U.S. patent number RE40,598 [Application Number 11/322,203] was granted by the patent office on 2008-12-02 for memory storage disk handling system having a servo-driven elevator pin.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Microboards Technology, LLC. Invention is credited to Wray Russ.
United States Patent |
RE40,598 |
Russ |
December 2, 2008 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Memory storage disk handling system having a servo-driven elevator
pin
Abstract
A memory storage disk handling system includes a housing, an
elevator pin mounted on the housing for lifting disks, a servo
motor with a cam arm. The servo motor rotates to pivot the cam arm,
which cams against the elevator pin to lift the elevator pin.
Inventors: |
Russ; Wray (Modesto, CA) |
Assignee: |
Microboards Technology, LLC
(Chanhassen, MN)
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Family
ID: |
22212615 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/322,203 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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09088652 |
Jun 1, 1998 |
6337842 |
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Reissue of: |
09828569 |
Apr 5, 2001 |
06782544 |
Aug 24, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
720/619;
369/30.55; 369/30.6; 414/795.3; 414/794.9; 369/30.57;
369/30.34 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B
17/022 (20130101); G11B 17/10 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G11B
17/08 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;101/35,36,37,43,44
;414/797.4,797.9,798.1,795.3,794.9 ;221/254,258,289,290,296,DIG.1
;369/30.34,30.55,30.57,30.6 ;360/92 ;720/619 ;719/619 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
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Other References
"Automatic Disk Stacking Devices", IBM TDB, 21(6): 2499-2502, 1978.
cited by other .
"Mechanism and Method for Diskette Insertion", IBM TDB 28(10):
4431-4435, 1986. cited by other .
Emedia Professional "Buyers Guide to CD Duplication Systems--40 New
towers, autoloaders, jukeboxes", 1997. cited by other .
Matusiak, "Buffalo State College Department of Technology
Engineering Instructional Support" [on-line] [retrieved May 5,
2005] retreived from the Internet
<URL:http://facstaff.buffalostate.edu/matusirc/public-html/index.html&-
gt;, 12 pgs. cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Klimowicz; William J
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fish & Richardson P.C.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This invention is a continuation-in-part of commonly assigned U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/088,652, filed Jun. 1, 1998, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,337,842 B1.
Claims
We claim:
.[.1. A memory storage disk handling system, comprising: a housing;
an elevator pin mounted on the housing for lifting disks; a servo
motor attached to the housing; and a linkage assembly attached
between the servo motor and the elevator pin, wherein the servo
motor includes a shaft, the linkage assembly includes an arm
mounted on the shaft, whereby rotation of the shaft pivots the arm
to lift the elevator pin..].
.[.2. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in claim
1, wherein the arm has a fixed end and a moveable end, the fixed
end mounts on the shaft, and the moveable end includes a cam
surface that cams against the elevator pin when the arm
pivots..].
.[.3. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in claim
2, wherein the elevator pin has an axis, and a base that lies in a
plane perpendicular to the axis, the elevator pin includes a slot
that parallels the base, the cam surface cams within the slot to
lift the elevator pin in the direction of the axis..].
.[.4. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in claim
2, wherein the elevator pin has an axis, a longitudinal surface and
a cam pin extending radially outward from the longitudinal surface,
the moveable end of the arm defines a slot that cams against the
cam pin when the arm pivots..].
.[.5. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in claim
1, wherein one end of the arm mounts on the shaft and the other end
of the arm mounts on the elevator pin, the elevator pin has an
axis, the servo motor pivots the arm to lift the elevator pin in
the direction of the axis and the elevator pin rotates about the
axis when the arm lifts the elevator pin..].
.[.6. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in claim
1, wherein the disks form a stack having a top and a bottom, and
wherein a single disk is added to the bottom of the stack..].
.[.7. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in claim
1, further comprising a conveyor..].
.[.8. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in claim
7, wherein the conveyor delivers disks to the memory storage disk
handling system for the elevator pin to stack the delivered disks
into a stack..].
.[.9. A memory storage disk handling system comprising: a housing
defining a hopper for receiving disks; an elevator pin mounted on
the housing for lifting disks into the hopper; and the hopper being
configured for aligning lifted disks into a stack and includes at
least one pawl for holding lifted disks in the hopper, wherein the
hopper includes a plurality of posts oriented to surround lifted
disks, at least one pawl mounts on each post..].
.[.10. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 9, wherein each
of the plurality of posts includes hollow portions and at least two
pawls, the pawls being slidably mounted within the hollow
portions..].
.[.11. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 10, wherein
each pawl includes a slot and the hopper includes pins that insert
through the slots to hold each pawl, the pins and slots cooperate
to enables the pawls to slide..].
.[.12. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 10, wherein
each pawl includes an end with a hook for holding lifted
disks..].
.[.13. A memory storage disk handling system comprising: a housing
defining a hopper for receiving disks; an elevator pin mounted on
the housing for lifting disks into the hopper; and the hopper being
configured for aligning lifted disks into a stack and includes at
least one pawl for holding lifted disks in the hopper, wherein the
hopper includes three posts oriented to surround lifted disks, at
least one pawl mounts on each post..].
.[.14. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 13, wherein
each post includes a hollow portion, the pawls being mounted at
least partially within the hollow portions of the posts..].
.[.15. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 14, wherein the
pawls are slidably mounted within the hollow portions of the posts
so that lifting a disk slides the pawls into the hollow portions,
and after the disk is lifted, the pawls extend from the hollow
portions to hold the disk in the hopper..].
.[.16. A memory storage disk handling system, comprising: a housing
defining a hopper for holding disks; an elevator pin mounted on the
housing for lifting disks into the hopper; a servo motor attached
to the housing; a linkage assembly attached between the servo motor
and the elevator pin for lifting the elevator pin in response to
the servo motor; and the hopper defines a base and includes a stack
retainer means extending from the base for aligning disks in a
vertical stack, the stack retainer means includes more than one
pawl for holding lifted disks, wherein the hopper includes a
plurality of posts oriented to surrounded lifted disks, at least
one pawl mounts on each of the plurality of posts..].
.[.17. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in claim
16, wherein the servo motor includes a shaft, the linkage assembly
includes a single arm mounted on the shaft..].
.[.18. A memory storage disk handling system comprising: a housing
defining a hopper for holding disks; an elevator pin mounted on the
housing for lifting disks into the hopper; a servo motor attached
to the housing; a linkage assembly attached between the servo motor
and the elevator pin for lifting the elevator pin in response to
the servo motor, the servo motor includes a shaft, the linkage
assembly includes a single arm mounted on the shaft, wherein the
arm has a fixed end and a moveable end, the fixed end is fixed with
respect to the shaft, the moveable end includes a cam surface that
cams against the elevator pin to enable the elevator pin to move in
response to the servo motor; and the hopper defines a base and
includes a stack retainer means extending from the base for
aligning disks in a vertical stack, the stack retainer means
includes more than one pawl for holding lifted disks..].
.[.19. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 18, wherein the
stack retainer means includes three posts oriented to surround
lifted disks, each post includes a hollow portion, the pawls
normally extend from the post and retract within the hollow
portions of the posts when a disk lifts past the pawls..].
.[.20. A memory storage disk handling system, comprising: a
housing; an elevator pin mounted on the housing, wherein the
elevator pin presses a single disk into a stack of disks; a servo
motor attached to the housing; a base having a position sensor; and
a linkage assembly between the servo motor and the elevator pin
wherein the servo motor includes a shaft, the linkage assembly
includes an arm mounted on the shaft, whereby rotation of the shaft
pivots the arm to lift the elevator pin..].
.[.21. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in claim
20, wherein the position sensor includes a mechanical arm, the arm
engages the elevator pin to detect elevator pin position..].
.[.22. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in claim
20, wherein the position sensor includes an optical sensor
element..].
.[.23. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in claim
20, wherein the position sensor includes a magnetic sensor
element..].
.[.24. A memory storage disk handling system, comprising: a housing
defining a hopper for holding disks in a stack; an elevator pin
mounted on the housing for lifting disks into the hopper; and a
plurality of pawls for holding disks, wherein the plurality of
pawls slide between a retracted position which enables the elevator
pin to lift disks into the stack and an extended position for
holding disks, wherein the housing includes a plurality of posts
oriented to surround lifted disks, and at least one pawl mounts on
each post..].
