Abstract: A distribution facility according to the present disclosure includes a less-than-trailer-load (LTL) dock and a virtual bill-of-lading system having a display within the LTL dock. The display provides a pallet identifier and a box count for each pallet in a shipment of products, such that a carrier representative can determine how many boxes belong on each pallet by reference to the display. The LTL dock includes a pallet staging area that occupies no more than approximately thirty-five square feet. A manufacturing facility according to the present disclosure receives components and packaging through portions of first and third walls and discharges finished products though a second wall and a portion of the third wall.

Abstract: A parts classification unit 15 displays parts 70 and a palletizing robot 20 so as to compute the absorbing position of the palletizing robot 20 with respect to the parts 70 displayed as part.robot information BRJ by the instruction of an operator. The moving.positioning instruction FRn of the robot 20 between the classification head 5 and the pallet 10 is composed on the basis of the parts.robot information BRJ, sheet nesting information SNJ showing location state of the parts in the classification head and pallet nesting information PNJ showing location state of the parts on the pallet 10. By this structure, the time of machining and classification is made shortened without teaching.

Abstract: A method for dispatching available lots to unallocated machines is provided that includes receiving metrics data (26) providing performance measurements for a plurality of machines (18). The method next provides for determining a state for each of the machines (18) based on the metrics data (26). The method next provides for receiving one or more lots (22) to be dispatched where each lot (22) has a lot type and each lot type is associated with one of a plurality of models. The method next provides for selecting a preferred lot type (50) for each of the plurality of models associated with each of the machines (18) based on the state of the machine. The method next provides for selecting a preferred model (52) based on a time since a last run of the model, a cost of switching to a new model and lot type, and the state of the machine (18).

Abstract: In order to produce a reproduction of an object such as a human face, a three-dimensional form of the object is measured with a three-dimensional measuring device, and the measured form is displayed. After a user approves the displayed form, a material is worked according to the measured form to work a reproduction of the object. If the user cancels the displayed form, the form is measured again and the measured form is displayed. Characteristics of the measured form are extracted, and an appropriate material is selected among a plurality of materials. On the other hand, the data of the measured form are converted to work data with reference to the size and the quality of a product to be worked which have been stored in a database. Preferably, the data are compressed in the depth direction in order to shorten the working time. Then, the material is worked in a series of processes from the form input to the working in a simple way, and the user can obtained a desired three-dimensional reproduction.

Abstract: A second mounting section housing a plurality of substrates abnormally processed in a process section and a plurality of substrates processed previous to ordinary processing therein is provided in addition to a first mounting section housing a plurality of substrates before and after processing. Abnormally processed substrates or previously processed substrates are collected in the second mounting section. Thus, the abnormally processed substrates can be exactly taken out and subjected to inspection and the like, and the substrates processed previous to ordinary processing can be exactly taken out and subjected to inspection and the like.

Abstract: An information transmitting system for use in a factory, which is capable of transmitting information among controllers simply without the complicated lead-around of a communication line nor the need of complicated communication protocol. A controller every molding cell Ai, a conveyance controller C to control an automatic conveyance means D and a stock cell C and a centralized controller B are connected to each other via an Ethernet line (100) to provide a common information storage means (107), and information is transmitted among the controllers through the common information storage means (107). Since there is no need of parallel communication lines between the controllers, an I/O port or a communication line may be prevented from increasing in number and the lead-around of the communication line is prevented from being complicated, resulting in a reduction of cost required for setting up the devices.

Abstract: An automated assembly apparatus for assembling opto-electronic devices includes a pick and place machine adapted to receive at least one opto-electronic component and place the component in one of a plurality of a nano-precision assembly cells. The nano-precision assembly cells are adapted to receive components from the pick and place machine, and position or align the components with sub-micron accuracy.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a process flow of a semiconductor wafer. In one embodiment, the method initially calculates a first location of the wafer before it is processed. The wafer is then moved into a process chamber where it is processed. Then a second location of the wafer is calculated before the wafer is unloaded. If the difference between the first and second locations are within a predetermined amount, the wafer is unloaded and regular processing steps proceed. If the difference is not within the predetermined amount, an alarm is activated and the process is stopped.

