Patent ID: 6290072
Filing Date: 2001-09-18
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A library apparatus comprising:(A) a plurality of lockers adapted to be linked together as a unit, said plurality of lockers including:(i) a plurality of frames, each having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and each disposed to a respective one of said plurality of lockers, for defining both an external form and an internal passageway of said library apparatus,(ii) at least one storage rack, disposed in at least one of said plurality of frames, for storing a number of cartridges, each accommodating a storage medium,(iii) at least one deck, disposed in at least one of said plurality of frames, for carrying out access to the storage medium in the individual cartridges, and(iv) at least one accessor, housed in at least one of said plurality of frames, for transferring the individual cartridges between said storage rack and said deck; and(B) means, attached to inside of at least one of said plurality of frames, for allowing said accessor to move through said passageway of said library apparatus by guiding said accessor;each of said plurality of frames further having:(i) a horizontal base having a substantially rectangular shape,(ii) sheet metal columns, each having a generally cross-sectional C-shape, vertically standing at corners of said base,(iii) a top board substantially identical in shape to said base and mounted on said sheet metal columns, and(iv) weld beads fixedly joining each of said sheet metal columns to said top board and said base at an inside surface of the C shape of each said sheet metal column, each of said weld beads having a shape so as not to project to outside of each said frame,whereby said plurality of lockers are linked so that said unit has a dimensional accuracy sufficient to place an opening of said deck and said number of cartridges at exact known positions in said unit.