.[.25. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 24, further
comprising a servo motor and a linkage assembly, wherein the
linkage assembly is attached between the servo motor and the
elevator pin for lifting the elevator pin in response to the servo
motor..].
.[.26. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 25, wherein the
linkage assembly includes at least one belt and at least one
pulley..].
.[.27. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 25, wherein the
linkage assembly is a gear linkage assembly..].
.[.28. The disk handling system as set forth in claim 24, wherein
the disks are retained in a vertical stack..].
.Iadd.29. A dispenser comprising: a first member configured to
support a bottom disk of a vertical stack of disks, the first
member including a horizontal surface that is configured to receive
an outer edge of the bottom disk so that a bottom surface of only
the outer edge rests on the horizontal surface; a second member
operable in response to actuation to push the outer edge of the
bottom disk off the horizontal surface, the second member having a
thickness that is equal to or less than a thickness of the bottom
disk so that only the bottom disk is pushed; and a third member
configured to prevent an outer edge of a next-to--bottom disk of
the vertical stack of disks from being pushed off the horizontal
surface when the second member pushes the bottom disk, the third
member having a side surface configured to act as a stop, wherein
actuation of the second member pushes only the bottom disk off the
horizontal surface causing only the bottom disk to fall out of the
dispenser..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The dispenser of claim 29, wherein: the disk is a compact
disc or a digital versatile disc..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The dispenser of claim 29, wherein: the third member is
an upper guide that is situated on top of the first member and that
includes an aperture configured to guide the bottom disk to a
resting position at which the bottom surface of only the outer edge
of the bottom disk rests on the horizontal surface of the first
member..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The dispenser of claim 31, wherein: the side surface
configured to act as a stop is a side surface of the aperture in
the upper guide..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. The dispenser of claim 31, wherein: the first member is a
lower guide that includes an aperture sized and shaped to allow the
bottom disk to fall through; and the horizontal surface on which
the outer edge of the bottom disk rests is located at an edge of
the aperture in the lower guide..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. The dispenser of claim 33, wherein: the aperture of the
lower guide has a first central axis; the aperture of the upper
guide has a second central axis; and the first and second axes are
offset relative to each other..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. The dispenser of claim 33, wherein: the second member is
a plate that includes an aperture configured to circumscribe and
receive the bottom disk, the plate being situated between the upper
and lower guides; and the plate is operable to slide from a first
position to a second position, the first position situating the
bottom disk at the resting position and the second position
situating the bottom disk off the horizontal surface, whereby
movement of the plate from the first position to the second
position pushes the outer edge of the bottom disk off the
horizontal surface..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. The dispenser of claim 35, wherein: the outer edge of the
bottom disk is a first outer edge, the bottom disk including a
second outer edge opposite the first outer edge; the horizontal
surface of the lower guide is a first horizontal surface, the lower
guide including a second horizontal surface at an edge of the
aperture in the lower guide, the second horizontal surface being on
an opposite side of the lower guide's aperture as the first
horizontal surface; and movement of the plate from the first
position to the second position causes the first outer edge of the
bottom disk to fall off the first horizontal surface and a
subsequent movement of the plate from the second position to the
first position causes the second outer edge of the bottom disk to
fall off the second horizontal surface, whereby the bottom disk is
dispensed to fall through the aperture in the lower
guide..Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. The dispenser of claim 36, wherein: the subsequent
movement of the plate from the second position to the first
position also positions the next-to-bottom disk in the resting
position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. The dispenser of claim 36, wherein: the plate is spring
loaded to return from the second position to the first
position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. The dispenser of claim 36, further comprising: a fourth
member having a side surface against which disks above the vertical
stack of disks can rest..Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. The dispenser of claim 36, wherein: the lower guide is
situated to dispense the bottom disk to an extended tray of a
digital data reader, a digital data writer, or a
printer..Iaddend.
.Iadd.41. The dispenser of claim 29, wherein: the bottom disk is
dispensed without being deformed..Iaddend.
.Iadd.42. A method for dispensing a disk, the method comprising:
providing a lower member with an aperture configured to pass a
first disk of a particular type, the lower member having a
horizontal surface by an edge of the aperture that is configured to
receive an outer edge of the first disk so that a bottom surface of
only the outer edge rests on the horizontal surface, preventing the
first disk from falling through the aperture of the lower member;
using an upper guide that includes an aperture through which the
first disk and a second disk of the particular type can pass to
stack the disks in a vertical stack such that the edge portion of
the first disk rests on the horizontal surface and the second disk
rests on the first disk; and in response to actuation, causing a
pusher to push, at the outer edge, the first disk off the
horizontal surface and into the aperture of the lower member, the
pusher having a thickness that is equal to or less than a thickness
of the first disk so that only the first disk is pushed, the
aperture in the upper guide preventing the second disk from being
pushed into the aperture in the lower member when the first disk is
being pushed, wherein the first disk but not the second disk is
dispensed to fall through the aperture in the lower member when the
pusher is actuated..Iaddend.
.Iadd.43. The method of claim 42, wherein: the outer edge of the
first disk is a first outer edge, the first disk including a second
outer edge that is opposite the first outer edge; the horizontal
surface of the lower member is a first horizontal surface and the
edge of the aperture in the lower member is a first edge of the
aperture, the lower member having a second horizontal surface by a
second edge of the aperture that is opposite the first edge of the
aperture; and the pusher pushes in a reciprocating action that
includes a first movement and a second reciprocating movement so
that the first movement pushes the first outer edge of the first
disk off the first horizontal surface and the second movement
pushes the second outer edge of the first disk off the second
horizontal surface..Iaddend.
.Iadd.44. A method for dispensing a disk, the method comprising:
stacking two or more disks of a particular type in a vertical stack
and on a horizontal surface where the horizontal surface is
configured to receive an outer edge of a bottom disk so that a
bottom surface of only the outer edge rests on the horizontal
surface, preventing the bottom disk from falling through an
aperture; and pushing only the bottom disk off the horizontal
surface, the pushing being effected at an outer edge of the bottom
disk and while disks on top of the bottom disk are held so that
they are not pushed off the horizontal surface, wherein the pushing
dispenses only the bottom disk from the stack..Iaddend.
.Iadd.45. The method of claim 44, wherein: the bottom disk includes
an edge portion; and stacking is effected such that only the bottom
surface of the edge portion rests on the horizontal
surface..Iaddend.
.Iadd.46. The method of claim 45, wherein: the edge portion has a
horizontal extent; and pushing is effected so that the bottom disk
is displaced by a distance less than or equal to the horizontal
extent..Iaddend.
.Iadd.47. The method of claim 46, wherein: the horizontal surface
is adjacent to an aperture configured to allow the bottom disk to
fall through; and the pushing causes the disk to fall through the
aperture..Iaddend.
.Iadd.48. The method of claim 47, wherein: stacking includes using
a guide to position the two or more disks..Iaddend.
.Iadd.49. The method of claim 48, further comprising: when the
bottom disk is dispensed, guiding the bottom disk to fall into an
extended tray of a data writer, a data reader, or a
printer..Iaddend.
.Iadd.50. A dispenser comprising: a first member configured to
support a bottom disk of a vertical stack of disks, the first
member including a horizontal surface that is configured to receive
an outer edge of the bottom disk so that a bottom surface of only
the outer edge rests on the horizontal surface; a second member
operable in response to actuation to push the outer edge of the
bottom disk off the horizontal surface so that only the bottom disk
is pushed; and wherein actuation of the second member pushes only
the bottom disk off the horizontal surface causing only the bottom
disk to drop..Iaddend.
.Iadd.51. The dispenser of claim 50, further comprising: a third
member configured to hold one or more next-to-bottom disks of the
vertical stack of disks while the second member pushes the bottom
disk, the third member having a side surface configured to act as a
stop..Iaddend.
.Iadd.52. The dispenser of claim 51, wherein: the third member is
an upper guide that is situated on top of the first member and that
includes an aperture configured to a guide the bottom disk to a
resting position at which the bottom surface of only the outer edge
of the bottom disk rests on the horizontal surface of the first
member..Iaddend.
.Iadd.53. The dispenser of claim 52, wherein: the first member
includes an aperture configured to allow the bottom disk to fall
through; and the horizontal surface on which the outer edge of the
bottom disk rests is located at an edge of the aperture in the
first member..Iaddend.
