Storage Technology Corporation

Stuart W Bray

Frank A Goodknight

Michael E Moy

Thomas J Studebaker

Paul Kummli

Kelly J Beavers

Richard G Sellke

Eugene Kutasy

Frederick G Munro

Raymond L Lucchesi

Timothy C Hughes

Steven F Nugent

James R Baer

Robert M Ariniello

Susan E Ariniello

John L Seabury

A storage and retrieval subsystem in a data processing system includes a plurality of magnetic tape cartridges, a host computer, and a library storage module storing the plurality of magnetic tape cartridges in substantially upright positions. The library storage module includes a first cylindrical array of storage cells centered about a vertical axis, a second cylindrical array concentrically arranged about the first array, and a library tape unit including a plurality of tape drives, each of the tape drives being adapted to receive one of the magnetic tape cartridges in a substantially horizontal transducing position. A robot within the library storage module is used to transfer selected ones of the magnetic tape cartridges between their substantially upright positions and the substantially horizontal transducing positions at a selected tape drive. A first controller outboard the channel communicating with the host computer is adapted to receive commands from the host computer for interfacing between the host computer and the library storage module, and a second controller inboard of the channel is adapted to receive commands from the outboard controller for interfacing between the outboard controller and the robot.

Automated cartridge system

A storage and retrieval subsystem in a data processing system includes a plurality or magnetic tape cartridges, a host computer, and a library storage module storing the plurality of magnetic tape cartridges in substantially upright positions. The library storage module includes a first cylindrical array of storage cells centered about a vertical axis, a second cylindrical array concentrically arranged about the first array, and a library tape unit including a plurality of tape drives, each of the tape drives being adapted to receive one of the magnetic tape cartridges in a substantially horizontal transducing position. A robot within the library storage module is used to transfer selected ones of the magnetic tape cartridges between their substantially upright positions and the substantially horizontal transducing positions at a selected tape drive. A first controller outboard the channel communicating with the host computer is adapted to receive commands from the host computer for interfacing between the host computer and the library storage module, and a second controller inboard of the channel is adapted to receive commands from the outboard controller for interfacing between the outboard controller and the robot.

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for properly positioning the machine reel in a magnetic tape drive containing an automatic tape threading mechanism, wherein the file reel consists of a tape cartridge with tape attached to a leader block. The automatic threading mechanism connects to the leader block and pulls the tape through the tape path to insert the leader block into the hub of the machine reel. However, before the leader block can be inserted into the machine reel hub, the machine reel must be properly aligned to receive the leader block. The present invention provides apparatus and methods for properly aligning the machine reel to receive the tape leader block. The disclosure also provides a means to detect when the last wrap of tape is being removed from the machine reel hub during an unload operation and stop the machine reel at the proper angular location so that the tape leader block can be removed from the hub without damage to the hub or the leader block.

Tape reel position sensor

Combined magnetic tape cleaner and rewind foot for cleaning foreign material from the oxide side of the tape during read/write operation and for lifting the tape away from the read/write head during rapid rewind. In the read/write mode, the cleaning screen located on the bottom side of the cleaning head loosen the foreign matter on the tape. This foreign matter is suctioned off and lifted from the tape through the holes in the screen, by means of negative pressure applied to the tape through a cavity in the cleaning head. In the rewind mode, the rewind foot, which is deposed around the cleaning head is rotated down into the tape path, lifting the tape off the cleaning head and away from the read/write head. The bearing surface of the rewind foot has a radial curve such that the rewind movement of the tape creates hydrodynamic pressure which lifts the tape off of the rewind foot. After rewind is complete, the rewind foot is rotated out of the tape path and the tape allowed to reengage the cleaning head and read/write head.

Combined rewind foot/tape cleaner

Growing community of inventors

Louisville, CO, United States of America

Stuart W Bray