Charging Or Discharging Means Includes Elevating Device, Movable In Horizontal Direction (e.g., Portable, Etc.), Having Load-sustaining Surface Patents (Class 414/281)
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Patent number: 8550006Abstract: A side buffer includes a bottom portion on which a FOUP may be placed, a restriction portion, an article receiving portion, and a link portion. The restriction portion is movable between a restricting position and a retracted position. At the restricting position, the restriction portion restricts an inclination of the FOUP on the bottom portion. At the retracted position, the restriction portion allows the FOUP to move between the bottom portion and a position directly above the bottom portion. The article receiving portion is disposed so as to receive a force from the FOUP placed on the bottom portion. The link portion moves the restriction portion from the retracted position to the restricting position with the received force.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.Inventor: Eiji Wada
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Publication number: 20130251482Abstract: A positioning conveyor including an input section and a receiving section. The input and receiving sections define a conveyor line along which piece goods can be transported. The input section includes a length measuring device for measuring a length of a piece good which is to be received from a load-handling device of a storage and retrieval device and which is to be delivered to a rack. The receiving section includes a location-detector pair that defines a receiving location on the positioning conveyor and includes a first location detector and a second location detector. The detectors are spaced apart such that a conveying velocity of the conveyor line, after the upstream detector has detected a leading edge of the piece good, can be reduced so that the piece good, as soon as the leading edge is detected by a downstream detector, is immediately stopped at the downstream detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Inventor: SSI SCHAEFER NOELL GMBH LAGER- UND SYSTEMTECHNIK
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Patent number: 8540070Abstract: A system is disclosed for transferring a cylindrical coil suspended on a first stem projecting horizontally from a first base to a remotely positioned and axially aligned second stem projecting horizontally from a second base. The system comprises a track extending between the first and second stems, a carriage movable along the track, and a conveyor on the carriage, with a receiving end and a delivery end. The carriage is movable along the track to a first location at which the receiving end of the conveyor underlies the coil suspended from the first stem. The conveyor is vertically adjustable from a lowered position spaced beneath the coil to an elevated position at which the coil is lifted from the first stem and supported on the receiving end of said conveyor, with the conveyor then being operable to shift the coil to a position supported on the conveyor delivery end.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventor: Ward Holloway P.E.
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Patent number: 8480347Abstract: An order-picking system and method includes a pallet warehouse (12), preferably in terms of a high-bay warehouse, being used as a supply warehouse dedicated to a plurality of, preferably different, packing units (40) which are stored, preferably by one sort only, on pallets (14) in the pallet warehouse (12); a tray warehouse (24) which is used as a picking buffer for supplying connected order-picking stations with packing units (40), wherein trays (38) are stored in the tray warehouse which have been loaded with a pallet layer of packing units (40) before; a conveyor (22) which transports from the pallet warehouse to the tray warehouse trays (38) which are respectively loaded with a pallet layer of packing units, particularly across longer distances; and at least a rack-transport unit (36) for trays (38), the rack-transport unit allowing receipt of a plurality of trays being respectively loaded with a pallet layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Inventor: Gerhard Schäfer
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Patent number: 8469653Abstract: A carriage with a cell carrier engages and retains a vertically driven cell so that the cell and its contents, such as a data storage cartridge, may be moved laterally from one linear library to another. A portal engagement device of the cell carrier includes a movable rack so that a pinion of the cell may move up or down the rack, and has pins that, when the device is down, engage a library vertical portal having a fixed rack. A cam state machine of the cell carrier guides a spring loaded cam follower hook of the cell in a pattern to lock the hook in position and, when hooked, attempted downward movement of the vertically driven cell moves the portal engagement device upward to disengage the pins of the portal engagement device from the vertical portal. The carriage may then transport the cell to another vertical portal.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Shawn Michael Nave, Raymond Yardy
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Patent number: 8465243Abstract: A storage apparatus has an rack of storage bins, a pick head drive unit to drive a pick head to an access location for a selected bin, and a platform drive unit to drive a platform forming part of the pick head into and out of the rack to pick or load packages at a selected bin of the rack. The platform has a cam formation which, in the course of entry of the platform into the rack acting to lift a desired package until the platform reaches a clearance position at which the cam formation clears the package. Subsequent withdrawal of the platform from the rack acts to drag the desired package from the selected bin.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Inventors: Wes van Ooyen, Todd Willick, Derek Bessette