.Iadd.54. The dispenser of claim 53, where the horizontal surface
is adapted to interact with the second member such that only the
bottom disk from the vertical stack is pushed..Iaddend.
.Iadd.55. The dispenser of claim 53, wherein: the second member is
a plate that includes an aperture configured to receive the bottom
disk, the plate being positioned between the upper and lower
guides; and the plate is operable to slide from a first position to
a second position, the first position situating the bottom disk at
the resting position and the second position situating the bottom
disk off the horizontal surface, whereby movement of the plate from
the first position to the second position pushes the outer edge of
the bottom disk off the horizontal surface..Iaddend.
.Iadd.56. The dispenser of claim 55, where the aperture of the
second member is adapted to pass disks from the vertical stack one
at a time. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.57. The dispenser of claim 55, wherein: the outer edge of the
bottom disk is a first outer edge, the bottom disk including a
second outer edge opposite the first outer edge; the horizontal
surface of the lower guide is a first horizontal surface, the lower
guide including a second horizontal surface at an edge of the
aperture in the lower guide, the second horizontal surface being on
an opposite side of the lower guide's aperture as the first
horizontal surface; and movement of the plate from the first
position to the second position causes the first outer edge of the
bottom disk to fall off the first horizontal surface and the second
outer edge of the bottom disk to rest on the second horizontal
surface and where a subsequent movement of the plate from the
second position to the first position causes the second outer edge
of the bottom disk to fall off the second horizontal surface,
whereby the bottom disk is dispensed to fall through the aperture
in the lower guide..Iaddend.
.Iadd.58. The method of claim 57, where in the first position, the
first outer edge rests on the first horizontal surface and the
second outer edge rests on a third horizontal surface, the third
horizontal surface being a surface of the plate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.59. A memory storage disk handling system, comprising: a
housing; an elevator pin mounted on the housing for lifting disks;
a servo motor attached to the housing; and a linkage assembly
attached between the servo motor and the elevator pin, wherein the
servo motor includes a shaft, the linkage assembly includes an arm
mounted on the shaft, whereby rotation of the shaft pivots the arm
to lift the elevator pin..Iaddend.
.Iadd.60. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in
claim 59, wherein the arm has a fixed end and a moveable end, the
first end mounts on the shaft, and the moveable end includes a cam
surface that cams against the elevator pin when the arm
pivots..Iaddend.
.Iadd.61. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in
claim 60, wherein the elevator pin has an axis, and a base that
lies in a plane perpendicular to the axis, the elevator pin
includes a slot that parallels the base, the cam surface cams
within the slot to lift the elevator pin in the direction of the
axis..Iaddend.
.Iadd.62. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in
claim 60, wherein the elevator pin has an axis, a longitudinal
surface and a cam pin extending radially outward from the
longitudinal surface, the moveable end of the arm defines a slot
that cams against the cam pin when the arm pivots..Iaddend.
.Iadd.63. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in
claim 59, wherein one end of the arm mounts on the shaft and the
other end of the arm mounts on the elevator pin, the elevator pin
has an axis, the servo motor pivots the arm to lift the elevator
pin in the direction of the axis and the elevator pin rotates about
the axis when the arm lifts the elevator pin..Iaddend.
.Iadd.64. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in
claim 59, wherein the disks form a stack having a top and a bottom,
and wherein a single disk is added to the bottom of the
stack..Iaddend.
.Iadd.65. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in
claim 59, further comprising a conveyor..Iaddend.
.Iadd.66. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in
claim 65, wherein the conveyor delivers disk to the memory storage
disk handling system for the elevator pin to stack the delivered
disks into a stack..Iaddend.
.Iadd.67. A memory storage disk handling system comprising: a
housing defining a hopper for received disks; an elevator pin
mounted on the housing for lifting disks into the hopper; and the
hopper being configured for aligning lifted disks into a stack and
includes at least one pawl for holding lifted disks in the hopper,
wherein the hopper includes a plurality of posts oriented to
surround lifted disks, at least one pawl mounts on each
post..Iaddend.
.Iadd.68. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 67, wherein
each of the plurality of posts includes hollow portions and at
least two pawls, the pawls being slidably mounted within the hollow
portions..Iaddend.
.Iadd.69. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 68, wherein
each pawl includes a slot and the hopper includes pins that insert
through the slots to hold each pawl, the pins and slots cooperate
to enables the pawls to slide. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.70. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 68, wherein
each pawl includes an end with a hook for holding lifted
disks..Iaddend.
.Iadd.71. A memory storage disk handling system comprising: a
housing defining a hopper for receiving disks; an elevator pin
mounted on the housing for lifting disks into the hopper; and the
hopper being configured for aligning lifted disks into a stack and
includes at least one pawl for holding lifted disks in the hopper,
wherein the hopper includes three posts oriented to surround lifted
disks, at least one pawl mounts on each post..Iaddend.
.Iadd.72. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 71, wherein
each post includes a hollow portion, the pawls being mounted at
least partially within the hollow portions of the
posts..Iaddend.
.Iadd.73. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 72, wherein
the pawls are slidably mounted within the hollow portions of the
posts so that lifting a disk slides the pawls into the hollow
portions, and after the disk is lifted, the pawls extend from the
hollow portions to hold the disk in the hopper..Iaddend.
.Iadd.74. A memory storage disk handling system, comprising: a
housing defining a hopper for holding disks; an elevator pin
mounted on the housing for lifting disks into the hopper; a servo
motor attached to the housing; a linkage assembly attached between
the servo motor and the elevator pin for lifting the elevator pin
in response to the servo motor; and the hopper defines a base and
includes a stack retainer means extending from the base for
aligning disks in a vertical stack, the stack retainer means
includes more than one pawl for holding lifted disks, wherein the
hopper includes a plurality of posts oriented to surround lifted
disks, at least one pawl mounts one each of the plurality of
posts..Iaddend.
.Iadd.75. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in
claim 74, wherein the servo motor includes a shaft, the linkage
assembly includes a single arm mounted on the shaft..Iaddend.
.Iadd.76. A memory storage disk handling system comprising: a
housing defining a hopper for holding disks; an elevator pin
mounted on the housing for lifting disks into the hopper; a servo
motor attached to the housing; a linkage assembly attached between
the servo motor and the elevator pin for lifting the elevator pin
in response to the servo motor, the servo motor includes a shaft,
the linkage assembly includes a single arm mounted on the shaft,
wherein the arm has a fixed end and a moveable end, the fixed end
is fixed with respect to the shaft, the moveable end includes a cam
surface that cams against the elevator pin to enable the elevator
pin to move in response to the servo motor; and the hopper defines
a base and includes a stack retainer means extending from the base
for aligning disks in a vertical stack, the stack retainer means
includes more than one pawl for holding lifted disks..Iaddend.
.Iadd.77. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 76, wherein
the stack retainer means includes three posts oriented to surround
lifted disks, each post includes a hollow portion, the pawls
normally extend from the post and retract within the hollow
portions of the posts when a disk lifts past the
pawls..Iaddend.
.Iadd.78. A memory storage disk handling system, comprising: a
housing; an elevator pin mounted on the housing, wherein the
elevator pin presses a single disk into a stack of disks; a servo
motor attached to the housing; a base having a position sensor; and
a linkage assembly between the servo motor and the elevator pin
wherein the servo motor includes a shaft, the linkage assembly
includes an arm mounted on the shaft, whereby rotation of the shaft
pivots the arm to lift the elevator pin..Iaddend.
.Iadd.79. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in
claim 78, wherein the position sensor includes a mechanical arm,
the arm engages the elevator pin to detect elevator pin
position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.80. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in
claim 78, wherein the position sensor includes an optical sensor
element..Iaddend.
.Iadd.81. A memory storage disk handling system as set forth in
claim 78, wherein the position sensor includes a magnetic sensor
element..Iaddend.
.Iadd.82. A memory storage disk handling system, comprising: a
housing defining a hopper for holding disks in a stack; an elevator
pin mounted on the housing for lifting disks into the hopper; and a
plurality of pawls for holding disks, wherein the plurality of
pawls slide between a retracted position which enables the elevator
pin to lift disks into the stack and an extended position for
holding disks, wherein the housing includes a plurality of posts
oriented to surround lifted disks, and at least one pawl mounts on
each post..Iaddend.
