Abstract: The device for transporting containers comprises a cogged belt which extends along a ring-wound trajectory and is wound on at least a pair of cogged wheels which are rotatable on vertical axes, and a plurality of regularly distanced support means borne on the external surface of the cogged belt, which receive respective containers. The cogged belt bears a plurality of skates constrained to the internal surface thereof which engage with guide means that are solidly restrained to a fixed structure of the device, in order to constitute a lateral constraint which prevents transversal movements and deformation of the cogged belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting containers to at least one processing station, in particular a filling and/or sealing station, having a number of container carriers that accommodate the containers and having two parallel guides spaced apart from each other and extending in the transverse direction, which are used for the advance and return of the container carriers and have turnaround devices at their ends that perform the function of switching the container carriers from one guide into the other guide; pinions are also provided for transporting the container carriers and are situated between the guides and engage the container carriers. The turnaround devices each have arc guides that adjoin the ends of the two guides and are connected to them and that also transition in the arc from one guide to the other guide.

Abstract: An article transport device comprises an endless revolving body that is configured to move along a cyclic path in a substantially horizontal direction; a plurality of article supports each of which supports an article, wherein the article supports move together with the endless revolving body with the supports spaced apart from each other in a traveling direction; a support mechanism for supporting the article supports to the endless revolving body such that the article supports can move between a transport position adjacent the endless revolving body and an away position spaced apart from the transport position; and a guide mechanism for causing at least some of the article supports to move from the transport position to the away position and to move from the away position to the transport position, at an article delivering location or an article receiving location along the cyclic path of the endless revolving body.

Abstract: A transporting rail unit includes a first driving mechanism driving the object to a first position on a rail. A second driving mechanism includes a member designed to displace in response to reception of a force from the object when the object moves forward to the first position from a second position in front of the first position on the rail. The second driving mechanism allows accumulation of an elastic repulsive force based on displacement of the member. The transporting rail unit allows the object to keep moving forward based on the elastic repulsive force even after the object is released from engagement with the first driving mechanism. If the second driving mechanism is interposed between the first driving mechanisms, the object can be transferred between the first driving mechanisms. A single transporting rail unit can be utilized in common. This results in reduction in the production and management costs.

Abstract: An apparatus for transport and controlled discharge of a load has a frame with a guide for a series of displaceable transport containers, a drive unit for carrying the containers in an endless track, a resetting device for placing a container in a starting position and discharge station for selectively relieving a container of a load. The containers have an at least partially movable carrying panel for receiving the load thereon, including a tray which can be operated selectively between a transporting and discharge positions. The guide provides on either side of the containers a support surface on which the containers support with free-running wheels. On at least one side of the containers the support surface displays a convexity in a direction transversely of the transport direction with an apex on which a running surface of at least one wheel is received.

Abstract: A transport device and a method for transporting motor vehicle body parts (4) is provided. The transport device (49) includes a transportable frame (51) with at least one preferably bar-shaped supporting device (55) for receiving the parts (4) in a stack (5). The transport device (49) includes a loading device (56) which allows individual parts (4) to be put on the supporting device (55) at a loading position (47) and allows delivery of the stack (5) of parts to an unloading position (48) where the stack (5) of parts is pushed off the supporting device (55).

Abstract: A horizontal carousel conveyor moves in a horizontal plane by using vertically-oriented conveyor links. When used with an oven, it continuously moves foods and other items in a closed, horizontal loop.

Abstract: A horizontal carousel conveyor carries cone-shaped foods and other specialty-shaped foods through an oven, rotating the food on a heating station as it passes by heating elements and through the oven.

Abstract: An intermediate product manufacturing apparatus for carrying intermediate products and processing the intermediate products with a plurality of processing apparatuses is provided, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of carrying means for carrying the intermediate products to the processing apparatuses; a common processing apparatus provided between the plurality of carrying means, for carrying out a common process on the intermediate products carried by the carrying means; and intermediate product transfer sections provided between the plurality of carrying means, for transferring the intermediate products between the common processing apparatus and the carrying means.