Abstract: Selectively reconfigurable shrink-wrap machine (30) for use with a loading device (34) for individually wrapping products (58) sequentially with shrink-wrap material (92) as delivered in sequence to the machine. It includes a sensor (62) sensing product position on the loading device. Shrink-wrap material is delivered from a roll at a wrapping station (40). A first conveyor (42) carries wrapped products between the wrapping station and a film sealing and cutting apparatus (44). First conveyor delivers products sequentially in synchronized velocity with the loading device in response to sensor signals. Film sealing and cutting apparatus has upper and lower heads (156, 164), at least one of which is driven into and out of engagement with the other between adjacent wrapped products received by the first conveyor for effecting a sealed cut between them. Heads are each maintained at a fixed angle of orientation. A second conveyor (43) receives wrapped products sequentially from the sealing and cutting apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the flow of manufacturing semiconductor devices that can prevent the occurrence of defects in semiconductor devices or the damage of manufacturing equipment due to the lack of the knowledge or the carelessness of the producer of the flow of manufacturing semiconductor devices.

Abstract: Historical steps such as processes of fabrication are each assigned a predetermined character code. Character codes are gathered and arranged in chronological order of the fabrication processes for their classification. Using such a classification method, a database is built to include records each storing a plurality of measured data and accommodating data fields for retaining historical data.

Abstract: A transport device in which two drive rollers are coupled with and face one another is described. Both drive rollers exert a uniform driving force on the webs of a container so that the container is transported linearly and without jolts. The transport device for transporting containers with at least two parallel webs contains at least two parallel rows of rollers on which the webs can run. At least one group of drive rollers for transmitting a driving force to the webs is provided. The drive rollers contain one primary drive roller and at least one secondary drive roller. The drive rollers are integrated into one row of rollers and the primary drive roller is driven by a motor. The drive rollers are coupled with one another in such a manner that the primary drive roller drives the secondary drive roller.

Abstract: A computer controlled manufacturing arrangement and method for selecting between multiple paths for transporting cassettes between processing locations. The manufacturing arrangement includes a plurality of stockers interconnected with tracks on which cassettes are carried on vehicles. A first and second stocker are interconnected by at least a first path and a second path formed by the tracks, and a cassette can be transported from the first to the second stocker via either of the two paths. A plurality of robotic arrangements are configured to transfer cassettes between the stockers and the vehicles. A data processing system is coupled to the robotic arrangements and configured and arranged to maintain an historical record of codes indicative of periods of time expended in transporting cassettes from the first stocker to the second stocker via the first path and second path, respectively.

Abstract: For testing electrical properties of packaged IC devices, there is provided an apparatus which includes a test board which is located at a testing station and provided with a plural number of contacting sockets for connecting individual IC devices to an IC tester separately and independently of each other, a loader which is located at a loading station and adapted to feed untested IC devices toward the test board, an unloader which is located at an unloading station and adapted to discharge tested IC devices from the test board at the testing station, and a device transfer mechanism which is movable across the testing station to transfer untested IC devices from the loader to the test board and also to transfer tested IC devices from the test board to the unloader. Upon detecting completion of a test on one of IC devices in one socket of the test board, a fresh untested IC device is transferred to the testing station to replace the tested IC device.

Abstract: A process control system for controlling processes has work flow display means for displaying on a screen a work flow in which a plurality of processes constituting a work is represented in form of a diagram. The work flow display means displays on the screen the work flow in which a plurality of process display units each represented by the diagram consisting of a process area representative of a process, an input area representative of a processing object in the process and an output area representative of a processing result in the process, is coupled over a plurality of stages in a sequence that a work is formed.

Abstract: A processing system for processing a substrate. The processing system includes a plurality of processing machines, a machine movable along a transfer path for transferring the substrate to the machines, a drive unit for driving the machine, and a control unit. The control unit includes a memory for storing a teaching threshold in a teaching mode and a practical operation threshold in a practical operation mode that is higher than the teaching threshold when a moving parameter of the drive unit exceeds a given value. The control unit also includes a controller monitoring a parameter representing a moving state of the drive unit to stop the drive unit when the parameter exceeds the practical operation threshold in the practical operation mode or when the parameter exceeds the teaching threshold in the teaching mode.

