US20040133902A1 - Apparatus for translating a cartridge access device - Google Patents
Apparatus for translating a cartridge access device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040133902A1 US20040133902A1 US10/738,429 US73842903A US2004133902A1 US 20040133902 A1 US20040133902 A1 US 20040133902A1 US 73842903 A US73842903 A US 73842903A US 2004133902 A1 US2004133902 A1 US 2004133902A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- gear rack
- elongate
- elongate gear
- access device
- cartridge access
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
- G11B33/12—Disposition of constructional parts in the apparatus, e.g. of power supply, of modules
- G11B33/125—Disposition of constructional parts in the apparatus, e.g. of power supply, of modules the apparatus comprising a plurality of recording/reproducing devices, e.g. modular arrangements, arrays of disc drives
- G11B33/127—Mounting arrangements of constructional parts onto a chassis
- G11B33/128—Mounting arrangements of constructional parts onto a chassis of the plurality of recording/reproducing devices, e.g. disk drives, onto a chassis
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B15/00—Driving, starting or stopping record carriers of filamentary or web form; Driving both such record carriers and heads; Guiding such record carriers or containers therefor; Control thereof; Control of operating function
- G11B15/675—Guiding containers, e.g. loading, ejecting cassettes
- G11B15/68—Automatic cassette changing arrangements; automatic tape changing arrangements
- G11B15/682—Automatic cassette changing arrangements; automatic tape changing arrangements with fixed magazines having fixed cassette storage cells, e.g. in racks
- G11B15/6835—Automatic cassette changing arrangements; automatic tape changing arrangements with fixed magazines having fixed cassette storage cells, e.g. in racks the cassettes being transferred to a fixed recorder or player using a moving carriage
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B17/00—Guiding record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor
- G11B17/22—Guiding record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor from random access magazine of disc records
- G11B17/225—Guiding record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor from random access magazine of disc records wherein the disks are transferred from a fixed magazine to a fixed playing unit using a moving carriage
Abstract
Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device along a displacement path may comprise a first elongate gear rack aligned along the displacement path and a second elongate gear rack positioned in spaced-apart relation to the first elongate gear rack so that the second elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement path. A first drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device engages the first elongate gear rack. A second drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device engages the second elongate gear rack. A pinion drive apparatus operatively associated with the first and second drive pinions rotates the first and second drive pinions to move the cartridge access device along the first and second elongate gear racks.
Description
- This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/371,708, filed Aug. 9, 1999, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/337,802, filed Jun. 22, 1999, which are incorporated herein by reference for all that they disclose.
- This invention relates generally to systems for handling and storing data cartridges, such as optical disk or magnetic tape cartridges, and more specifically to positioning systems for moving cartridge access devices along arrays of data cartridges.
- Many different types of data storage and handling systems exist and are being used to store data cartridges at known locations and to retrieve a desired cartridge so that data may be written to or read from the data cartridge. Such data storage and handling systems are often referred to as “juke box” data storage systems, particularly if they can accommodate a large number of individual data cartridges.
- While the data cartridges may be arranged within the data storage system in any of a wide variety of configurations, many juke box data storage systems are designed so that the data cartridges are stored in one or more horizontal rows or arrays. If so, the data storage system is usually provided with a positioning apparatus for moving a cartridge access device along the array of cartridges so that the cartridge access device can access selected data cartridges stored in the array. Depending on the particular system, the cartridge access device may comprise a cartridge engaging assembly or “picker” which may be adapted to engage the selected data cartridge, withdraw it from its storage location, and carry it to a cartridge read/write device located elsewhere within the data storage system. The read/write device may then be used to read data from or write data two the cartridge. Once the read/write operation is complete, the cartridge engaging assembly or picker may withdraw the data cartridge from the read/write device and return it to the appropriate location within the cartridge storage array. In another type of system, the cartridge access device may comprise the read/write device itself, in which case the data cartridge may be read from or written to without the need to carry the data cartridge to a separate read/write device.
- Regardless of the particular type of cartridge access device that is utilized by the data storage system, the positioning system used to move the cartridge access device along the cartridge storage array must be capable of moving the cartridge access device along the cartridges stored in the array so that the desired data cartridge may be accessed. One type of positioning system, often referred to as a “lead-screw” system, mounts the cartridge access device on a lead-screw which, when turned, moves the cartridge access device back and forth along the array of cartridges. While such lead-screw positioning systems are being used, they are not without their problems. For example, in such a system the cartridge access device may be cantilevered on the lead-screw which may result in excessive transverse or rotational movement of the cartridge access device. Such excessive movement reduces positional accuracy and may make it difficult for the cartridge access device to reliably engage the desired data cartridge on a repeated basis.