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Patent number: 8465693Abstract: An apparatus for automatically depositing, preserving and retrieving biological material test tubes is described, including a refrigerated storage with movable horizontal shelves and a conveyor interface, adapted to automatically transport biological material test tubes, a device adapted to handle the test tubes between the interface and the containers of a sorted plurality of test tubes, the containers having toothed guides and being able to be placed on the lanes of a bench, a handling device of the containers between the bench and an access area of the storage, slidingly mounted to the bench and including motorized toothed members adapted to couple with the toothed guides of the containers for horizontally moving the latter between the access area of the storage and the bench, and a control unit adapted to coordinate the devices during the loading/unloading operations.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Inpeco Holding Ltd.Inventor: Gianandrea Pedrazzini
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Publication number: 20130149080Abstract: The plant includes, in principle, an elongated structure supporting shelving units with shelves for storing packaged goods, including as well a horizontal guide system along which a front loading set and a rear loading set move. It is characterized in that each guide system comprises a modular upper rail (10) incorporating permanent magnets (11) and an encoder strip (12), a revolving movable head (14) that can move along the modular upper rail (10) being coupled to said modular upper rail (10), said head including at least one coil, an electronic control panel (17) and an encoder reader associated with the encoder strip (12), said revolving movable head (14) serving as the support means for the relevant subset, each longitudinal guide system also comprising a lower rail (13) that constitutes a channel for supplying electricity to the coil of the revolving movable head (14) and other parts of the plant that require electricity.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2013Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: AUTOMATISMOS Y MONTAJES INDUSTRIALES J. MARTIN, S.L.Inventor: AUTOMATISMOS Y MONTAJES INDUSTRIALES J. MARTIN, S.L.
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Publication number: 20130142597Abstract: An intermediate transfer device is located upwardly of an article delivering and receiving portion and downwardly of a ceiling transport vehicle. A transfer device grip is provided such that the intermediate transfer device is in vertical alignment with the ceiling transport vehicle and the article delivering and receiving portion and is capable of traveling, while guided and supported by a guiding support, to and among a transfer position for the delivering and receiving portion, a transfer position for the intermediate rack, a transfer-time retracted position, and a temporary-storage-time retracted. The guiding support is configured to form a space through which the grip portion and an article can pass in the vertical direction when the ceiling transport vehicle transfers the article.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2010Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: DAIFUKU CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomotaka Kinugawa, Suguru Shibata, Daisuke Ogawa
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Publication number: 20130094927Abstract: A vehicle system includes multiple vehicles which shuttle on linear paths; a reflecting member provided on one end-side of each path; a range finding device measuring, using a laser beam, a distance between a vehicle and the reflecting member; and a communications system including a stationary communications device provided on an other end-side of the traveling path for the traveling vehicle, and performing optical wireless communication; and a mobile communications device attached to the traveling vehicle performing wireless communication with the stationary communications device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: Murata Machinery, Ltd.Inventor: Kazuhiko Ogawa
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Patent number: 8423174Abstract: A method and laboratory system for handling sample tube racks are disclosed. The laboratory system includes a storage section (14) with a plurality of shelves (110) for storing a plurality of storage racks (SR), a disposal unit (18) for disposing sample tubes from the storage racks (SR), a robotic transfer system (510) for loading storage racks (SR) into the storage section (14), for retrieving storage racks (SR) from the storing section (14) and for bringing storage rack to the disposal unit (18) after a given storage time has elapsed.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Bruno Koch, Markus Kurmann, Marcel Lustenberger
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Patent number: 8412368Abstract: A method includes generating a reticle transport job using a computing device. The reticle job identifies a selected reticle. A reticle pod available for transporting the reticle is autonomously identified using the computing device. The reticle transport job is updated suing the computing device with an identifier of the reticle pod.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.Inventors: Diwaskar Adhikari, Raymond G. Goss
