Method and apparatus for selecting elements
AssigneeNCR Corporation
InventorWilliam I. Chambers
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for selecting one of a plurality of elements such as tape cassettes. The apparatus includes an entrance area in a stationary member and transport apparatus for moving the elements in first and second directions with respect to the entrance area, the transport apparatus including rotor and chain embodiments. A diverter gate is used to divert an element away from and into the entrance area when the transport apparatus is moving, respectively, in the first and second directions with respect to the entrance area. Position sensing is used to determine which one of the plurality of elements is located at a predetermined location with respect to the entrance area. A selected element is brought into cooperative engagement with a read/write device located in the entrance area.
Claims18
An apparatus for selecting one of a plurality of elements comprising:
- a means having an entrance area therein for receiving a selected one of said elements;
- means for moving said plurality of elements in first and second directions with respect to said entrance area;
- means for diverting a said element away from and into said entrance area when said element is moving respectively, in said first and second directions, with respect to said entrance area;
- means for sensing which one of said plurality of elements is located at a predetermined position with respect to said entrance area, and
- control means responsive to said sensing means for controlling said moving means to move said plurality of elements in said second direction when a selected element is located at said predetermined location to thereby move said selected element into said entrance area.
A method of selecting one of a plurality of elements comprising the steps of:
- (a) mounting said plurality of elements in spaced relationship on a carrier;
- (b) moving said carrier with said plurality of elements thereon in a first direction towards and past an entrance area;
- (c) identifying which one of said elements is located at a predetermined location with reference to said entrance area;
- (d) moving said carrier in a second direction opposite to said first direction when a selected element is identified as being at said predetermined location;
- (e) deflecting said selected element into said entrance area.
A method of providing a data storage device comprising:
- (a) storing data on a plurality of tape cassettes;
- (b) mounting said plurality of cassettes in spaced relationship on a carrier;
- (c) moving said carrier with said plurality of cassettes thereon in a first direction towards and past an entrance area;
- (d) identifying which one of said cassettes is at a predetermined location with reference to said entrance area;
- (e) moving said carrier in a second direction opposite to said first direction when a selected cassette is identified as being at said predetermined location;
- (f) deflecting said selected cassette into said entrance area and moving said selected cassette into operative engagement with a read/write device located in said entrance area.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.