- Partly in an effort to solve the foregoing problems, positioning systems have been developed which utilize separate guide rails or tracks to guide the cartridge access device along the array of cartridges. The cartridge access device is mounted to the separate guide rails or tracks and the lead-screw is then used only to move the cartridge access device to the desired location. Alternatively, a wire-rope (i.e., cable) drive system may be used to move the cartridge access device. While such systems generally provide for increased positional accuracy of a simple cantilevered type of lead-screw arrangement, they are still not without their disadvantages. For example, the guide rail or track assemblies usually comprise machined components finished to a high degree of precision, which adds to the overall cost of the data storage system. Moreover, the guide rail or track assemblies are often difficult to align and may become mis-aligned during subsequent shipping or movement of the data storage system. If the mis-alignment is substantial, it may be necessary to re-align and re-calibrate the positioning system before the data storage system can be placed in operation.
- Consequently, a need remains for a positioning system for moving a cartridge access device along an array of cartridges that provide increased positional accuracy to reduce errors due to mis-alignment of the cartridge access device. Such increased positional accuracy should be achieved with a minimum number of components to maximize reliability and reduce cost, yet not require the use of expensive, precision-machined components and guide rails. Additional advantages could be realized by reducing the amount of time required to align and calibrate the assembly during production and by reducing the likelihood of subsequent mis-alignment due to shipping or rough handling. Ideally, the positioning system should require little space, thereby allowing for a reduction in the overall size of the data storage system or allowing for an increased number of data cartridges to be stored within the system.
- Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device along a displacement path may comprise a first elongate gear rack aligned along the displacement path and a second elongate gear rack positioned in spaced-apart relation to the first elongate gear rack so that the second elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement path. A first drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device engages the first elongate gear rack. A second drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device engages the second elongate gear rack. A pinion drive apparatus operatively associated with the first and second drive pinions rotates the first and second drive pinions to move the cartridge access device along the first and second elongate gear racks.
- Illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawing in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the translation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention as it may be used in a jukebox data storage system;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the translation apparatus according to the present invention;
- FIG. 3 is a side view in elevation of the translation apparatus; and
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an expanded translation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention as it may be used in an expanded jukebox data storage system.
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Translation apparatus 10 for moving acartridge access device 12 along adisplacement path 14 is shown in FIG. 1 as it could be used in a “jukebox”data storage system 16 of the type commonly used to store and access data (not shown) contained on a plurality ofdata storage cartridges 18. In the embodiment shown and described herein, thetranslation apparatus 10 may comprise a first or lowerelongate gear rack 20 positioned so that it is generally aligned with thedisplacement path 14. A second or upperelongate gear rack 22 is positioned in generally spaced-apart relation to the first or lowerelongate gear rack 20 so that the second or upperelongate gear rack 22 also extends generally along thedisplacement path 14. A first orlower drive pinion 24 mounted to thecartridge access device 12 is sized and positioned to engage theteeth 26 provided on the first orlower gear rack 20, as best seen in FIG. 2. A second orupper drive pinion 28 may also be mounted to thecartridge access device 12 so that the second orupper drive pinion 28 engages theteeth 30 provided on the second orupper gear rack 22. Apinion drive apparatus 32 operatively associated with the lower andupper drive pinions drive pinions drive pinion axis 34, thereby moving thecartridge access device 12 along thedisplacement path 14. - Optionally, and as will be described below, the
translation apparatus 10 may be provided with third and fourthelongate gear racks elongate gear racks cartridge access device 12 may also be provided with third andfourth drive pinions teeth respective gear racks - Besides allowing the
cartridge access device 12 to be moved back and fourth along thedisplacement path 14, certain of the various elongate gear racks (e.g., 20, 22, 36 and 38) guide and support thecartridge access device 12 to allow the same to be accurately positioned adjacent the selected cartridge receiving device (e.g., a cartridge read/writedevice 48 or acartridge storage array 72, as the case may be). With reference now primarily to FIG. 3, the lower and upperelongate gear racks portions cartridge access device 12 may be provided with first and second bearingmembers portions members second guide members cartridge access device 12 in the transverse orlateral direction 58 while at the same time allowing thecartridge access device 12 to move back and forth freely along thedisplacement path 14. - The
cartridge access device 12 may also be provided with a pair of rollers orwheels wheels cartridge access device 12 in thevertical direction 64. - The