Abstract: An assembly plant, in particular for assembling motor vehicles, which permits design of final assembly of motor vehicles so that it is as flexible as possible in terms of space. A central elongated assembly hall is provided in which essentially automated assembly regions are provided and finger-like partial regions having essentially manual workplaces are provided projecting at a right angle from the longitudinal side. A change in the sequence in the manual regions can be accomplished easily by an extension of the finger-like partial regions at the head end.

Abstract: A material conveying system without dust rising, having a plurality of trays; a transmission mechanism, for carrying the trays and transmitting the trays in motion; and a controller, for controlling the transmission mechanism, is characterized in that the material conveying system without dust rising further has a tank, which carries a liquid, where the transmission mechanism is immersed so that the dust resulting from abrasion of the transmission mechanism cannot float in the air.

Abstract: The invention provides a plant base comprising a base section with a seat for a plant pot, in which a tail section extends in a horizontal direction from the rear of the base section. A groove/protuberance combination is provided at the front of the base section and the rear of the tail section that is able to be accommodated in the groove of another corresponding plant base. The groove and the protuberance each has a support surface that is lower or higher than the support surface of the groove, such that when the protuberance of the plant base has been taken up in the groove of the other plant base, one of the two plant bases is lifted from the substrate at the location of the engaging protuberance and groove. Thus, the invention provides a plant base that continuously retains the same orientation during transport over a conveyor belt, with successive plant bases kept a sufficient distance apart.

Abstract: A conveyor using a drive chain to drive pallets along a closed loop path on a track lying in a horizontal plane through inside and outside turns so that the conveyor may transport parts along non aligned stations. An advance and a return run extend parallel to each other and are closely spaced to minimize the floor space required. The drive chain is engaged by two spaced apart sprockets engaging a respective side of the drive chain, the sprockets mounted to the pallet on a pivoted bar spring biased to urge the sprocket teeth into engagement with the chain. The sprocket bar is pivotally mounted to one end of the swing bar which has an opposite end connected to the pallet to allow the chain and pallet to move together along the track and negotiate inside and outside turns. The chain is guided in a chain guide channel through inside turns, and on sprockets around the outside turns.

Abstract: A braking device for a pallet intended to run in a conveying track. The braking device includes a matrix and a braking element. The matrix includes the support service and exterior surface and a recess having various screws and openings. The braking element includes at least two protrusions which are disposed within the grooves of the matrix and project outwardly from the openings of the matrix at various stages of braking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a curved assembly line and/or conveyor belt, especially for assembling and transporting motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts during production, said line or belt being formed by articulated carrier elements that positively engage in each other and respectively comprise an upper platform and a lower carrier frame and have convex and concave front surfaces with identical curvature radii. The aim of the invention is to enable an essentially tangential orientation of the platforms in the curved region with a simple course of displacement and low control costs.

Abstract: A transport system, in particular an airport luggage transport system, and guide means for a transport system of this type, for transporting individual items, are disclosed. The items are transported along a transport path with at least one straight section, with support elements for supporting a bottom side of the containers. The bottom side of the containers includes at least one straight guiding element in the form of a groove-shaped recess extending in a transport direction and having two opposing side faces. To accurately and securely guide the containers, guiding means with lateral guiding rollers engage with the side faces of the groove-shaped recesses.

Abstract: This document describes an apparatus and system for conveying components. The apparatus and system include several parts. The apparatus and system include a base that supports a rail. The apparatus and system also includes a pallet assembly that is capable of moving along the rail. The pallet assembly includes first and second surfaces that are separated by a thickness dimension. The apparatus and system also includes a positioning mechanism that is connected to the base. The positioning mechanism includes a drive roller that rotates about a first axis and engages the first surface of the pallet assembly. The positioning mechanism also includes an idler roller that rotates about a second axis, which is generally parallel to the first axis. The idler roller engages the second surface of the pallet assembly.

Abstract: An intermediate product carrying apparatus is provided for loading a carrier, which is carried between a plurality of process systems and stores a plurality of intermediate products, into the corresponding process system, and then transferring the plurality of intermediate products of the carrier to a single wafer carrying conveyer, which carries the intermediate products in a single wafer state to an intermediate product manufacturing apparatus provided in the process system. The intermediate product carrying apparatus comprising: an intermediate product transfer means provided in the process system, for loading the carrier, which is carried between process systems and which stores the plurality of intermediate products, into the corresponding process system, and transferring the intermediate products.

