Videocassette handling and sequencing system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A tape cassette handling and sequencing system comprising:
- a cassette storage library having a plurality of stationary storage bins, a cassette loading section for receiving cassettes to be stored in the storage bins and a cassette unloading section for receiving cassettes to be removed from the library;
a plurality of tape transports for playing cassettes stored in the library;
cassette manipulator means for selectively moving cassettes between the loading section, unloading section, storage bins and tape transports;
code reading means for reading an identification code located on each cassette; and
control means for (a) causing the code reading means to read the code on each cassette when the cassette is placed in the loading section to enable the control means to identify the cassette, (b) causing the manipulator means to move cassettes from the loading section to available storage bins and subsequently moving cassettes from the storage bins to the tape transports and then back to the storage bins or unloading section, and (c) controlling the operation of the tape transports to play cassettes therein in a desired sequence.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Reexamination
Accused Products
Abstract
A tape cassette handling and sequencing system includes a large storage library having a plurality of storage bins and a cassette loading section for receiving cassettes to be stored in the storage bins. Tape transports are provided for playing cassettes stored in the library. A manipulator assembly moves cassettes between the loading section, storage bins and tape transports. The design facilitates the automatic sequencing of a large number of cassettes thus freeing an operator for other tasks.
-
Citations
11 Claims
-
1. A tape cassette handling and sequencing system comprising:
-
a cassette storage library having a plurality of stationary storage bins, a cassette loading section for receiving cassettes to be stored in the storage bins and a cassette unloading section for receiving cassettes to be removed from the library; a plurality of tape transports for playing cassettes stored in the library; cassette manipulator means for selectively moving cassettes between the loading section, unloading section, storage bins and tape transports; code reading means for reading an identification code located on each cassette; and control means for (a) causing the code reading means to read the code on each cassette when the cassette is placed in the loading section to enable the control means to identify the cassette, (b) causing the manipulator means to move cassettes from the loading section to available storage bins and subsequently moving cassettes from the storage bins to the tape transports and then back to the storage bins or unloading section, and (c) controlling the operation of the tape transports to play cassettes therein in a desired sequence. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. An automated tape ccassette handling and sequencing system comprising:
-
a cassette storage library having a plurality of columns of storage bins arranged about and opening into a central space, the library including at least one exterior access opening exposing an access portion of the storage bins for loading cassettes into and removing cassettes from the storage library; sensor means for detecting when a cassette is inserted into a bin through the access opening; a plurality of tape transports adjacent the storage bins and facing the central space; cassette manipulator means disposed within the central space for selectively moving cassettes between the access portion of the storage bins to the remaining storage bins and between the storage bins and the tape transports; bar code reading means for reading a bar code on each cassette; and control means for (a) causing the manipulator means to move cassettes from the access portion of the storage bins to remaining storage bins in response to detection by the sensor means, (b) causing the bar code reading means to read the code on each cassette when the cassette is inserted into the library and tracking the location of each cassette in the library, (c) causing the manipulator means to move cassettes from the storage bins to the transports in a desired order, (d) causing the transports to play cassettes in the desired order, and (e) causing the manipulator means to return cassettes from the transport to the storage bins after they have been played.
-
Specification