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Publication number: 20130071210Abstract: A method (400) for handling a container is disclosed. It can include the steps of: providing (410) a multi-level structure (450) including a plurality of levels (470) including a first level (472) with an opening (474) to receive a container (476) and a second level (478); locating (420) a plurality of shelves (480) adjacent to the opening (474) including a port shelf (482) and a starboard shelf (484), each configured to receive a container (476); and providing (430) a transfer mechanism (530) configured to pick a container (176) and place it on one of the plurality of shelves (480). Advantageously, the method (400) provides enhanced container handling and logistics, and has wide use cases in warehousing, assembly manufacturing, ports and distribution hubs.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: MIJACK PRODUCTS, INCInventors: John J. Lanigan, SR., John J. Lanigan, JR., Antonio Carlos Callado de Souza, Myron Glickman, Ken Svihlik
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Publication number: 20130058743Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods to store and transfer objects, and more particularly to workpiece stocker configurations such as stocker for semiconductor wafers, reticles or carrier boxes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2011Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: Dynamic Micro Systems, Semiconductor Equipment GmbHInventor: Lutz Rebstock
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Patent number: 8374719Abstract: An article processing facility includes an article carrier movable along a track and having an article gripper, and a pair of article racks for temporarily supporting articles. Each of the article racks is configured to be shiftable between an extended position and a retracted position. When an article for loading gripped by the article gripper is to be delivered to an article loading and unloading station but an article for unloading is present at the article loading and unloading station, the article for loading is stored temporarily on one of the article racks, and thereafter the article for unloading at the article loading and unloading station is temporarily stored on the other article rack.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2008Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshitaka Inui
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Patent number: 8373389Abstract: A charging system which is particularly suitable for recharging the batteries of electrically powered motor vehicles using a charge head with multiple contacts that mate with an array of charge receiving electrodes onboard the vehicle being recharged. The charge head is supported from overhead, and may, using a power assisted system, be lowered, into place against the array of charge receiving electrodes onboard the vehicle. Switches may be spaced apart so that, like the grasping elements of the handle, use of both hands is required. The charge head causes breaking of series connections of batteries within the vehicle so that individual batteries may be charged in parallel. A battery temperature monitor is provided. An annunciator locally or remotely signals errors or indicates completion of charge. Payments are accepted near the charge head, thereby allowing for commercial operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Inventor: Berkley C. Badger
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Patent number: 8348588Abstract: An article transport facility includes an article transporting mobile body configured to move along a path and having an article holder; an article support for storing an article, the article support is configured to be moved between an article transfer position and an article storage position; a lock device provided on the article support to be switchable between a locking state for locking the article support in the article storage position, and an unlocking position for releasing the locking state; and an operating device provided on the mobile body for moving the article support and switching the lock device.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuru Yoshida, Yoshitaka Inui
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Patent number: 8348584Abstract: An OHT conveyer vehicle places a FOUP on first and second on platforms. A third platform can move to a position overlapping with the first and second platform by a moving device, and then to a position at which an upper surface of the third platform is above upper surfaces of the first and second platforms by an elevation device. Therefore, the FOUP is placed on the third platform. Subsequently, the third platform can move to a position overlapping with fourth and fifth platforms by the moving device, and then to a position at which the third platform is lower than the fourth and fifth platforms by the elevation device. Therefore, the FOUP is placed on the fourth and fifth platforms.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Sinfonia Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takumi Mizokawa, Mitsutoshi Ochiai
