Patents by Inventor Michael Krolak

Michael Krolak has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10593583
    Abstract: A storage system and methods for operating a storage system are disclosed. The storage system includes a plurality of storage shelves, and each of storage shelves has a shelf plate for supporting a container. Each of the storage shelves is coupled to a chain to enable horizontal movement and each is further coupled to a rail to enable guiding to one or more positions. A motor is coupled to a drive sprocket for moving the chain. The rail has some sections that are linear and some sections that are nonlinear. The sections are arranged in a loop. Example configurations of the storage system include one or more of stationary shelves, extended horizontal tracks for a hoist, a conveyor at a level of the storage system, and a manual loading station. The hoist, with an extended horizontal track interfaces with the manual loading station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Richard H. Gould, Michael Krolak
  • Publication number: 20180096873
    Abstract: A storage system and methods for operating a storage system are disclosed. The storage system includes a plurality of storage shelves, and each of storage shelves has a shelf plate for supporting a container. Each of the storage shelves is coupled to a chain to enable horizontal movement and each is further coupled to a rail to enable guiding to one or more positions. A motor is coupled to a drive sprocket for moving the chain. The rail has some sections that are linear and some sections that are nonlinear. The sections are arranged in a loop. Example configurations of the storage system include one or more of stationary shelves, extended horizontal tracks for a hoist, a conveyor at a level of the storage system, and a manual loading station. The hoist, with an extended horizontal track interfaces with the manual loading station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Richard H. Gould, Michael Krolak
  • Patent number: 9842756
    Abstract: A storage system and methods for operating a storage system are disclosed. The storage system includes a plurality of storage shelves, and each of storage shelves has a shelf plate for supporting a container. Each of the storage shelves is coupled to a chain to enable horizontal movement and each is further coupled to a rail to enable guiding to one or more positions. A motor is coupled to a drive sprocket for moving the chain. The rail has some sections that are linear and some sections that are nonlinear. The sections are arranged in a loop. Example configurations of the storage system include one or more of stationary shelves, extended horizontal tracks for a hoist, a conveyor at a level of the storage system, and a manual loading station. The hoist, with an extended horizontal track interfaces with the manual loading station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Richard H. Gould, Michael Krolak
  • Publication number: 20150063958
    Abstract: A storage system and methods for operating a storage system are disclosed. The storage system includes a plurality of storage shelves, and each of storage shelves has a shelf plate for supporting a container. Each of the storage shelves is coupled to a chain to enable horizontal movement and each is further coupled to a rail to enable guiding to one or more positions. A motor is coupled to a drive sprocket for moving the chain. The rail has some sections that are linear and some sections that are nonlinear. The sections are arranged in a loop. Example configurations of the storage system include one or more of stationary shelves, extended horizontal tracks for a hoist, a conveyor at a level of the storage system, and a manual loading station. The hoist, with an extended horizontal track interfaces with the manual loading station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Richard H. Gould, Michael Krolak
  • Patent number: 8882433
    Abstract: A storage system and methods for operating a storage system are disclosed. The storage system includes a storage system assembly positioned at a height that is greater than a height of a tool used for loading and unloading substrates to be processed. The storage system locally stores one or more containers of substrates. The storage system assembly includes a plurality of storage shelves, and each of the plurality of storage shelves have shelf plates with shelf features for supporting a container. Each of the plurality of storage shelves are coupled to a chain to enable horizontal movement and each is further coupled to a rail to enable guiding to one or more positions. A motor is coupled to a drive sprocket for moving the chain, such that each of the plurality of storage shelves move together along the rail to the one or more positions. The rail has at least some sections that are linear and some sections that are nonlinear and the sections are arranged in a loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Richard H. Gould, Michael Krolak
  • Patent number: 8851820
    Abstract: A storage system and methods for operating a storage system are disclosed. The storage system includes a storage system assembly positioned at a height that is greater than a height of a tool used for loading and unloading substrates to be processed. The storage system locally stores one or more containers of substrates. The storage system assembly includes a plurality of storage shelves, and each of the plurality of storage shelves have shelf plates with shelf features for supporting a container. Each of the plurality of storage shelves are coupled to a chain to enable horizontal movement and each is further coupled to a rail to enable guiding to one or more positions. A motor is coupled to a drive sprocket for moving the chain, such that each of the plurality of storage shelves move together along the rail to the one or more positions. The rail has at least some sections that are linear and some sections that are nonlinear and the sections are arranged in a loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Richard H. Gould, Michael Krolak
  • Patent number: 8851817
