Sun Microsystems StorEdge L1000, User Manual

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Chapter 1 Library Description 5
Library Robotics
The library robotics consists of the following components:
■
Cartridge handling mechanism/bar code reader
■
Vertical actuator
■
Horizontal actuator
■
Extension actuator
The cartridge handling mechanism (or gripper) includes bar code scanners that read
standard six-character, 3-of-9 bar code labels. These scanners enable the system to
maintain an inventory of the tape cartridges within the library. For example, an
inventory occurs automatically whenever the library is turned on or after the bulk
load door has been closed. You can also initiate an inventory manually from the host
computer.
Note –
Although the library does not require tape cartridges to have bar code labels,
properly labeled tape cartridges and full storage bins speed up the inventory
process. For systems with unlabeled cartridges or partially populated storage bins,
the automatic scanning feature can be disabled through the control panel as
explained in Chapter 4.
The vertical and horizontal actuators move the gripper into position to pick and
place tape cartridges. The horizontal actuator also rotates the gripper 180 degrees,
enabling the gripper to pass cartridges between the front storage bins and the back
storage bins and tape drives. The extension actuator extends the gripper forward to
make contact with the desired cartridge and then retracts the gripper to remove the
cartridge from a bin or drive.