Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of AHSP to stabilize the ? subunit of rHb. AHSP may be co-expressed with the hemoglobin genes. AHSP stabilization may be used to increase the production of intact rHb in various systems, such as E. coli, other microorganisms, or animal erythroid cells. This intact rHb may then be used as part of a blood substitute product.

Abstract: A material handling and transport system and process for moving a substrate carrier between storage and processing destinations are provided. The system includes a vehicle that runs on a support structure, such as a pathway or a track assembly supported on the floor, which may be in a pressurized tunnel. A carrier nest on the vehicle receives and supports the carrier. A lifting mechanism on the vehicle vertically raises and lowers the carrier nest. A load port support surface is disposed vertically above the support structure. The carrier is raised through an opening in the load port support surface. A load port nest on the load port support surface receives and supports the carrier adjacent a selected destination. A carrier manipulation mechanism manipulates the carrier over the load port nest. The lifting mechanism then lowers the carrier onto the load port nest. The system is particularly suited for handling and transporting semiconductor wafer carriers.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human animal with alterations in the Alpha Hemoglobin Stabilizing Protein (AHSP) gene is prepared by introduction of a gene encoding an altered Alpha Hemoglobin Stabilizing Protein (AHSP) protein into a host non-human animal. Methods for using transgenic mice so generated to screen for agents that effect Alpha Hemoglobin Stabilizing Protein (AHSP)'s hemoglobin binding activity are also provided.

Abstract: In brief, the present invention provides a system for the interconnection of semiconductor fabrication tools (“process tools”) in a semiconductor fabrication facility by use of a data network and microprocessor based interface (“browser”) associated with each process tool. The data network and microprocessor based interface provide communication in accordance with known standards via Intranet or Internet data transfer links to one or more remotely disposed browsers. Data is immediately available in real time on all aspects of the operation of the fabrication facility. Equipment engineers and process engineers can browse the various process tools from any location. Host communications to and from the tools can be monitored without affect on factory operation. The interface is compatible with standard process tools and factory automation or management software systems.

Abstract: A first catheter has a return bend formed near its distal free end and a first magnet is mounted on the distal free end. The first catheter is introduced through a sheath in a first common femoral artery into an elongate leg of a stent graft and pulled back until the return bend positions the first magnet near a truncate leg of the stent graft. A second catheter having a second magnet on its distal free end is introduced through a second common femoral artery and positioned near the first magnet so that the magnets become interconnected. The second catheter is pulled into the stent graft, a guide wire is inserted through it, and a second sheath is introduced into the stent graft. A contralateral limb is deployed through the second sheath and the second sheath is removed. In another embodiment, catheters with magnets pull a nephroureteral stent from a kidney.

Abstract: A first catheter has a return bend formed near its distal free end and a first magnet is mounted on the distal free end. The first catheter is introduced through a sheath in a first common femoral artery into an elongate leg of a stent graft and pulled back until the return bend positions the first magnet near a truncate leg of the stent graft. A second catheter having a second magnet on its distal free end is introduced through a second common femoral artery and positioned near the first magnet so that the magnets become interconnected. The second catheter is pulled into the stent graft, a guide wire is inserted through it, and a second sheath is introduced into the stent graft. A contralateral limb is deployed through the second sheath and the second sheath is removed. In another embodiment, catheters with magnets pull a nephroureteral stent from a kidney.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system is provided for safely and efficiently storing reticles in a clean environment. An enclosed storage unit is provided for storing the reticles, and other items such as wafers and the like, in an environment which minimizes the amount of contaminants and is suitable for use in a semiconductor fabrication clean room. A retrieval unit is provided separate from the enclosed storage unit for accessing and staging the reticles before they enter and leave the storage unit for minimizing exposure of the storage unit. The storage unit includes a movable storage matrix having a plurality of bays for storing the reticles. The movable storage matrix is selectively moved or rotated by a drive mechanism that is located external to the storage unit so that the storage unit is substantially free of contaminant generating components.