Abstract: A transport system for advancing containers includes a curve section for defining a curved transport path which is defined by a curve radius, and a driving and guiding assembly for advancing and guiding a container along the transport path. The driving and guiding assembly has support elements, which support the underside of the container, and is constructed to bear upon at least one of the sidewalls, at least along portions thereof, in a force-locking or form-fitting manner for propulsion of the container. The container has an underside formed with two longitudinal sidewalls extending mirror-symmetrically and curved outwardly or inwardly at a radius, which corresponds to the curve radius, such that a distance between the sidewalls is at a maximum or minimum in mid-section of the sidewalls.

Abstract: A jig switching apparatus includes a locator jig slidably arranged on a transport carriage and having at a front end a locate pin with clamp function. The locator jig has two switching positions selectively switched in accordance with the type of a vehicle body to be positioned. A lock mechanism with an operating screw is disposed on the transport carriage. Through the operating screw operated by a nut runner, the lock mechanism mechanically positions and locks the locator jig in one of the switching positions with respect to a reference member disposed on the transport carriage.

Abstract: A conveying device (10) for transporting transported goods includes at least one profile rail (12), at least one transported goods support (14) that is supported by the at least one profile rail and is moveable along the profile rail, and a drivable conveyor unit (16) extending along at least one profile rail (12), whereby the at least one transported goods support (14) has at least one engagement unit (20), which is in locked-in engagement with the conveyor unit (16) or can be brought into locked-in engagement with the conveyor unit. The engagement unit (20) has an engagement element (24) revolving about a bearing unit (22), and in addition, a coupling assembly that effects the revolving movement of the engagement element (24) is provided.

Abstract: A device for carrying out a sequence of working steps on travelling work station wagons comprising an oval track wherein said work station wagons are circulating, wherein said wagons comprise at least one detachable connection element connected to a circulating chain which moves said wagons; at least one insertion and at least one removal guide track is provided on the outside of said oval track, wherein said at least one insertion and at least one removal guide track comprises a transfer point to which the chain is allocated; at least one coupling element is further provided at each transfer point via which the wagons may be coupled into the guide tracks on the side opposite of the side of said wagons comprising at least one detachable element, with at least one switchable points element located on said guide track, which during the insertion position, release said at least one coupling element and bring about the engagement of said detachable connection element to said chain or during the removal position,

Abstract: The present invention relates to a curve element (1) for a transfer system for transporting products, having a curve-going outer track (2) and an inner track. An outer guide (5) is disposed on the outside of the outer track (2). The outer track (2) is embodied in continuous form in the curved region, and the inner track is formed in two parts of a first inner track (3) and a second inner track (4). At least one of the first or second inner tracks (3, 4) protrudes rectilinearly into the curved region of the curve element (1).

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: The invention relates to a device for storage and conveyance of bulky holders (C), comprising at least one tier (32), each tier comprising at least one conveyance circuit (2) for the holders (C), and each conveyance circuit (2) comprising at least two longitudinal paths (4, 6) disposed substantially parallel to each other, for conveyance of the holders (C) in the direction of the longitudinal paths (4, 6), which longitudinal paths (4, 6) each define a first predetermined number (N) of adjoining holder positions for the holders (C) while two adjacent longitudinal paths (4, 6) of a conveyance circuit (2) slope from the same end in opposite directions, and in which transverse tracks situated at the opposite ends of the longitudinal paths and movable at least in the vertical direction are also provided, for conveyance of the holders (C) in the direction of the transverse tracks, which transverse tracks can transfer the holders (C) to and from the longitudinal paths (4, 6), and also comprising a second predetermin

Abstract: A modular and removable track placed on the ground, comprises a succession of panels, supplied with at least one longitudinal guiding, groove which allows at least one beak, tightly connected to the load to be dragged, to penetrate inside it, to interact with the series of towing elements, one for each panel, and to be guided in running along the track; each towing element being constituted of a longitudinal ring like element, stretched between two spools and furnished with dragging elements, of at least one switch and of the motor connected to one of the spools and activated/deactivated by the switch. Each panel furthermore comprises at least the ducts and for the connections of the switch to the motor and with the fluid dynamic circuit connected at the start of the track with a primary motor, through which at least one motor is activated in one of the panels of the track.

