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. 08, 2000
Filed:
Dec. 02, 1997
Kevin Keith Kartchner, Tucson, AZ (US);
Colleen Renee Stouffer, Tucson, AZ (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
A method and system are disclosed for providing a hard stop for a robot included within an automated tape cartridge loading/unloading system. The system includes a tape drive having a loader which includes a movable loader tray. The loader tray is moved by a loader motor included within the loader. A determination is made of an insertion of a tape cartridge by the robot into a front of the tape drive. This determination is made utilizing a sensor included within the tape drive. In response to the determination, the tray is continuously held against the front of the tape drive while the tape cartridge is being inserted into the drive by the robot, thus providing a hard stop for the robot once the tape cartridge is completely inserted into the tray.