Abstract: A resin gear includes an annular metal bush, an annular resin member provided around the metal bush and having a tooth profile formed in an outer peripheral portion, and an elastic member provided between the metal bush and the resin member. The elastic member has a first overhanging portion overhanging one end surface of the metal bush and one end surface of the resin member outward in an axial direction of the resin gear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transport system, comprising an electrified static cable system, a carriage supported by a non-electrified static cable, an electrical drive system incorporated into the carriage—wherein the electrical drive system is utilized to move the carriage along the pair of parallel non-electrified cables, a transconnector configured to supply electrical power to the carriage, and a cabin mounted to the carriage. Corresponding methods of making and using the system also are disclosed.

Abstract: A material placement device is configured for placement of a plurality of materials from the preceding process, and includes a slide rail assembly configured to be disposed on one side of an aisle of a place, a plurality of storage units slidably disposed on the slide rail assembly and movable toward or away from each other, and a plurality of fixing units each of which detachably fixes two adjacent ones of the storage units. Each storage unit includes a storage portion defining a plurality of storage spaces for receiving and storing the materials.

Abstract: A light wall for cultivating at least one plant indoors may be provided. The light wall may include a first side, a second side, a top side, a bottom side, a front side, and a back side. The light wall may further include a first lighting structure unit disposed within sides of the light wall, and may include a first set of mechanical devices configured to enable movement of the light wall. The first lighting structure may be configured to provide light to the at least one plant through at least the first side. The first set of mechanical devices may be configured to enable movement at least along an axis substantially perpendicular to the first side.

Abstract: A system for moving a receptacle. The system includes: a coupling wall; an internal carriage provided substantially adjacent the coupling wall, the internal carriage being movable along the coupling wall along a predetermined path; an external carriage provided substantially adjacent the coupling wall and substantially in register with the internal carriage with the coupling wall extending between the internal and external carriages, the external carriage being movable along the coupling wall, the external carriage including a receptacle attachment for securing the receptacle thereto; and a carriage actuator operatively coupled to the internal carriage for moving the internal carriage along the predetermined path. The internal and external carriages are magnetically coupled to each other across the coupling wall so that when the internal carriage is moved along the predetermined path, the external carriage follows the internal carriage and remains substantially in register therewith.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems, apparatuses and methods are provided to aid in the loading and/or unloading of delivery vehicles. Some embodiments provide a product load system, comprising: multiple pallet lift systems configured to enable pallets to be moved in and out of a delivery vehicle, wherein the multiple pallet lift systems comprise a series of pallet lift magnets; a magnetic levitation track comprising a series of track magnets, wherein track is configured to be positioned adjacent a floor of the first delivery vehicle; and a control circuit configured to control an activation of one of the series of pallet lift magnets and the series of track magnets such that magnetic forces established inducing a lifting force on the series of pallet lift magnets, and reduces a force applied by the first pallet on the floor of the delivery vehicle and allows reduced friction movement of the first pallet.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a power management apparatus creates a switching plan for switching control of opening/closing of a first switch provided between an energy storage device and a distribution system side, and a second switch provided between the energy storage device and a feeder side, both of which are not closed simultaneously. Further, the power management apparatus determines a switching control content to the first switch and the second switch, according to the created switching plan, and outputs a determined instruction to the first switch and the second switch.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a tender car for a consist. The tender car may have a frame, a truck configured to support the frame, and a fuel tank mounted to the frame. The tender car may also have a wheel rotatably connected to the truck, and a motor operatively connected to the wheel and configured to drive the wheel. The tender car may further have a power supply configured to power the motor when the tender car is decoupled from the consist.

Abstract: In a railway signalling system which transmits a control order to an on-board signalling system by a trackside signalling system, the on-board signalling system being mounted on a train running on a line and the control order being compliant with a signalling system of the line, the present invention allows the train to run through into lines with different signalling systems using a single on-board signalling system. When the train enters a line with a different signalling system from a current line, the on-board signalling system installs a train control application program compliant with the signalling system of the entering line. Then, the on-board signalling system executes the train control application program, allowing the train to be controlled on the entering line according to a control order created by the trackside signalling system of the entering line.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a tender car for a consist. The tender car may have a frame, a truck configured to support the frame, and a wheel rotatably connected to the truck. The tender car may also have a motor operatively connected to the wheel and configured to generate electric power when the wheel is rotated. The tender car may further have a tank mounted to the frame and configured to hold a liquefied gaseous fuel, and a fuel pump mounted to the frame and configured to pump the liquefied gaseous fuel from the tank. The fuel pump may be driven by electric power generated by the motor.

