Electricity: transmission to vehicles – Systems of distribution
Reexamination Certificate
2001-12-27
2003-12-30
Morano, S. Joseph (Department: 3617)
Electricity: transmission to vehicles
Systems of distribution
C191S02200C, C307S023000, C360S092100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06668991
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the distribution of power in a data storage system and, more particularly, to a redundant power distribution system and method for an automated robotic device for use in a tape cartridge library system.
2. Background
Current automated libraries for tape cartridges typically include arrays of multiple storage cells housing the tape cartridges, as well as multiple media drives. Multiple automated robotic devices may be used to move tape cartridges between the various storage cells and media drives within a library.
The use of multiple robotic devices in automated tape cartridge libraries raises various problems concerning the distribution of power to such robotic devices. More particularly, robotic devices used in automated tape cartridge libraries require power for operation thereof. In prior art automated tape cartridge libraries, the movement of the robotic devices is restricted by wire cable connections used for providing such power. That is, such cabling can prevent the robotic devices from crossing paths, or from continuous movement in one direction around the library without the necessity of ultimately reversing direction.
Thus, there exists a need for an improved system and method for distributing power to robotic devices used in automated data storage libraries, such as tape cartridge libraries. Such an improved system and method would overcome the problems described above through the use of brush/wiper technology. A robotic device traveling over a given route may use a power distributor such as fixed conductive strips or rails to supply power to the robotic device, which itself is provided with brushes or wipers, or conductive wheels and brushes that contact the conductive strips or rails in order to conduct power to the robotic device. The integration of such conductive strips or rails into the automated tape cartridge library, in conjunction with brush or wheel contacts provided on the robotic devices, allows for greater freedom of movement of the robotic devices, as well as for modular and extensible power distribution to robotic devices as library configurations change, or as libraries are connected in a modular fashion to form library systems. Such an improved system and method would also provide for redundant power supply to improve power distribution robustness and reliability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides for an improved power distribution system and method for an automated robotic device for use in a data storage library.
According to the present invention, then, in a data storage library having a plurality of cells for holding media cartridges for use in storing data, at least one media drive, and a robotic device for transporting cartridges between the plurality of cells and the at least one media drive in the data storage library, a system is provided for distributing electrical power to the automated robotic device. The system comprises a power distributor comprising a plurality of sections, each section having first and second electrical conductors for use in providing electrical power to the automated robotic device, the first and second conductors to be provided with opposite electrical charges. The first conductors of the plurality of sections are electrically connected and the second conductors of the plurality of sections are electrically connected so that electrical power is provided to at least a portion of the data storage library. The automated robotic device has a plurality of contacts for making electrical contact with the first and second conductors as the automated robotic device moves in the at least a portion of the data storage library. The system further comprises a first power supply for supplying electrical power to the first and second conductors of each of the plurality of sections of the power distributor, the first power supply electrically connected to the first and second conductors of at least two of the plurality of sections of the power distributor, and a second power supply for supplying electrical power to the first and second conductors of each of the plurality of sections of the power distributor, the second power supply electrically connected to the first and second conductors of at least two of the plurality of sections of the power distributor. Electrical power to each of the plurality of sections of the power distributor is maintained in the event of a failure of one of the first and second power supplies, and electrical power to each of the plurality of sections of the power distributor is maintained in the event of an electrical discontinuity in the power distributor.
Also according to the present invention, in a data storage library having a plurality of cells for holding media cartridges for use in storing data, at least one media drive, and a robotic device for transporting cartridges between the plurality of cells and the at least one media drive in the data storage library, a method is provided for distributing electrical power to the automated robotic device. The method comprises providing a power distributor comprising a plurality of sections, each section having first and second electrical conductors for use in providing electrical power to the automated robotic device, the first and second conductors to be provided with opposite electrical charges. The first conductors of the plurality of sections are electrically connected and the second conductors of the plurality of sections are electrically connected so that electrical power is provided to at least a portion of the data storage library. The automated robotic device has a plurality of contacts for making electrical contact with the first and second conductors as the automated robotic device moves in the at least a portion of the data storage library. The method further comprises providing a first power supply for supplying electrical power to the first and second conductors of each of the plurality of sections of the power distributor, the first power supply electrically connected to the first and second conductors of at least two of the plurality of sections of the power distributor, and providing a second power supply for supplying electrical power to the first and second conductors of each of the plurality of sections of the power distributor, the second power supply electrically connected to the first and second conductors of at least two of the plurality of sections of the power distributor. Electrical power to each of the plurality of sections of the power distributor is maintained in the event of a failure of one of the first and second power supplies, and electrical power to each of the plurality of sections of the power distributor is maintained in the event of an electrical discontinuity in the power distributor.
The above features, and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed descriptions thereof when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
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Canaday Sebastian
Ochs Steven L.
Ostwald Timothy C.
Smith Frank T.
Brooks & Kushman P.C.
Jules Frantz F.
Morano S. Joseph
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