Patent ID: 6602039
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
An automated data storage system, comprising:a first rail system comprising a first rail and a second rail; an accessor moveably disposed on said first rail system; a second rail system having a first rail, a second rail, a first end and a second end wherein said first end is disposed adjacent said first rail system; a maintenance robot movably disposed on said second rail system; wherein said accessor comprises: a first frame formed to include an attachment slot; a first wheel rotatably disposed on said frame; a second wheel rotatable disposed on said frame, wherein said first wheel and said second wheel are moveably disposed on said first rail of said first rail system; a pillar having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end connects to said frame; an accessing mechanism movably disposed on said pillar such that accessing mechanism travels bi-directionally along said pillar, wherein said accessing mechanism comprises a robotic manipulator mounted on a moveable carriage; a third wheel rotatably disposed on said second end of said pillar, wherein said third wheel is moveably disposed on said second rail of said first rail system; a first motor disposed on said pillar, wherein said first motor connects to said third wheel such that operation of said first motor in a first direction causes said third wheel to rotate in a first direction, and wherein operation of said first motor in a second direction causes said third wheel to rotate in a second direction; wherein said maintenance robot comprises: a second frame having a bottom member, a top member, and a first support member; a second motor disposed on said first support member; a moveable attachment device disposed on said first support member, wherein said second motor is connected to said moveable attachment device; a fourth wheel and a fifth wheel disposed on said top member, wherein said fourth wheel and said fifth wheel are moveably disposed on said first rail of said second rail system; a sixth wheel and a seventh wheel disposed on said bottom member, wherein said sixth wheel and said seventh wheel are moveably disposed on said second rail of said second rail system; a third motor disposed on said bottom member and connected to said fourth wheel; wherein said attachment device can be inserted into said attachment slot and subsequently removed therefrom.