Abstract: A system controls a package assembly line. The package assembly line has a piece feeder and a component feeder. The piece feeder is arranged to feed pieces to a transport of the package assembly line. The component feeder is arranged to feed components to the transport of the package assembly line so that the components and the pieces are combined into packages. The components have corresponding component identifiers thereon. The system includes a memory for storing a piece data file having piece identifiers corresponding to pieces fed by the piece feeder, a detector for detecting a component identifier from a component being fed by the component feeder toward the transport, a comparator for comparing the detected component identifier to a corresponding piece identifier, and a data list re-sequencer for re-sequencing the piece data file if the detected component identifier fails to match the corresponding piece identifier.

Abstract: A system for successively extracting unprocessed substrates from a cassette, successively conveying the extracted substrates to a plurality of processing units, causing the processing units to process the substrates, and successively returning processed substrates to a cassette is disclosed. In the system, corresponding to a recipe that contains process conditions for each of at least one lot, a process start prediction time at which processes of each lot start and a process completion prediction time at which processes for each lot are completed are calculated for at least two processes. Corresponding to the process start prediction time and the process completion prediction time, at least one of optimum processing units that optimize processes for each lot is selected for each lot.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for producing products and a method of controlling such an apparatus, having a programmable logic controller—PLC—an axis control system, for controlling axes, and a visualization system for displaying processes and/or process parameters. In known apparatus of this type, the PLC, the axis control system and the visualization system are implemented in physically self-contained appliances. Linking these components requires a great deal of effort both during construction and during operation of the apparatus. The data interchange between the components requires an “overhead” in order to ensure the communication between the components. This is disadvantageous. The invention therefore seeks to improve such manufacturing apparatus and control methods in that the PLC, the axis control system and the visualization system run on a common physical appliance.

Abstract: The method for improving circuit location assignment is capable of operating in the boolean, electrical and spatial (location) domains. Optimization of location assignment parameters can be performed simultaneously by determining a subset of nets or paths and generating sets of motions to improve these nets or paths. Once sets of motions have been generated, they are tested to determine the most beneficial movement for improving the given circuit parameter (e.g., wireability, timing, etc.).

Abstract: A method for pre-positioning routed material in a computer controlled manufacturing arrangement having alternate locations for predetermined ones of a plurality of manufacturing process steps and predetermined types of materials to be routed into alternate locations. The method includes establishing a distribution of events indicative of the alternate locations at which material is processed for a manufacturing process step with respect to the materials to be routed and documenting the distribution of events in a database with respect to the type of materials to be routed and the alternate locations in terms of routing times, therein establishing a historical routing time for the type of material to be routed. In addition, there is established the actual mix of materials to be routed to the alternate locations and their historical routing time and actual routing time for the type of routed material are compared.

Abstract: A conveyance system in a semiconductor manufacturing process comprises a process unit processing a semiconductor wafer, a conveyer conveying the semiconductor wafer, a conveyer controller controlling the conveyer, and a computer controlling the conveyer and the conveyer controller. In the system, the process unit sends a warning signal to said computer, indicating time of the process completion in the process unit before the process is completed, and the conveyer is moved to the process unit in response to the warning signal.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus and program which enables the automation of the carrying of a lot or lots of special purpose wafers between stockers and to achieve high speed processing while suppressing an increase in storage volume. The carrying control system includes stockers for storing therein special purpose lot or lots comprising wafers which will not be processed in production facilities, or said special purpose lot or lots and usual lot or lots comprising wafers which will be processed by production facilities and a carrying host computer for controlling automatic carrying of lot or lots in carrying facilities.

Abstract: When a treatment process and an inspection process are continuous, in order to transfer a lot therebetween more simply and more reliably, in a conveying system comprising a depository storing lots each of which is one group of the same species, there is provided a plurality of treatment apparatuses for treating the lots; an inspection apparatus for inspecting the lots after treatment; an automated guided vehicle for conveying the lot by moving between the depository and the treatment apparatus; and a control computer which controls treatment processing of the lot, wherein a delivery device is disposed at an area adjacent to the inspection apparatus for conveying the lot in and out the automated guided vehicle so that a plurality of lots can be placed thereon simultaneously.