.Iadd.83. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 82, further
comprising a servo motor and a linkage assembly, wherein the
linkage assembly is attached between the servo motor and the
elevator pin for lifting the elevator pin in response to the servo
motor..Iaddend.
.Iadd.84. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 83, wherein
the linkage assembly includes at least one belt and at least one
pulley..Iaddend.
.Iadd.85. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 83, wherein
the linkage assembly is a gear linkage assembly..Iaddend.
.Iadd.86. A disk handling system as set forth in claim 82, wherein
the disks are retained in a vertical stack..Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to memory storage disk handling systems and
particularly to systems for handling, printing, duplicating or
replicating compact disks, DVD's, and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Disk handling systems typically move a single disk between a stack
of disks and a workstation. Such systems are particularly useful
for handling memory storage disks such as CD's, DVD's and the like.
Common memory storage disk handling systems include data writers,
label printers, or both.
Some disk handling systems employ robotic arms to handle the disks.
Others rely upon a gantry, or double gantry system. Many systems
slide disks from the top of a stack, or robotically lift disks from
the top of the stack. Sliding disks from a stack may scratch the
surface of the disk. Robotically lifting the disks from the stack
may prevent scratches when the robot functions properly.
One drawback to robotic arms and gantry systems is that they have
moving parts, which wear. Wear can ultimately can cause system
misalignment and failure of a gantry or robotic arm over time.
Accordingly, the known robotic arm and gantry systems should be
carefully maintained.
While the typical memory storage device systems are effective,
users may desire more throughput, i.e. an increase in the number of
disks handled per hour, and less maintenance. Accordingly, what is
desired is a reliable way of increasing the throughput of a typical
disk handling system. What is also desired is a low-maintenance
memory storage device handling system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A memory storage disk handling system includes a housing with a
hopper for holding disks. The system has an elevator pin, linkage
and a servo motor mounted on the housing. The linkage attaches
between the servo motor and the elevator pin. The servo motor
rotates the arm to lift the elevator pin and deliver memory storage
disks into the hopper. Preferably the linkage is a single arm and
the servo motor causes the arm to cam against the elevator pin to
lift the elevator pin.
The hopper defines a base and includes more than one pawl for
holding lifted disks, thereby preventing the stacked disks from
falling out of the hopper.
According to one aspect of the invention, the servo motor includes
a shaft and the linkage includes a single arm. The arm has a fixed
end and a moveable end. The fixed end is fixed with respect to the
shaft and pivots when the shaft rotates. The moveable end includes
a cam surface that cams against the elevator pin to lift the
elevator pin. Rotation of the servo motor shaft pivots the arm to
lift the elevator pin.
The elevator pin includes an axis that aligns with the force of
gravity. The elevator pin reciprocates in the direction of the axis
to lift disks up and down.
According to an aspect of the invention, the stack retainer
includes three posts oriented to surround lifted disks. Each post
includes a hollow portion, and the pawls are mounted at least
partially within the hollow portions of the posts. Accordingly when
the elevator pin lifts a disk, the disk contacts the pawls and
lifts the pawls into the hollow portions of the posts. As the disk
further lifts past the pawls, the pawls slide to extend out of the
hollow portions. The elevator pin then lowers, seating the disk on
the pawls. This process repeats to up-stack a number of disk in the
hopper.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disk duplication system in
accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the turntable of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the disk dispenser of
FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the dispenser of FIG.
3.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the disk dispenser of FIG. 3 and a
portion of a feed hopper.
FIG. 6 shows a cutaway rear perspective view of the system of FIG.
1.
FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 are side views, in sequence, of the
elevator pin moving a disk from the turntable of FIG. 1.
FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 correspond with FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and
FIG. 9, respectively, and show partial cross-sectional views of the
disk dispenser from a reversed angle.
FIG. 13, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 show a cross-sectional side view of
the elevator pin lifting a disk.
FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 show a disk clip in accordance with FIG. 15 and
FIG. 14, respectively.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a disk recorder positioned in an
operative arrangement with respect to the turntable and linkage
mechanism in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the drive linkage for the
turntable of FIG. 1.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a disk recorder in combination
with a disk printer.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the combination of FIG. 20 without
a cover.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the writer tray, the printer tray
and the elevator pin in accordance with the invention of FIG.
20.
FIG. 23, FIG. 24, FIG. 25, FIG. 26, FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 show a
sequence of movement of the writer tray and printer tray of FIG. 22
in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 29 shows a partially cutaway perspective view of disk
duplication system having multiple recorders in accordance with the
present invention.
FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of the turntable and multiple
recorders of FIG. 29, stacked and aligned in accordance with the
present invention.
FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of the turntable and multiple
recorders stacked and aligned in a radial array in accordance with
the present invention.
FIG. 32 and FIG. 33 show a perspective view of an elevator pin in
accordance with the present invention in a retracted and extended
configuration, respectively.
FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 show a perspective view of a variation of an
elevator pin in accordance with the present invention in a
retracted and extended configuration, respectively.
FIG. 36 and FIG. 37 show a perspective view of a variation of an
elevator pin in accordance with the present invention in a
retracted and extended configuration, respectively.
FIG. 38 and FIG. 39 show a perspective view of a variation of an
elevator pin in accordance with the present invention in a
retracted and extended configuration, respectively.
FIG. 40 shows a memory storage device handling system having a
servo driven elevator pin.
FIG. 41 shows a linkage assembly includes pulleys and belts.
FIG. 42 shows a conveyor feeding a disk into a hopper via a lateral
opening in the hopper.
FIGS. 43A, 43B, 43C, and 43D show the operation of hopper with a
disk guide having pawls.
FIGS. 44A and 44B show the linkage assembly of the present
invention having a cam pin that slides on a cam surface defined by
the elevator pin.
FIGS. 45A and 45B show the linkage assembly of the present
invention including a cam slot that slides with respect to the
elevator pin.
FIGS. 46A and 46B show the linkage assembly of the present
invention including an arm with two fixed ends.
FIGS. 47A and 47B show the linkage assembly of the present
invention including a rocker arm.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 shows a disk duplication system, generally designated with
the reference numeral 30. The system 30 includes a housing 32 with
a cover 34, a turntable 36, and a disk dispenser 38. The turntable
36 includes several hoppers for feeding and accepting memory
storage disks 40. The turntable 36 rotates to move the disks 40
along an arcuate path. The system 30 includes a sensor 33 mounted
on a portion of the housing 32, adjacent the turntable 36.
The housing 32 encloses a CD recorder for writing data on disks.
The disk dispenser 38 dispenses disks 40 into the recorder. When
data writing is complete, the turntable 36 rotates and accepts the
written disk is a selected hopper. Further rotation of the
turntable 36 enables the disk dispenser 38 to dispense another disk
into the CD recorder, repeating the data writing process.
The turntable 36 includes embedded magnets 35. The sensor 33
detects the magnets 35 to enable the system to recognize when the
turntable 36 is in a desired rotational position with respect to
the housing 32.
The disk dispenser 38 of the present invention is useful in
conjunction recording data on memory storage disks such as compact
disks, and duplicating compact disks. It can be appreciated,
however, that a variety of media including optical or magnetic
memory storage media may be dispensed and duplicated in accordance
with the present invention. According to one variation of the
invention, the housing 32 encloses a CD printer for printing
indicia on disk surfaces and the disk dispenser 38 dispenses disks
to the CD printer.
FIG. 2 shows the turntable 36. The turntable 36 includes a central
post 52, outer posts 54, 56 and 58, a surface 42 defining three
openings 43. The turntable has an axis 44, a generally designated
feed hopper 46, accept hopper 48, and reject hopper 50. The hoppers
46, 48 and 50 generally align adjacent a respective opening 43 to
dispense or accept disks through each respective opening.
The disk dispenser 38 mounts on the turntable 36 adjacent one
opening 43 to dispense disks through the turntable 36. The outer
posts 54 cooperate with the central post 52 to define the hopper 46
which guides disks into the disk dispenser 38.
The central post 52 aligns with the turntable axis 44. The outer
posts 54, 56 and 58 are positioned co-radially with respect to the
turntable axis 44. The outer posts 56 and 58 cooperate with the
central post 52 to surround the respective turntable openings 43
and to define the reject hopper 48 and accept hopper 50,
respectively.