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Publication number: 20120321419Abstract: An automated storage system for storing large quantities of samples in trays includes a storage compartment, a tray shuttle compartment abutting the storage compartment on one side and a plurality of independent modules on the other side. The modules perform processing of samples that are retrieved from the storage compartment by a tray shuttle, including extraction of selected samples from retrieved source trays and transfer of the selected samples into a separate, destination tray that can be further processed or removed from the system for use. The independent operation of the modules permits handling and processing to be performed simultaneously by different modules while the tray shuttle accesses additional samples within the storage compartment. In one embodiment, a vertical carousel is used to vertically align a desired tray with the tray shuttle, while the tray shuttle operates within a horizontal plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Robert K. Neeper, Rhett L. Affleck, John E. Lillig
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Patent number: 8335581Abstract: Preparation of a wafer processing or measuring tool for a job can be initiated prior to assigning a wafer carrier to deliver wafers to the tool. The automated process may include transfer of wafers from a container, such as a bare wafer stocker, or between two tools.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Globalfoundries Inc.Inventors: Raymond G. Goss, Diwas Adhikari
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Publication number: 20120282068Abstract: A shelf storage system comprises shelves having several shelf levels arranged on top of each other. Each shelf level has at least one transport aisle between the shelves with storage spaces for products. In the transport aisle, a level operating device for moving to the storage spaces is provided. At least two lifts take products to the shelf levels and fetch them from there. A conveyor transports products toward the lifts and away from them. The lifts are, in each case, connected both to a supplying and to a removing conveyor and thus are, in each case, designed both for receiving products from the conveyor and for supplying these products to the shelf levels as well as for removing products from the shelf levels and transferring these products onto the conveyor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2011Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: KNAPP AGInventors: Anton Tschurwald, Roland Koholka
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Patent number: 8298815Abstract: Systems and methods of sample processing and temperature control are disclosed. The invention may especially relate to temperature control, and may in some embodiments be methods of temperature control of an automated sample processing system and methods of automated sample processing. Specifically, the present invention provides temperature control in relation to sample processing systems and methods of processing samples, and in some embodiments provides temperature control in relation to sample carriers and processing materials such as reagents. Corresponding systems and devices are disclosed, including sample processing systems (1), sample carrier temperature regulation systems (60), reagent temperature regulation systems, sample processing control systems, and temperature regulation devices, among other embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/SInventors: Kristopher Buchanan, Marc Key, John Favuzzi, Rosanne Welcher, Benno Guggenheimer, Robert Clark, Michael Barber, Bob Lathrop
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Patent number: 8277162Abstract: A unit for opening an insert of a test tray which comprises an accommodating space for accommodating a semiconductor device and a support for supporting the semiconductor device accommodated in the accommodating space, the unit includes a body, a pair of opening devices provided in the body to open the insert, and a positioning guide unit protruding to be inserted into an accommodating space for a semiconductor device when opening the insert and supporting the semiconductor device that is transferred into the accommodating space to be spaced upward apart from a support provided in the accommodating space.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Techwing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yun Sung Na, Tae Hung Ku, Jung Woo Hwang
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Patent number: 8252232Abstract: An automated storage system for storing large quantities of samples in trays includes a storage compartment, a tray shuttle compartment abutting the storage compartment on one side and a plurality of independent modules on the other side. The modules perform processing of samples that are retrieved from the storage compartment by a tray shuttle, including extraction of selected samples from retrieved source trays and transfer of the selected samples into a separate, destination tray that can be further processed or removed from the system for use. The independent operation of the modules permits handling and processing to be performed simultaneously by different modules while the tray shuttle accesses additional samples within the storage compartment. In one embodiment, a vertical carousel is used to vertically align a desired tray with the tray shuttle, while the tray shuttle operates within a horizontal plane.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.Inventors: Robert K. Neeper, Rhett L. Affleck, John E. Lillig
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Publication number: 20120213616Abstract: A method to audit portable cassettes removeably disposed in a data storage library comprising a plurality of storage slots, a plurality of portable cassettes removeably disposed in one or more of said plurality of storage slots, and a pass-through accessor comprising a moveable fixturing apparatus, wherein the pass-through accessor is moveably disposed in said data storage library. The method disposes the pass-through accessor adjacent a first one of said plurality of storage slots, removes a first portable cassette from the first storage slot, and attaches the first portable cassette to a first fixturing assembly disposed on the fixturing apparatus. The method then removes a second portable cassette from the first storage slot, and attaches the second portable cassette to a second fixturing assembly disposed on the fixturing apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Matthew Charles Compton, Louis Daniel Echevarria, Stefan Lehmann, Richard Albert Welp
