WO1998048410A2 - Compact disc storage magazine with dual disc loader and transport apparatus - Google Patents

Compact disc storage magazine with dual disc loader and transport apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1998048410A2
WO1998048410A2 PCT/US1998/007695 US9807695W WO9848410A2 WO 1998048410 A2 WO1998048410 A2 WO 1998048410A2 US 9807695 W US9807695 W US 9807695W WO 9848410 A2 WO9848410 A2 WO 9848410A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
disc
storage
transport apparatus
loader
access channel
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/007695
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO1998048410A3 (en
Inventor
Eric Rene Bos
Robert L. Montelius, Jr.
Original Assignee
Multidisc Technologies
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Multidisc Technologies filed Critical Multidisc Technologies
Priority to AU71265/98A priority Critical patent/AU7126598A/en
Publication of WO1998048410A2 publication Critical patent/WO1998048410A2/en
Publication of WO1998048410A3 publication Critical patent/WO1998048410A3/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B17/00—Guiding record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor
    • G11B17/22—Guiding record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor from random access magazine of disc records
    • G11B17/225—Guiding record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor from random access magazine of disc records wherein the disks are transferred from a fixed magazine to a fixed playing unit using a moving carriage

Definitions

  • This invention relates in general to compact disc storage and retrieval, and in particular to a storage magazine structure having multiple disc loader and transport apparatus members in respective access channels positioned on opposing sides of disc storage shelves of a storage bank for retrieving and replacing discs from and to any of the storage sites as well as disc drive mechanisms.
  • present disc retrieval and delivery apparatus generally can accommodate only one disc at a time, resulting in significant time consumption as the apparatus first retrieves a disc from a drive mechanism, delivers the disc to its original storage location, moves to another storage location to retrieve a second disc, and delivers the second disc to the drive mechanism for ultimate data access.
  • a primary object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc storage and retrieval system within a storage magazine structure wherein two opposing access channels are on respective opposing sides of a disc storage magazine having storage shelves that are open on each side and from and to which discs can be placed or retrieved by two separate respective disc loader and transport apparatus operating in the respective access channels.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc storage and retrieval system wherein each disc loader and transport apparatus can operate simultaneously with the other disc loader and transport apparatus to thereby achieve retrieval of one disc through one opening of a drive mechanism site, for example, while simultaneously delivering a second disc to the same site through an opposing opening.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc storage and retrieval system wherein the storage magazine has integral therewith a disc drive mechanism.
  • the present invention is a compact disc storage and retrieval system for a computer.
  • the system comprises, first of all, a disc storage magazine structure comprising a storage bank having a plurality of disc storage sites arranged as a column. Each storage site is accessible through opposing first and second sides from respective first and second access channels respectively adjacent the first and second sides.
  • the system comprises a first disc loader and transport apparatus member disposed within the first access channel and a second disc loader and transport apparatus member disposed within the second access channel.
  • Each disc loader and transport apparatus member is movably operable within each respective access channel for retrieving and replacing a disc from and to any of the storage sites.
  • the disc storage magazine additionally comprises a disc drive mechanism accessible from each access channel and to which each disc loader and transport apparatus member can travel to deliver and retrieve a compact disc.
  • Each disc loader and transport apparatus member can operate simultaneously with the other disc loader and transport apparatus member to thereby achieve retrieval of one disc through one opening of a drive mechanism site, for example, while simultaneously delivering a second disc to the same site through an opposing opening. It is therefore evident that rapid retrieval and delivery of discs among storage sites and a drive mechanism of the magazine structure is accomplished rapidly in the present system to permit an operator to achieve fast retrieval of data stored on the discs .
  • Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a top plan view of a compact disc storage and retrieval system for a computer
  • Figure 2 is a schematic illustration in section of a front elevation view of the system of Figure 1 along line 2-2 of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a side elevation view of the system of Figure 1 along line 3-3 thereof. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
  • the system 10 comprises a disc storage magazine structure 12 comprising a storage bank 14 having a plurality of disc storage sites 16 arranged as a column. Each site 16 is accessible through openings 18, 20 from opposing first and second sides from a respective first access channel 22 and second access channel 24 respectively adjacent these first and second sides.
  • the magazine structure 12 can additionally include one or more disc drive mechanisms 26 accessible from each access channel 22, 24.
  • the magazine structure 12 can also house control electronics, mechanical stagers, or any other configurable system component dictated by specific requirements of a particular application.
  • first and second access channels 22, 24 are disposed respective first and second disc loader and transport apparatus members 28, 30 for retrieving and replacing a disc (not shown) from and to any of the storage sites 16 as well as drive mechanisms 26.
  • travel through the channels 22, 24 of the first and second disc loader and transport apparatus members 28, 30 is accomplished through robotics installed within the channels 22, 24, as would be recognized by a skilled artisan, to thereby accomplish retrieval and/or delivery of discs as electronically commanded.
  • Each of the disc loader and transport apparatus members 28, 30 can retrieve, accommodate and deliver one compact disc as known in the art.
  • simultaneous retrieval and delivery of two respective discs at one location can occur as one disc loader and transport apparatus member 28 retrieves a disc through, for example, one opening of a drive mechanism 26 while the second disc loader and transport apparatus member 30 delivers another disc to the same drive mechanism 26 through the opposing opening thereof.
  • the present invention provides efficient and timely operational results in the retrieval and delivery of compact discs, both within storage site structures as well as from and to drive mechanisms, whether they be remote or integral in relation to such storage site structures.