Although outer posts 54, 56 and 58 cooperate with the central post
52 to define the hoppers 46, 48 and 50 and provide a light weight
structure to guide disks, one can appreciate that hoppers may
assume any of a number of configurations. A cylindrical wall may
define a hopper, for example. Also for example, a helical coil, or
by another structure having a lightweight design could define the
hopper.
FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the disk dispenser, generally
designated 38. The disk dispenser 38 includes an upper guide 60, a
lower guide 62 and a plate 64. The lower guide 62 includes a spring
68, a rim 72, a support lip 74, an opposing edge 75, and fasteners
76. The plate 64 includes an arced edge 71. The arced edge 71
defines an inner periphery 73. The inner periphery 73 defines an
opening for surrounding a disk. Preferably, the inner periphery 73
is circular for circumscribing a disk. The inner periphery 73 is
configured with a beveled edge for separating single disks from a
stack of disks.
The upper guide 60, the lower guide 62 and the plate 64 each define
a generally circular opening to enable a disk to pass through the
disk dispenser 38. Each opening is sized for a disk to pass through
when the disk parallels the plate 64. The upper guide 60 and the
lower guide 62 are axially offset from each other so that a portion
of the rim 72 of lower guide 62 stops disks which may fall thorough
the upper guide 60 towards the lower guide 62. The opposing edge 75
diametrically opposes the support lip 74. The support lip 74
cooperates with the opposing edge 75 to hold a disk on the lower
guide 62. The plate 64 slidably mounts between the upper guide 60
and the lower guide 62 to selectively pass disks stopped by the
lower guide 40 through the lower guide 62.
The pin 70 extends between the lower guide 62 and the upper guide
60 to retain the spring 68. The plate 64 includes a pair of holes
78, which align with respective fasteners 76. The fasteners 76
extend through the upper guide 60, the plate 64 and the lower guide
62 to hold the upper guide 60 and the lower guide 62 together. The
fasteners 76 retain the plate 64 between the upper guide 60 and the
lower guide 62. The fasteners 76 align the plate 64 relative to the
upper guide 60 and the lower guide 62 when the plate 64 slides.
The lower guide 62 includes a groove 71. The spring 68 is a coil
spring having two ends. The spring 68 lies in the groove 71. The
pin 70 inserts perpendicularly into the groove 71. Accordingly, one
end of the spring 68 contacts the pin 70. The spring 68 biases the
plate 64 in a desired position. According to one aspect of the
invention, the spring 68 offsets the plate 64 from the lower guide
62 to enable the lower guide 62 to support a disk.
The plate 64 has a shoulder with an edge 80. The edge 80 contacts
the other end of the spring 68. The spring 68 biases the plate 64
into a desired position relative to the lower guide 62. When the
plate 64 slides towards the pin 70, the spring 68 dampens movement
of the plate 64. The plate 64 has a generally uniform thickness
"t". The thickness "t" approximates the thickness of an individual
disk to be dispensed so that when the plate 64 slides, only one
disk is dispensed.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the plate 64 and the lower guide
62. The plate 64 reciprocates with respect to the lower guide in
the direction of the arrows 86. The lower guide 62 opening defines
an axis 82. The spring 68 biases the plate 64 so that the plate
opening is axially offset from the lower guide opening. Offsetting
the plate 64 opening from the lower guide 62 opening enables the
support lip 74, in cooperation with the opposing edge 75, to hold a
disk on the lower guide 62. The plate 64 circumscribes a disk when
the disk is on the lower guide 62. The plate 64 slides towards the
springs 68 to dispense a disk through the lower guide 62 opening.
The springs 68 reciprocate the plate 64.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the disk dispenser 38 attached to
the feed hopper 46. The feed hopper 46 is configured with a
reinforcement plate 88, which bolts to the upper guide 60. The
outer posts 54 mount on the reinforcement plate 88. Accordingly,
the feed hopper attaches to the disk dispenser. The reinforcement
plate 88 inhibits flexion of the disk dispenser 38 while supporting
the feed hopper 46 (see FIG. 2).
The upper guide 60 has an opening with an axis 83. The axis 82 of
the lower guide 62 opening is axially offset from the axis 83 of
the upper guide 60 opening.
FIG. 6 shows a cutaway rear perspective view of the housing 32. The
housing 32 includes a motor 100, a mechanical linkage 102, the
elevator pin 98 and an arm 104. The arm 104 and the elevator pin 98
are connected via the mechanical linkage 102 to the motor 100. The
motor 100 actuates the mechanical linkage 102 to cause the arm 104
to slide the plate 64 and to lift and lower the elevator pin 98.
Movement of the linkage 102 and rotation of the turntable 36
dispense disks, one at a time, from the dispenser 38 onto the
elevator pin 98. Movement of the linkage 102 may also insert disks,
one at a time, through the opening 43 in the turntable 36 when the
turntable 36 rotates.
According to one aspect of the invention, the elevator pin 98 is a
single unit. According to another aspect of the invention, the
elevator pin 98 has multiple components, which extend and
retract.
FIG. 7 shows a side view of the disk dispenser 38, the turntable 36
and the linkage 102. The motor 100 actuates the linkage 102. The
linkage 102 elevates the elevator pin 98 towards the turntable 36
and moves the arm 104. The arm 104 moves towards the plate 64 of
the disk dispenser.
FIG. 8 shows further movement of the linkage 102. The arm 104
presses against the plate 64 to slide the plate 64. Sliding the
plate 64 relative to the upper guide 60 and the lower 62 guide
causes the dispenser 38 to drop the disk 40 onto the elevator pin
98.
FIG. 9 shows further movement the linkage 102. The elevator pin 98
retracts from the dispenser 38. The arm 104 simultaneously
withdraws from the dispenser 38. The elevator pin 98 lowers the
dispensed disk 40 away from the dispenser 38.
A single elevator pin cycle is completed when the elevator pin 98
retracts and the arm 104 withdraws. At this point in the cycle, the
turntable 36 rotates. Rotation of the turntable 36 enables a
subsequent cycle of the elevator pin 98 to lift the disk 40 back
onto the turntable 36, for example.
FIG. 10 shows the arm 104 moving towards the plate 64. The support
lip 74 and the opposing edge 75 of the lower guide 62 support the
disk 40. The elevator pin 98 moves towards the dispenser 38 and the
arm 104 moves towards the plate 64. Preferably, the upper guide 60
holds from 4-6 disks in parallel with the plate. The three hoppers
are each adapted to hold between 100-150 disks.
The central post 52 of the feed hopper 46 includes a recessed
portion 130, an extended portion 132 and an adjustable set screw
133. The recessed portion 130 is adjacent the upper guide 60 to
feed disks, in horizontal alignment with the plate 64, from the
feed hopper 46 to the upper guide 60. The set screw 133 rotatably
extends through the central post 52 to adjust the distance at which
the extended portion 132 extends from the central post 52 and
insures proper feeding of disks from the feed hopper 46 to the
upper guide 60.
The extended portion 132 angles disks stacked in the feed hopper 46
with respect to the plate 64. Angling disks within the feed hopper
46 minimizes forces caused by disk weight on the disk dispenser 38,
and particularly on the plate 64. Minimizing such forces enables
multiple disks to be stacked in the feed hopper 46 and optimizes
reliability of the disk dispenser.
FIG. 11 shows the arm 104 contacting the plate 64. The disk 40 has
two opposing edges 136 and 138. The arm 104 contacts the plate 64
to slide the plate 64 in the direction of the arrow 90. The plate
64 urges the edge 136 of the disk 40 off of the edge 75 of the
lower guide 62. Reciprocation of the plate 64 urges the other edge
138 of the disk 40 off of the support lip 74 so that the disk 40
falls from the lower guide 60 onto the elevator pin 98.
FIG. 12 shows the arm 104 withdrawn from the plate 64. The plate 64
automatically reciprocates as the arm 104 withdraws. The plate 64
guides the next disk 105 onto the lower guide 62. Movement of the
next disk 105 onto the lower guide 62 causes another disk 107 to
fall from the hopper into the upper guide 60.