Abstract: A transfer system includes transfer lines (L) each of which forms a closed loop and has transfer-in stations (S1 and S3) and transfer-out stations (S2 and S4) for assembling parts to a work, while circulating the work along the transfer line (L); and a work and part transfer passage (51) for transferring the work and the parts. Transfer-in stations (S1 and S3) and the transfer-out stations (S2 and S4) are disposed at each of the longitudinal ends of each of the transfer lines (L). Sub-transfer-passages (521 and 522) branching out rightward and leftward from the work and part transfer passage (51), are disposed along longitudinal sides of the transfer lines (L). With this layout, a plurality of the transfer lines (L) can be disposed in a required minimum space, while securing a smooth supply and discharge of the works and parts with respect to the plurality of the transfer lines L.

Abstract: The invention relates to a production line (1) for assembling and/or processing components (3) transported on workpiece holders (2), incorporating several conveyor sections (5, 6a, 6b, 6c) disposed one after the other, each of which has at least one separate forward feed mechanism (15; 51) which is independent of the adjacent conveyor sections (5, 6a, 6b, 6c) and at least one co-operating guide mechanism with two oppositely lying guide tracks (20), along which the workpiece holder (2) disposed between them, incorporating guide elements to provide a height and lateral guiding action, can be moved and positioned.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing fiberglass-reinforced panels are provided. The apparatus includes a guide mechanism and drive mechanism to drive individual elongate molds through a gel coating spraying section and thereafter through an oven to cure the gel coat. The elongate molds are thereafter driven through first and second resin/fiberglass application stations to apply a composite of resin and fiberglass strands. The apparatus also includes a station whereby wooden boards may be placed over the top of the resin and the fiberglass strands, and thereafter to a vacuum station whereby a vacuum can be placed over the wooden boards, such that when a vacuum is drawn on the composite, the resin is drawn into the wooden boards to form an integrated deposit panel.

Abstract: A car type conveyor includes a guide rail 3 extending along one edge of a running path. The running path is fitted with a friction driver including a frictional wheel 32. A runner 2 is guided by and moves along the guide rail 3. The runner 2 has a frictional surface 29 formed on it for compressive contact with the frictional wheel 32. A carriage 1 includes wheels 8 and 9 and moves along the running path. The runner 2 and one of the right and left sides of the carriage 1 are connected together in such a manner that the top of the runner 2 is higher than the position at which the carriage 1 supports a body. The carriage 1 may be foldable toward the runner 2.

Abstract: There is disclosed a measuring system that is for use with an automatic chemical analyzer and accomplishes accurate measurement reproducibility and low cost. The system has a turntable on which plural reaction cells are arranged circumferentially. A light source and a spectroscopic detector are located on opposite sides of the reaction cell in a detection position. The amount of light transmitted through the cell is measured. A motor having an encoder is connected to the turntable. The output signal from the detector corresponding to each reaction cell is accepted in response to the output signal from the encoder.

Abstract: A conveyance system which performs conveying action operating carrier vehicles, including a loop track, carrier vehicles which run on the track, a station where each carrier vehicle performs loading and unloading of a cargo, and a standby station for storing the carrier vehicles in a standby state. The number of the carrier vehicles to be used is determined from a conveyance command number, and can be automatically determined in correspondence with the load in the conveyance system. Accordingly, even if the load is not uniform but significantly varied, the conveying action can be conducted readily and efficiently.

Abstract: A pocket conveyor for use in food processing in which the pockets move independently from each other. Each pocket contains a portion of food which is conveyed from one processing machine to another in the course of food production. Independent movement of the pockets provides for, among other things, greater efficiencies in food production by allowing independent operation of the various processing machines along the conveyor as well as allowing the use of multiple processing machines for each of one or more processes. Further, independent movement of the pockets eliminates the maintenance issues associated with pockets which are chain-linked, such as chain and motor related failure.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a series of discrete hygienic articles. The apparatus includes a supply means, at least one manipulation means, a reception means spatially separated from the supply means, a manufacturing path segment extending from the supply means to the manipulation means and continuing to the reception means and a transportation system. The transportation system includes a plurality of independent transportation means for transportation of at least one discrete hygienic article along the manufacturing path segment and a guide means to guide all of the transportation means.

