Cross-Reference to Related Application

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/315,702, filed on March 19, 2010. Background of a Preferred Embodiment

This invention relates to a library structure. More specifically, this invention relates to an automated library that may be easily transported and placed in a location in which access to municipal library facilities is limited or non-existent. Notwithstanding, this invention may be adapted for use to distribute items not associated with libraries. Thus, this invention is not limited to uses associated with conventional library distribution of conventional media, such as books, compact discs, DVD's, etc.

With the expansion of cities and the resulting increased number of persons living further from city centers where municipal brick and mortar libraries are located, there is an increased need for access to the digital and print media provided by municipal libraries. Further, as several municipalities currently face economic challenges and have cut their budgets of programs offering services to the public, patrons may find themselves living in areas where brick and mortar libraries are no longer in operation. Similarly, these brick and mortar libraries may be located at such a distance from the residences of patrons that accessing them is impractical .

In response to the need of greater access to the services provided by libraries, mobile libraries have been established. Mobile libraries currently in existence are often modified recreational vehicles or buses that visit underserved areas at set times throughout the year. One limitation of these existing mobile libraries is that they must be staffed, either by an operator who drives the recreational vehicle or bus exclusively or by an operator in addition to a library staff person or persons who assist in the selection, check-out, and return of library media materials. These staff persons must also be compensated for time spent re-stocking and or re-shelving items. An additional limitation arises from the need for funds to cover the additional expense of fuel to transport the vehicle from stop to stop along the scheduled route. Further, coordination of operation of such mobile libraries with brick and mortar libraries is also problematic .

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a portable library structure for print and digital media that can be transported to an underserved location where it can remain for an extended period of time with the need for human intervention only for periodic maintenance.

Summary of One Preferred Embodiment

In accordance with one preferred embodiment, there is provided an automated library including

a housing unit containing a plurality of shelves containing slots to hold digital and print media;

a programmable robot contained within the housing unit ;

a patron interface panel, including a touch screen, a library card reader, and receipt printer secured to a wall of the housing unit for entering data and

a media receipt and distribution system incorporated into a wall of the housing unit.

In a further embodiment this media receipt and distribution system includes a system for determining the nature, size, and shape of the media being received or distributed by the automated library. In a further embodiment the media receipt and distribution system controls the ingress and egress of the media into and out of the automated library.

Brief Description of the Drawings

This invention is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a top, perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the automated library; Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the automated library of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the automated library, as shown in Figure 1, with ceiling panels removed, thus, showing an automated robot within the automated library;

Figure 4 is a cut away view of a portion of a front panel of the automated library, as shown in Figure 3 ;

Figure 5 is a cut away view of a portion of the automated library shown in Figure 3 showing a portion of the automated robot in use within the automated library;

Figure 6 is a front view of one embodiment of a patron interface panel of the automated library, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3;

Figure 6a is a side view of the patron interface panel of Figure 6 showing a side view of the media receipt and distribution system;

Figure 6b is a back view of the patron interface panel of Figure 6 as shown from the inside of the automated library of Figures 1, 2 and 3 ;

Figure 6c is a bottom view of the patron interface panel of Figure 6 showing the bottom portion of a media receipt and distribution system and a library card reader;

Figure 6d is a bottom view of Figure 6c ;

Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the media receipt and distribution system of the automated library of Figures 1, 2, and 3 shown from the front;

Figure 7a is a front view of the media receipt and distribution system of Figure 7;

Figure 7b is a side view of the media receipt and distribution system of Figure 7;

Figure 7c is a top perspective view of the media receipt and distribution system of Figure 7 shown from the front of the system; and

Figure 7d is a top view of the media receipt and distribution system of Figure 7.

Figure 8 is a top perspective exploded view of the media receipt and distribution system of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a bottom perspective exploded view of the media receipt and distribution system of Figure 7.

Figure 10 is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the media receipt and distribution system of the automated library, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3.

Figure 10a is a side perpective view of an alternative embodiment of the media receipt and distribution system of Figure 10.