FIG. 13 shows the elevator pin 98 extending to lift the disk 40
towards the turntable 36 from below the opening 43 of the accept
hopper 48. The turntable defines the opening 43 to enables disks to
pass into the accept hopper from beneath the turntable 36. The
turntable 43 includes a periphery 110 surrounding the opening 43. A
plurality of disk clips 108 mount on the periphery 110. The disk
clips 108 function to allow the disk 40 to move through the
turntable 36 into the accept hopper in only one direction, in the
direction of the arrow 106.
FIG. 14 shows the elevator pin 98 lift the disk 40 in the direction
of the arrows 106 above the turntable 36. The elevator pin 98
passes through the turntable 36 with the disk 40. The disk 40 lifts
the disk clips 108 as the disk 40 passes through the turntable 36.
The disk 40 has an outer edge 114. The disk clips have ends 120. As
the elevator pin 98 passes through the turntable, the outer edge
114 of the disk contacts the ends 120 of the disk clips 108.
The ends 120 of the disk clips 108 are angled to contact primarily
the outer edge 114 of the disk 40. The angled ends 120 align the
disk 40 in parallel with the turntable 36 as the disk passes
through the turntable 36. This alignment insures that the disk 40
will not flutter on the elevator pin 98 when the elevator pin 98
extends to lift the disk 40 through the turntable 36. The elevator
pin 98 retracts to place the disk 40 on to the disk clips 108.
FIG. 15 shows the elevator pin 98 reciprocating in the direction of
the arrows 112. The disk clips 108 extend radially towards the
center of the opening 110. The elevator pin drops the disk 40 on
the disk clips 108 so that the disk clips support the outer edge
114 of the disk 40. The disk clips 108 align with the turntable 36
to support the disk 40 on the turntable 36. The disk clips 108 are
configured, having strength enough to support a stack of disks.
Repeating the process shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 that
elevator pin stacks multiple disks on the disk clips 108 via the
turntable opening 110 from beneath the turntable 36. To enable the
disk clips 108 support a stack of disks, the elevator pin 98 is
strong enough to lift the stack of disks supported when the
elevator pin 98 lifts a disk through the turntable 36.
FIG. 16 shows a disk clip 108. The disk clip 108 includes a hinge
116, a spring 118 and the angled end 120. The spring 118 includes a
strip of resilient material, which covers a portion of the disk
clip 108 to bias the disk clip 108 in the configuration shown.
FIG. 17 shows the disk clip 108 rotated about the hinge 116. The
disk clip 108 extends at an angle with respect to the hinge 116.
The spring 118 flexes and the beveled edge 120 aligns
perpendicularly to the hinge 116 and to the turntable surface, see
FIG. 13.
FIG. 18 shows the turntable 36, a recorder 122, a hard drive 124,
the elevator pin 98, and the mechanical linkage 102. The recorder
122 includes a tray 126. The tray 126 automatically extends from
the recorder 122 to interpose a disk between the elevator pin 98
and the turntable 36, or to catch a disk, which is dispensed from
the disk dispenser 38.
The tray 126 includes an opening 128 to enable the elevator pin 98
to extend through the turntable 36, via the tray 126. The hard
drive 124 couples with the recorder 122 to deliver data to be
written. A controller including a circuit board within the housing
regulates operation of the hard drive 124, the recorder 122, the
linkage 102 and the turntable 36.
According to one aspect of the invention, the recorder 122 is a
Compact Disk Recorder, a DVD recorder, or the like. Preferably, the
housing 32 of FIG. 1 encloses the recorder 122, the hard drive 124,
the pin 98 and the linkage 102. The recorder 122 in combination
with the disk dispenser 38, turntable 36 and the elevator pin 98
enables duplication of memory storage disks.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a portion of the linkage assembly,
generally designated 140, which rotates the turntable 36 in
accordance with the present invention. The drive linkage assembly
140 mounts on a portion of the housing 32. The assembly 140
includes a motor 142, belts 144, and pulleys 146. The belts 144 and
pulleys 146 operate to selectively rotate the turntable 36 at a
desired rate.
FIG. 20 shows a disk duplicating and printing apparatus 200. The
apparatus 200 includes a housing 202, which encloses a disk
recorder and a disk printer. The apparatus 200 includes a turntable
36 having a disk dispenser 38, and a transparent cover 204.
The transparent cover 204 is split and includes hinges 206 to
enable the cover 204 to open and close without requiring removal of
the cover from the housing. The cover 204 is transparent to enable
inspection of the disk duplicating and printing apparatus 200
during operation.
While the turntable and disk dispenser are shown in conjunction
with a recorder and a printer, it can be appreciated that the
turntable and dispenser can be used in any of a number of
operations which are performed on memory storage disks, including
cleaning, polishing, re-recording, packaging, and reading, etc.
FIG. 21 shows the apparatus 200 having a frame 208, a motor 210, a
disk recorder 212 and a disk printer 214. The disk recorder 212,
disk printer 214 and motor 210 mount on the frame 208. The motor
210 rotates the turntable 36 to move disks between the turntable
36, the disk recorder 212 and the disk printer 214. The motor 210
also actuates the disk dispenser 38. The printer 214 has a tray
220, which extends and retracts. The printer 214 includes an ink
jet cartridge 216, which reciprocates in the direction of the
arrows 218 to enable the printer 214 to write on disk surfaces.
According to one aspect of the invention, the printer 218 is a
SIGNATURE.RTM. printer and the ink jet cartridge 216 reciprocates
across a disk to print on the disk surface as the tray 220
extends.
FIG. 22 shows the printer 214, the recorder 212, the motor 210 and
an elevator pin linkage 222. The elevator pin linkage assembly 222
includes a disk dispenser actuator 224 and an elevator pin actuator
226. Accordingly, the elevator pin linkage assembly 222 coordinates
the elevator pin 98 and the disk dispenser actuator 224.
The elevator pin 98 extends and retracts. The recorder 212 includes
a tray 228. The tray 228 includes a central opening to allow the
elevator pin to extend through. A portion of the tray 220 is
bifurcated to form a U shaped opening. Bifurcation of at least a
portion the tray 220 enables the tray 220 to extend and retract
when the elevator pin 98 extends. Accordingly, the tray 220 can
extend or retract independently of the relative position of the
elevator pin 98.
The tray 220 of the printer 214 and the tray 228 of the recorder
212 oppose each other. This is not the only possible configuration.
Conceivably, the recorder trays and printer trays can radially
align, or stack above an appropriately configured elevator pin in
accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 23 shows the turntable 36 mounted on the frame 208. The
recorder 212, the printer 214, and the elevator pin 98 mount
adjacent the turntable 36. The recorder tray 220 extends fully. The
elevator pin 98 extends through the recorder tray 220, towards the
turntable 36. The disk dispenser 38 dispenses a disk 40 onto the
elevator pin 98. The elevator pin 98 retracts in the direction of
the arrow 230 to lowers the disk 40 onto the recorder tray 220 and
continues to retract to free the recorder tray 220 from
interference with the elevator pin 98 to enable the recorder tray
220 to retract. After the disk 40 is on the recorder tray 220, and
the elevator 98 pin retracts, the recorder tray 220 retracts into
the recorder 212 in the direction of the arrow 232 to record data
on the disk 40. After data is recorded on the disk 40, the recorder
tray 220 extends.
FIG. 24 shows the recorder tray 220 extended after the recorder 212
completes disk recording. The elevator pin 98 extends through the
tray 220, lifting the disk 40 from the tray 220, towards the
turntable 36 in the direction of the arrow 236. The next step is to
print indicia on the disk 40.
FIG. 25 shows the printer tray 228 extending. Because the printer
tray 228 is bifurcated, having a U shaped opening, the printer tray
228 moves past the elevator pin 98 to adjacent the disk. The
elevator pin 98 lowers the disk 40 onto the printer tray 228 in the
direction of the arrow 234.
FIG. 26 shows the printer tray retracting. According to one aspect
of the invention, the printer 214 prints on the disk 40 while the
printer tray 228 retracts. According to another aspect of the
invention, the printer 214 prints on the disk 40 when the printer
tray 228 extends. According to either aspect, the printer tray 228
fully re-extends upon completion of printing.
FIG. 27 shows the printer tray 228 extending towards a fully
extended position. As the printer tray 228 extends, the turntable
36 rotates and the elevator pin 98 extends towards the turntable 36
in the direction of the arrow 236.