Abstract: In a device processing system, an apparatus and method for retaining a device that is to be transferred to or from the apparatus at a transfer location and processed at a processing location that is spaced from the transfer location is shown and described. A first device is placed on a first chuck at the transfer location with the chuck facing a first direction. The apparatus then rotates from a first position to a second position in which the device is at the processing location and facing in a second direction which is different from the first direction. While the apparatus is in the second position, a second device may be placed on a second chuck that is now oriented in the first direction at the transfer location. When the apparatus is rotated from the second position to the first position, the first device is returned to the transfer location and the second device is moved into the processing location.

Abstract: Parallel organized unit-by-unit manufacturing and assembly systems and methods for computer systems and other products advantageously integrate into a build-to-order environment. Responsive to orders received, kit trays are prepared that each hold parts and components needed to build an ordered product. The kit tray is transferred to a work cell where a team builds the product. The product is then tested and repaired, with information regarding any problems provided to the responsible work cell.

Abstract: An in-line programming (ILP) system and method for programming and testing programmable integrated circuit devices (PICs) and performing the assembly of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs). Printed circuit boards enter and leave the ILP system on a conveyor system. PICs are loaded into the ILP system, and the ILP system automatically programs and tests the PICs and places them onto the PCBs as the PCBs arrive on the conveyor. The programming and testing operations are performed by the same piece of equipment that performs the PCBA assembly operation.

Abstract: A method of controlling a transport system for transporting a work from one station to another, which system includes a plurality of stations arranged in a circular row, a transport robot assembly including two manipulator arms, a main controller for controlling the transport system in its entirety relative to the transport robot assembly, and a robot controller for controlling sequential operation of the transport robot assembly.

Abstract: A system for handling stiff but flexible discs, particularly semiconductor wafers, is capable of allowing processing on both sides of a wafer. Optical beams are employed to detect a wafer's edge, ascertain a wafer position and determine the size of the wafer. A wafer hand assembly member is slipped under a wafer, or between parallel stacked but spaced wafers, and one or more fingers are rotated 90.degree. to a position perpendicular to the plane of the stiff hand assembly member. The hand assembly also has one or more posts positioned perpendicular to the surface of the hand assembly. The finger(s) and post(s) constitute three upright projections forming the corners of a triangle with the wafer to be grasped there between.

Abstract: An automated material handling system is presented for a manufacturing facility divided into separate fabrication areas. The automated material handling system plans and carries out the movement of work pieces between fabrication areas and maintains a database indicating the location of each work piece within the manufacturing facility. In one embodiment, the automated material handling system accomplishes the containerless transfer of semiconductor wafers through a wall separating a first and second fabrication areas. The wafers are transported within containers (e.g., wafer boats). The material handling system includes a number of transfer tools, including air lock chambers, mass transfer systems, robotic arms, and stock areas. The material handling system also includes a control system which governs the operations of the transfer tools as well as the dispersal of containers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a processing apparatus designed to perform a predetermined process for a target processing substrate within a processing chamber after a predetermined operation of a movable member arranged in the processing chamber. The processing apparatus instructs the driving system of the movable member to perform an operation reverse to the predetermined operation when the predetermined operation cannot be confirmed within a defined time, and instructs the driving system to perform the predetermined operation again after the reverse operation is confirmed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for packaging surgical needles. In this system, a plurality of packages are indexed, by means of a package carrier, through a plurality of work stations, at which various operations are performed on the packages. In particular, at each work station, an operating device is moved from a home position to an operating position to perform an operation on the package: and after finishing the operation, the operating device is returned to the home positions. With all of the operating devices in their respective home positions, the package carrier can then be moved to index the packages forward. Each of the work stations generates a respective return home signal when the operating device of the work station returns to its home position.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing system capable of reducing time required for manufacture of semiconductors with effective use of waiting time of lots in storage equipment is provided. While a lot including a plurality of semiconductor wafers are stored in storage equipment, the semiconductor wafers in the lot are subjected to non-processing steps carried out by non-processing apparatuses such as measuring apparatuses, inspecting apparatuses, and contaminant removing apparatuses.

Abstract: A market based controller controls the motion of an object on a transport assembly. The transport assembly is formed using sensors and actuators that are proximately coupled in physical space. To efficiently allocate a fixed amount of air pressure directed to the actuators, the market controller maps each market agent to points in space on the transport assembly, as well as, points in time relative to a system clock. Using information gathered from the sensor units, each market agent determines whether to bid on the fixed amount of air pressure each bid interval. Using the bids submitted by the market agents, a market equilibrium price and quantity are computed by a market auctioneer. The air pressure purchased by each market agent is then distributed to the actuators mapped thereto.

