Abstract: A combination of a FOUP (front opening unified pod) system and a reticle system utilized for the transport of wafers and a reticle system, the latter of which are used for transporting reticles from a first fabrication site to a further site at another location, and which provides for a unified system enabling the automated and trackable delivery of the reticles between these sites. Provided is a modified FOUP base structure, which is adapted to retain a reticle and to be able to employ existing equipment in a fabrication site which only necessitates a minimal modification of the equipment in order to render the latter universally adaptable to the combination of the systems.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and system for pod transportation within a semiconductor fabrication facility. The invention comprises a material control system that determines a pod that a station will require next and then sends an instruction to a vehicle to receive the pod that the station currently has and deliver the pod that the station will require next. The invention reduces cycle time by minimizing transportation moves of vehicles within the semiconductor fabrication facility.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved apparatus and method for transportation of a pod in a semiconductor fabrication facility. The invention comprises a lead vehicle with a communication system and control system and a trailer with a mechanism for delivering and receiving pods from stations in the facility. The trailer is connected to the lead vehicle and has a compartment for the transportation of a pod, but comprises fewer components than the lead vehicle. Therefore, the invention is manufactured at reduced cost, but with double pod transportation capacity.

Abstract: A contour-adaptive particulate material collecting system and method of utilization thereof employed in a facility for the cleaning of an overhead support rail for overhead transport (OHT) vehicles, utilizing a cleaning apparatus which is coupled to an existing overhead transportation vehicle so as to be towed thereby, and wherein the apparatus removes foreign or contaminant materials (FM) from the overhead support rail, which is produced during operation of the facility and by normal wear from internal moving components of the OHT vehicle during operation of the latter.