Robotic tape cassette handling system with rotary loading and unloading mechanism

摘要

An automated tape cassette sequencing system includes a cassette storage library containing a plurality of columns of storage bins facing an interior space within which a cassette manipulator is located. The manipulator moves cassettes between the storage bins and tape transport units which also face the interior space. Rotary loading and unloading mechanisms are provided in openings in the housing of the library and include one or more storage bins. The mechanisms are rotatable from a first position in which the storage bins face outwardly through the openings to a second position in which the storage bins face the interior space of the library. Cassettes can be loaded and unloaded by an operator while the mechanisms are in their first position and handled by the manipulator assembly while the mechanisms are in their second position.