translation apparatus 10 may be operated as follows to move thecartridge access device 12 back and forth along thedisplacement path 14 to position thecartridge access device 12 adjacent the appropriate cartridge receiving device location (e.g., the cartridge read/writedevice 48 or the cartridge storage array 72), that may be provided in thedata storage system 16. With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, consider, for example, a hypothetical situation wherein it is desired to move thecartridge access device 12 from an initial orfirst position 66 adjacent a cartridge storage location provided in thecartridge storage array 72 to asecond position 66′ adjacent the cartridge read/writedevice 46. As a first step in the process, a pinion driveapparatus control system 68 associated with thepinion drive apparatus 32 would actuate thepinion drive 32 to rotate the drive pinions (e.g., 24, 28, 40 and 42) in the appropriate directions to move thecartridge access device 12 along thedisplacement path 14 in the proper direction, i.e., toward thenew position 66′. As it is moved or displaced, thecartridge access device 12 is guided along thedisplacement path 14 by theelongate guide members guide members cartridge access device 12 in the transverse or lateral direction 58 (FIG. 2). The two wheels orrollers cartridge access device 12 in thevertical direction 64. Once thecartridge access device 12 reaches thesecond position 66′ adjacent the cartridge read/writedevice 48, thecontrol system 68 will deactivate thepinion drive apparatus 32, thereby stopping the motion of thecartridge access device 12. - A significant advantage of the
translation apparatus 10 according to the present invention is that is provides a simple and convenient way to move thecartridge access device 12 in a lateral direction (i.e., along the displacement path 14). Since the lateral and vertical guidance is provided by the elongate gear racks (e.g., 20 and 22), they are the only components that need be carefully aligned to provide the proper alignment and positional accuracy to thecartridge access device 12. Indeed, and as will be described in greater detail below, the third and fourthelongate gear racks lateral direction 58, since the lateral positioning of thecartridge access device 12 is provided by theguide member portions elongate gear racks elongate gear racks lateral direction 58 simplifies assembly and allows a considerable “loosening” of the positional tolerances associated with the third and fourthelongate gear racks lateral direction 58 also reduces the likelihood that the third and fourth drive pinions 40 and 42 will bind on the respective third and fourth gear racks 36 and 38 as thecartridge access device 12 is moved or translated along thedisplacement path 14. - Another advantage of the
translation apparatus 10 is that the various elongate gear racks (e.g., 20, 22, 26, and 38) may be fabricated from sheet metal, thereby dispensing with the need to fabricate these components from more expensive materials or according to more expensive (e.g., machining) processes. - Still yet another advantage of the
translation apparatus 10 is that it is readily expandable in the direction of thedisplacement path 14. For example, and as will be discussed in greater detail below, thedisplacement path 14 may be extended in length by simply positioning additional elongate gear racks adjacent the ends of theelongate gear racks translation apparatus 10 according to the present invention. - Having briefly described the
translation apparatus 10 according to the present invention, as well as some of its more significant features and advantages, the various preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail. However, before proceeding with the detailed description, it should be noted that while thetranslation apparatus 10 is shown and described herein as it could be used to move or translate acartridge access device 12 associated with a jukeboxdata storage system 16, it also could be used in any of a wide range of other devices and in any of a wide range of applications wherein it is required to move objects devices between two or more defined horizontal positions. Consequently, the present invention should not be regarded as limited to the particular application shown and described herein. - With the foregoing considerations in mind, one embodiment of the
translation apparatus 10 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 as it could be used to move acartridge access device 12 back and forth along adisplacement path 14 contained within a jukeboxdata storage system 16. The jukeboxdata storage system 16 may comprise a housing orchassis assembly 70 for housing the various components of thetranslation apparatus 10, as well as acartridge access device 12, one or morecartridge storage arrays 72, and one ormore data cartridges 18. Thechassis assembly 70 may also house various ancillary devices, such as one or more cartridge read/writedevices 48, apower supply system 76, as well as an electronic control and data processing system (not shown) of the type commonly associated with jukebox data storage systems. - In the embodiment shown and described herein, the
cartridge access device 12 may comprise a cartridge engaging assembly or “picker” (not shown) suitable for loading and retrieving thedata cartridges 18 to and from the particular cartridge receiving device (e.g., the cartridge read/write device 48 or the cartridge storage arrays 72) in which thedata cartridge 18 may be held. Examples of cartridge engaging assemblies or “pickers” suitable for use in the present invention are disclosed in the following U.S. patents which are specifically incorporated by reference herein for all that they disclose: U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,232 entitled “Optical Disk Handling Apparatus with Flip Latch;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,536 entitled “Cartridge Handling System;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,255 entitled “Optical Disk Cartridge Handling Apparatus with Passive Cartridge Engagement Assembly;” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,043,962 entitled “Cartridge Handling System.” Alternatively, any of a wide range of other types of cartridge engaging assemblies or pickers that are now known or that may be developed in the future may be used in the present invention. In any event, since such cartridge engaging assemblies or “pickers” are well-known in the art and are not necessary in understanding the present invention, the particular cartridge engaging assembly or “picker” that is utilized in one preferred embodiment of the invention will not be described in further detail. - Regardless of the particular type of style of cartridge engaging assembly or “picker” that is utilized in the
