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:
Aug. 26, 1997
Filed:
Apr. 28, 1995
Robert John Schaefer, Boulder, CO (US);
Stephen Ward Graeber, Louisville, CO (US);
Paul Thomas Currin, Boulder, CO (US);
Breece Hill Technologies, Inc., Boulder, CO (US);
Abstract
A method and associated apparatus within a storage library subsystem for utilizing a single light source in combination with a single reflectivity sensor for multiple functions within the storage library subsystem. A laser light source and reflectivity sensor are mounted adjacent one another on the moveable robotic gripper hand internal to the storage library subsystem. The multiple sensing methods and apparatus of the present invention include use of the apparatus for calibrating the robotic positioning mechanisms to permit more tolerance for manufacturing variability, use of the apparatus to sense presence or absence of a magazine or cartridge within the library, and use of the apparatus for reading and decoding barcoded labels on the face of cartridges within the library. Use of a single, simple apparatus for these multiple purposes and functions permit reduction in the complexity of the library subsystem and therefore a reduction in the associated costs.