Abstract: A load arm for a fork of a low lift industrial truck, with an arm frame which is approximately U- or C-shaped in cross section with upward pointing bridge and downward pointing legs and an arm tip, which is connected to the arm frame via a welding connection, wherein the arm tip, tapered towards the free end, has bearing openings for the bearing of a load roller and introduction and withdrawal surfaces on the lower side, which ascend or fall off, respectively, towards the free end of the arm tip with respect to the lower edges or brims of the arm frame, and wherein the arm tip has an abutting surface at the rear end, which abuts against the blunt end of the arm frame, wherein the arm tip is formed by an integral piece of cast material, the arm tip has arm sections on the end facing the arm frame, which extend below the associated edges or brims of the arm frame and sit snugly on the lower edges or brims of the arm frame when arm frame and arm tip cling together, and the withdrawal surfaces are provided on the

Abstract: A substrate aligner providing minimal substrate transporter extend and retract motions to quickly align substrate without back side damage while increasing the throughput of substrate processing. In one embodiment, the aligner having an inverted chuck connected to a frame with a substrate transfer system capable of transferring substrate from chuck to transporter without rotationally repositioning substrate. The inverted chuck eliminates aligner obstruction of substrate fiducials and along with the transfer system, allows transporter to remain within the frame during alignment. In another embodiment, the aligner has a rotatable sensor head connected to a frame and a substrate support with transparent rest pads for supporting the substrate during alignment so transporter can remain within the frame during alignment. Substrate alignment is performed independent of fiducial placement on support pads.

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 vehicle is adapted for use in hospitals and nursing homes, and is provide with features and safety mechanisms that are needed as innovated support for medical caregivers. The transport vehicle consisting of a frame part that is generally attached to the chassis with nut, bolts, screws and sealant as part of a constructing process that includes welding and joining an instrument projecting from a main part to a frame plate. Left and right side running boards consist of clamps for inserting into metal brackets attached on both side of the vehicle in a manner that allows for removing the runner boards whenever they are not needed. The invention consisting of a multipurpose plastic folding chair is provided for lifting patients from their in-house bed and placing them into a passenger bed of the transparent passenger compartment for transporting the patient to a treatment location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for gripping a unit load during handling of same, said device comprising an attachment portion for attaching the device to the unit load, a gripping portion (for engaging with a handling means) which is embodied in the form of a container corner, and a set of at least two said gripping devices adapted in a certain way to the unit load or at least to elements of the unit load. The invention also relates to a transport vehicle for the unit load, comprising a towing vehicle and a trailer that are connected to each other via the unit load during transportation thereof, and which have holding devices for the unit load on their facing ends, comprising a set of said gripping devices.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a plurality of process chambers (20) for applying a process to substrate accommodated therein and a conveyance case (24) that conveys the accommodated substrates to the process chambers (20) and a transfer mechanism that moves the conveyance case (24) along a moving path. The conveyance case accommodates the substrates in an isolated state from an external atmosphere. The plurality of process chambers (20) are arranged in an aligned state on both sides of a moving path of the conveyance case (24). The conveyance case (24) has two conveyance ports (24a) in response to conveyance ports (20a) of the process chambers (20) arranged in alignment in two rows.

Abstract: A wafer transfer apparatus is provided. In a minimum transformed state where a robot arm is transformed such that a distance defined from a pivot axis to an arm portion, which is farthest in a radial direction relative to the pivot axis, is minimum, a minimum rotation radius R, is set to exceed ½ of a length B in the forward and backward directions of an interface space, the length B corresponding to a length between the front wall and the rear wall of the interface space forming portion, and is further set to be equal to or less than a subtracted value obtained by subtracting a distance L0 in the forward and backward directions from the rear wall of the interface space forming portion to the pivot axis, from the length B in the forward and backward directions of the interface space (i.e., B/2<R?B?L0).

Abstract: A multi-motion lifting and transferring apparatus and method are disclosed. The multi-motion lifting and transferring apparatus and method may be realized in primarily two versions, the first being referred to as the single linkage arm version, and the second being referred to as the dual linkage arm version. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a multi-motion lifting and transferring apparatus in accordance with the single linkage arm version may be realized as having a first pivot point for rotating an intermediary support member about a first substantially vertical axis, a second pivot point for rotating an electrically or hydraulically powered up/down extension arm about a second substantially vertical axis, and a seat support member for supporting a seat for accommodating at least one person.

Abstract: In one aspect, a substrate loading station for a processing tool includes plural load ports. Each load port is operatively coupled to the processing tool and has a mechanism for opening a substrate carrier. A carrier handler transports substrate carriers from a factory exchange location to the load ports without placing the carriers on any carrier support location other than the load ports. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A front opening unified pod (FOUP) for holding wafers is invertible and compatible with process machines in an inverted orientation. The FOUP can safely transport and store wafers while in a non-upright orientation. The shelves within the FOUP are capable of collapsing and constraining the wafers. Further, a method of holding wafers for processing is provided.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system includes a continuous track and a plurality of individual storage units stacked in multiple columns or rows. Each storage unit includes wheels for engaging the continuous track for selective movement along the track. A conveyor apparatus is used to selectively move the storage units along the length of the continuous track between uppermost positions of adjacent columns, so as to support the storage unit as the storage unit passes gaps in the upper rail due to intermediate vertical rails extending downwardly intermediate ends thereof.

