Input/output periscope station for libraries

Abstract

An Input/Output periscope station for automated storage and retrieval systems is disclosed. The periscoping I/O station provides a push down action after a cartridge is imported or exported and which can be used to automatically exchange cartridges with adjacent libraries. The periscoping I/O station includes a periscope arm, a first motor for moving the periscope arm along a first axis, a second motor for rotating the periscope arm about an axis of rotation, a cartridge supporter comprising a plurality of slots for holding a corresponding plurality of cartridges and a mounting fixture for mounting the periscope arm to a library. The system further includes LED sensors for monitoring when a cartridge is being inserted in or retrieved from the plurality of slots of the cartridge support, or when a cartridge is stuck. The first and second motors position the cartridge supporter for exchanging cartridges with robots such that cartridges may be exchanged with libraries that are mounted back-to-back and/or side-to-side. A guiding mechanism is provided for guiding the cartridge supporter when being lowered into the library.