FIG. 28 shows the turntable 36 rotated to position the accept
hopper 48 adjacent the elevator pin 98. The elevator pin 98 lifts
the printed disk 40 from the printer tray 228. The elevator pin 98
lifts the printed disk 40 fully onto the turntable 36 into the
accept hopper 48.
The turntable 36 rotates to position the disk dispenser 38 above
the elevator pin 98, another disk 40 is dispensed, and the elevator
pin 98 lowers the newly dispensed disk to the recorder 212 to
repeat the sequence shown in FIG. 23-FIG. 28, inclusively.
FIG. 29 shows a disk handling system, generally designated with the
reference numeral 300. The disk handling system includes a
turntable 36 and multiple disk recorders 212. The system 300
connects to a computer network, or to a stand-alone computer via a
standard connection such as a network card and cable, or a serial
cable, respectively. Accordingly, data, which is to be duplicated,
is communicated to the disk handling system. The multiple disk
recorders 212 simultaneously write the data to disks held in the
disk recorders 212. When the data is written, the disk handling
system 300 sequentially removes the disks from the disk recorders
and places the disks on the turntable. This sequence repeats.
It can be appreciated that the disk recorders 212 are but one
example of a workstation type, which can be used in accordance with
the present invention. For example, the disk recorders 212 may be
replaced with disk printers, disk cleaners, disk surface testing
devices and other useful devices in accordance with the present
invention.
FIG. 30 shows the disk recorders 212, the turntable 36, the
mechanical linkage 102 and the elevator pin 98. The disk recorders
212 are stacked in two discrete stacks. The two stacks oppose each
other. The elevator pin 98 is interposed between the opposing
stacks.
FIG. 31 shows a variation of the invention, wherein the elevator
pin 98 defines a central axis 301, the disk recorders 212 stack in
a radial array with respect to the central axis 301. The mechanical
linkage 102 and elevator pin 98 are interposed centrally between
the recorders 212. The elevator pin 98 telescopes to lift disks, at
varying heights, from each of the stacked disk recorders 212.
Although the elevator pin 98 aligns with the central axis 301, it
can be appreciated that depending on relative position of the disk
recorders 212 and the turntable, the elevator pin 98 may be
positioned adjacent any of the disk recorders 212. According to
another variation, multiple elevator pins 98 may be used. In
accordance with the present invention, the elevator pin 98 may be
laterally moveable to lift disks from any of the disk recorders
212. Alternatively, the recorders 212 may be moveable, laterally
for example, to enable the elevator pin 98 to lift disks from the
recorders 212.
FIG. 32 shows the elevator pin 98 in a retracted configuration. The
elevator pin 98 includes multiple sleeves. The sleeves include a
fixed sleeve 302, an intermediate sleeve 304, a spring member 306,
an alignment pin 308, and a working sleeve 310. The intermediate
sleeve 304 aligns the working sleeve 310 with the fixed sleeve 302
when the elevator pin 98 telescopes.
The cylindrical sleeves coaxially align and slide with respect to
each other to enable the elevator pin 98 to telescope from a
retracted configuration to an extended configuration. The spring
member 306 contacts least one sleeve and wraps helically around the
alignment pin 308 to bias the sleeves apart. The intermediate
sleeve 304 slidably retains the alignment pin 308.
The fixed sleeve 302 is affixed to the housing and has an outside
diameter, which is relatively smaller than the working sleeve 310
outside diameter. The working sleeve 310 includes fasteners 312.
The fasteners 312 attach to the mechanical linkage 102 (FIG. 31) to
enable the mechanical linkage 102 to actuate the elevator pin
98.
FIG. 33 shows the elevator pin of FIG. 32 in an extended
configuration. The spring member 306 includes a helical spring with
two ends. The helical spring is in coaxial alignment within the
working sleeve 310. One end pushes against the working sleeve 310.
The other end pushes against the intermediate sleeve 304. The
spring member 306 functions to sequence movement of the working
sleeve 310 relative to the intermediate sleeve 304 during elevator
pin 98 extension.
Elevator pin 98 extension is a two-stage process. During the first
stage, the working sleeve 310 slides along the intermediate sleeve
304. The spring member 306 biases the intermediate sleeve 308 in a
fixed position within the fixed sleeve 302. The second stage begins
when the working sleeve 310 extends to reach a maximum extension
relative to the intermediate sleeve. The spring member 306
lengthens and allows the intermediate sleeve 304 to slide. The
intermediate sleeve 304 slides within the fixed sleeve 302 to
enable the working sleeve 310 to extend. Accordingly the working
sleeve 310 cooperates with the intermediate sleeve 304 to enables
optimal extension of the elevator pin 98 while maintaining precise
alignment between the working sleeve 310 and the fixed sleeve 302
during both the initial and later stages of elevator pin 98
extension.
FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 show a variation of the elevator pin 98 in a
retracted configuration and in an extended configuration,
respectively. The fixed sleeve 302 surrounds the working sleeve
310. The working sleeve 310 includes a cap 314, which overhangs the
fixed sleeve 302. During extension, the working sleeve 310 and the
intermediate sleeve 304 rotates long a helical path with respect to
the fixed sleeve 302. Accordingly, the working sleeve 310 rotates
to extend the elevator pin 98.
FIG. 36 shows a variation of the telescoping elevator pin 98. The
elevator pin 98 has a coil spring 320 with two ends 322 and 324.
The end 322 of the coil spring 320 presses against the working
sleeve 310 to slide the working sleeve 310 relative to the
intermediate sleeve 304 and thereby actuate the elevator pin 98.
Rotation of one end 324 of the coil spring in the direction of the
arrow 326 uncoils the spring 320, causing the other end 322 to
press against the working sleeve 310 and extend the elevator pin
98. Counter-rotation of the one end 322 of the coil spring 320
causes the other end 324 to retract the elevator pin 98.
FIG. 37 shows the elevator pin 98 fully extended. The second end
322 presses against the working sleeve 310. The spring 320
partially uncoils to support the elevator pin 98 in the fully
extended configuration.
FIGS. 38 and 39 shows a linkage assembly 330 and elevator pin 98
combination in a retracted and extended configuration,
respectively. The linkage assembly 330 includes a rotatable
actuator 332, a threaded sleeve 334 and a pulley mechanism 336. The
actuator 332 includes a threaded shaft. The linkage assembly 330
includes linkage members 338. The linkage members 338 has scissor
joints. A motor rotates the pulley mechanism 336. The pulley
mechanism 336 rotates the actuator 332 with respect to the sleeve
310. The sleeve 310 is joined to at least one linkage member 338 so
when the sleeve 310 moves, the linkage assembly 330 scissors to
actuate the elevator pin 98. The linkage assembly 330 extends and
retracts the elevator pin 98.
FIG. 40 shows a memory storage device handling system generally
designated with the reference numeral 400. The system 400 includes
a housing 402, an elevator pin 404, a servomotor 406, a linkage
assembly 408 and a sensor 410.
The housing 402 defines a base 416 and a hopper generally
designated with the reference numeral 418. The hopper 418 functions
to hold memory storage disks in a stack, preferably a vertical
stack.
The hopper 418 has a stack retainer including posts 420. Three
posts 420 define a periphery of the hopper 418. The base 416 is
planar and the posts 420 extend perpendicularly with respect to the
base 416.
The hopper 418 includes a bottom 422 with an opening 424 for
enabling the elevator pin 404 to extend from below the hopper 418,
through the bottom of the hopper 418. The hopper 418 has a lateral
opening 426 defined on the periphery of the hopper 418 near the
bottom 422 of the hopper 418. Disks feed through the lateral
opening 426 to rest near the bottom 422 of the hopper 418 on the
elevator pin 404. The elevator pin 404 lifts resting disks into the
stack retainer portion of the hopper 418, which is the portion of
the hopper 418 situated above the lateral opening 426.
Each post 420 includes a pawl slot 430, a pawl pin 432 and a pawl
436. Each pawl 436 includes first end with a hook 438 for holding
disks. Each pawl 436 includes a second end inserted into the pawl
slot 430. The pawl pin 432 extends through the second end of each
pawl 436 to slideably hold each pawl 436 in one of the pawl slots
430.
Each pawl 436 has pin opening 440 for receiving a pawl pin 432 and
enabling the pawl 436 to slide between an extended position where
the hook 438 extends from the post 420 to a retracted configuration
where a portion of the second end of the pawl 436 extends into the
pawl slot 430. The pawls 436 hold disks in the extended
configuration and, in the retracted configuration the pawls 436
enable the elevator pin 404 to lift disks into a stack from the
bottom.
The sensor 410 for detects the position of the elevator pin 404
with respect to the base 416. The sensor 410 includes the
mechanical arm 434, which engages a portion of the elevator pin 404
to directly measure the position of the elevator and 404. Although
a sensor with the mechanical arm is used in accordance with the
present invention a can be appreciated that the position sensor can
also include an optical sensor element or a magnetic sensor
element.
FIG. 41 shows an embodiment of the present invention where the
linkage assembly 408 includes belts and pulleys. The linkage
assembly 408 includes a drive pulley 442, a first drive belt 444,
an intermediate pulley 446, a second drive belt 448 and an elevator
pin pulley 450 operably interconnected to move the elevator pin.
Rotation of the elevator pin pulley 450 lifts the elevator pin 404.
Alternatively, a mechanism as described with respect to FIG. 38 can
be used to lift the elevator pin. There are other ways to lift an
elevator pin in response to rotation of a pulley. For example a
geared linkage assembly could be substituted in accordance with the
present invention for the pulley mechanism, or the cam mechanisms
disclosed herein.
FIG. 42 shows for a memory storage device handling system 400
including a conveyor 452. The conveyor 452 delivers disks 40
through the lateral opening 426. Accordingly, the conveyor 423
delivers a memory storage disk 40 to the memory storage device
handling system 400 so that the elevator pin 404 can stack the
delivered disk 40 in the hopper 418.
FIG. 43A, FIG. 43B, FIG. 43C and FIG. 43D show operation of the
elevator pin 404 and the pawls 436. FIG. 43A shows the elevator pin
404 lifting a single disk 40 into a stack 454 of disks. The
elevator pin 404 presses the single disk 40 upwards in the
direction of the arrow 456. The single disk 40 engages the stack
454 of disks 40 from the bottom and presses into the stack 454.
FIG. 43B shows that pressing the disk 40 into the stack 454 lifts
the stack 454 upwards in the direction of the arrow 458 and adds
the single disk 40 to the stack 454 from the bottom of the stack
454. The stack 454 lifts the pawls 436 and causes the pawls 436 to
retract into the respective posts 420.
FIG. 43C shows the single disk 40 defining the bottom of the stack
454, which passes the hooked end 438 of each pawl 436. When the
bottom of the stack 454 lifts above the hooked end 438 of the pawls
436, the pawls 436 drop downwards into an extended configuration
under the influence of gravity, in the direction of the arrows
460.
FIG. 43D shows the elevator pin 404 lowering in the direction of
the arrows 462, allowing the stack 454 to rest on the hooked ends
438 of the pawls 436.
Although only a few disks are shown in the stack 454. The present
invention is intended to lift a multitude of disks. For example,
one hundred or more disks can be lifted by the elevator pin 404 in
accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 44A shows an embodiment of the linkage assembly 408. The
servomotor 406 includes a shaft 464. The servomotor 406
reciprocates the shaft 464 over an arc of less than 360 degrees.
Preferably a servomotor 406 reciprocates the shaft 464 over an arc
of less than 90 degrees to rapidly and precisely lift and lower the
elevator pin 404.
The linkage assembly 408 includes an arm 466 that mechanically
connects the servomotor shaft 464 to the elevator pin 404. The arm
466 has two ends 474 and 476. The end 474 fixedly mounts on the
shaft 464 of the servomotor 406. The motor 406 rotates the shaft
464 to pivot the arm 466.
The elevator pin 404 defines an axis 468 that is perpendicular to
the base 416 and parallels the force of gravity. The end 474 of the
arm 466 cams against the elevator pin 404 to selectively lift and
lower the elevator pin 404 along the axis 468.
The elevator pin 404 includes a slot 470 near the base of the
elevator pin 404. The slot 470 parallels the base 416 and defines
an internal cam surface 472. The end 476 of the arm 466 includes a
cam pin 478 that extends through the arm 466 to engage the cam
surface 472 of the slot 470. The cam pin 478 slides against the cam
surface 472 to selectively lift or lower the elevator pin 404.
According to one aspect of the invention, the cam pin 478 includes
cylindrical roller that cams against the elevator pin 404.
The arm 466 includes several connection points 480 that enable the
cam pin 478 to attach to any of the several connection points 480.
The connection points 480 facilitate adjustment of the linkage
assembly 408 to achieve precise movement of the elevator pin 404.
The cam motor 406 is regulated to precisely rotate the arm 466 over
a predetermined angle to lift and lower the elevator pin 404.
It can be appreciated that although the elevator pin 404 includes a
cam slot 470, that the present invention does not necessarily
require a slot 470 to achieve precise movement of the elevator pin
404.
The cam pin 478 and the elevator pin 404 are adapted, according to
an alternate aspect of the invention, to engage a bottom portion of
the elevator pin 404. A further alternative include configuring the
elevator pin 404 with a protruding cam surface that extends from
the periphery of the elevator pin 404 and engages the cam pin 478
to lift the elevator pin 404.
FIG. 44B shows the servomotor 406 rotating the shaft 464 to pivot
the arm 466 and thereby lift the elevator pin 404 along the axis
468 and upwards with respect to the base 416. The cam pin 478
slides with respect to the slot 470 of the elevator pin 404 in the
direction of the arrow 482, which parallels the base 416, as the
elevator pin 404 lifts. Reciprocation of the servomotor 406 lowers
the elevator pin 404.
According to one aspect of the invention at least one guide 484
that attaches to the base 416 to guide the elevator pin 404. The
guide 484 prevents rotation of the elevator pin 404 for about the
axis 468.
FIG. 45A shows an alternate embodiment of the linkage assembly 408
where the arm 410 defines a slot 486 and the elevator pin 404
includes a cam pin 488. The cam pin 488 extends radially outward
from the elevator pin 404 and slidably engages the slot 486 of the
arm 466. The slot 486 aligns between the shaft 464 and the cam pin
488 of the elevator pin 404.
FIG. 45B shows the arm 466 pivoting to lift the elevator pin 404
upwards, away from the base 416 in the direction of the arrow 490.
The cam pin 488 slides within the slot 486 to enable the arm 466 to
lift the elevator pin 404. Although the slot 486 is shown, the slot
486 is not required. The arm 466 can be modified with an alternate
cam surface, not including a slot.
FIG. 46A shows a variation of the linkage assembly 408 where the
arm 410 has two fixed ends and a rotatable cam pin 494. The end 474
affixes to the shaft 412. The end 476 affixes to the cam pin 494,
which inserts into the elevator pin 404.
FIG. 46B shows the arm 466 lifting the elevator pin 404. As the
elevator pin 404 lifts away from the base 416 in the direction of
the arrow 490. While the elevator pin 404 lifts, the arm 466
rotates the elevator pin 404 in the direction of the arrow 492.
Preferably the cam pin 494 includes a ball and socket connection
with the arm 466 to prevent the arm 466 and cam pin 494 from
binding.
FIG. 47A shows an alternate embodiment of the linkage assembly 408
including a pin cam pin 498, a rocker arm 494, and a cam bud 500.
The servomotor 406 a rotates the cam bud 500 in the direction of
the arrow 502 to actuate the rocker arm 496. Movement of the rocker
arm 496 lifts and lowers the elevator pin 404. The servomotor 406
reciprocates to lower the elevator pin 404 in accordance with one
aspect of the invention, and the servomotor 406 rotates in a single
direction in accordance with an alternate aspect of the
invention.
FIG. 47B shows the servo motor 406 reciprocating the cam bud 500 in
the direction of the arrow 504 to actuate the rocker arm 496 to
lift the elevator pin 404.
While the present invention is described in terms of preferred
embodiments, there are many possible variations of the invention
that are possible. For example, the linkage can be modified to have
an elliptical or other curved cam bud, instead of the cam arm shown
in the drawings. Also, placement of the servo motor can change,
having an appropriate power train for delivering power to the cam
that lifts the elevator pin. Accordingly, the invention is to be
limited only by the appended claims.
* * * * *
References