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US 8,509,946 B2Granted
Fast-access self-repairing tape library using mobile robots
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorGary M. McClelland
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In some embodiments, a system includes a plurality of tape reels positioned on a lower surface; and a tape drive for reading data from a tape on one of the plurality of tape reels. At least one mobile robot is configured for: selectively retrieving at least one of the plurality of tape reels; and transporting the at least one retrieved tape reel to the tape drive. The at least one mobile robot moves unconstrained along an upper surface that overlies the plurality of tape reels. A controller directs movement of the at least one mobile robot.
Claims12
A system, comprising:
- a plurality of tape reels positioned on a lower surface;
- a tape drive for reading data from a tape on one of the plurality of tape reels;
- at least one mobile robot configured for:
- selectively retrieving at least one of the plurality of tape reels;
- and
- transporting the at least one retrieved tape reel to the tape drive,
- wherein the at least one mobile robot moves unconstrained along an upper surface that overlies the plurality of tape reels;
- and
- a controller for directing movement of the at least one mobile robot.
6 more elements
A system, comprising:
- a plurality of tape reels positioned on a lower surface;
- a tape drive for reading data from a tape on one of the plurality of tape reels;
- at least one mobile robot configured for:
- selectively retrieving at least one of the plurality of tape reels, and
- transporting the at least one retrieved tape reel to the tape drive;
- and
- a controller for directing movement of the at least one mobile robot,
- wherein the lower surface upon which the tape reels are positioned is a floor, wherein the upper surface is opposite the floor.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.