Abstract: A cradle drive system includes a cradle drive sled. The sled includes a pin configured to mechanically couple the sled to a cradle. The cradle is configured to hold a hardware load for movement along a factory rail. The sled also includes a power interface configured to provide torque to move a hardware load. The sled further includes processing circuitry configured to, in response to determining that the sled is mechanically coupled to the cradle, transfer the cradle and hardware load longitudinally along the factory rail.

Abstract: An autonomous robotic transport system has been developed in which the individual robot vehicles are able to move in multiple directions, such as vertically as well as around curves. Through the use of a unique rail system, the vehicle is able to move around corners and turns without the need for expensive modifications. This eliminates the need for various differentials or multiple electric motors to provide the difference between inner and outer wheels in a turn. Moreover, a number of switches have been developed that allow the vehicles to move not only vertically but also horizontally as well as transition between vertical and horizontal movement. A technique for operating the robotic vehicles is also described.

Abstract: A drive assembly for providing a driving force to generate electricity. The assembly includes: a first track declined in a first direction through a first declination; a second track having a first portion which extends in a second direction in a substantially horizontal configuration, and a second portion which is arranged to pivot with respect to the first track between a first position in which the second portion is substantially coincident with the first portion and a second position in which the second portion is declined in the second direction through a second declination; a drive shaft which is coupled to first and second vehicles, the drive shaft being arranged to rotate in dependence of the travel of the first and second vehicles along the respective tracks.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a tender car for a consist. The tender car may have a frame, a truck configured to support the frame, and a fuel tank mounted to the frame. The tender car may also have a wheel rotatably connected to the truck, and a motor operatively connected to the wheel and configured to drive the wheel. The tender car may further have a power supply configured to power the motor when the tender car is decoupled from the consist.

Abstract: A transportation system having a tube containing hydrogen gas and a vehicle designed to operate within the tube. The vehicle breathes hydrogen from the tube to power fuel cells in order to produce power. The vehicle is suspended above the tube on a low-friction layer and is propelled through the tube via a propulsion system, such as contra-rotating propfans.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a vehicle in multiple zones is disclosed. In one aspect, there is a vehicle for transporting a load comprising an energy storage device configured to receive and store energy originating from at least one of a power source and a linear motor and a motor configured to move the vehicle using energy delivered from the power source when energy from the power source is available for delivery, and further configured to move the vehicle using the energy stored in the energy storage device when the energy from the power source is unavailable for delivery, wherein the power source is located external to the vehicle and is stationary when the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A trolley capable mining truck includes a pantograph supported on a machine frame for electrically connecting the truck with an overhead trolley line. A power system includes an onboard electrical power source providing electrical power to electric drive propulsion motors along a first electrical path in a first configuration of the power system. The pantograph provides electrical power from the overhead trolley line to the electric drive propulsion motors along a second electrical path, which includes a transient damping reactor, in a second configuration of the power system. The power system also includes a third configuration in which, during a braking mode of the trolley capable mining truck, the electric drive propulsion motors provide regenerative electrical power to the overhead trolley line through the pantograph along a third electrical path including a regenerative power converter, wherein the regenerative power converter includes the transient damping reactor.

Abstract: A glass substrate transporting apparatus aims to load or unload a quartz bracket into or from multiple reactors. It includes a track, a carriage, a rotary element and a telescopic fetching rack. The reactors are located at two sides of the track. The carriage has four track wheels movable on the track and multiple motors to synchronously drive the four track wheels. The rotary element is located on the carriage. The telescopic fetching rack is located on the rotary element. Through movement of the carriage on the track and rotation of the rotary element, the telescopic fetching rack can sequentially align and enter the reactors to load or unload the quartz bracket, thus amount of the reactors to be utilized is increased and utilization efficiency of the glass substrate transporting apparatus is improved. Moreover, as the carriage can move quickly on the track, production is also increased.

Abstract: An article transport facility in which electricity can be supplied properly from an electricity supply line to a power receiving portion even in a curved portion of a predetermined travel path without providing the power receiving portion to a connecting shaft. An article transport vehicle includes a travel portion having a guide wheel and a travel wheel that contacts the travel rail and is driven. The travel portion is connected to the vehicle main body by a connecting shaft. The power receiving portion is supported by the vehicle main body such that the power receiving portion can be moved in the lateral direction of the article transport vehicle. The article transport vehicle includes means for moving the power receiving portion outwardly of the curved portion of the article transport vehicle in association with the rotation of the connecting shaft when the travel portion rotates while traveling in the curved portion.