cartridge access device 12, thecartridge access device 12 may be mounted to at least twoelongate gear racks elongate gear rack 20 may comprise a lower gear rack and may be mounted to thechassis 70 so that it is generally aligned along thedisplacement path 14. The first or lowerelongate gear rack 20 may be provided with a plurality ofteeth 26 sized to operatively engagesimilar teeth 27 provided on thelower drive pinion 24. See FIG. 2. The first or lowerelongate gear rack 20 also may be provided with anelongate guide member 50 which, in one preferred embodiment, may take the form of a turned-up edge of theelongate gear rack 20, as is also best seen in FIG. 2. Accordingly, the elongate guide member orportion 50 of the first or lowerelongate gear rack 20 may comprise first and second opposed bearingsurfaces - The first or lower
elongate gear rack 20 may be mounted to the lower portion ofchassis 70 of jukeboxdata storage system 16 by any of a wide range of fastening systems and devices that are well-known in the art. By way of example, in one preferred embodiment, the lowerelongate gear rack 20 may be mounted to thechassis 70 by one or more screws (not shown) that extend through one ormore holes 82 provided in thegear rack 20. See FIG. 2. Depending on the particular installation, it may be necessary or desirable to position one or more spacers 84 (FIG. 3) between thegear rack 20 and thechassis 70 to ensure adequate clearance between thelower drive pinion 24 and thechassis 70. - The second or upper
elongate gear rack 22 is similar to the first orlower gear rack 20 and may be mounted to the upper portion ofchassis 70 so that it also extends along thedisplacement path 14. See FIG. 3. The second or upperelongate gear rack 22 may also be provided with a plurality ofteeth 30 sized to engagesimilar teeth 31 provided onupper drive pinion 28. The upperelongate gear rack 22 may also be provided with an elongate guide member orportion 52 having opposed bearing surfaces 86 and 88, as best seen in FIG. 3. In the embodiment shown and described herein, the second elongateguide member portion 52 may comprise a down-turned edge portion of theupper gear rack 22. Theupper gear rack 22 may be mounted to the upper portion ofchassis 70 of the jukeboxdata storage system 16 by one or more screws (not shown) that extend through one ormore holes 82 provided onupper gear rack 22. Alternatively, other types of fastening devices or systems may be used, as would be obvious to persons having ordinary skill in the art after having become familiar with the teachings of the present invention. If necessary to provide clearance for theupper drive pinion 28, theupper gear rack 22 may be spaced apart from the upper portion ofchassis 70 by one ormore spacers 84 in the manner best seen in FIG. 3. - The first or lower and second or upper
elongate gear racks guide member portions - It is generally preferred, but not required, to provide the
translation apparatus 10 with third and fourthelongate gear racks displacement path 14 by virtue of providing additional drive surfaces (i.e., gear racks) for moving therear end 90 ofcartridge access device 16. - With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the third or lower
elongate gear rack 36 may be mounted to the lower portion ofchassis 70 ofdata storage system 16 so that it also extends generally along thedisplacement path 14. The thirdelongate gear rack 36 may be provided with a plurality ofgear teeth 44 sized to operatively engageteeth 45 provided onlower pinion 40. The thirdelongate gear rack 36 may be provided with an up-turnededge 92 to provide additional strength and rigidity to thegear rack 40, although such an up-turnededge 92 is not required. - The third
elongate gear rack 36 should be mounted to thechassis 70 so that it is constrained in thevertical direction 64 as well as along thedisplacement path 14, but not in the transverse orlateral direction 58. Such a mounting arrangement may be accomplished by providing thethird gear rack 36 with one or more elongate mounting holes orslots 94 through which a corresponding screw (not shown) or other such device may be inserted to secure thegear rack 36 to thechassis 70. The elongate mounting holes orslots 94 allow thegear rack 36 to move or “float” in thelateral direction 58, while at the same time preventing thegear rack 36 from moving in either thevertical direction 64 or horizontally along thedisplacement path 14. As was the case for the first twogear racks spacer 84 between the thirdelongate gear rack 36 and thechassis 70 to provide sufficient clearance for thethird drive pinion 40. - The fourth
elongate gear rack 38 may comprise a generally elongate member mounted to the upper portion ofchassis 70 so that it also extends generally along thedisplacement path 14. Theupper gear rack 38 may be provided with a plurality ofgear teeth 46 sized to operatively engageteeth 47 provided onupper drive pinion 42. It is generally preferred, but not required, that the fourthelongate gear rack 38 be provided with a down-turnededge 96 to provide additional strength and rigidity to thefourth gear rack 38. - As was the case for the third
elongate gear rack 36, the fourthelongate gear rack 38 should be mounted to the upper portion ofchassis 70 so that it is free to move or “float” in thelateral direction 58. Such a mounting arrangement may be accomplished by providing thefourth gear rack 38 with one or more elongate mounting holes orslots 94 through which a corresponding screw (not shown) or other such device may be inserted to secure thegear rack 38 to thechassis 70. The elongate mounting holes orslots 94 allow thegear rack 38 to move or “float” in thelateral direction 58, while at the same time preventing thegear rack 38 from moving in either thevertical direction 64 or horizontally along thedisplacement path 14. Finally, it may be necessary or desirable to place aspacer 84 between the fourthelongate gear rack 38 and thechassis 70 to provide sufficient clearance for thefourth drive pinion 42. - The third and fourth