Abstract: A multi-head robotic system capable of delivering numerous robotic devices to a task site is disclosed. A number of robotic devices perform tasks simultaneously, thus tasks can be completed quickly. Each individual robot does not need to move at an extremely fast speed. The sequence in which the robotic devices arrive at or leave a task site is unlimited. The robotic delivery system is capable of “leapfrogging” robotic devices, or placing them randomly, at locations where they are most needed.

Abstract: A conveying device includes a mount frame, a first guide mounted on the mount frame along a conveying circuit, several transport trolleys distributed along the conveying circuit, and a system for driving each of the transport trolleys comprising a second guide mounted on each of said transport trolleys and designed to co-operate with the first guide, a transmission connected to the transport trolleys. Advantageously, each of the transport trolleys includes a support having at least one useful face, advantageously intended for supporting at least a dish, and maintained in a substantially horizontal position. The invention is useful for fast catering service in a restaurant hall or the like.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food.

Abstract: A transfer line (L) is formed by a first conveyer (C1) and a second conveyer (C2) which are disposed in parallel to each other for transferring a pallet, a first traverser (T1) for transporting the pallet (P) from a terminal end of the first conveyer (C1) to a start end of the second conveyer (C2), and a second traverser (T2) for transporting the pallet (P) from a terminal end of the second conveyer (C2) to a start end of the first conveyer (C1). The first and second conveyers (C1 and C2) are operable to drive main drive rollers (22) provided at start ends of the conveyers by bringing the rollers into abutment against side surfaces of rearmost pallets (P) in the advancing direction, thereby urging and collectively driving a plurality of pallets (P) which are connected together forwardly of the rearmost pallets (P) in a state in contact with the rearmost pallets. This enables the length of the transfer line (L) to be changed as desired without modification of a drive device for the pallet (P).

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: A conveying apparatus suitable for driving a number of carriers in such a manner that the front end of each carrier thrusts the rear end of the preceding carrier is provided. The conveying apparatus comprises a guide rail and carriers. The rail includes a U-turn path section. Each carrier includes a load bar assembly including at least three load bars connected end-to-end by vertical pivot shafts in such a manner that the bars can pivot horizontally relative to each other. Each carrier also includes a load support supported by the associated middle load bar. Each carrier further includes a front trolley supporting at least the front end load bar and a rear trolley supporting at least the rear end load bar. The trolleys are supported movably on and guided by the guide rail. The trolleys are fixed to and in parallel with the end load bars.

Abstract: A sample handling method, in which the information on the sample to be examined is transferred throughout the entire measuring process by transferring the sample cup. The sample cups are handled in two independently operating drums, in which case at least two different handling phases can be carried out simultaneously in the measuring device. The diagnostic measuring device comprises a cassette drum, on the circumference of which the sample cup cassettes containing sample cups have been placed. The sample cup is fed to the first handling drum, which is simultaneously an incubation drum. After that the sample cup is transferred to a second handling drum, where washing, drying, measuring and discharge of the sample cup are carried out. The drums have been placed near each other, overlapping so that the transfers of the sample cup can be performed directly from one drum to another by means of transfer plungers.

Abstract: An interlocking transfer system includes a workstation having four or more sides, each of which is positioned at 90° angles from the next adjacent side. A cam lift assembly is provided on each of the sides and a means for moving the pallets horizontally. The cam lift assembly is actuated by a reciprocating cylinder which operates to lift and lower the pallets. While pallets are lifted, they are also advanced horizontally using either an external reciprocating cylinder, a motor or by hand. The interlocking transfer system of the present invention provides high efficiency and low transfer rate. It also eliminates the need for lift and locate devices, transfer space due to traffic control, and end-to-end cross transfers. The interlocking transfer system of the present invention also provides for interchangeable fixtures.