Abstract: The Personal Mass Transit (PMT) system utilizes a removable vehicle conveyance apparatus and method for conveying transit vehicle car-pods and their contents from one transit station to another autonomously. Vehicle conveyance apparatus are stored off-line in storage silos and other areas awaiting on-demand transit system instruction to pickup vehicles at loading points and convey them to different stations as requested by occupants or pre-programmed instructions. The PMT system further utilizes a number of transmitter-receivers nodes and control computers to manage all aspects of operation of the transportation system. Any number of different types of PMT vehicles could ride the transit system when equipped with the correct coupling points and remain under the maximum combined curb weight of any particular area or type of transit track in order to be transported on the PMT system.

Abstract: A method and system of using one or more railcar linear electric generators to decelerate a vehicle such as a train consist. In one embodiment, the one of more electric generators are configured to capture deceleration energy and supply the energy to one or more power grid connections. The one of more railcar electric generators may also operate as motors to assist propelling a train consist. Optional energy storage may also be included.

Abstract: Rail system and method for a photovoltaic array. The system includes at least one modular rail in a first direction. The modular rail includes a first vehicle support surface along the first direction and a first mounting surface along the first direction. The first vehicle support surface is configured to support at least a first vehicle moving in the first direction, and the first mounting surface is configured to support one or more photovoltaic modules mounted on the first mounting surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transportation system wherein transportation means travel simply through the principle of a free fall by gravity, without using power, to carry or transport objects such as humans or freight. The transportation system of the present invention comprises a heavy object load station, a rail and transportation means. The heavy object load station is formed on undulating ground to easily utilize the force of gravity, and supplies heavy objects to provide the force for drawing the heavy objects in one direction in which gravity pulls. The rail supports vehicle wheels to reduce the running resistance of the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A railway service vehicle for transporting material into or wheelchair-bound or injured persons away from train accident sites or tunnels includes a body having a platform. Wheels rotatably connected to the body support the body on first and second rails of a railroad track system for non-self propelled movement of the body. At least one mounting device is connected to the platform. A hold-down member releasably connected to the mounting device restrains a wheelchair supported by the platform. A storage/tool container is supported by the platform. At least one passenger seat is connected to the storage/tool container. Opposed first and second containment members are connected to the platform outboard of the mounting device.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus is described for providing a reduced or moderated gravity environment in a terrestrial payload. The system includes the evaluation of terrain to support an appropriately shaped vehicle guide, the construction of a vehicle guide, the provision of a high-speed vehicle and a control system adapted to control a motion of the vehicle across the vehicle guide with a specific velocity profile so as to produce a moderated gravity environment.

Abstract: A universal cross belt sorter system (1) consisting of four major components: a monorail track (26), a drive car (20), multiple cross belt cars (24) and system controls. The drive cars (20) pull multiple cross belt cars (24) along the track (26). The cross belt cars (24) are typically loaded with material, which is then discharged into outlets. An outlet may be a chute, a bin, a conveyor, a truck, etc. Sortation systems are typically used to consolidate material according to selected parameters, such as zip code, customer order, to replenish a specific store and many other identifying information. The cross belt cars (24) are loaded with material at induction areas (3). The types or methods of inducting material onto the cross belt cars (24) range from manual to semi-automatic to fully automatic.

Abstract: A passenger rail car includes a lower passenger compartment that includes a plurality of passenger seats. The passenger rail car also includes an upper passenger compartment that includes a plurality of passenger seats. A control cab for a rail car operator is elevated above the floor of the lower passenger compartment, and is located forward of the passenger seats and behind the crash energy management region. The front end of the passenger rail car may be slanted to provide a greater field of view for the rail car operator.

Abstract: An energy saving type feeder voltage compensation apparatus improved in availability at low temperatures, wherein when a secondary battery is lower in temperature than a predetermined value, an output voltage output to a feeder side is made equal to or higher than a no-load output voltage of a substation connected in parallel. Power is supplied to a power running rolling stock preferentially from the secondary battery. The heating value of the secondary battery is increased and the battery temperature is raised by this discharging, whereby internal resistance of the secondary battery is lowered, and the charging and discharging loss is suppressed, and the efficiency and availability of the energy saving type feeder voltage compensation apparatus as a whole are improved.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.

