tape head reads and writes magnetic tape as the tape passes in close proximity to the tape head. Flexures attach the carriage frame to the tape head permitting movement in a transverse direction normal to the direction of tape travel across the head while restricting movement of the tape head in a direction parallel to tape travel or in a direction normal to the tape surface. A drive mechanism moves the tape head in the transverse direction in response to a control signal. A linear tachometer provides a velocity signal based on the movement of the tape head in the transverse direction. Control logic receives a command to move the tape head in the transverse direction, generates a control signal to change the head position, and modifies the control signal to dampen tape head oscillations relative to the carriage frame based on the velocity signal.

Damped tape head

The present compact tape drive for reading and writing data on single reel magnetic tape cartridges that functions to implement the tape drive in a minimum predefined volume. The compact tape drive comprises a tape threading mechanism that extracts the leader block from the magnetic tape cartridge and threads the leader block into a takeup reel that is located juxtaposed to the loaded magnetic tape cartridge. The read/write head is located adjacent to the takeup reel and the loaded magnetic tape cartridge. A separate magnetic tape wrap mechanism comprising a plurality of cooperatively operative tape wrap arms is also provided to position the magnetic tape around a set of tape guides and the read/write head. The magnetic tape wrap mechanism functions both to thread the magnetic tape around the takeup reel, spanning the space in front of the read/write head, and then to wrap the magnetic tape around the read/write head. In addition, the tape elevator, electronics and other standard tape drive assemblies are included in the predefined volume, preferably comprising a 5&frac14; inch by 8 inch form factor.

Compact tape drive having delayed in time first, second and third rotated tape guides for reading and writing data on single reel magnetic tape cartridges

A coupling for driving a magnetic tape reel uses the interface between a flat surface on the coupling and datum pads on the reel to locate the reel. The coupling includes a drive ring with ring teeth located around a drive shaft. The ring teeth engage mating teeth on the tape reel. The coupling also includes a datum ring having an annular surface located about the drive shaft. The annular surface contacts datum pads on the tape reel to axially position the tape reel relative to the drive shaft.

Magnetic tape reel coupling

A mechanism and method for guiding a tape across a transducer, and a method for making the mechanism. The mechanism has one rolling guide on either side of the transducer. Each guide has a tapered surface and a flange at one end of the tapered surface. Each tapered surface biases one edge of the tape against a flange to fix the tape's position in the transverse direction on opposite sides of the transducer. The taper of the first and second guides are oriented in opposite directions.

Tapered rolling tape edge guide mechanism and methods

A method and apparatus is provided for auditing cartridges and empty cells in a storage library system including a plurality of cells for storing cartridges and further including a robotically actuated hand assembly. A line-scan camera is secured to the hand assembly, and a visible pattern is positioned within each cell such that the visible pattern is readable by the line-scan camera when the line-scan camera is moved to a position adjacent the particular cell if the cell is empty. The visible pattern is positioned such that the presence of a cartridge within the particular cell would prevent viewing of the visible pattern within the cell by the line-scan camera. The line-scan camera is operated in a manner to search for the visible pattern within each cell for auditing numbers of cartridges and empty cells in the storage library system.

Cell auditing scheme for storage library system

An apparatus for latching and ejecting cartridges from a cartridge tape drive in a storage library system includes a robotically actuated hand assembly. The apparatus comprises a pin extending from the hand assembly and a rotatable lever extending from the cartridge tape drive. The rotatable lever is pivotable between a first position in which the cartridge is locked in the tape drive and a second position in which the cartridge is ejected from the tape drive. The pin is operative to engage the rotatable lever for pivoting the lever between the first and second positions when the hand assembly is robotically actuated. A visible pattern is applied to the rotatable rod and offset from the axis of rotation of the rod such that the pattern appears to move into and out of alignment with the camera target as viewed by a line-scan camera when the rod rotates between the first and second positions. Accordingly, the status of the tape drive may be easily attained.

Apparatus for latching and ejecting cartridges from a cartridge tape

A pass thru port, for use in an automated cartridge library, is capable of transferring a cartridge from one module of the automated cartridge library to another module of the automated cartridge library without the use of motors or other powered devices. A rotating mechanism, operating under the force of gravity, engages the cartridge after the cartridge is released by the robot arm of the first module. The rotating mechanism turns the cartridge so it faces in the appropriate direction to be received by the second module. A pivoting tray in the second module engages the cartridge as the cartridge slides from the rotating mechanism to the second module. The pivoting tray positions the cartridge in the second module so that it may be retrieved by a robot arm in the second module. Multiple cartridges can be loaded into the pass thru port and removed one at a time from the second module with the next module automatically moving into position in the second module when the first cartridge is removed.

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Louisville, CO, United States of America

Joseph Philip Falace