elongate gear racks - As was briefly described above, the
cartridge access device 12 is caused to move along thedisplacement path 14 by the engagement of various drive pinions with the elongate gear racks. More specifically, thecartridge access device 12 may be provided with a first orlower pinion gear 24 mounted so that theteeth 27 provided thereon engage theteeth 26 provided on the first orlower gear rack 20. Similarly, a second orupper drive pinion 28 may be mounted to thecartridge access device 12 so that theteeth 31 provided on thesecond pinion gear 28 engage theteeth 30 provided on theupper gear rack 22. While any of a wide variety of configurations may be used to so mount the first and second drive pinions 24 and 28, in one preferred embodiment, both the lower and upper drive pinions 24 and 28 are mounted to opposite ends of apinion shaft 98 that is journalled for rotation in a pair of bearing blocks 11 and 13 provided on thecartridge access device 12 so that thepinion shaft 98 is free to rotate aboutpinion axis 34. - If the
translation apparatus 10 is provided with third and fourthelongate gear racks cartridge access device 12 may be provided with third and fourth drive pinions 40 and 42 in the manner best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. More specifically, the third orlower drive pinion 40 should be mounted to thecartridge access device 12 so that theteeth 45 provided onlower drive pinion 40 engage theteeth 44 provided on the thirdelongate gear rack 36. The fourth orupper drive pinion 42 may be mounted so that itsteeth 47 engage theteeth 46 provided on the fourthelongate gear rack 38. In the embodiment shown and described herein, the third and fourth drive pinions 40 and 42 are mounted to opposite ends of asecond pinion shaft 99 that is journalled for rotation in a pair of bearing blocks 15 and 17 provided on thecartridge access device 12 so that thesecond pinion shaft 99 is free to rotate about asecond pinion axis 35. - The
pinion drive apparatus 32 may also be mounted to thecartridge access device 12 and may comprise amotor 19 for rotating the various drive pinions 24, 28, 40, and 42 in the appropriate directions to cause thecartridge access device 12 to be moved back and forth along thedisplacement path 14. Any of a wide range of drive systems taking on any of a wide range of configurations may be used to connect themotor 19 to the drive pinions 24, 24, 40, and 42. However, by way of example, in one preferred embodiment, themotor 19 may rotate thesecond pinion shaft 99 via a worm drive arrangement wherein aworm 21 mounted to the motor shaft (not shown) engages aworm gear 23 mounted to thesecond pinion shaft 99. Thefirst pinion shaft 98 may be operatively connected to thesecond pinion shaft 99 by atoothed drive belt 25, although other devices may be used. Thetoothed drive belt 25 allows bothpinion shafts - The
pinion drive apparatus 32 may be provided with a rotation sensing system, such as an optical encoder system (not shown), for providing the control system 68 (FIG. 1) with data indicative of the position of thecartridge access device 12 along thedisplacement path 14. However, since such position sensing systems are well-known in the art and could be easily provided by persons having ordinary skill in the art after having become familiar with the teachings of the present invention, the particular position sensing system utilized in one preferred embodiment of the invention will not be discussed in further detail herein. - As wad briefly mentioned above, the
pinion drive apparatus 32 may also comprise acontrol system 68 for actuating themotor 19. Thecontrol system 68 may also be responsive to position data signals produced by the position sensing system (not shown) so as to operate themotor 19 in the appropriate rotational direction and for the appropriate period of time to move thecartridge access device 12 to the desired location. However, since such control systems are well-known in the art and could be readily provided by persons having ordinary skill in the art after having become familiar with the present invention, theparticular control system 68 that may be utilized in one preferred embodiment of the present invention will not be described in further detail herein. - With reference now primarily to FIG. 3, the
cartridge access device 12 is guided primarily by the first and secondelongate gear racks cartridge access device 12 may be provided with a first or lowerU-shaped bearing member 54 sized to slidably engage the opposed surfaces 78 and 80 (FIG. 2) of the elongate guide member orportion 50 provided on the firstelongate gear rack 20. Thecartridge access device 12 may also be provided with a second or upper U-shaped bearingmember 56 sized to slidably engage the opposed surfaces 86 and 88 of the elongate guide member orportion 52 provided on theupper gear rack 22. The engagement of the lower and upperU-shaped bearing members guide member portions cartridge access device 12 in the transverse orlateral direction 58, yet allows thecartridge access device 12 to move freely along thedisplacement path 14. - The
U-shaped bearing members portions elongate gear racks U-shaped bearing members - It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the sliding
type bearings portions - Still referring to FIG. 3, vertical support for the
cartridge access device 12 may be provided by a pair of rollers orwheels cartridge access device 12. More specifically, thefirst roller 60 may be positioned so that it rolls along thefirst gear rack 20. Similarly, thesecond roller 62 may be positioned so that it rolls along thethird gear rack 36, if one is provided. Alternatively, thesecond roller 62 could be positioned so that it rolls directly on the lower portion ofchassis 70 of the jukeboxdata storage system 16. In an alternative arrangement, thewheels - The combination of the
U-shaped bearings wheels cartridge access device 12 allowing it to be easily moved back and forth along thedisplacement path 14, while at the same time providing accurate positioning along the transverse orlateral direction 58 as well as thevertical direction 64. Since the lateral positioning is provided by the engagement of theU-shaped bearings guide members gear racks data storage system 16. Indeed, it is preferred that the third and fourthelongate gear racks lateral direction 58 to reduce or eliminate the chances for binding to occur between the drive pinions 40 and 42 and their respective gear racks 36 and 38. - As was briefly described above, the
