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:
Apr. 10, 2001
Filed:
Aug. 24, 1999
Scott D. Wilson, Westminster, CO (US);
Storage Technology Corporation, Louisville, CO (US);
Abstract
A tape storage library apparatus includes a gripper for handling tape cartridges and an integrated camera, proximity sensor, and reach safe sensor operable with a common light source for performing multiple tape cartridge sensing functions. The camera reads the labels of tape cartridges stored in slots of a storage library. The proximity sensor senses the presence and absence of tape cartridges in the slots. The proximity sensor also distinguishes between labeled and unlabeled tape cartridges stored in the slots. The reach safe sensor senses the presence of obstructions in the path of movement of the gripper. The proximity sensor further calibrates the position of the gripper in the storage library. A processor operable with the reach safe sensor calibrates the optical source to ensure proper tape cartridge sensing functions.