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:
May. 10, 2011
Filed:
Sep. 29, 2003
Arthur J. Colvig, Tucson, AZ (US);
Brian G. Goodman, Tucson, AZ (US);
Ronald F. Hill, Jr., Tucson, AZ (US);
Timothy K. Pierce, Tucson, AZ (US);
Arthur J. Colvig, Tucson, AZ (US);
Brian G. Goodman, Tucson, AZ (US);
Ronald F. Hill, Jr., Tucson, AZ (US);
Timothy K. Pierce, Tucson, AZ (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
A method to provide redundant accessor availabilty in an automated data storage library. The method provides a data storage and retrieval system comprising one or more data storage devices a robot accessor and a gripper. Either at the same time or at a later time, the user obtains a second gripper and/or a second accessor. The method allows selection and/or authorization for additional support from the second gripper and/or the second accessor upon request and authorization. The redundant accessor capabilities are provided on an honor system for payment for the additional capability, and/or uses a system for tracking the redundant accessor usage, and/or uses license keys or other controls that must be obtained prior to enabling redundant accessor capabilities.