translation apparatus 10 may be easily expanded to provide adisplacement path 14 having an increased length. For example, with reference now to FIG. 4, asecond embodiment 110 of the translation apparatus may be utilized in an expanded jukeboxdata storage system 116. More specifically, the expanded jukeboxdata storage system 116 may comprise as itsright half 155 the jukeboxdata storage system 16 shown in FIG. 1. Theleft half 157 may comprise an expansion module having one or more additionalcartridge storage arrays 172′ for storingadditional data cartridges 118. Theexpansion module 157 may also be provided with an additional cartridge read/write device 148′, although one is not required. Thecartridge access device 112 may be moved back and forth along an extendeddisplacement path 114 to allow thecartridge access device 112 to access thedata cartridges 118 contained in the additionalcartridge storage array 172′ and the cartridge read/write device 148′. - The ability to move the
cartridge access device 112 along the extendeddisplacement path 114 may be accomplished by adding additional gear rack assemblies (e.g., 122′, 136′ and 138′) adjacent the existinggear rack assemblies hand side module 155. Accordingly, thecartridge access device 112 may be easily moved to new positions in theexpansion module 157 as the various drive pinions will continue along theadditional gear racks 122′, 136′, and 138′. - It is contemplated that the inventive concepts herein described may be variously otherwise embodied and it is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior art.
Claims (26)
1. Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device along a displacement path, comprising:
a first elongate gear rack aligned along the displacement path, said first elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end;
a first elongate guide member formed as a single unit with said first elongate gear rack and extending along the displacement path substantially between the first and second ends of said first elongate gear rack;
a first bearing mounted to the cartridge access device, said first bearing engaging said first elongate guide member;
a second elongate gear rack aligned along the displacement path and positioned in spaced-apart relation to said first elongate gear rack, said second elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end;
a first drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device, said first drive pinion engaging said first elongate gear rack;
a second drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device, said second drive pinion engaging said second elongate gear rack; and
pinion drive apparatus operatively associated with said first and second drive pinions, said pinion drive apparatus rotating said first and second drive pinions to move the cartridge access device between the first and second ends of said first and second elongate gear racks.
2. The translation apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said first elongate guide member comprises first and second opposed bearing surfaces and wherein said first bearing mounted to the cartridge access device slidably engages the first and second opposed bearing surfaces of said first elongate guide member.
3. The translation apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said second elongate gear rack includes a second elongate guide member that extends along the displacement path substantially between the first and second ends of said second elongate gear rack and wherein said translation apparatus further comprises a second bearing mounted to the cartridge access device, said second bearing engaging said second elongate guide member.
4. The translation apparatus of claim 3 , wherein said second elongate guide member comprises first and second opposed bearing surfaces and wherein said second bearing mounted to the cartridge access device slidably engages the first and second opposed bearing surfaces of said second elongate guide member.
5. The translation apparatus of claim 4 , further comprising a third bearing mounted to the cartridge access device, said third bearing contacting said first elongate gear rack and allowing the cartridge access device to move along the displacement path.
6. The translation apparatus of claim 5 , wherein said third bearing comprises a wheel.
7. Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device along a displacement path, further comprising:
a first elongate gear rack aligned along the displacement path, said first elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end;
a second elongate gear rack aligned along the displacement path and positioned in spaced-apart relation to said first elongate gear rack, said second elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end;
a third elongate gear rack positioned in generally parallel, spaced-apart relation to said first elongate gear rack;
a fourth elongate gear rack positioned in generally parallel, spaced-apart relation to said second elongate gear rack so that said first, second, third, and fourth elongate gear racks define a generally rectangular, parallelopiped configuration with said first and third elongate gear racks defining a bottom side of the generally rectangular, parallelopiped configuration and said second and fourth elongate gear racks defining a top side of the generally rectangular, parallelopiped configuration;
a first drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device, said first drive pinion engaging said first elongate gear rack;
a second drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device, said second drive pinion engaging said second elongate gear rack; and
pinion drive apparatus operatively associated with said first and second drive pinions, said pinion drive apparatus rotating said first and second drive pinions to move the cartridge access device between the first and second ends of said first and second elongate gear racks.
