Dynamic magnetic information storage or retrieval – Record transport with head stationary during transducing – Tape record
Reexamination Certificate
2002-08-01
2004-08-03
Letscher, George J. (Department: 2652)
Dynamic magnetic information storage or retrieval
Record transport with head stationary during transducing
Tape record
Reexamination Certificate
active
06771457
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to automated data-storage libraries and, in particular, to a lockout mechanism for ensuring that a data cartridge is inserted correctly into the receiving cell of the input/output station of a library.
2. Description of the Related Art
The portability of magnetic tape cartridges makes it possible to store them in readily accessible multi-cell libraries, so that large amounts of data can be saved and retrieved at will using automated equipment. When, for example, a particular cartridge is required for use in a computer's I/O device, the unit is retrieved by a robot from the cell where it has been stored in a library and it is automatically loaded for processing.
Cartridges are initially placed into libraries manually through input/output stations which consist of stacks of individual through-slots with an exterior opening adapted to receive a cartridge of a predetermined size and configuration. For example,
FIG. 1
illustrates an IBM 3584 Automated Library that incorporates an I/O station
10
with a cartridge
12
inserted half-way into a receiving through-slot
14
. Each slot has also an interior opening (not shown) through which the cartridge is removed by a robot for automated placement in a library storage cell or magazine. The picker mechanism through which each cartridge is transferred includes gripper arms that hold the cartridge and guide it in and out of the I/O station, and similarly in and out of the library cell, computer peripheral, or other device being used. The cartridges have retaining features that permit gripper arms to latch on to the cartridge by means of appropriate locating and gripping notches or equivalent structural features built into the case of the cartridge. Accordingly, commercial cartridge formats are standardized to provide uniformity of construction and interchangeability of operation between cartridges produced by different manufacturers.
In operation, each cartridge
12
is initially inserted manually by an operator into a slot
14
of a receiving cell in the I/O station. The cartridge must be positioned correctly in order for the gripper arms to be able to retrieve it from the other side of the cell. Thus, only one of the eight possible orientations of a conventional cartridge is acceptable for the picker mechanism inside the library and any other orientation of the cartridge would be incorrect and cause a failure of the automated system. The problem is worse with libraries that operate with multiple types of cartridges and that, therefore, provide an even smaller ratio of correct options. If two formats are used, for example, only one out of sixteen possible alternatives is correct.
Two of the cartridge formats most widely used currently around the world are the so called DLT (digital linear tape) and LTO (linear tape open) formats, each characterized in detail by corresponding ECMA (European Computer Manufacturers Association) 286 and 319 standards. Accordingly, IBM's 3584 Library accommodates both types of cartridge and is equipped with corresponding I/O units with cells selectively dedicated to one cartridge or the other. Each cartridge format features prescribed structural attributes adapted to function with conforming standard features in the automated mechanisms of a corresponding drive, picker and library system. For example, a typical DLT format cartridge
20
, such as IBM®'s DLTtape® IV Cartridge illustrated in
FIG. 2
, is characterized by a hinged door
22
on the front side
14
of the cartridge. When the DLT cartridge is inserted into a drive, a stationary device penetrates a gap
26
in the door hinge
28
and presses against a spring-loaded latch
30
to automatically release the door
22
and swing it open toward the front of the cartridge. As a result, the tape's leader inside the cartridge (not seen) can be accessed by the drive's mechanism. As the door
22
opens, the door hinge
28
rotates inwardly toward the right side
32
of the cartridge. Accordingly, the right side of the DLT cartridge
20
features a progressively deepening cavity
34
designed to accommodate the door hinge
28
when the door
22
is fully open. The shallower portion of the cavity
34
also features two ribs
36
.
Thus, the right side
32
of the DLT cartridge contains several pronounced structural features that distinguish it from all other sides, as well as from every side of the LTO cartridge. When a DLT cartridge is inserted in an I/O station by an operator, it must be placed top-side up and with the door
22
facing the exterior of the station, as illustrated in
FIG. 3
; otherwise, the library picker cannot properly grab and retain the cartridge, and the picker may become disabled causing the automated library to go off-line and the stored data to become inaccessible. This possibility of failure is unacceptable in today's world of uninterrupted-service demand. Therefore, it would be very desirable to have a mechanism that prevents the incorrect placement of a DLT cartridge or the placement of another cartridge into the receiving slots of an I/O station designed to handle only DLT cartridges.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,180, issued to Smith, describes a pivoting lockout that prevents the incorrect placement of a DLT cartridge into a receiving device, such as a tape magazine, a library or a mail slot. The lockout consists of a hinged member with a leading and a trailing edge protruding into the sleeve to be occupied by the cartridge when it is placed in the receiving device. Therefore, the cartridge can be successfully introduced into the device only one way, when the side containing the cavity is facing the hinged lockout member. Because of its configuration and placement, the lockout member is able to clear the ribs
36
and to fit into the cavity
34
of the DLT cartridge (refer to
FIG. 2
above) as the cartridge is pushed into the sleeve of the receiving device. Thus, the lockout of the invention prevents the complete insertion of the DLT cartridge unless it is oriented correctly.
The Smith lockout device is not designed for a pass-through sleeve of the type present in I/O stations. It is only concerned with ensuring that the cartridge is placed correctly in a receiving cell from which it is to be extracted later in reverse direction. Accordingly, the door hinge
28
could not clear the two protruding edges of the lockout if the cartridge were to be extracted in pass-through fashion from the interior side of an I/O station. The present invention provides a new design for a lockout mechanism that overcomes this problem and is therefore suitable for use in input/output stations.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary objective of this invention is a lockout mechanism that allows the complete introduction of a DLT cartridge into an I/O station only when it is properly oriented.
Another objective of the invention is a lockout mechanism that permits the pass-through extraction of the DLT cartridge from the interior side of the I/O station by an automated library picker.
A specific goal of the invention is a lockout mechanism that also prevents the full insertion of an LTO cartridge into the DLT I/O cell of an IBM 3584 Library.
Finally, an important goal of the invention is a lockout mechanism that can be easily incorporated into the structure of existing I/O stations of automated libraries.
Therefore, according to these and other objectives, the invention consists of a two-lever toggle mechanism designed to operate in conjunction with the conventional toggle bracket of I/O stations in automated libraries. Each lever of the toggle mechanism is mounted on one of the two side posts that support each receiving slot of a conventional I/O station. The front lever is rotatably mounted on the front post and includes a leading blade or structural protrusion facing the slot and a front wing that cooperates with the toggle bracket provided to control access to the I/O station. When the toggle bracket is closed, access to the I/O station is
Flaherty Steven Martin
Nave Shawn Michael
Yardy Raymond
Durando Antonio R.
Durando Birdwell & Janke PLC
International Business Machines - Corporation
Letscher George J.
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