The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 29, 1997
Filed:
Sep. 29, 1995
Francisco Antonio Baca, Tucson, AZ (US);
Chi-Hung Dang, Tucson, AZ (US);
Jerry Walter Hammar, Tucson, AZ (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides a retainer system of an automated storage and retrieval system, or library, which prevents information storage elements, or cartridges, from escaping from their respective storage cells when the entire library is transported from one location to another. The retainer system comprises a retractable cable, a null, or dummy, cartridge, and an array of storage cells. One end of the retractable cable is attached to the null cartridge and the other end of the cable is affixed to one end of the array of storage cells. Initially, the null cartridge is positioned in a storage cell located adjacent to the end of the storage array where the cable is affixed. When all the information storage elements are placed inside their respective storage cells within the array, the null cartridge is moved from its original position to a storage cell at the opposite end of the storage array. As the null cartridge is moved, the cable is extended across the front opening of all the intermediate storage cells between the initial storage cell adjacent to the affixed end of the cable and the final storage cell at the opposite end of the storage array. Extending the cable across the front opening of the storage cell holds the information storage element within the storage cell and prevents its escape during the transportation of the library.