Abstract: A probabilistic dispatching method and arrangement for directing the movement of wafers in a manufacturing process. In a manufacturing process, some process steps may be performed by tools at alternate locations. Delivery of the material from one manufacturing process step to the next occurs via a rail for transporting the material and stockers for holding the material until the processing can commence. While awaiting processing, material may be moved from one stocker to a stocker at an alternate location and then removed for processing. A distribution of removal events is maintained for process steps having alternate locations, wherein a removal event refers to removal of material from a stocker for processing. When material is returned to a stocker for delivery to another stocker to await a subsequent processing step, the other stocker is identified as a function of the distribution of removal events for the subsequent processing step.

Abstract: A workstation (1) in an assembly line for placing components onto workpieces is associated with a conveyor (3) for conveying the workpieces into and out of workstation (1). A component placer (6) places components from a component feeder (5) onto the workpieces. Controller (4) controls conveyor (3) and component placer (6) and determines placement operations for a workpiece. Information may be provided by a preceding workstation to controller (4) to determine the operations. When an idle status signal from a subsequent workstation is received, controller (4) determines information on how much of the operations have been executed or unexecuted by workstation (1). This information, associated with the workpiece, is then provided to the subsequent workstation when the workpiece is conveyed to the subsequent workstation. Thereafter, workstation (1) provides an idle status signal to the preceding workstation to request for another workpiece.

Abstract: A process controller has a processor with an activation controller, an transaction controller and a batch processor. The transaction controller operates in communication with a machine interface for controlling operations of a plant device for overall job sequencing and individual job control. There is automatic communication of various polling and return signals to ensure correct sequencing of mixing operations. The activation controller helps to ensure that the processor controller is configured at all times for correct operation at a particular materials distribution location. The activation controller 2(b) creates a control file and carries out verification operations automatically to ensure that the initially sorted data is correct. The batch processor operates with parallel control and transaction transmission files which are automatically transmitted to a host computer for consolidation. Control data in both the control and transaction transmission files ensure data integrity.

Abstract: A method for avoiding scratching of wafer backs being held by a vacuum to a fetch arm of a stepper machine for insertion into a cassette holder includes releasing the vacuum in the suction head of the fetch are before the wafer enters the cassette holder. The release of vacuum reduces frictional force between the wafer back and the suction head when the wafer accidentally hits the side of the cassette holder. Therefore, the vacuum release method avoids scratching of wafer backs by the suction head of the fetch arm. The invention requires a separate vacuum release controller to release the vacuum in the suction head for a prescribed delaying period after the fetch arm starts moving toward the cassette holder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the creation of a electronic domain geometric modeling data file containing internal and external features of an object of interest by first successively removing contours of material forming the object to form exposed surfaces and thereby reveal the internal and external features contour by contour and second by subsequently, successively acquiring data relative to the exposed surfaces. The geometry of each exposed surface is obtained, processed and recorded after each contour is removed. The processing is converted to perimeter data to define the internal and external features and surfaces of the object and the perimeter data is combined to yield a three dimensional electronic domain representation of the object. If desired this representation can be displayed on a computer monitor or printed onto paper.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the embedding of a information storage device within, or attached to, the carriers used to transport work in progress from step to step in the semiconductor manufacturing process. The carrier can be a tray having sites for several semiconductor dies, tubes for carrying several dies together, lead frames, wafer cassettes or individual die sockets. The information storage device can be formed integrally with the carrier or formed separately and attached or secured to the carrier.

Abstract: A computer controlled manufacturing arrangement and method for selecting between multiple paths for transporting cassettes between processing locations. The manufacturing arrangement includes a plurality of stockers interconnected with tracks on which cassettes are carried on vehicles. A first and second stocker are interconnected by at least a first path and a second path formed by the tracks, and a cassette can be transported from the first to the second stocker via either of the two paths. A plurality of robotic arrangements are configured to transfer cassettes between the stockers and the vehicles. A data processing system is coupled to the robotic arrangements and configured and arranged to maintain an historical record of codes indicative of periods of time expended in transporting cassettes from the first stocker to the second stocker via the first path and second path, respectively.