Abstract: An article transport apparatus is provided with a path that is arranged along a plurality of article transferring locations and that has a first end and a second end, a plurality of article transporting vehicles that run along the path, and a controller that controls movement of the plurality of article transporting vehicles, and that processes transport request data that includes information specifying an article transfer location for transfer among the plurality of article transfer locations. The controller selects an article transporting vehicle for a transport process from the plurality of article transporting vehicles based on the transport request data, and moves the selected article transporting vehicle for a transport process to the article transferring location for transfer.

Abstract: Substrates are transported to accurate positions, while mounted on one hand of a transport robot. When substrates are to be transported from transporting chamber into processing chamber, a first mounting portion of a hand is located immediately above first processing position provided in processing chamber; and the substrate placed on first mounting portion is lifted up. Then, a second mounting portion is located immediately above second processing position by finely moving the hand. Next, the substrate on second mounting portion is lifted up. When the hand is pulled out from between the substrates and first and second processing positions and the substrates are lowered, the substrates are accurately arranged on first and second processing positions. When substrates are mounted on the hand in an order reverse to the above, the substrates in processing chamber can be accurately mounted on first and second mounting portions and be carried out.

Abstract: A manipulator for use with a lift truck includes a guide assembly mountable on a mast of a lift truck, a carriage assembly supported for movement along the guide assembly, and an arm assembly mounted on the carriage assembly for supporting a lift truck attachment such as a clamping apparatus. The arm assembly may include two arms pivotable with respect to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The manipulator can move a load in a widthwise direction of a lift truck and between opposite widthwise sides of a lift truck.

Abstract: A hoist with a cradle for coupling with a pressurized tank. A primary means of restraining the tank on the cradle is provided along with a backup means should the primary means fail for any reason. A linear actuator assembly raises the cradle up to 27 inches from the floor surface. An onboard battery with an integrated battery charger provides power to the linear actuator. A compact base with swivel casters allows a raised tank to be safely lifted and transported by a single operator. The compact size of the hoist allows it to operate in confined spaces.

Abstract: A retractable ramp system mounts a slideable ramp between lateral rail members which extend the length of a truck chassis and a container mounted thereon. The ramp is slideably suspended from a guide rail running parallel to the lateral rail members by means of a carriage component, itself slideably mounted within the guide rail. It is readily and easily extended and retracted by one person. When positioned directly on a truck chassis, the rail system is located above the hydraulic, electrical, and other mechanical systems positioned within the well of the truck chassis, such that the ramp is slideably moveable over these system components without interfering with them or any other part of the truck chassis. The ramp system is conveniently used for loading and off-loading containers which rest on the truck chassis or which are elevated above the chassis.

Abstract: An apparatus is for displacing objects which can be picked up. The apparatus includes a fork-like member provided with teeth for picking up the objects, a transporting device connected to this member, a device for moving the fork-like member vertically, and a control device for controlling the transporting and moving devices. The apparatus includes at least one pair of mutually adjacent teeth of the fork-like member which is equipped with one flexible carrier arranged on each tooth and drivable in longitudinal direction of the tooth. When the objects are set down, this carrier can impart a determined speed to the objects such that the distance between two rows of set-down objects standing perpendicularly of the direction of the teeth can be regulated in a flexible manner by way of adjusting the speed of the carrier.

Abstract: A delivery rack system for transporting a dolly. The delivery rack system includes a frame disposed on a plurality of wheels. The frame includes a side rail and first and second transverse rails disposed proximate the side rail. The side rail, the first transverse rail, and second transverse rail cooperate to define a compartment adapted to receive the dolly.

Abstract: A hoist with a cradle for coupling with a pressurized tank. A linear actuator assembly raises the cradle above the floor surface. A base with casters allows a raised tank to be safely lifted and transported by a single operator. The cradle can be rotated and locked in a vertical or horizontal position for cylinder insertion and removal in EMS vehicles with either a vertical or a horizontal stowage compartment. When handling a horizontal cylinder stowage situation, an embodiment of the cradle features a retractable foot to allow the cylinder to be slid from the cradle into the compartment bottom first. Another embodiment has a fixed foot and allows the cylinder to be slid from the cradle into the compartment top first. Safety interlocks are provided to prevent rotation of the cradle if the foot is in the wrong position with respect to the horizontal orientation of the cradle.

Abstract: The present invention comprehends a forklift attachment, generally comprising a pair of forks rotatably mounted to a fork plate using a pair of pivot pins with each pivot pin having a center axis normal to the fork plate. Upper bore pins and lower bore pins are adapted to travel within bores of the fork plate. As such, actuators connected to the upper bore pin rotate the forks about the center axis such that the forks can apply opposing lateral compression forces to a flexible dumpster. In a method for collecting waste, a disposer places the flexible dumpster near the waste disposal site whereby a truck-mounted forklift can be utilized to engage the forks with the side portions of the flexible dumpster for loading and disposal. Accordingly, large dumpsters do not have to dropped off at the waste disposal site and large trucks no longer have to be utilized.