Abstract: A friction drive unit for moving a table along a rail comprising: a pair of drive rollers for sandwiching a guide rail therebetween, one of the pair of the drive rollers being connected to a drive source; a pair of reverse rollers attached to roller shafts of the respective drive rollers so as to transmit rotation of the one drive roller connected to the drive source to the other drive roller; and two arm portions formed integrally with or separately from one another, the pair of the drive rollers being pivoted on the arm portions, respectively, wherein the two arm portions are resiliently deformable in such directions as to approach and move away from each other and are provided so that the pair of the drive rollers produce pressing forces to the guide rail.

Abstract: In a conveying cart, a front side wheel (a front wheel) for supporting the conveying cart is provided with a travel driving unit (a front wheel inverter and a travel motor), and a rear side wheel (a rear wheel) for supporting the conveying cart is provided with a travel driving unit (a rear wheel inverter and a travel motor). When the conveying cart travels in a curve portion of a travel path, the travel driving unit for the front wheel of the conveying cart on which the center of gravity is located is subjected to speed control, and the travel driving unit for the rear wheel of the conveying cart that tends to float up is subjected to torque control.

Abstract: A manufacturing operation having a first production area, a second production area, and a plurality of platforms each having independently controllable drive assemblies for moving the platforms through the production and delivery areas. Adjacent platforms are spaced from one another a first distance in the delivery areas and a second distance in the production areas, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance and, preferably, where the second distance creates a “zero” gap between adjacent platform decks.

Abstract: The invention provides longitudinally extending track support and track members for a mobile storage unit. The track support's upper surface has at least one protrusion which projects above and extends longitudinally along that upper surface. A mating recess extends within and along the track member's under surface. The recess and protrusion are sized and shaped for loose-fit longitudinal engagement of the protrusion within the recess when the track member is laid atop the track support. This permits limited transverse movement of the track member with respect to the track support, reducing susceptibility of the mobile storage unit's wheels to derailment if a transverse force is applied to mobile storage unit as it rolls along the track.

Abstract: A splice arrangement for rail sections in a rail-mounted mobile system, such as a mobile storage system. The rail arrangement includes first and second rail sections, each of which has a base member and a support member defining a support surface for supporting the movable member of the mobile storage system. The base members of the adjacent rail sections are adapted for placement adjacent each other to form a joint therebetween. The support members of the adjacent rail sections are also adapted for placement adjacent each other to define a joint therebetween. The support member joint is offset from the base member joint, such that the support member joint overlies a lower wall defined by one of the base members. The ends of the support members further include a tongue and groove arrangement for maintaining the support members in horizontal alignment with each other.

Abstract: Transportation system comprising a large number of platforms which can be displaced along guides and a smaller number of displacement devices which can be coupled to and uncoupled from the said platforms. Each displacement device comprises a linear actuator comprising a moving part and a stationary part. The stationary part comprises a laminated plate assembly with coils, and the moving part comprises a structure with permanent magnets, such as neodymium magnets. On the linear actuator, there may be a further linear actuator, so that movement in two directions is possible. A transportation system of this type can be used in a parking garage for positioning vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electric motor for rotating an object around a central axis. The electric motor includes a motor casing. A circular segmented rail element is disposed within the motor casing about the central axis. The circular segmented rail element includes metallic non-ferrous segments interleaved with non-metallic segments. Each of the metallic non-ferrous segments has a predetermined segment length. At least one coil element is connected to the motor casing. The circular segmented rail element is disposed adjacent the at least one coil element. The at least one coil element has a predetermined coil length that is less than or equal to the predetermined segment length. The at least one coil element is configured to apply electromagnetic energy to the circular segmented rail element, such that the circular segmented rail element rotates around the central axis.

Abstract: An improved, energy transfer assembly utilizing the available mechanical or kinetic energy of a moving vehicle, such as a train, for conversion into usable electric power. The assembly includes a plurality of pairs of impact members operatively positioned along a generally circular, substantially closed loop railway track system. Each pair of impact members is movably interconnected to a corresponding lever assembly, which is subsequently movably interconnected to a gear assembly by one of a plurality of drive arms. Each drive arm is structured to cause the rotation of a primary auxiliary gear when the corresponding pair of impact plates are contacted by the flanges on the wheels of the train.

