Procedure to Operate the Manipulator
Arm
Prepared by Norman Blythe
Reviewed by Mark Klaene and Jon Brinkmann
Maintained by Gretchen Van Doren
Last modified on
The proper method to move data cartridges using the manipulator
arm(s) to and from storage racks, mapping station, or Lindy cart.
Cautionary Notes
Equipment Involved in
this Procedure
Procedure
CAUTIONARY
NOTES:
You must be properly trained on the use of
the manipulator arm prior to accomplishing this procedure; see
training
list.
TRIPPING HAZARDS are present. Clear the
general work area to maneuver the manipulator arm.
CRUSH HAZARDS are present. Be sure to allow
for enough room to accomplish the task.
FALL HAZARDS are present. There is a large
trench (5' wide X 6' deep X 15' long) in the cartridge elevator bay -
use caution when elevator doors are open.
THIS OPERATION CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED BY ONE
PERSON; TWO PERSONS ARE REQUIRED IF THERE IS A HEAVY
WORKLOAD.
There is no emergency back-up power to the
manipulator. If power is interrupted, contact site staff.
SAFETY WEAR: (recommended)
rubber-soled shoes
EQUIPMENT
INVOLVED IN THIS PROCEDURE
Data cartridge; Location:
stored on racks inside elevator bay, plugging station, or mapping
station; Appearance: approx 4.5' dia X 3' thick., fiber optic
wire interior, plate top, protected sides, top, and bottom; nine
total; 400 lbs. each.
Manipulator arm; Location:
mounted on a rail both inside and outside, adjacent to the elevator
bay; Appearance: grey main body and double-pivot, articulated
fork (arm) with two tines; weight supported.
PROCEDURE: accomplish in
numerical order
- Turn on the power to the manipulator using the switch marked
"Manipulator Power" to the right of the interior elevator bay
door. The electrical power to the manipulator is normally turned
off when not in use.
- A light tree located on the arm will cycle indicated the
location and status of the arm. Flashing red lights at top or
bottom of tree indicate arm is at either its top or bottom limits.
Flashing yellow lights indicate whether arm is at proper level for
mapping station, plug station, or mapping table.
- To move the manipulator along the rail to the desired
location, push or pull (depending on the direction of travel) the
aluminum handle located on the side of the main body. To stop
motion, let go of the handle.
- The arm has a double-pivot elbow. You can lock the elbow by
engaging the red-knobbed handle at the arm's elbow.
- To manipulate the arm, grasp the horizontal plastic bar with
two hands. You will hear a clicking sound. This is the manipulator
air brake being released. There is a small light beam passing over
the bar acting as an interlock. When you remove your hands during
operation the arm self-locks and is safe to leave.
Do not leave the arm unattended when a
cartridge is engaged.
- Pressing one side of the bar or the other moves the arm left
or right; raising or dropping the bar moves the arm up or down.
The indicator lights will change with the arm's position. The
toggle switch in the middle of the horizontal bar allows the
operator to slowly move the manipulator along the rail without
using the aluminum handle.
- Maneuver the manipulator so that the tines of the arm are
underneath the aluminum "ears" on either side of the data
cartridge. Pull up on the bar so that the arms engage the
cartridge "ears". There are pressure-sensitive interlocks at the
end of the tines and are very sensitive. Several attempts may have
to be made in order to seat the tines and "ears" correctly.
- Once properly engaged, lift the arm. The arm will stop when it
has reached its maximum height. After checking your surroundings,
you are now able to move the arm in ANY direction.
Do not move the data cartridge or arm
without being sure your path is clear.
END OF PROCEDURE