Abstract

A compact disc storage and retrieval system for a computer. The system includes a disc storage magazine structure (12) having a storage bank (14) with a plurality of disc storage sites (16) arranged as a column. Each storage site (16) is accessible through opposing first and second sides from respective first and second access channels (22, 24) respectively adjacent the first and second sides. A first disc loader and transport apparatus member (28) is disposed within the first access channel (22) and a second disc loader and transport apparatus member (30) is disposed within the second access channel (24). Each such member is movably operable within each respective access channel for retrieving and replacing a disc from and to any of the storage sites. The disc storage magazine can include a disc drive mechanism (26) accessible from each access channel and to which each disc loader and transport apparatus member can travel to deliver and retrieve a compact disc.

Description

COMPACT DISC STORAGE MAGAZINE WITH DUAL DISC LOADER AND TRANSPORT APPARATUS
Field of the Invention This invention relates in general to compact disc storage and retrieval, and in particular to a storage magazine structure having multiple disc loader and transport apparatus members in respective access channels positioned on opposing sides of disc storage shelves of a storage bank for retrieving and replacing discs from and to any of the storage sites as well as disc drive mechanisms.
Background of the Invention Compact disc storage and retrieval has become a significant factor for consideration in view of the proliferation of use of these discs for data storage in association with computerized information that must be readily available. While individual discs are capable of accepting relatively large amounts of data, the amount of data stored for many applications is immense and therefore reguires a significant number of discs. In addition to requiring large data storage capacity, rapid and efficient retrieval of discs is also desired so that data from the discs can be accessed more quickly. However, present disc retrieval and delivery apparatus generally can accommodate only one disc at a time, resulting in significant time consumption as the apparatus first retrieves a disc from a drive mechanism, delivers the disc to its original storage location, moves to another storage location to retrieve a second disc, and delivers the second disc to the drive mechanism for ultimate data access.
As is apparent, the time required for apparatus travel within disc storage structures slows the ability to finally access data, and illustrates the need for a disc retrieval and delivery apparatus whose operation proceeds in a more timely manner. Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc storage and retrieval system within a storage magazine structure wherein two opposing access channels are on respective opposing sides of a disc storage magazine having storage shelves that are open on each side and from and to which discs can be placed or retrieved by two separate respective disc loader and transport apparatus operating in the respective access channels.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc storage and retrieval system wherein each disc loader and transport apparatus can operate simultaneously with the other disc loader and transport apparatus to thereby achieve retrieval of one disc through one opening of a drive mechanism site, for example, while simultaneously delivering a second disc to the same site through an opposing opening.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc storage and retrieval system wherein the storage magazine has integral therewith a disc drive mechanism.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent throughout the description thereof which now follows.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention is a compact disc storage and retrieval system for a computer. The system comprises, first of all, a disc storage magazine structure comprising a storage bank having a plurality of disc storage sites arranged as a column. Each storage site is accessible through opposing first and second sides from respective first and second access channels respectively adjacent the first and second sides. Second, the system comprises a first disc loader and transport apparatus member disposed within the first access channel and a second disc loader and transport apparatus member disposed within the second access channel. Each disc loader and transport apparatus member is movably operable within each respective access channel for retrieving and replacing a disc from and to any of the storage sites. Preferably, the disc storage magazine additionally comprises a disc drive mechanism accessible from each access channel and to which each disc loader and transport apparatus member can travel to deliver and retrieve a compact disc. Each disc loader and transport apparatus member can operate simultaneously with the other disc loader and transport apparatus member to thereby achieve retrieval of one disc through one opening of a drive mechanism site, for example, while simultaneously delivering a second disc to the same site through an opposing opening. It is therefore evident that rapid retrieval and delivery of discs among storage sites and a drive mechanism of the magazine structure is accomplished rapidly in the present system to permit an operator to achieve fast retrieval of data stored on the discs .
Brief Description of the Drawings
An illustrative and presently preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a top plan view of a compact disc storage and retrieval system for a computer; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration in section of a front elevation view of the system of Figure 1 along line 2-2 of Figure 1; and
Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a side elevation view of the system of Figure 1 along line 3-3 thereof. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Referring to Figures 1-3, a compact disc storage system 10 for application in association with a computer (not shown) is illustrated. The system 10 comprises a disc storage magazine structure 12 comprising a storage bank 14 having a plurality of disc storage sites 16 arranged as a column. Each site 16 is accessible through openings 18, 20 from opposing first and second sides from a respective first access channel 22 and second access channel 24 respectively adjacent these first and second sides. The magazine structure 12 can additionally include one or more disc drive mechanisms 26 accessible from each access channel 22, 24. Optionally, the magazine structure 12 can also house control electronics, mechanical stagers, or any other configurable system component dictated by specific requirements of a particular application.
Within the first and second access channels 22, 24 are disposed respective first and second disc loader and transport apparatus members 28, 30 for retrieving and replacing a disc (not shown) from and to any of the storage sites 16 as well as drive mechanisms 26. In operation, travel through the channels 22, 24 of the first and second disc loader and transport apparatus members 28, 30 is accomplished through robotics installed within the channels 22, 24, as would be recognized by a skilled artisan, to thereby accomplish retrieval and/or delivery of discs as electronically commanded. Each of the disc loader and transport apparatus members 28, 30 can retrieve, accommodate and deliver one compact disc as known in the art. Further, simultaneous retrieval and delivery of two respective discs at one location can occur as one disc loader and transport apparatus member 28 retrieves a disc through, for example, one opening of a drive mechanism 26 while the second disc loader and transport apparatus member 30 delivers another disc to the same drive mechanism 26 through the opposing opening thereof.
As is apparent, the present invention provides efficient and timely operational results in the retrieval and delivery of compact discs, both within storage site structures as well as from and to drive mechanisms, whether they be remote or integral in relation to such storage site structures. Thus, while an illustrative and presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A compact disc storage and retrieval system for a computer, the system comprising: a) a disc storage magazine structure comprising a storage bank having a plurality of disc storage sites arranged as a column, with each site accessible from opposing first and second sides from a respective first access channel and second access channel respectively adjacent said first and second sides; and b) a first disc loader and transport apparatus member disposed within the first access channel and a second disc loader and transport apparatus member disposed within the second access channel, with each said disc loader and transport apparatus member movably operable within each respective access channel for retrieving and replacing a disc from and to any of the storage sites.
2. A compact disc storage and retrieval system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the disc storage magazine structure additionally comprises at least one disc drive mechanism accessible from each access channel and to which each disc loader and transport apparatus member can travel to deliver and retrieve a compact disc.
3. A compact disc storage and retrieval system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the first and second disc loader and transport apparatus members are simultaneously operable.
4. A method of storing and retrieving compact discs for a computer, the method comprising: a) providing a compact disc storage and retrieval system comprising:
1) a disc storage magazine structure comprising a storage bank having a plurality of disc storage sites arranged as a column, with each site accessible from opposing first and second sides from a respective first access channel and second access channel respectively adjacent said first and second sides; and 2) a first disc loader and transport apparatus member disposed within the first access channel and a second disc loader and transport apparatus member disposed within the second access channel, with each said disc loader and transport apparatus member movably operable within each respective access channel for retrieving and replacing a disc from and to any of the storage sites; and b) operating the disc loader and transport apparatus members to retrieve discs from storage sites therefor and delivering said discs to disc drive mechanisms.
5. A method of storing and retrieving compact discs as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the disc storage magazine structure additionally comprises at least one disc drive mechanism accessible from each access channel and to which each disc loader and transport apparatus member can travel to deliver and retrieve a compact disc.
6. A method of storing and retrieving a compact disc as claimed in Claim 4 wherein each disc loader and transport apparatus member functions simultaneously.
PCT/US1998/007695 1997-04-18 1998-04-16 Compact disc storage magazine with dual disc loader and transport apparatus WO1998048410A2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU71265/98A AU7126598A (en) 1997-04-18 1998-04-16 Compact disc storage magazine with dual disc loader and transport apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US84446097A 1997-04-18 1997-04-18
US08/844,460 1997-04-18

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998048410A2 true WO1998048410A2 (en) 1998-10-29
WO1998048410A3 WO1998048410A3 (en) 1999-01-21

Family

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Family Applications (1)

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Country Status (2)

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AU (1) AU7126598A (en)
WO (1) WO1998048410A2 (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4754397A (en) * 1985-02-15 1988-06-28 Tandem Computers Incorporated Fault tolerant modular subsystems for computers
US4817070A (en) * 1987-02-12 1989-03-28 Cygnet Systems, Inc. Information handling system for use with information containing storage discs
US4912575A (en) * 1986-04-30 1990-03-27 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Apparatus for automatically changing an information memory medium
US5128912A (en) * 1988-07-14 1992-07-07 Cygnet Systems Incorporated Apparatus including dual carriages for storing and retrieving information containing discs, and method
US5513156A (en) * 1993-07-23 1996-04-30 Fujitsu Limited Library apparatus
US5638347A (en) * 1995-06-06 1997-06-10 International Business Machines Corporation Disk cartridge storage system

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4754397A (en) * 1985-02-15 1988-06-28 Tandem Computers Incorporated Fault tolerant modular subsystems for computers
US4912575A (en) * 1986-04-30 1990-03-27 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Apparatus for automatically changing an information memory medium
US4817070A (en) * 1987-02-12 1989-03-28 Cygnet Systems, Inc. Information handling system for use with information containing storage discs
US5128912A (en) * 1988-07-14 1992-07-07 Cygnet Systems Incorporated Apparatus including dual carriages for storing and retrieving information containing discs, and method
US5513156A (en) * 1993-07-23 1996-04-30 Fujitsu Limited Library apparatus
US5638347A (en) * 1995-06-06 1997-06-10 International Business Machines Corporation Disk cartridge storage system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1998048410A3 (en) 1999-01-21
AU7126598A (en) 1998-11-13

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