Abstract: A transporting apparatus permits to intermittent indexing with freely and independently setting stop position of work tables and stopping period adapting to each individual work station. The transporting apparatus sequentially transports a work table across a plurality of work stations. The transporting apparatus has a linear transporting path linearly connecting a plurality of work stations and guiding linear motion of the work table, a cylindrical cam engaging with a contactor provided on the work table for driving the work-table for linear motion, and the cylindrical cam having a stopping zone formed corresponding to each position of the work station and having no axial displacement relating to cam rotation angle and a transporting zone formed corresponding to a position between the work station and having an axial displacement relative to cam rotation angle.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for transporting a load from a source to a destination. The apparatus includes a freight container (1) which has a plurality of cells (7) each for containing a discrete load and a conveyor (10) for conveying loads between cells (7). Plural discrete loads are loaded into the container (1). The loads are allocated amongst the cells (7) according to the destinations of the individual loads and then each individual load is conveyed to its allocated cell (7).

Abstract: A conveyor is provided that can easily accommodate a change in specification of stations. Carriages (100) are coupled by carriage couplers (200, 210). Driving units (20) are provided to move entire coupled units (B1, B2) together by driving some of the coupled carriages (100). A distance of conveyance can be changed and a change in specification can be easily coped with only by rearranging the driving units (20).

Abstract: A system for transporting articles. The transport system includes a conveyor system which includes a transport device for carrying articles between workstations and a drive rail and a support rail for supporting the transport device. The drive rail includes a drive system for propelling the transport device between workstations. At least one shoe carried by the transport device rides on the support rail for movably supporting the transport device on the support rail. The transport system also includes a protective container including a housing having an interior compartment for supporting a plurality of articles. The bottom surface of the housing is configured to engage the drive system such that actuation of the drive system propels the housing along the drive and support rails. At least one shoe carried by the housing is configured to ride on the support rail of the conveyor system to movably support the housing on the support rail.

Abstract: An installation comprises part-carrying pallets (10) of general rectangular shape which are displaced in elementary modules (46) under the frictional action of at least one drive run (50), displacement of the pallets being effected by way of rolling means (32) provided on the pallet and rolling on the respective bottoms of the modules. The pallet (10) comprises a body (12) below which are mounted idler wheels (26) disposed horizontally to provide for guiding and/or driving of the pallet, each module (46) comprises at least one guide rail (62) defining a circulation path of selected shape and made of an elastically deformable material, in such a way that during the displacement of the pallet on a module the guide rail (62) exercises an elastic return force against at least one idler wheel (26) of the pallet in such a way as to urge at least one drive portion (18) of the pallet into elastic contact against the drive run of the module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus which includes a chamber having an environment-controlled inside space, a stage disposed in the inside space of the chamber and for holding a substrate to perform a predetermined process to the substrate, a temporary storage for temporarily storing one or more substrates in a local environment being independent from the chamber inside, a robot for conveying a substrate between the stage and the temporary storage, and a controller for controlling the robot so that the substrate is stored into the temporary storage when the environment control of the chamber inside space is suspended.

Abstract: A transfer system for moving one or more articles between a conveyor and a station. The system includes a transfer assembly having a lifting mechanism configured to engage the article as it is carried by the conveyor, lift the article to a raised position above the support and lower the article from the raised position to the conveyor. The assembly also includes a displacement device configured to move the article from the raised position to a station, position the article at the station, and return the article from the station to the raised position above the conveyor. The system also includes the method of transferring an article between a conveyor having a pair of spaced rails and a station positioned to one side of the conveyor. The method includes engaging the underside of the article between the rails and lifting the article to a raised position and moving the article in a direction perpendicular to the conveyor between the raised position and a position vicinal the station.

Abstract: A substrate conveyance system for transporting a substrate from a substrate source to either one of a plurality of substrate destinations. The substrate conveyance system is characterized by a combination comprising a first transfer module including substrate holding means for holding the substrate thereon and for changing orientation of the substrate, and a first housing surrounding the substrate holding means; and a second transfer module including a second housing which can be connected with the first housing, and transfer means in the second housing for transferring the substrate to or from said substrate holding means in the first housing which is connected with the second housing. Efficient interbay or intrabay transportation of substrates is enabled by arranging the combinations in a checkerboard form. In the arrangement, the combination is used as the minimum unit.