Patent ID: 6175466
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A cartridge transfer robot used to transport cartridges in a library apparatus having storage shelves to house data storage cartridges, cartridge access stations to load or unload the cartridges, and decks to access recording data within the cartridges, said cartridge transfer robot comprising:a picker section to transfer cartridges between said storage shelves, said cartridges access stations and said decks, said picker section having a hand mechanism for chucking a cartridge and inserting-extracting the cartridge in/from one of the decks, the cartridge access stations, and the storage shelves;a transfer mechanism to move said picker section to a prescribed position; anda swivel mechanism to swivel said picker section, said swivel mechanism including:a first gear mounted coaxially to a swivel axis of said picker section and integrated into said picker section;a second gear meshing with first gear; anda drive mechanism to directly drive said second gear, thereby driving said picker section.