    Abstract: The present invention is a wafer transfer system that transports individual wafers between chambers within an isolated environment. In one embodiment, a wafer is transported by a wafer shuttle that travel within a transport enclosure. The interior of the transport enclosure is isolated from the atmospheric conditions of the surrounding wafer fabrication facility. Thus, an individual wafer may be transported throughout the wafer fabrication facility without having to maintain a clean room environment for the entire facility. The wafer shuttle may be propelled by various technologies, such as, but not limited to, magnetic levitation or air bearings. The wafer shuttle may also transport more than one wafer simultaneously. The interior of the transport enclosure may also be under vacuum, gas-filled, or subject to filtered air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Richard H. Gould, Roger G. Hine, Michael Krolak, Jerry A. Speasl
  • Patent number: 8376130
    Abstract: A conveyor system includes a cartridge, which defines a section of the conveyor. In one embodiment, the cartridge includes a number of wheels, which are designed as a unit for a conveyor section and the wheels of the cartridge are designed to hold a belt. A conveyor section, in one optional embodiment, includes integrated sensors for detecting the presence of a container (e.g., FOUP), and each conveyor section can implement precision sheet metal rails that facilitate high speed FOUP transport. In one embodiment, each conveyor section has two sides. Each side has a cartridge that has a belt. In particular embodiments, one side of the conveyor section includes a drive motor, that drives the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Muratec Automation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Roumen Deyanov, Michel Pharand, Michael Krolak, Theodore W. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20120267219
    Abstract: A conveyor system includes a cartridge, which defines a section of the conveyor. In one embodiment, the cartridge includes a number of wheels, which are designed as a unit for a conveyor section and the wheels of the cartridge are designed to hold a belt. A conveyor section, in one optional embodiment, includes integrated sensors for detecting the presence of a container (e.g., FOUP), and each conveyor section can implement precision sheet metal rails that facilitate high speed FOUP transport. In one embodiment, each conveyor section has two sides. Each side has a cartridge that has a belt. In particular embodiments, one side of the conveyor section includes a drive motor, that drives the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Roumen Deyanov, Michel Pharand, Michael Krolak, Theodore W. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20120213614
    Abstract: The present invention is a wafer transfer system that transports individual wafers between chambers within an isolated environment. In one embodiment, a wafer is transported by a wafer shuttle that travel within a transport enclosure. The interior of the transport enclosure is isolated from the atmospheric conditions of the surrounding wafer fabrication facility. Thus, an individual wafer may be transported throughout the wafer fabrication facility without having to maintain a clean room environment for the entire facility. The wafer shuttle may be propelled by various technologies, such as, but not limited to, magnetic levitation or air bearings. The wafer shuttle may also transport more than one wafer simultaneously. The interior of the transport enclosure may also be under vacuum, gas-filled, or subject to filtered air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Richard H. Gould, Roger G. Hine, Michael Krolak, Jerry A. Speasl
  • Patent number: 7841820
    Abstract: The present invention is a wafer transfer system that transports individual wafers between chambers within an isolated environment. In one embodiment, a wafer is transported by a wafer shuttle that travel within a transport enclosure. The interior of the transport enclosure is isolated from the atmospheric conditions of the surrounding wafer fabrication facility. Thus, an individual wafer may be transported throughout the wafer fabrication facility without having to maintain a clean room environment for the entire facility. The wafer shuttle may be propelled by various technologies, such as, but not limited to, magnetic levitation or air bearings. The wafer shuttle may also transport more than one wafer simultaneously. The interior of the transport enclosure may also be under vacuum, gas-filled, or subject to filtered air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Crossing Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Richard H. Gould, Roger G. Hine, Michael Krolak, Jerry A. Speasl
  • Publication number: 20100290872
    Abstract: A storage system and methods for operating a storage system are disclosed. The storage system includes a storage system assembly positioned at a height that is greater than a height of a tool used for loading and unloading substrates to be processed. The storage system locally stores one or more containers of substrates. The storage system assembly includes a plurality of storage shelves, and each of the plurality of storage shelves have shelf plates with shelf features for supporting a container. Each of the plurality of storage shelves are coupled to a chain to enable horizontal movement and each is further coupled to a rail to enable guiding to one or more positions. A motor is coupled to a drive sprocket for moving the chain, such that each of the plurality of storage shelves move together along the rail to the one or more positions. The rail has at least some sections that are linear and some sections that are nonlinear and the sections are arranged in a loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Crossing Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Richard H. Gould, Michael Krolak
  • Publication number: 20100290873