Abstract: A person-guided vehicle (PGV) is provided for transporting and manipulating at least one carrier containing items such as semiconductor wafers to be loaded or unloaded at a load port. The PGV includes a wheeled cart having a frame configured to align with the load port. A carrier support assembly is mounted to the frame. The carrier support assembly includes a cradle configured to support the carrier, a lifting mechanism operative to raise and lower the cradle vertically, and a horizontal slide mechanism operative to move the cradle horizontally to and from a position outboard of the cart. A damping system is coupled to the cart and operative to dampen vibrations of the carrier in the carrier support assembly. One side of the cart is free of structural members to allow operator access to the carrier support assembly and to allow ready manipulation of the cart by the operator.

Abstract: A material handling and transport system and process for moving a substrate carrier between storage and processing destinations are provided. The system includes a vehicle that runs on a support structure, such as a pathway or a track assembly supported on the floor, which may be in a pressurized tunnel. A carrier nest on the vehicle receives and supports the carrier. A lifting mechanism on the vehicle vertically raises and lowers the carrier nest. A load port support surface is disposed vertically above the support structure. The carrier is raised through an opening in the load port support surface. A load port nest on the load port support surface receives and supports the carrier adjacent a selected destination. A carrier manipulation mechanism manipulates the carrier over the load port nest. The lifting mechanism then lowers the carrier onto the load port nest. The system is particularly suited for handling and transporting semiconductor wafer carriers.

Abstract: An integrated scheduler/material control system that receives a plurality of material move requests and prioritizes these move requests according to a critical pick-up time associated with each move request. Using vehicle utilization data from the traffic management system, the integrated scheduler/material control system determines the number of move requests to be deferred to a later time period and then calculates the number of move requests to be executed in the current time period. The integrated scheduler/material control system then passes the move requests and the number of move requests to be executed to the traffic management system in the prioritized order.

Abstract: A person-guided vehicle (PGV) is provided for transporting and manipulating at least one carrier containing items such as semiconductor wafers to be loaded or unloaded at a load port. The PGV includes a wheeled cart having a frame configured to align with the load port. A carrier support assembly is mounted to the frame. The carrier support assembly includes a cradle configured to support the carrier, a lifting mechanism operative to raise and lower the cradle vertically, and a horizontal slide mechanism operative to move the cradle horizontally to and from a position outboard of the cart. A damping system is coupled to the cart and operative to dampen vibrations of the carrier in the carrier support assembly. One side of the cart is free of structural members to allow operator access to the carrier support assembly and to allow ready manipulation of the cart by the operator.

Abstract: A wafer imaging system is provided in which a camera is mounted at a known position in relation to an open front of a cassette to view the cassette and its entire stack of wafer contents. The camera can be mounted on a robot or on a tool. An image of the set of wafers is captured and is image processed to provide information on the position and alignment of each wafer in the cassette. The image can be processed to provide data on separation of the wafers within the cassette, any cross slotting of wafers, and the center point of each of the wafers. Image analysis and processing is employed to determine the edge of each of the wafers. One image scan provides a determination of all information on the X, Y and Z position of the wafers in relation to the camera reference position.

Abstract: A wafer imaging system is provided in which a camera is mounted at a known position in relation to an open front of a cassette to view the cassette and its entire stack of wafer contents. The camera can be mounted on a robot or on a tool. An image of the set of wafers is captured and is image processed to provide information on the position and alignment of each wafer in the cassette. The image can be processed to provide data on separation of the wafers within the cassette, any cross slotting of wafers, and the center point of each of the wafers. Image analysis and processing is employed to determine the edge of each of the wafers. One image scan provides a determination of all information on the X, Y and Z position of the wafers in relation to the camera reference position.

Abstract: A material handling and transport system and process for moving a substrate carrier between storage and processing destinations are provided. The system includes a vehicle that runs on a support structure, such as a pathway or a track assembly supported on the floor, which may be in a pressurized tunnel. A carrier nest on the vehicle receives and supports the carrier. A lifting mechanism on the vehicle vertically raises and lowers the carrier nest. A load port support surface is disposed vertically above the support structure. The carrier is raised through an opening in the load port support surface. A load port nest on the load port support surface receives and supports the carrier adjacent a selected destination. A carrier manipulation mechanism manipulates the carrier over the load port nest. The lifting mechanism then lowers the carrier onto the load port nest. The system is particularly suited for handling and transporting semiconductor wafer carriers.

