Patent ID: 6736583
Filing Date: 2004-05-18
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A method for operating a storage library system having first and second storage libraries each having an enclosure with a robotic mechanism transfer port, wherein a guide structure is routed from the robotic mechanism transfer port of the first storage library to the robotic mechanism transfer port of the second storage library, wherein the storage library system further includes a third storage library having an enclosure with a robotic mechanism transfer port, wherein a second guide structure is routed from the robotic mechanism transfer port of the first storage library to the robotic mechanism transfer port of the third storage library, and wherein a third guide structure is routed from the robotic mechanism transfer port of the second storage library to the robotic mechanism transfer port of the third storage library, the method comprising:positioning a robotic mechanism within the enclosure of the first storage library for performing operations within the first storage library; moving the robotic mechanism along the guide structure from within the enclosure of the first storage library to within the enclosure of the second storage library; performing operations within the second storage library with the robotic mechanism; moving the robotic mechanism along the second guide structure from within the enclosure of the first storage library to within the enclosure of the third storage library; and performing operations within the third storage library with the robotic mechanism; moving the robotic mechanism along the third guide structure from within the enclosure of the second storage library to within the enclosure of the third storage library; and performing operations within the third storage library with the robotic mechanism.