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Publication number: 20120207568Abstract: The invention relates to a method of storing storage products in a storage rack, the storage rack comprising several rack units providing a plurality of storage spaces for the storage products. The storage rack comprises a transport shaft, a transport device being traversable on the transport shaft to transport the storage products between a service opening and a storage space. A first rack unit has the service opening and a second rack unit is spaced from the first rack unit by the transport shaft. In the method, a first storage product is transported into a buffer area spaced from the service opening of the first rack unit by the transport device for intermediate storage. A second storage product is supplied to the transport device via the service opening. The second storage product to be stored is transported into the buffer area using the transport device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: Hanel & Co.Inventor: Joachim Hänel
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Publication number: 20120183377Abstract: A lengthy article transferring apparatus transfers lengthy articles between the apparatus and target locations for the transfer. A lifting driving device lifts and drives a platform and a transferring device mounted thereon by winding a cord-like member. A controller controls actuation of the lifting driving device and the transferring device. A lifted position detector monitors the position of the platform. The controller performs the transferring operation to actuate the transferring device when end portions of the platform are received and supported by receivers provided at the target locations for the transfer, and performs a lifted position adjustment procedure controlling actuation of the lifting driving device based upon information detected by the lifted position detector during the transferring procedure to absorb variation in the position of the platform caused by a shift in the load acting on the platform as the article is transported in the article transferring direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Inventor: Naoki Toguri
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Publication number: 20120163945Abstract: A storage and retrieval system is provided. The storage and retrieval system having a frame and a shuttle movable within the frame, the shuttle having a carriage extending at least partially between a top and bottom of the frame. At least one tension member extends between a first and second ends of the frame and is coupled to the shuttle. At least one drive member extends between the first and second ends of the frame and is coupled to the shuttle. The at least one drive member and the at least one tension member project from opposite sides of the shuttle towards respective first and second ends of the frame and effect stabilization of the carriage against at least rotation relative to the frame. The at least one tension member crosses the at least one drive member and the at least one drive member effects movement of the shuttle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: Brooks Automation, Inc.Inventors: Robert K. Neeper, Rhett L. Affleck, John E. Lillig
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Patent number: 8196732Abstract: A transport mechanism is configured to transport a work piece carrier within a buffer in fabrication facility, comprising: a transporter configured to travel on two rails, wherein the transporter comprises (i) a flat belt hoist mechanism configured to lift and to lower one or more work piece carriers, and (ii) a gripper mechanism configured to capture and to release the one or more work piece carriers.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Muratec Automation Co., Ltd.Inventors: Joseph John Fatula, Jr., Roumen Iliev Deyanov, Kevin Tzou, Pablo Gonzalez, Robert Carlson, John Brooks Greene
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Patent number: 8183829Abstract: A system employing wheeled vehicles, such as strollers. A plurality of the wheeled vehicles is provided, each having a docking element. A vehicle station has a docking port for each of at least some of the wheeled vehicles. Each docking port has a charging device and is shaped to engage a docking element of an engaged wheeled vehicle. At least two display screens are provided on the wheeled vehicle, one for an occupant and one for an operator. One or more screen drivers is provided for the display screens.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Nelson WittakerInventor: Jay A. Maher
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Patent number: 8180483Abstract: In an overhead conveyance/storage system 1 including at least a storage area 100 for the storage of products (e.g., tires) 200, at least one transfer holder 300 adapted to move through a ceiling space in the storage area 100 in three dimensions, including vertical, transverse and longitudinal directions while holding the products 200, and unloader 500 for carrying out the products 200 from the storage area 100, a product receiving position (product unloading position) 501 of the unloader 500 is set to a nearly central part of the storage area 100 when seen in plan. The overhead conveyance/storage system 1 further includes loader 400 for carrying the products 200 into the storage area 100, and product discriminator 402 is disposed in the loader 400.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Hirata CorporationInventors: Ryoichi Wada, Issei Isaka, Toshihiko Watanabe
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Publication number: 20120114453Abstract: In a transport system, a local track is disposed so as to be below an overhead travelling vehicle track in parallel or substantially in parallel therewith, and furthermore above a loading port of a processing device from upstream of the loading port to downstream of the loading port. A local vehicle including a hoist travels along the local track. Below the local track, a first buffer is disposed upstream of the loading port of the processing device, and a second buffer is disposed downstream of the loading port of the processing device, and the overhead travelling vehicle and the local vehicle can both perform delivery and receipt of the article with the first buffer and the second buffer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: Muratec Automation Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuji Ota, Masazumi Fukushima, Yasuhisa Ito
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Patent number: 8164300Abstract: At a battery exchange station a discharged battery is removed and a charged battery is inserted into an electric vehicle. The battery exchange station has various mechanisms to make this exchange. In some embodiments, the batteries are stored in a warehouse, where they are given an appropriate amount of charge. The charged batteries are moved from the warehouse by an automated robotic mechanism. The automated robotic system provides the charged battery to a battery exchange system which inserts the charged battery into the vehicle after it removes the discharged battery from the vehicle. The insertion and removal of the battery is done vertically, i.e., into and out of the bottom of the vehicle. The battery exchange system is located in a service bay under the vehicle. A sliding door system creates an opening above the service bay. The opening is of variable size depending on the size of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Better Place GmbHInventors: Shai Agassi, Yoav Heichal
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Publication number: 20120093620Abstract: A stocker includes a main body provided with an opening; a port which is adjacent to the opening outside the main body and on which a FOUP can be placed; a plurality of rack portions arranged in one horizontal direction at each of a plurality of levels within the main body and configured such that articles moved by an internal movement apparatus can be put in place; a movable rack portion including a first buffer and a second buffer which are linked to each other; a shift mechanism that can be shifted between a first position where the first buffer is adjacent to the opening and a second position where the second buffer is adjacent to the opening; and a conveyor capable of moving the FOUP, via the opening, between the port and the first buffer or the second buffer positioned at a position adjacent to the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: MURATEC AUTOMATION CO., LTD.Inventors: Masanao Murata, Takashi Yamaji
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Publication number: 20120082533Abstract: A carriage with a cell carrier engages and retains a vertically driven cell so that the cell and its contents, such as a data storage cartridge, may be moved laterally from one linear library to another. A portal engagement device of the cell carrier includes a movable rack so that a pinion of the cell may move up or down the rack, and has pins that, when the device is down, engage a library vertical portal having a fixed rack. A cam state machine of the cell carrier guides a spring loaded cam follower hook of the cell in a pattern to lock the hook in position and, when hooked, attempted downward movement of the vertically driven cell moves the portal engagement device upward to disengage the pins of the portal engagement device from the vertical portal. The carriage may then transport the cell to another vertical portal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: SHAWN MICHAEL NAVE, RAYMOND YARDY
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Patent number: 8123456Abstract: A container changing system able to prevent deterioration in the working rate of substrate processing apparatuses and deterioration in the amount of production of semiconductor devices. A second mounting portion is arranged between a carrier of a container conveying unit and a first mounting portion of a substrate processing apparatus with respect to a lifting direction of a container. The second mounting portion is configured to freely advance and withdraw to/from a lifting path of the container. A container lifting unit is arranged between the carrier and the second mounting portion with respect to the lifting direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventor: Shinji Wakabayashi
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Publication number: 20120029687Abstract: A robotic storage and retrieval system is provided. The robotic storage and retrieval system may include a three-dimensional storage rack, a set of article holders, and a robot. In one embodiment, the storage rack has a plurality of rows, a plurality of columns, and one or more support members at each unique row and column position. Each set of article holders is located at one of the unique row and column positions, and each article holder within a set is vertically supported by the one or more support members. The robot is configured to store the article holders to the storage rack and to retrieve the article holders from the storage rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: PaR Systems, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. Hagen, Charles E. Ridley, Steven J. Austin, Thomas E. Jung
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Patent number: 8092140Abstract: A container storage and retrieval system (1) has first, second and third storage zones (2, 3, 4) for storing containers. The first storage zone (2) stores containers of product in frames (6), each frame (6) including a plurality of stacks (7) of containers. The second storage zone (3) stores containers of product in stacks (7). An automated retrieval system retrieves selected stacks of containers from the second storage zone (3) and replenishes the second zone (3) with containers by receiving frames (6). The third storage zone (4) includes a second automated retrieval system for retrieving selected partial stacks or stacks of containers, and replenishing the third storage zone with containers by receiving stacks from the second storage zone. Orders are collated by transferring a required number of complete frames (6) from the first storage zone (2), a required number of complete stacks (7) from the second storage zone (3) and a required number of stacks (7) or partial stacks from the third zone (4).Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Bakvertisi LimitedInventors: John Russell Baker, Sandra Louise Tulisi, Alan Sydney Calvert
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Publication number: 20110315479Abstract: A vertically movable work platform is suspended and supported by a plurality of suspension wires fed out from one or more of winding rotating bodies which is rotated such that the vertically movable work platform is vertically moved by the rotation of the one or more of winding rotating bodies. A support for receiving and supporting the lowering vertically movable work platform at a work height, and a stopper for preventing the rotation of the winding rotating body in a direction which tends to lower the vertically movable work platform when the vertically movable work platform reaches the work height are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2009Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: DAIFUKU CO., LTD.Inventor: Hideo Yoshioka
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Patent number: 8075238Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for running a warehouse in which objects are stored in a number of stacks in a storage area. The device comprises a collecting device (101) with an intermediate storage (102) and a gripping device (103), which can be displaced as desired over the storage area. The intermediate storage (102) can, in separate receiving steps, be successfully filled from different stacks. The gripping device (103) is formed by two vertically displaceable bars (104, 105) that are situated opposite one another and serves to lift one or more objects from one of the stacks. An improved utilization of the available storage space results by virtue of the fact that only the bars (104, 105) are displaced into the stack space.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Gudel Group AGInventors: Herbert Wirz, Rudolf Güdel, Walter Zulauf
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Patent number: 8070410Abstract: Scalable storage can be achieved with linear array storage of wafers, comprising two linear arrays of storage compartments on opposite walls, with a middle transfer mechanism. Together with a buffer station for automatic material handling system, a scalable bare wafer stocker can provide flexible and uninterrupted services to a fabrication facility.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventor: Lutz Rebstock
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Patent number: 8056681Abstract: A mast includes two support columns each having nonuniform strength in a height direction. Both of upper and lower end portions of the mast have the highest strength, intermediate portions of the mast have the intermediate strength, and shoulder portions of the mast, between the central portion and both of the upper and the lower end portions, have the lowest strength.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.Inventors: Isao Fukuda, Satoshi Kamide
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Patent number: 8030894Abstract: A vehicle may include an electric machine, a battery, a driver interface and one or more controllers. The one or more controllers may be configured to determine whether a battery imbalance condition exists, to cause an alert to be generated via the driver interface if a battery imbalance condition exists, to determine whether a response to the alert is received, and to cause the battery to be rebalanced in a single cycle if a response to the alert is received.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Philip Michael Gonzales, Tuyen Quoc Tran, Benjamin A. Tabatowski-Bush
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Patent number: 8022666Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric public transit system, comprising electric driven buses with a cassette battery set and bus-mounted control system, a charge station and a loading and unloading apparatus. When said bus needs change the cassette battery set, said loading and unloading apparatus takes said cassette battery set from said bus and then replace with a charged cassette battery set. Both said charge station and said loading and unloading apparatus are equipped with their control systems, respectively, which can intercommunicate with said bus-mounted control system. In the present invention, the cassette battery sets are charged during power consumption valleys of the power grid, and therefore, the transit system can save energy and benefit the environment.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Beijing Dianba Technology Co. Ltd.Inventor: Gang Li
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Patent number: 7952325Abstract: A vehicle charging station that includes a power receptacle compartment that includes a power receptacle to receive an electrical plug. The vehicle charging station also includes a door that is hingedly coupled with the power receptacle compartment to cover the power receptacle when the door is closed. The vehicle charging station includes a first locking means for locking and unlocking the door from a closed position without consuming power to control access to the power receptacle compartment such that the door remains locked in the closed position if the vehicle charging station loses power. The vehicle charging station also includes a second locking means for locking and unlocking the door from a charging position to control access to the electrical plug. The second locking means allows the door to be unlocked from the charging position if the vehicle charging station loses power.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Coulomb Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David Baxter, Milton T. Tormey
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Patent number: 7946124Abstract: A temperature controlled storage facility includes a room having an enclosed structure, and a plurality of multi-level storage zones within the room. Each of the storage zones include a supply of temperature controlled air having two outlets, one outlet positioned adjacent to a top area of the storage area, and a second outlet positioned adjacent to an aisle, wherein pressure barriers are created to prevent air flow from migrating to other storage areas or to a return duct without cooling (or heating) all of the inventory in the storage zone.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Leo A. Daly CompanyInventor: Jeremy John Klysen
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Patent number: 7931431Abstract: A material handling system for use in storing and moving goods within multi-level storage warehouses, ocean going vessels and the like wherein storage areas are provided on at least one of the levels and wherein goods are automatically transferred to and from the storage areas and between the various levels by self-propelled load transfer vehicles. The load transfer vehicles move across the surface of the various levels and are also movable under their own power within open vertical trunks between the levels to thereby move goods to any desired area within the system, warehouse or vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2006Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: BEC Companies, Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Benedict, Brian G. Pfeifer, Christian A. Yates, Scott K. Bladen, James R. Dobbs
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Patent number: 7891931Abstract: Lateral guidance transportation systems include at least one route, on which at least one transportation vehicle is guided as the main vehicle. The main vehicle is energized by a primary circuit having a contact wire arranged along the route, or contactlessly. The main vehicle includes a lifting platform that is drivable by a drive, and on which there is at least one satellite vehicle. The satellite vehicle also includes a drive for automatically moving along an additional route, and which is arranged for transporting goods. The additional route includes a satellite route section for the positioning and parking of the satellite vehicle. The satellite route section is truly alignable, by positioning the main vehicle on satellite routes arranged transversely to the route, on shelves. Satellite route sections and satellite routes include primary conductors energized contactlessly by the main vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Sew-Eurodrive GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Leobald Podbielski, Udo Laubenstein, Josef Schmidt, Bernhard Schneider
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Patent number: 7891929Abstract: A running rail 9 and a second overhead vehicle 12 are arranged parallel to a running rail 7 for a first overhead vehicle 10 and closer to inspection devices 20 than the running rail 7. A buffer 14 is provided below the running rail 7. The overhead vehicle 12 conveys a cassette 40 between load ports 24 and the buffer 14. The overhead vehicle 10 conveys the cassette 40 between the buffer 14 and other positions. The present invention can deal with inspection devices or the like which have a high throughput by locally improving their conveying capability.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Makoto Yamamoto, Kenji Hoshino
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Patent number: 7887279Abstract: A pair of carousels is provided in an automated storage and retrieval system. A mast, a pair of elevation frames, and a pair of scara arms are provided between the carousels. One of the scara arms includes a plurality of arms stacked from lower to upper arms such that a hand of the scara arm takes a high position. The other of the scara arms includes a plurality of arms stacked from upper to lower arms such that a hand of the scara arm takes a low position.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.Inventor: Takanori Izumi