Figure 10b is a rear view of an alternative embodiment of the media receipt and distribution system of Figure 10. Figure 11 is an exploded rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the media receipt and distribution system of Figure 10.

Figure 12 is an exploded front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the media receipt and distribution system of Figure 10.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the electric gripper and gripper fingers .

Figure 13a is a rear view of the electric gripper and gripper fingers.

Figure 13b is a top view of the electric gripper and gripper fingers .

Figure 13c is a side view of the electric gripper and gripper fingers .

Figure 13d is a top view of the electric gripper and gripper fingers .

Figure 14 is an upper exploded perspective view of the electric gripper and gripper fingers.

Figure 15 is an upper exploded perspective view of the electric gripper and gripper fingers rotated 90°.

Detailed Description of One Embodiment

Although the automated library is adaptable to a wide variety of structures and uses, it is shown in the drawings and described in this detailed description in one preferred embodiment as an automated library (1) , particularly for use in indoor public or private buildings, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, particularly for use with public library systems. Notwithstanding the embodiments disclosed herein, the disclosures are not limited to the distribution of media for libraries, but may be adapted to use for the distribution of a number of different types of products and different distributions. In one embodiment, this automated library (1) includes but is not limited to: a housing unit (10) including an automated robot (70) ; a patron interface panel (36) containing a library card reader (38) , a touch screen (40), a receipt printer (42); and a media receipt and distribution system (44) .

The housing unit (10), as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, includes a front wall (12), rear wall (14), side walls (16, 18), shelving (20), ceiling (22), and floor (24) . The housing unit (10) of one preferred embodiment is, but is not limited to, a cubical shape, with other shapes being included. The walls (12, 14, 16, 18) of the structure may be constructed of glass, metal, or other structural materials, preferably steel. It is preferred that glass be incorporated into some or all of the walls (12, 14, 16, 18) of the housing unit (10) as a glass wall enables patrons to view the media items available on the shelving (20) within the housing unit (10) . The shelving (20) is secured to an interior of the walls (12, 14, 16, by conventional securing system and includes slots of various sizes to accommodate the variable sizes of media items, such as compact discs, digital versatile discs, children's books, periodicals, and other books. The shelving (20) can be constructed of any conventional materials, but is preferably constructed of stainless steel. To accommodate the glass walls of the housing unit (10) , the ends of the slots in the shelving (20) may be open towards those walls so patrons can view the media present in the slots of the shelving (20) . Also incorporated into the walls (12, 14, 16, 18) of the housing unit (10) are conventional electrical outlets to provide power to the automated library (1) and other conventional components of this type of structure.

As illustrated in Figure 2, affixed to the exterior of the floor (24) of the housing unit (10) of one preferred embodiment are systems for the mobility of the automated library such as four caster assemblies with wheels (26, 28, 30, 32) that provide for ease in transport of the automated library (1) . As illustrated in Figure 1, a controller access door (34) is incorporated into the front wall (12) of the housing unit (10) allowing for access to the interior of the housing unit (10) for repair and maintenance. Other than the controller access door (34) which permits access for service, the automated library (1) is preferably a closed, self-contained system. As illustrated in Figures 1, 3, and 4, also incorporated into the front wall (12) of the housing unit (10) is a patron interface panel (36) including a library card reader (38) , touch screen (40) , receipt printer (42) , and media receipt and distribution system (44) . Other automated systems may be incorporated, such as an outlet for credit and debit cards and for receipt of money.

As illustrated in Figures 3, 4, and 6, in operation, the patron makes a selection using the touch screen (40) whether to retrieve media from or deposit media to the automated library (1) . The library card reader (38) of the patron interface panel (36) contains a scanner for reading the library card, such as a barcode scanner. After the card is scanned, the patron's library account information is accessed. The receipt printer (42) of the patron interface panel (36) is linked to the computer system and provides the patron with a record of his transactions. As illustrated in Figures 1, 3, 4, 6,

6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 8, and 9, upon the patron' s selection to deposit his media via the touch screen (40) of the patron interface panel (36) , an external door (46) of the media receipt and distribution system (44) is unlocked, enabling the patron to manually raise the external door (46) of the media receipt and distribution system (44) . The external door (46) of the media receipt and distribution system (44) is preferably constructed of PVC or a PVC-like product, though other materials can be used. The housing (48) of the media receipt and distribution system is preferably constructed of sturdy materials, such as nylon, plastic, or stainless steel, though other materials can be used. The external door (46) and an internal door (68) are linked via a door linkage (66) , such that the internal door (68) closes as the external door (46) opens. The internal door (68) of the media receipt and distribution system (44) is preferably constructed of PVC or a PVC-like product, though other materials can be used. The patron then inserts the media item between centering gates (50) of the media receipt and distribution system (44) with the binding facing towards the patron. The centering gates (50) are preferably constructed of plastic and are beveled at an angle of at least 5°, preferably 5° - 30°, so that they are wider at the portion facing the patron than the portion facing the inside of the housing unit (10) . See Figure 7a. The depth of the intial portion of the gates, before the angle, is preferably at least 30% of the overall depth of the gate. In another embodiment, it is from 30 - 70% of the overall depth of the gate. The centering gates (50) are subject to constant tension on both sides, and timing gears (64) located on a top exterior surface of the media receipt and distribution system (44) connected to centering gate shafts (51) ensure that the centering gates (50) move an equal distance in coordination with each other. There are preferably two gate pivot shafts (62) affixed to the media receipt and distribution system via bushings (60) for the gate pivot shafts (62) located on the top exterior surface of the media receipt and distribution system (44) . The gate pivot shafts (62) and the centering gate shafts (51) each contain two pairs of radius guide bars (63) that are secured to the centering gates (50) in order to keep the centering gates (50) consistently oriented at all times. The radius guide bars (63) may be secured directly to the outer surface of the centering gates (50) or may be secured to a fixed securing element (61) as shown in Figures 7 and 7c . A bar code reader and a photo sensor located within the media receipt and distribution system (44) , preferably secured near the base of the media receipt and distribution system (44) , confirms that the media item is in the correct position in the centering gates (50) .

As illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 8, and 9, the patron then closes the external door (46) which opens the internal door (68) via the door linkage (66) . The automated robot (70) is then activated. If the position in the centering gates (50) is correct, a signal is sent to the automated robot (70) to grip the media item via an electric gripper (72) and gripper fingers (74) of the automated robot (70) which provide a means for moving the gripper fingers (74) transversely. One means for moving the gripper fingers transversely to grip media items is shown in Figures 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 14, and 15. The electric gripper (72) and gripper fingers (74) of the automated robot (70) are inserted between the centering gates (50) and through a gap (65) that is formed between the centering gates (50) when closed that is wide enough to accommodate the electric gripper (72) and gripper fingers (74) . (See Figures 7a and 7b) Once the proper torque signal is reached on the electric gripper (72) , a signal is sent to a programmable logic controller. A computer interfaces with the programmable logic controller and the robot controller. A DC motor (52) of the media receipt and distribution system (44) then supplies power to the screw and nut system (56) to push the centering gate lever (54) via timing pulleys and a belt (58) . The centering gates (50) then open and the media item is released for the automated robot (70) to remove it from the media receipt and distribution system (44) and to place it in an available slot in the shelving (20) of the housing unit (10) .

Software in the computer maintains a record of the size and title of each media item. In one embodiment, the slots in the shelving (20) of the housing unit (10) are not dedicated. Rather, the software communicates the location of an available slot that will accommodate the media item to the automated robot (70) .. The automated robot (70) then pivots and inserts the media item into the available slot so that the binding is inserted first to the exterior of the housing unit (10) with the open pages facing toward the automated robot (70) . The identification of the media item and its new location are then saved to the computer. By facing the binding outward, identification of the media item can be made by patrons outside of the automated library (1) . (See Figures 1, 3, and 5) .

To reverse the operation of the system, as illustrated in Figures 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 8, and 9, upon the patron's selection for retrieval of a media item and the subsequent selection of a particular media item via the touch screen (40) of the patron interface panel (36) , the automated robot (70) is activated. The robot controller interfaces with a computer. The radio frequency identification scanner incorporated into the automated robot (70) communicates with the computer and the computer in turn communicates with the automated robot (70) which enables the automated robot (70) to locate the selected item via the radio frequency identification scanner and photo eye incorporated into the automated robot (70) . The automated robot (70) moves along two linear rails (80, 82) that are affixed to the floor (24) of the housing unit (10) to locate the proper slot in the shelving (20) of the housing unit (10) . A servo-motor with brake (78) supplies power to a ball screw (76) which is connected to the automated robot (70) . Upon proper identification of the selected media item, a signal is sent to the automated robot (70) to grip the media item via the electric gripper (72) and gripper fingers (74) of the automated robot (70) which provide means for moving the gripper fingers (74) transversely to obtain the item from its slot. (See Figures 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 14, and 15. Once the proper torque signal reaches the electric gripper (72) , a signal is sent to a programmable logic controller. A computer interfaces with a programmable logic controller and the robot controller. The DC motor (52) of the media receipt and distribution system (44) then supplies power to the screw and nut system (56) to open the centering gate lever (54) via timing pulleys and a belt (58) . The centering gates (50) then open and the automated robot (70) places the item within the centering gates (50) . The automated robot (70) is then de-activated and the external door (46) of the media receipt and distribution system (44) is unlocked. The patron is then notified via the touch screen (40) of the patron interface panel (36) that they may manually open the external door (46) of the media receipt and distribution system (44) and remove the selected media item.

In one alternative embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 10, 10a, 10b, 11 and 12, the external door (46) and the internal door (68) of the media receipt and distribution system (44) are not connected via a door linkage (66) . In this alternative embodiment, a motor plate (84) rests atop four motor plate risers (86) located at the four corners of the top exterior surface of the media receipt and distribution system (44) . This elevated motor plate prevents interference with the operation of the timing gears (64) located on the top exterior surface of the media receipt and distribution system (44) that control the movement of the centering gates (50) .

In operation of this alternative embodiment and in the embodiment previously discussed, as illustrated in Figures 3, 4, and 6, in operation, the patron makes a selection using the touch screen (40) whether to retrieve media from or to deposit media to the automated library (1) . The library card reader (38) of the patron interface panel (36) contains a scanner for reading the library card, such as a barcode scanner. After the card is scanned, the patron's library account information is accessed. The receipt printer (42) of the patron interface panel (36) is linked to the computer system and provides the patron with a record of his transactions. As illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 10, 10a, 10b, 11 and 12, upon the patron's selection to deposit his media via the touch screen (40) of the patron interface panel (36) , the external door DC motor (88) supplies power to the two external door Acme screw and nut systems (92) via the external door timing pulleys and belt (90) , and the external door (46) of the media receipt and distribution system (44) opens. The external door Acme screw and nut systems are inserted into an external door Acme screw upper bracket (94) along with two external door Acme screw support rods (95) . The external door Acme screw and nut systems (92) are further inserted into an external door Acme screw lower bracket (96) which is further affixed to the external door (46) which enables the upward movement of the external door (46) upon rotation of the external door Acme screw and nut systems (92) . The internal door (68) remains closed as the external door (46) opens. The patron then inserts the media item between centering gates (50) of the media receipt and distribution system (44) with the binding facing towards the patron.