8. The translation apparatus of claim 7 , further comprising:
a third drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device and operatively associated with said pinion drive apparatus, said third drive pinion engaging said third elongate gear rack; and
a fourth drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device and operatively associated with said pinion drive apparatus, said fourth drive pinion engaging said fourth elongate gear rack.
9. The translation apparatus of claim 8 , further comprising:
a fifth elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end, the first end of said fifth elongate gear rack being mounted adjacent the second end of said first elongate gear rack so that said fifth elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement path; and
a sixth elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end, the first end of said sixth elongate gear rack being mounted adjacent the second end of said second elongate gear rack so that said sixth elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement path.
10. The translation apparatus of claim 9 , further comprising:
a seventh elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end, the first end of said seventh elongate gear rack being mounted adjacent the second end of said third elongate gear rack so that said seventh elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement path; and
an eighth elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end, the first end of said eighth elongate gear rack being mounted adjacent the second end of said fourth elongate gear rack so that said eighth elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement path.
11. The translation apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said pinion drive apparatus comprises:
a motor having a shaft;
a worm attached to the shaft of said motor; and
a worm gear operatively connected to said first and second drive pinions, said worm gear mounted to engage said worm mounted to the shaft of said motor.
12. Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device along a displacement path, comprising:
a first elongate gear rack aligned along said displacement path, said first elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end;
a first elongate guide member formed as a single unit with said first elongate gear rack so that said first elongate guide member extends along the displacement path;
a second elongate guide member extending along the displacement path and positioned in spaced-apart relation to said first elongate guide member;
a first drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device, said first drive pinion engaging said first elongate gear rack;
a first bearing mounted to the cartridge access device, said first bearing engaging said first elongate guide member;
a second bearing mounted to the cartridge access device, said second bearing engaging said second elongate guide member; and
pinion drive apparatus operatively associated with said first drive pinion, said pinion drive apparatus rotating said first drive pinion to move the cartridge access device along the displacement path.
13. The translation apparatus of claim 12 , further comprising:
a second elongate gear rack aligned along said displacement path and positioned in spaced-apart relation to said first elongate gear rack; and
a second drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device, said second drive pinion engaging said second elongate gear rack.
14. The translation apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said second elongate guide member comprises an integral portion of said second elongate gear rack.
15. The translation apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said first elongate guide member comprises first and second opposed bearing surfaces and wherein said first bearing mounted to the cartridge access device slidably engages the first and second opposed bearing surfaces of said first elongate guide member.
16. The translation apparatus of claim 15 , wherein said second elongate guide member comprises first and second opposed bearing surfaces and wherein said second bearing mounted to the cartridge access device slidably engages the first and second opposed bearing surfaces of said second elongate guide member.
17. The translation apparatus of claim 16 , further comprising a third bearing mounted to the cartridge access device, said third bearing contacting said first elongate gear rack and allowing the cartridge access device to move along the displacement path.
18. The translation apparatus of claim 17 , wherein said third bearing comprises a wheel.
19. The translation apparatus of claim 17 , further comprising:
a third elongate gear rack positioned in generally parallel, spaced-apart relation to said first elongate gear rack; and
a fourth elongate gear rack positioned in generally parallel, spaced-apart relation to said second elongate gear rack so that said first, second, third, and fourth elongate gear racks define a generally rectangular, parallelopiped configuration with said first and third elongate gear racks defining a bottom side of the generally rectangular, parallelopiped configuration and said second and fourth elongate gear racks defining a top side of the generally rectangular, parallelopiped configuration.
20. The translation apparatus of claim 19 , further comprising:
a third drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device and operatively associated with said pinion drive apparatus, said third drive pinion engaging said third elongate gear rack; and
a fourth drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device and operatively associated with said pinion drive apparatus, said fourth drive pinion engaging said fourth elongate gear rack.
21. The translation apparatus of claim 20 , further comprising:
a fifth elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end, the first end of said fifth elongate gear rack being mounted adjacent the second end of said first elongate gear rack so that said fifth elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement path; and
a sixth elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end, the first end of said sixth elongate gear rack being mounted adjacent the second end of said second elongate gear rack so that said sixth elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement path.
22. The translation apparatus of claim 21 , further comprising:
a seventh elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end, the first end of said seventh elongate gear rack being mounted adjacent the second end of said third elongate gear rack so that said seventh elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement path; and
an eighth elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end, the first end of said eighth elongate gear rack being mounted adjacent the second end of said fourth elongate gear rack so that said eighth elongate gear rack is aligned along the displacement path.
23. Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device along a displacement path, comprising:
an elongate gear rack aligned along the displacement path;
guide means formed as a single unit with said elongate gear rack for guiding the cartridge access device along the displacement path;
a drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device, said drive pinion engaging said elongate gear rack; and
pinion drive means operatively associated with said drive pinion for rotating said first drive pinion to move the cartridge access device along the displacement path.
24. Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device along a displacement path, comprising:
a first elongate gear rack aligned along the displacement path, said first elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end, said first elongate gear rack also defining a first elongate guide member so that said first elongate guide member also extends along the displacement path substantially between the first and second ends of said first elongate gear rack;
a first bearing mounted to the cartridge access device, said first bearing engaging said first elongate guide member;
a second elongate gear rack aligned along the displacement path and positioned in spaced-apart relation to said first elongate gear rack, said second elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end;
a first drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device, said first drive pinion engaging said first elongate gear rack;
a second drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device, said second drive pinion engaging said second elongate gear rack; and
pinion drive apparatus operatively associated with said first and second drive pinions, said pinion drive apparatus rotating said first and second drive pinions to move the cartridge access device between the first and second ends of said first and second elongate gear racks.
25. Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device along a displacement path, comprising:
a first elongate gear rack aligned along said displacement path, said first elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end, said first elongate gear rack defining a first elongate guide member that extends along the displacement path;
a second elongate guide member extending along the displacement path and positioned in spaced-apart relation to said first elongate guide member;
a first drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device, said first drive pinion engaging said first elongate gear rack;
a first bearing mounted to the cartridge access device, said first bearing engaging said first elongate guide member;
a second bearing mounted to the cartridge access device, said second bearing engaging said second elongate guide member; and
pinion drive apparatus operatively associated with said first drive pinion, said pinion drive apparatus rotating said first drive pinion to move the cartridge access device along the displacement path.
26. Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device along a displacement path, comprising:
guide means for guiding the cartridge access device along the displacement path, said guide means also defining an integral elongate gear rack;
a drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device, said drive pinion engaging the elongate gear rack defined by said guide means; and
pinion drive means operatively associated with said drive pinion for rotating said first drive pinion to move the cartridge access device along the displacement path.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/738,429 US20040133902A1 (en) | 1999-06-22 | 2003-12-16 | Apparatus for translating a cartridge access device |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/337,802 US7027367B1 (en) | 1999-06-22 | 1999-06-22 | Apparatus for translating a cartridge access device |
US09/371,708 US7451461B1 (en) | 1999-06-22 | 1999-08-09 | Laterally expandable modular data storage system |
US10/738,429 US20040133902A1 (en) | 1999-06-22 | 2003-12-16 | Apparatus for translating a cartridge access device |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/371,708 Continuation US7451461B1 (en) | 1999-06-22 | 1999-08-09 | Laterally expandable modular data storage system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20040133902A1 true US20040133902A1 (en) | 2004-07-08 |
Family
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Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/371,708 Expired - Fee Related US7451461B1 (en) | 1999-06-22 | 1999-08-09 | Laterally expandable modular data storage system |
US10/738,429 Abandoned US20040133902A1 (en) | 1999-06-22 | 2003-12-16 | Apparatus for translating a cartridge access device |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/371,708 Expired - Fee Related US7451461B1 (en) | 1999-06-22 | 1999-08-09 | Laterally expandable modular data storage system |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US7451461B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1063648B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2001052415A (en) |
DE (1) | DE60013037T2 (en) |
Cited By (4)
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US20020138779A1 (en) * | 2001-03-22 | 2002-09-26 | International Business Machines Corporation | Power supply apparatus and method using same |
US20020181341A1 (en) * | 2001-02-21 | 2002-12-05 | Bdt Buro-Und Datentechnik Gmbh & Co Kg | Modular system to store data |
US20040258507A1 (en) * | 2003-06-23 | 2004-12-23 | Coffin Paul C. | Cartridge-handling apparatus for a media storage system |
CN113225967A (en) * | 2020-02-06 | 2021-08-06 | 百度(美国)有限责任公司 | Module-based solution for server rack architecture |
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US7499242B2 (en) | 2003-10-30 | 2009-03-03 | Tandberg Data Asa | Scalable and expandable units for data storage system |
US20080174898A1 (en) * | 2007-01-24 | 2008-07-24 | Reasoner Kelly J | Media storage system with modular robotic elements |
JP5657978B2 (en) * | 2010-09-29 | 2015-01-21 | Necプラットフォームズ株式会社 | Library device |
TWI511648B (en) * | 2014-02-12 | 2015-12-01 | Wistron Corp | Data access device capable of rotating and retracting and portable electronic apparatus therewith |
US9767839B2 (en) * | 2015-07-24 | 2017-09-19 | Facebook, Inc. | Inter-rack gear track system |
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- 2000-06-22 JP JP2000187196A patent/JP2001052415A/en active Pending
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1063648A3 (en) | 2002-09-04 |
JP2001052415A (en) | 2001-02-23 |
EP1063648B1 (en) | 2004-08-18 |
DE60013037T2 (en) | 2005-09-01 |
DE60013037D1 (en) | 2004-09-23 |
US7451461B1 (en) | 2008-11-11 |
EP1063648A2 (en) | 2000-12-27 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |