Warner P Carlson

US Patent:

48170712, Mar 28, 1989

Filed:

Apr 22, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/184841

Inventors:

Warner P. Carlson - Rochester NY
Lawrence W. Wirth - Rochester NY
Dale B. Parks - West Henrietta NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

G11B 1722
G11B 548

US Classification:

369 36

Abstract:

A disk-loading station for an automated disk library includes a "lazy-Susan" mechanism which enables disks to be loaded into the library from a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the disks are ultimately transported within the library. Such a loading station enables disks to be loaded through the front wall of the disk library, rather than through an end wall which would increase the space requirements for the library.

US Patent:

47490810, Jun 7, 1988

Filed:

Feb 27, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/019854

Inventors:

Warner P. Carlson - Rochester NY
Lawrence W. Wirth - Rochester NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

B65D 8557

US Classification:

206309

Abstract:

Disclosed herein is a carrier for a rigid data storage disk, e. g. an optical, magnetic or magneto-optic disk, for facilitating the transport of such disk within a disk library or the like. Such carrier comprises a generally rectangular frame which is provided with a pair of racks of teeth along opposing lateral edges. Such racks are adapted to be engaged by a toothed conveyor for advancing the carrier along a desired path.

US Patent:

47870745, Nov 22, 1988

Filed:

Feb 27, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/019903

Inventors:

Howard C. Deck - Henrietta NY
Warner P. Carlson - Rochester NY
Lawrence W. Wirth - Rochester NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

G11B 548
G11B 1700

US Classification:

369 36

Abstract:

Disclosed herein is an automated library for data storage disks. Such library comprises at least one disk drive, means for storing a large number of disks, and disk transport means for transporting disks between the disk drive and disk-storing means. The disk-transporting means comprises a bi-directional disk picker assembly which operates to convey selected disks into and out of the disk-storing means and disk drive. A movably mounted drive unit functions to rotatably support the disk picker assembly for movement about an axis which is perpendicular to the direction in which disks are conveyed by such assembly, whereby "picked" disks can be flipped 180 degrees to present either side to the disk drive. The picker assembly handles each disk by means of a carrier, a generally rectangular frame which surrounds and releasably captures a disk. The picker mechanism is adapted to handle such carrier in any one of four different orientations.