In this alternative embodiment, as in the embodiment previously discussed, and illustrated in Figures 1, 10, 10a, 10b, 11, and 12, the centering gates (50) are preferably constructed of plastic and are beveled at an angle of at least 5°, preferably 5° - 30°, so that they are wider at the portion facing the patron than the portion facing the inside of the housing unit (10) . The depth of the intial portion of the gates, before the angle, is preferably at least 30% of the overall depth of the gate. In another embodiment, it is from 30 - 70% of the overall depth of the gate. The centering gates (50) are subject to constant tension on both sides, and timing gears (64) located on a top exterior surface of the media receipt and distribution system (44) connected to centering gate shafts (51) ensure that the centering gates (50) move an equal distance in coordination with each other. There are preferably two gate pivot shafts (62) affixed to the media receipt and distribution system via bushings (60) for the gate pivot shafts (62) located on the top exterior surface of the media receipt and distribution system (44) . The gate pivot shafts (62) and the centering gate shafts (51) each contain two pairs of radius guide bars (63) that are secured to the centering gates (50) in order to keep the centering gates (50) consistently oriented at all times. The radius guide bars (63) may be secured directly to the outer surface of the centering gates (50) or may be secured to a fixed securing element (61) as shown in Figures 8 and 8a . A bar code reader and a photo sensor located within the media receipt and distribution system (44) , preferably secured near the base of the media receipt and distribution system (44) , confirms that the media item is in the correct position in the centering gates (50) .

As shown in Figures 10, 10a, 10b, 11, and 12, the external door DC motor (88) then supplies power to the two external door Acme screw and nut systems (92) via the external door timing pulleys and belt (90) . The external door Acme screw and nut systems (92) are inserted into an external door Acme screw upper bracket (94) along with two external door Acme screw support rods (95) . The external door Acme screw and nut systems are further inserted into an external door Acme screw lower bracket which is further affixed to the external door (46) which enables the downward movement of the external door (46) upon rotation of the external door Acme screw and nut systems (92), whereby the external door (46) closes and locks. The external door Acme screw and nut systems (92) will not force the external door (46) to close if an object is blocking the external door (46) . Rather, the downward movement will stop and the external door (46) will close via gravity after the object is removed. The internal door DC motor (98) then supplies power to the two internal door Acme screw and nut systems (102) via the internal door timing pulleys and belt (100) . The internal door Acme screw and nut systems (102) are inserted into an internal door Acme screw upper bracket (104) . The internal door Acme screw and nut systems (102) are further inserted into an internal door Acme screw lower bracket (106) which is further affixed to the internal door (68) which enables the upward movement of the internal door (68) upon rotation of the internal door Acme screw and nut systems (102) , whereby the internal door (68) of the media receipt and distribution system (44) opens.

In this alternative embodiment, as in the embodiment previously discussed, the automated robot (70) is then activated. If the position in the centering gates (50) is correct, a signal is sent to the automated robot (70) to grip the media item via an electric gripper (72) and gripper fingers (74) of the automated robot (70) which provide means for moving the gripper transversely. (See Figures 5, 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 14, and 15) The electric gripper (72) and gripper fingers (74) of the automated robot (70) are inserted between the centering gates (50) and through a gap (65) that is formed between the centering gates (50) when closed that is wide enough to accommodate the electric gripper (72) and gripper fingers (74) . (See Figures 10, and 10a) Once the proper torque signal is reached on the electric gripper (72) , a signal is sent to a programmable logic controller. A computer interfaces with the programmable logic controller and the robot controller. A DC motor (52) of the media receipt and distribution system (44) then supplies power to the screw and nut system (56) to push the centering gate lever (54) via timing pulleys and a belt (58) . (See Figure 10b) The centering gates (50) then open and the media item is released for the automated robot (70) to remove it from the media receipt and distribution system (44) and to place it in an available slot in the shelving (20) of the housing unit (10) . (See Figures 1, 3, and 5)

In this alternative embodiment, as further provided in the embodiment previously discussed, illustrated in Figures 1, 3, and 5, software in the computer maintains a record of the size and title of each media item. The slots in the shelving (20) of the housing unit (10) are not dedicated. Rather, the software communicates the location of an available slot that will accommodate the media item to the automated robot (70) . The automated robot (70) then pivots and inserts the media item into the available slot so that the binding is inserted first to the exterior of the housing unit (10) with the open pages facing toward the automated robot (70) . The identification of the media item and its new location are then saved to the computer. By facing the binding outward, identification of the media item can be made by patrons outside of the automated library (1) .

To reverse the operation of the system, as illustrated in Figures 1, 3, 4, 5, 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 11, and 12, upon the patron's selection for retrieval of a media item and the subsequent selection of a particular media item via the touch screen (40) of the patron interface panel (36) , the automated robot (70) is activated. The robot controller interfaces with a computer. The radio frequency identification scanner incorporated into the automated robot (70) communicates with the computer and the computer communicates with the automated robot (70) which enables the automated robot (70) to locate the selected item via the radio frequency identification scanner and photo eye incorporated into the automated robot (70) . The automated robot (70) moves along two linear rails (80, 82) that are affixed to the floor (24) of the housing unit (10) to locate the proper slot in the shelving (20) of the housing unit (10) . A servo-motor with brake (78) supplies power to a ball screw (76) which is connected to the automated robot (70) . Upon proper identification of the selected media item, a signal is sent to the automated robot (70) to grip the media item via the electric gripper (72) and gripper fingers (74) of the automated robot (70) which provide means for moving the gripper fingers (74) transversely to obtain the item from its slot. (See Figures 5, 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 14, and 15. Once the proper torque signal reaches the electric gripper (72) , a signal is sent to a programmable logic controller. A computer interfaces with a programmable logic controller and the robot controller. The DC motor (52) of the media receipt and distribution system (44) then supplies power to the screw and nut system (56) to open the centering gate lever (54) via timing pulleys and a belt (58) . The centering gates (50) then open and the automated robot (70) places the item within the centering gates (50) . The automated robot (70) is then de-activated.

As illustrated in Figures 10, 10a, 10b, 11, and 12, the internal door DC motor (98) then supplies power to the two internal door Acme screw and nut systems (102) via the internal door timing pulleys and belt (100) . The internal door Acme screw and nut systems (102) are inserted into an internal door Acme screw upper bracket (104) . The internal door Acme screw and nut systems (102) are further inserted into an internal door Acme screw lower bracket (106) which is further affixed to the internal door (68) which enables the downward movement of the internal door (68) upon rotation of the internal door Acme screw and nut systems (102) , whereby the internal door (68) of the receipt and distribution system (44) closes and locks.

As illustrated in Figures 10, 10a, 10b, 11, and 12, the external door DC motor (88) then supplies power to the two external door Acme screw and nut systems (92) via the external door timing pulleys and belt (90) . The external door Acme screw and nut systems (92) are inserted into an external door Acme screw upper bracket (94) along with two external door Acme screw support rods (95) . The external door Acme screw and nut systems are further inserted into an external door Acme screw lower bracket which is further affixed to the external door (46) which enables the upward movement of the external door (46) upon rotation of the external door Acme screw and nut systems (92) , whereby the external door (46) opens.

As illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 10, 10a, 10b, 11, and 12, the patron is then notified via the touch screen (40) of the patron interface panel (36) that they may remove the selected media item. Upon removal of the selected media item, the external door DC motor (88) supplies power to the two external door Acme screw and nut systems (92) via the external door timing pulleys and belt (90) . The external door Acme screw and nut systems (92) are inserted into an external door Acme screw upper bracket (94) along with two external door Acme screw support rods (95) . The external door Acme screw and nut systems are further inserted into an external door Acme screw lower bracket which is further affixed to the external door (46) which enables the downward movement of the external door (46) upon rotation of the external door Acme screw and nut systems (92) , whereby the external door (46) closes and locks. The external door Acme screw and nut system (92) will not force the external door (46) to close if an object is blocking the external door (46) . Rather, the downward movement will stop and the external door (46) will close via gravity after the object is removed.

The principles, preferred embodiments, and modes of operation in the present invention have been described in the aforementioned specification. The invention, which is intended to be protected herein, is not construed as limited to the particular structures or embodiments disclosed, as these are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive . Variations and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention.