Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus includes a plurality of load ports on which carriers having substrates received therein are placed, a plurality of process chambers that perform processes on the substrates, and a transfer robot that transfers the substrates between the load ports and the process chambers. The transfer robot is movable along a transfer passage having a lengthwise direction formed along a first direction, the load ports and the process chambers are arranged along the first direction on one side and an opposite side of the transfer passage, and the transfer robot transfers the substrates between the carriers placed on the load ports and the process chambers.

Abstract: A linear motion mechanism includes: a plurality of linear motion elements that are cascaded in a mutually movable manner; a shaft fixed to one of adjacent linear motion elements among the plurality of linear motion elements; and a slider movably engaged with the shaft and fixed to the other of adjacent linear motion elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally processing food products in sealed packages comprises heating/cooling chambers with an endless conveyor guided through them with product carriers connected thereto. Each product carrier 10 comprises insertion spaces 17 for packages 27 to be placed in. A side wall 11 of the carrier 10 comprises slits 20 which open out towards insertion openings of the respective insertion spaces 17. Operating members are provided which comprise load bearing organs 32 with operable holding means 33 for picking up and carrying packages 27. The load bearing organs 32 are movable in an insertion direction x while projecting through the slits 20 during placing of packages 27 into the insertion spaces 17.

Abstract: Various arrangements for remote control battery compartment cover removal systems and methods are presented. A sensor may measure the distance from the sensor to a remote control that is inserted into a housing. An extendable arm may have a compressible impact component, such that when the extendable arm is extended from an unextended position and the remote control is inserted into the housing, the compressible impact component actuates a latching mechanism of the remote control's battery compartment cover.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate processing part configured to process a substrate under a vacuum atmosphere, a substrate transfer part connected to the substrate processing part and configured to transfer the substrate under an air atmosphere, and a load lock part disposed between the substrate processing part and the substrate transfer part and configured to switch between the air atmosphere and the vacuum atmosphere. At least a part of the load lock part is disposed inside the substrate transfer part.

Abstract: A microtome system has a cryomicrotome with a sectioning device in which is provided a preparation holder and a knife edge that are guided past one another inside a working space during a sectioning operation, in order to produce thin sections of a preparation retained in the preparation holder. A micromanipulator is operable outside the working space. With the micromanipulator, a tool for retention of a specimen support is positioned proximate the knife edge during a sectioning operation in order to receive the sections that are produced, preferably for substantially stationary retention of the specimen support.

Abstract: In order to set control with a high degree of freedom while taking into account a time response waveform, a robot control apparatus includes a control section that acquires a driving position of a driving section that drives a robot and a detection value of an operation force operating on the robot detected by a force detector, and controls the driving section based on the detection value, a first setting value, and a second setting value; a first display section that displays a detection waveform that is a time response waveform of the detection value; a second display section that displays a storage waveform that is a time response waveform of the operation force stored in a storage medium in advance; and a receiving section that receives setting of at least the second setting value.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a body including at least one attachment mechanism configured to removably couple a modular component to the body. The modular component includes at least one movable part operable to move relative to the body when the modular component is attached to the body. The system includes a communication interface coupled to the body and configured to be communicatively coupled to the modular component to receive information relating to the modular component and operation of the at least one movable part. The system includes a control system coupled to the body and the communication interface. The control system is configured to: in response to the modular component being attached to the body, receive the information from the modular component by way of the communication interface, and operate the at least one movable part of the modular component according to the information.

Abstract: A robotic arm has an arm assembly, a connection device, and a clamping device. The arm assembly has a bottom base and a connecting base. The connection device is connected with the connecting base and has a housing and a locking member. The housing is connected securely with the connecting base and has a mounting hole defined in a side of the housing. The locking member is mounted moveably in the housing and extends into the mounting hole. The clamping device is combined with the connection device and has a head rod and a clamping head. The head rod has a first end and a second end. The first end extends into the mounting hole and is securely connected with the locking member. The second end is opposite the first end and is provided with a holding recess. The clamping head is mounted securely on the second end of the head rod.

Abstract: A controller provided to an article transport device is configured to perform a transfer control and an oscillation damping control. The transfer control is a control for controlling an operation of an actuator while a travel portion is at rest to cause a first support portion to be moved with respect to the travel portion between a first position within a travel path and a second position for transferring an article between the first support portion and a transport target location which is one of a transport origin and a transport destination for the article. The oscillation damping control is a control for controlling the operation of the actuator based on a physical quantity detected by a detector, while the travel portion is traveling and the first support portion is supporting an article, to reduce the oscillation of the article supported by the first support portion that occurs while the travel portion is traveling.

Abstract: A robot controller which uses a robot to more stably, more rapidly move a given object and a different object relative to each other to set the given object and the different object in a combined state in which portions of the two objects are in contact and combined with each other. The robot controller includes an unit which measures a force acting between two objects, an unit which sets a direction of translational force control, an unit which sets a translational force control target force, an unit which sets an axis of rotational force control, an unit which calculates a target amount of translational force control direction movement, an unit which calculates a target amount of rotational force control axis rotational movement, an unit which calculates a target amount of rotational movement, and an unit which generates an operation command for the robot.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for moving and exchanging reticles within a vacuum lithographic system with minimum particle generation and outgassing. In an example of the method, a first arm of a rotational exchange device (RED) receives a first baseplate holding a first reticle. A second arm of the RED supports and buffers a second baseplate. The first and second baseplates are located substantially equidistant from an axis of rotation of the RED.

Abstract: A method for operating a device for automatically feeding bars or half-finished bars to a machine tool such as a computer numerical controlled (CNC) lathe, and automatically unloading workpieces machined from the bars includes loading a bar through the rear into a spindle of a lathe via a loading/unloading device including an integrated bar feeder device, a magazine configured to receive at least one bar to be machined, and a loading/unloading beam; machining the bar in a machining space in front of the lathe; and unloading the bar by actuating the loading/unloading beam after the bar has been completely machined in order to recover a bar end in the machining space and to transfer the bar end to a trash bin for residual material and rejects. The loading/unloading beam is capable of successively or simultaneously moving at least in a vertical Z axis direction and a horizontal Y axis direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, apparatuses, and systems for lifting and mounting of clinical- and research-related equipment. In particular, the present invention provides a lift and mount system for mass spectrometers (e.g., for time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometers (MS)).

Abstract: A moving unit, an elevation device, or the like is prevented from laterally projecting from an overhead travelling vehicle and interfering with a stationary device or an overhead travelling vehicle in the neighborhood thereof. Projection from an overhead travelling vehicle is prevented, the vehicle including a travelling unit, an elevation device lifting and lowering articles, and a lateral movement mechanism including a base member supported by the travelling unit and a moving unit laterally moving while supporting the elevation device. The moving unit is moved between a state in which it laterally protrudes from the travelling unit and a state in which it is retracted to a position under the travelling unit. The moving unit or the elevation device is engaged with the base member or the travelling unit in the state in which the moving unit is retracted to the position under the travelling unit.

Abstract: A transport system includes a first track that passes above loading ports of the processing devices, and an overhead travelling vehicle that travels along the first track and includes a hoist. A second track is below the first track, passes above the loading ports, and is disposed in parallel or substantially in parallel with the first track. A buffer is provided below the second track at a position higher than the loading ports, and is arranged such that the articles can pass in a vertical direction over the loading ports. The buffer is disposed such that the articles can pass through the height position of the buffer in a vertical direction over the loading ports. A local vehicle travels along the second track and includes a hoist to perform delivery and receipt of the articles between the buffer and the loading ports.

Abstract: System for moving objects positioned in a closed space, includes at least one manipulator (3), adapted to grip and orient the objects in the desired positions and at least one overhead-travelling-crane mechanism (2), adapted to move said manipulator in the closed space in at least two different directions substantially horizontal. An electronic processing unit, controlled by an operator, is able to electronically and automatically determine the movements of the overhead-travelling-crane mechanism and of the manipulator.

Abstract: A system for loading/unloading sheets is disclosed, some of which also being of metal, and handling method thereof, serving a laser cutting center. The system includes a pair of rails (1, 2), supported at a preset height above a feeding tray (T) of the cutting center, whereon at least one Cartesian robotized hand is movably mounted, capable of moving along horizontal axes X and Y as well as along a vertical axis Z, mutually orthogonal, and including at least two bridge cranes (3, 4) sliding along the rails (1, 2) each of which supports at least one pair of robotized hands (5-8), and the robotized hands (5-8) have an electromagnetic pick-up head which may be coupled with a suction-cup device (103). Feeding tray (T) consists of bars whereon small tesserae (204) of ceramic material are fitted.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a casing, a low port interface and a carrier holding station. The casing has processing devices within for processing substrates. The load port interface is connected to the casing for loading substrates into the processing device. The carrier holding station is connected to the casing. The carrier holding station is adapted for holding at least one substrate transport carrier so the at least one substrate transport carrier is capable of being coupled to the load port interface without lifting the at least one substrate transport carrier off the carrier holding station. The carrier holding station is arranged to provide a substantially simultaneous swap section for substantially simultaneous replacement of the substrate transport carrier from the carrier holding station.

Abstract: A maneuvering autonomous rotorcraft cargo attachment system for engaging two mating elements of a coupling mechanism includes a first system on a ship deck to position a first coupling mechanism element in response to positioning commands and a second system attached to a rotorcraft hoist cable to position the second coupling mechanism element in response to positioning commands. A controller calculates and issues the positioning commands to the first and second positioning systems thereby effecting engagement of the two coupling elements.

Abstract: A robotic arm is for holding a molding item. The robotic arm includes a mount; a lifting mechanism mounted to the mount; a horizontal driving device; a rotating assembly mounted between the lifting mechanism and the horizontal driving device to rotate the horizontal driving device relative to the lifting mechanism; a holder for holding the molding item, the holder mounted on the horizontal driving device. The lifting mechanism cause the holder to move relative to the mount in a first direction, the horizontal driving device moves the holder relative to the mount and the lifting mechanism in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: Portable vehicular hoist systems include a truss assembly having a joist member with forward and rearward ends, a pair of rafter members each having upper and lower ends, and a forward connection assembly for connecting the upper ends of the rafter members to the forward end of the joist member to allow for relative pivotal articulated movements therebetween. The rafter members may thus be pivotally moved between a stowed condition wherein the rafter members are oriented generally parallel to the joist member and an operative position wherein the rafter members extend downwardly and laterally outwardly from the joist member. A hoist assembly may be provided so as to be connectable to the joist member of the truss assembly to be supported thereby. The rearward end of the joist member and the lower ends of the rafter members may be removably attached to respective connection lugs rigidly fixed to a vehicle's structure, e.g., an aircraft fuselage at an opening therein.

Abstract: A handling mechanism comprises a mounting seat, a driving assembly, a sliding member, an extending mechanism and a clamping assembly. The driving assembly is mounted on the mounting seat. The sliding member is slidably mounted on the mounting seat and driven by the driving assembly. The extending mechanism comprises an extending member and a strength member. The extending member is positioned on the sliding member being capable of moving along a direction perpendicular to a direction of the movement of the mounting seat. The strength member is slidably positioned on the sliding member and connects with the extending member. The clamping assembly is fixed to the strength member for clamping very heavy workpieces.

Abstract: An automated, high volume container manipulator and process useful with an agricultural seed box. In an exemplary application, the manipulator removes an upper ring of a seed box, rotates the ring 180 degrees and places the ring over the lower seed box base in a nested condition. Container lid removal, transport and replacement devices and processes are also included.

Abstract: A workpiece transfer robot system including a machine tool provided with a workpiece support section and a robot capable of transferring a workpiece relative to the workpiece support section of the machine tool. The machine tool includes a cover surrounding at least the workpiece support section. The cover includes a first side wall provided with a first opening usable for a workpiece transferring task of the robot.

Abstract: An insertion tool for installing rotary chopper elements in integral chopper assemblies in combine harvesters, which insertion tool includes an elongated open-ended trough-like bed portion of a length, breadth, and depth to sufficiently accommodate the rotary chopper element therewithin, with lift brackets along the sides thereof configured to accommodate the prongs of lifting forks of a forklift. The rotary chopper element may be positioned to rest within the bed portion of the insertion tool for transport to adjacent to the access and installation window of a harvester and for slidable insertion by the insertion tool through such window for installation within the harvester.

Abstract: A robotic arm is for holding a molding item. The robotic arm includes a mount; a lifting mechanism mounted to the mount; a horizontal driving device; a rotating assembly mounted between the lifting mechanism and the horizontal driving device to rotate the horizontal driving device relative to the lifting mechanism; a holder for holding the molding item, the holder mounted on the horizontal driving device. The lifting mechanism cause the holder to move relative to the mount in a first direction, the horizontal driving device moves the holder relative to the mount and the lifting mechanism in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: System for moving objects positioned in a closed space, includes at least one manipulator (3), adapted to grip and orient the objects in the desired positions and at least one overhead-travelling-crane mechanism (2), adapted to move said manipulator in the closed space in at least two different directions substantially horizontal. An electronic processing unit, controlled by an operator, is able to electronically and automatically determine the movements of the overhead-travelling-crane mechanism and of the manipulator.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for transferring packaged goods from a first position X to a second position Y. An exemplary apparatus comprises at least one gripping device comprising several gripping elements of which at least two can be actuated separately from each other. The exemplary apparatus further comprises a drive that is adapted to move the at least one gripping device in a vertical direction and in at least one horizontal direction. The exemplary apparatus also comprises a controller that is configured according to a fixed scheme, the controller being adapted to sequentially cancel a gripping effect of the gripping elements. The exemplary apparatus additionally comprises a guide element adapted to steer the packaged goods to the second position Y, the guide element comprising a baffle plate placed in a slanted position and having a bottom plate and two side walls that run towards each other in the form of a funnel.

Abstract: An interference with existing structures is prevented at a time of a lifting construction of a boiler module. When the boiler module is lifted from the ground by lifting jacks provided on a steel frame main-beam and made an install construction to the main-beam, lifting jacks enabled to move laterally on the main-beam are disposed at forward and backward thereof to suspend the boiler module. The suspended module is lifted up to the main-beam and installed while changing a suspending position between an interference preventing position with existing modules and a prescribed suspending position by alternately moving the forward and backward lifting jacks laterally.

Abstract: A robot is described for moving a certain item within a three-dimensional work area, from a picking position to a placing position. The robot comprises a first motion assembly, provided with a gripping element to pick the item and to move it within a two-dimensional work area, and a second motion assembly supporting said first motion assembly and adapted to impart thereto a lateral translation so as to define a three-dimensional work area. The first motion assembly comprises a lever system with movable fulcra operated by motorization means, through transmission means.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes a stationary base, a lift base, a lifting mechanism for vertically moving the lift base, a rotary base mounted to the lift base, a rotating mechanism for rotating the rotary base about a vertical rotation axis, a linear moving mechanism supported by the rotary base, and a work hand supported by the linear moving mechanism. The lifting mechanism includes a slide guide mechanism for vertical movement of the lift base, and first and second screw-feeding mechanisms. Each screw-feeding mechanism includes a rotatable vertical screw shaft, and a nut member provided on the lift base and screwed onto the screw shaft. The first and the second screw-feeding mechanisms are spaced from each other, with the rotation axis of the rotary base being located between the first and the second screw-feeding mechanisms.

Abstract: An object taking-out apparatus for taking out objects randomly stacked in a container according to a condition of how each object is placed, which includes a robot hand having telescopic means and a coupling member whose one ends are connected to a robot arm end, and holding means coupled to their other ends. The telescopic means expands and contracts to cause the holding means to assume either a first orientation where a small angle is formed or a second orientation where a large angle is formed between a holding direction axis of the holding means and a rotary axis of the robot arm end, thereby taking out objects without causing interaction between the robot and the container.

Abstract: An automatic LPG tank insertion apparatus for automobiles has a rotary column provided with a lift body, which has a support arm. A rotating plate is rotatably mounted to the support arm such that yaw, pitch, and roll of the rotating plate can be controlled separately. Clamping devices are mounted on the rotating plate to selectively clamp an LPG tank. A trunk opening area measuring device includes a base unit, a guide shaft, a ruler shaft, and an encoder. Trunk opening sizes and LPG tank dimensions for various vehicle models are stored in a control computer. When vehicle model is input to the control computer, yaw, pitch, and roll of the rotating plate are adjusted so that the LPG tank can be inserted into a vehicle trunk.

Abstract: A mandrel segment loader provides a reliable means of assembling the segments of a large multi-piece mandrel designed for the lay-up of composite materials in the manufacture of large structures such as one-piece fuselage barrels for wide-body aircraft and can also be used for removing the mandrel from the finished fuselage barrel by disassembling the segments. The mandrel segment loader provides transport and multi-axis positioning for the segments, which may weigh as much as 25,000 pounds, with linear positioning resolution in the realm of 0.002 inch and rotational positioning resolution in the realm of 0.005 degree. The mandrel segment loader is also more generally useful as a material handling system that can perform many useful manufacturing functions, such as loading passenger floors into a fuselage barrel when assembling an aircraft. Self-locking grippers prevent accidental self-release of a load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for rapid transfer of a work object in both the horizontal and vertical directions using a robot unit (10) having a gripping mechanism (12) preferably from one workstation (3) to another (4), the work piece (2) weighing between one kilo and forty kilos and the transfer in the horizontal direction being at least one meter but less than ten meters and at least partially being effected along an essentially horizontally extending beam unit (20), and the gripping mechanism (12) being arranged in such a way that, at least in one end situation (E1) along the beam (20), it can collect and/or deliver a work object (2) in a position (E2) situated beyond the end situation (E1) along the said horizontal beam (20), which robot unit is controlled by means of a control unit (50) and is driven by means of a belt member (24) and at least two motors (26, 27) comprising rotor units connected to drive wheels (26A, 27A) for the said belt member (24), the said motors (26, 27) being immovab

Abstract: A transfer line for transporting workpieces from a first workstation to an adjacent second workstation comprises a frame with a depositing place for at least one workpiece. It further comprises a transporting beam, each end area of which having respective work supports. The transporting beam is supported for height adjustment between two positions of lifting such that the work supports are located above or below the depositing place. The transporting beam is further designed for longitudinal displacement between positions of transfer for the work supports to coincide horizontally with the depositing place.

Abstract: An empty container store for the temporary storage of empty ISO containers, in particular in fully automatic container terminals of sea ports or river ports includes a gantry bridge crane which spans the empty container store. The gantry bridge can be moved on an elevated craneway and has a traveling crab which can be moved thereon in the longitudinal direction thereof. A vertical lifting column is fastened to the traveling crab for lifting and lowering a load receiving means for the empty container. The load receiving means includes a spreader on a spreader support which is arranged on a spreader carriage which is guided on the lifting column by rollers on a spreader support.

Abstract: In a device for the translatory positioning of a platform (1), in particular a tool mount, with articulated rods (2a, 2?a9 of invariable length, whose first ends are hinged to he platform (1), and whose second ends are coupled with respectively independent rail-mounted slide blocks (3), wherein the coupling points (9) on the platform (1) and coupling points (11) on the sliding blocks (3) respectively do not lie on a straight line, and the articulated rods (2a, 2?a) do not run parallel to either each other or a shared plane, only three independent sliding blocks (3) and accompanying initial articulated rods (2a, 2?a) are present. In a first variant, at least one of the coupling points (11) on the sliding blocks (3) is offset relative to the rail axis (4a), and all sliding blocks (3) are arranged on the same rail (4). In a second variant, all sliding block (3) are arranged on the same side horizontally next to the space provided for postioning the platform (1), and essentially run parallel to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer device including a guiding mechanism, a slide which can move on the guiding mechanism, a plunger which can move on the slide, and first, second and third drive wheel sections which are provided on the slide in such a way that they can be rotated together, but not in relation to each other. The first and second drive wheel sections are respectively engaged with the drive wheel sections by means of traction mechanisms on opposite sides, and can be driven by a motor which is fixed in relation to the slide. The third drive wheel section is connected to the plunger in a driving manner.

Abstract: An intelligent assist system having a modular architecture, coordinated by electronic communication links between the modules is provided. A multi-function hub for use in the assist system includes a physical interface for providing mechanical support within the assist system. The hub can implement controlled functions. Furthermore, the hub can include an input/output (“I/O”) interface for communication to computational nodes.

Abstract: For bay type structures of semiconductor wafer transport systems, a configuration includes interbay rail tracks and intrabay rail tracks mounted on each other, vehicles of the interbay system and carrier transfer cars of the intrabay system moving freely bi-directional inside the bay area without obstructing each other. The carrier transfer car is configured such that a wafer carrier can be directly loaded from the vehicle to the load port of a processing machine. The configuration simplifies and accelerates the transfer and enhances the flexibility of vehicles in wafer transport.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system is provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating as substrate. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control circuitry to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An intelligent assist system having a modular architecture, coordinated by electronic communication links between the modules. Modules for motion, computation, interface, and programming are disclosed in exemplary embodiments.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for actuating opposed arms of a grappler for a gantry crane dampens swaying motion of the arms. Within a conduit which carries pressurized fluid to and/or from actuators to pivot the arms, a dampener includes a restrictor having an orifice to restrict the flow in at least one direction. Each of the dampeners can include a respective check valve to permit free flow through one direction of the conduit and to direct reverse flow through the orifice. In a specific embodiment, a load is received between opposed arms of the grappler to seat upon shoes which extend inwardly from the arms. To urge the shoes to remain in secure lifting contact under the load, flow is restricted when the swaying load moves the arm outwardly, permit free motion of the arm when the swaying motion pulls the arm inwardly.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus conveys articles used for manufacturing semiconductor devices. The conveying apparatus has a conveying rail section that includes a first rail providing a first conveying route, a second rail providing a second conveying route, and an intermediate rail structure interconnecting the first and second rails. Respective vehicles are fitted to the first and second rails so as to convey articles as supported atop the first rail or as suspended from the second rail, respectively. The conveying apparatus can be readily installed in the bay of an automatic manufacturing system, e.g., of a type for processing wafers having a diameter of 300 mm. In this case, the conveying route of the articles is unified, and space is saved, as well.

Abstract: An exemplary method for using a mobile plating system is provided that includes locating the mobile plating system at a desired location for plating, positioning an external vacuum pump from an interior position of a mobile storage volume of the mobile plasma plating system to an exterior position, and coupling the external vacuum pump to a vacuum chamber within the mobile storage volume of the mobile plasma plating system using a flexible piping segment, rigid coupling with a dampening effect, or other arrangement operable to reduce and/or eliminate the mechanical vibrations within the vacuum chamber due to the operation of the external vacuum pump.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system is provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating as substrate. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control circuitry to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A control of a cooperative object-transporting robot which transports an object in cooperation with a man. The robot shares substantially a half of the weight of the object with the man, while the object is kept in a horizontal posture. A force applied to the robot by the object is detected by a force sensor, and based on the signal from the force sensor, a motion instruction is output for the motion components by the rotational force component &tgr;1 around the horizontal axis and the translational force component Fx1 in the horizontal back-and-forth direction, upon setting a gain to reduce the resistance forces of the robot to small values. The translational force component Fy in the direction of the object short axis is constrained so that no translational motion in the direction of the object short axis occurs.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system and method are provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control module to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.