Robot controlled archiving system for data cassettes - has indexing input and output unit accessed by robot that transfers cassettes to and from main cassette carousels and read write units

摘要

The archiving system (10) has data recordings in cassette form that are stored in specific locations (26) within a number of large carousels (18) that are arranged on either side of an access channel. Each carousel can be indexed to provide access to a selected location. Positions within the carousels are coded and stored and are available for use by a handling system. The handling system consists of a robot manipulator that has a multi degree of freedom handling device (34) mounted on a pillar (54) and can be moved vertically and horizontally. The manipulator is mounted on rails (48) that run the length of the channel. Located at the end of the channel are banks (72) of read/write units coupled to output devices. New cassettes (118) are provided by an indexing unit (114) located at the end of the channel. USE/ADVANTAGE - Provides automatic input and output for archiving system. No direct access to archive system is necessary.