    Abstract: A storage system and methods for operating a storage system are disclosed. The storage system includes a storage system assembly positioned at a height that is greater than a height of a tool used for loading and unloading substrates to be processed. The storage system locally stores one or more containers of substrates. The storage system assembly includes a plurality of storage shelves, and each of the plurality of storage shelves have shelf plates with shelf features for supporting a container. Each of the plurality of storage shelves are coupled to a chain to enable horizontal movement and each is further coupled to a rail to enable guiding to one or more positions. A motor is coupled to a drive sprocket for moving the chain, such that each of the plurality of storage shelves move together along the rail to the one or more positions. The rail has at least some sections that are linear and some sections that are nonlinear and the sections are arranged in a loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Crossing Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Richard H. Gould, Michael Krolak
  • Patent number: 7798759
    Abstract: The present invention generally comprises an apparatus for transporting containers between a first transport system and a second transport system. In one embodiment, the first transport system comprises a ceiling-based conveyor and the second transport system comprises a floor-based conveyor. The present invention may further include storage shelves, preferably substantially horizontally aligned about a common vertical plane with a section of one of the transport systems. The transport system may be located either directly above the uppermost storage shelf or beneath the lowermost storage shelf in order to add storage capacity within the fab. A vertical module transports containers between the transport systems and the at least one storage shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Muratec Automation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Michael Krolak, Roger G. Hine
  • Publication number: 20100219050
    Abstract: A conveyor system includes a cartridge, which defines a section of the conveyor. In one embodiment, the cartridge includes a number of wheels, which are designed as a unit for a conveyor section and the wheels of the cartridge are designed to hold a belt. A conveyor section, in one optional embodiment, includes integrated sensors for detecting the presence of a container (e.g., FOUP), and each conveyor section can implement precision sheet metal rails that facilitate high speed FOUP transport. In one embodiment, each conveyor section has two sides. Each side has a cartridge that has a belt. In particular embodiments, one side of the conveyor section includes a drive motor, that drives the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Roumen Deyanov, Michel Pharand, Michael Krolak, Theodore W. Rogers
  • Patent number: 7784606
    Abstract: A conveyor and conveyor system is defined for moving a container used to hold semiconductor wafers. The conveyor includes a first belt having a first support surface for movably supporting the container and a second belt having a second support surface for movably supporting the container. The first belt and the second belt each have a raised guide. The conveyor further includes a drive assembly for moving at least the first belt and causing the container to move over the first and second belts when placed on the first and second support surfaces. Methods for making the conveyor and operating the conveyor are also defined herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Muratec Automation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Michael Krolak, Roger G. Hine
  • Patent number: 7771151
    Abstract: The present invention generally comprises a tool load device for transferring a container between a container transport system and a processing tool. The tool load device may service a single load port or multiple load ports. Regardless, the tool load device is preferably located between the load port of the processing tool and the section of the container transport system passing the processing tool. The tool load device provides an improved method of moving containers between a conventional load port and, for example, a conveyor. In another embodiment, the tool load device is coupled with an x-drive assembly that moves the tool load device along a path that is substantially parallel to the container transport system passing in front of the load port—allowing the tool load device to service multiple load ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Muratec Automation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Michael Krolak, Roger G. Hine
  • Patent number: 7737567
    Abstract: A semiconductor substrate is provided. The substrate includes a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the first surface includes a marking in a centroid region of the first surface. The marking indicates a location of a center point on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate or identification data unique to the substrate. A system, methods of transporting and marking, and a device for reading the substrate markings are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Crossing Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Raymond S. Martin, Michael Krolak
  • Publication number: 20100051422
    Abstract: A conveyor and conveyor system is defined for moving a container used to hold semiconductor wafers. The conveyor includes a first belt having a first support surface for movably supporting the container and a second belt having a second support surface for movably supporting the container. The first belt and the second belt each have a raised guide. The conveyor further includes a drive assembly for moving at least the first belt and causing the container to move over the first and second belts when placed on the first and second support surfaces. Methods for making the conveyor and operating the conveyor are also defined herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Michael Krolak, Roger G. Hine
  • Publication number: 20100034621
    Abstract: A port door providing an interface into a processing tool is provided. The port door includes first and second arms pivotably mounted on a top edge of the port door. The first and second arms are configured to extend from a plane of the port door towards a carrier containing substrates for the processing tool. The first arm has an emitter transmitting a beam that is split into a plurality of sub-beams within the first arm. The second arm has a plurality of sensors receiving corresponding sub-beams, wherein one of sub-beams provides information as to a position of an end effector relative to a gap between the substrates in the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Raymond S. Martin, Anthony C. Bonora, Michael Krolak