Abstract: In brief, the present invention provides a system for the interconnection of semiconductor fabrication tools (“process tools”) in a semiconductor fabrication facility by use of a data network and microprocessor based interface (“browser”) associated with each process tool. The data network and microprocessor based interface provide communication in accordance with known standards via Intranet or Internet data transfer links to one or more remotely disposed browsers. Data is immediately available in real time on all aspects of the operation of the fabrication facility. Equipment engineers and process engineers can browse the various process tools from any location. Host communications to and from the tools can be monitored without affect on factory operation. The interface is compatible with standard process tools and factory automation or management software systems.

Abstract: An inductive power transfer apparatus is provided which is especially useful for a semiconductor wafer handling system or other similar type of materials transport system in which one or more cars are moveable along a track. The system includes a plurality of elongated primary coils each disposed at an intended position along the track. Each of the moveable cars has one or more pick-up or secondary coils which are coupled to the primary coil when the car comes into position along the track. A secondary coil or coils on the car provides power to a battery charging circuit for so long as the secondary is in coupling relationship with the primary or for so long as needed to provide an intended charge to the on board batteries. A drive circuit for the primary coil may be located near the primary coil or alternatively, a single drive circuit can be at a central location to provide drive signals to a plurality of primary coils.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system is provided for safely and efficiently storing reticles in a clean environment. An enclosed storage unit is provided for storing the reticles, and other items such as wafers and the like, in an environment which minimizes the amount of contaminants and is suitable for use in a semiconductor fabrication clean room. A retrieval unit is provided separate from the enclosed storage unit for accessing and staging the reticles before they enter and leave the storage unit for minimizing exposure of the storage unit. The storage unit includes a movable storage matrix having a plurality of bays for storing the reticles. The movable storage matrix is selectively moved or rotated by a drive mechanism that is located external to the storage unit so that the storage unit is substantially free of contaminant generating components.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing power to an automated material handling system that includes a track on which a plurality of electrically powered material transport vehicles are mounted comprises a plurality of current-limited power sources each having a power supply lead and a power return lead. The apparatus further includes a power supply distribution network that is configured and arranged to electrically connect the power supply leads of the plurality of power sources together and to couple the current supplied therefrom to the power supply input of at least one of the plurality of material transport vehicles. And further includes a power return network configured and arranged to electrically couple the power return output of at least one of the plurality of material transport vehicles to the interconnected power return leads of the plurality of power sources.

Abstract: An ultracapacitor power supply for an electric vehicle is provided which employs an ultracapacitor as the primary power source and a battery as a supplemental power source. This vehicle is particularly effective in power-rail system having gaps in the power-rail or in non-power rail systems having recharging stations positioned along the track The ultracapacitor recharges quickly upon vehicle passage over a live power rail or entry into a recharging station. Optimum performance is achieved when the capacitor is allowed to fully recharge. The battery need only provide power when the ultracapacitor has been discharged or during acceleration or other periods of peak power consumption, thereby reducing the number of battery recharges required during any given operational period.

Abstract: A wafer transfer system is operable with a front or side loading wafer carrier to move one or more wafers in a straight line from the carrier to a position in which the wafers are accessible for further processing by movement along the same straight line. The transfer system provides a wafer extractor which employs a plurality of paired fingers of a size and configuration to fit between the spaced, stacked wafers in the carrier. After insertion between the wafers, the fingers are movable by a small amount vertically to lift the wafers off the shoulders of the carrier. The fingers, now supporting the wafers, are movable generally horizontally along a straight line to remove the wafers from the carrier. The fingers are supported from a support structure in a manner which provides clearance for the wafers to pass through the support structure for further processing along the same straight line path.