Abstract: A stand-alone retractable overhead storage system. The system will be titled STOR-TEMP CONTAINER SYSTEM. The philosophy behind the system is to provide badly needed storage space in the unused portion of a room or garage structure. This area is the upper portion of the building structure such as the ceiling and upper wall area. The Container is loaded at the floor level and the lid secured; it is then retracted up to the ceiling area. The Container, when retracted up to the ceiling, allows the space beneath it to be utilized for traffic, vehicle parking or additional temporary storage. It is a stand-alone structural and functional kit. The Container has two (2) sets of wheels which operate inside of a dual track assembly. This permits easy and safe elevation to the stored position. The Container operates in an up and down motion by way of an electric motor through a cable and pulley system or a chain and sprocket system. The Container will be applied to the residential and commercial housing market.

Abstract: A robotic mechanism for an automated storage library having media cartridge storage cells each housing a media cartridge includes drive wheels operable to ride on tracks of the automated storage library to access the media cartridges in the media cartridge storage cells, a drive mechanism for driving the drive wheels, and a clutch mechanism for disconnecting the drive mechanism from the drive wheels to enable the robotic mechanism to be pushed by an external force along the tracks when the robotic mechanism is disabled and unable to move.

Abstract: A pair of rail members have upward wheel supporting surfaces and inward roller guide surfaces, respectively. A fixed path includes linear path portions and a branching-and-joining path portion. Linear-side guide members extending along the linear path portions and a branching-and-joining-side guide member extending along the branching-and-joining path portion are provided in a branching-and-joining section. A moving body is provided with wheels and side guide rollers supported and guided on a wheel supporting surface and a roller guide surface, respectively. A direction restricting member guided by sideward guide sections of the guide members is driven by a lateral-movement unit to move freely in a lateral direction between a location corresponding to the linear-side guide member and a location corresponding to the branching-and-joining-side guide member.

Abstract: A drive bogie includes axles, a chassis and a device for driving each axle, including a motor, a reduction gearbox and a transmission coupling between the motor and the reduction gearbox, with a support mechanism being provided to allow the vehicle to support the drive device. The support mechanism for supporting the drive device comprises a suspension for suspending the reduction gearbox from the body of the vehicle, the suspension being articulated to the reduction gearbox or to the body, a device for articulating the motor to the chassis of the bogie about a roughly horizontal axis, and a device for connecting the motor to the reduction gearbox, the connecting device being articulated both to the motor and to the reduction gearbox. Thus, most of the mass of the reduction gearbox and of the motor is suspended vertically from the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: A primary inductive track or path 450 for a resonant inductive power distribution system is made up from a number of modules 453, each supplied as a pre-built and substantially pre-tuned segment of the track. These modules have more than one capacitor 456, 457 and more than one inductance 458, 459 (generally, the inductance is the intrinsic inductance of the length of track) and each capacitor and adjacent inductor is capable of resonating at its own native frequency. A zero-inductance cable 452, carrying a small fraction of the circulating resonant current (comprising a mis-match or an error current), directly connects the capacitors at poles having equal polarity and tends to constrain the system limiting possible frequencies of resonance.

Abstract: A pair of side-by-side track assemblies are provided and each track assembly has a wheeled, dragster simulating and occupant riding vehicle mounted thereon for guided movement longitudinally therealong. Each track assembly includes bungee cord vehicle accelerating structure for rapidly accelerating the corresponding vehicle along the track assembly toward the other end thereof and each track assembly other end includes bungee cord vehicle decelerating structure operative to engage the corresponding vehicle and to gradually increasingly decelerate the same as the vehicle moves along the track other end portion. In addition, the bungee cord decelerating structure is further operative, after decelerating the corresponding vehicle and terminating its movement toward the track structure other end portion, to accelerate the vehicle back toward the first end of the track assembly.

Abstract: A mobile storage system includes mobile carriages that roll on rails embedded in a building floor. The carriages are driven along the rails by at least two flanged wheels that engage a grooved rail. The flanged wheels are preferably mounted in parallel channels located at the center of the carriages. The flanged wheels are driven in synchronization by a sprocket and chain drive. Either electric or manual power may be provided. In both cases, the sproket and chain drive is adjustable to provide proper chain tension to the wheels to improve tracking. Chain adjustment may be accomplished by an idler sprocket movably mounted to a carriage channel.

Abstract: A conveying carrier is arranged to be self-propelled and move along a conveying passage having a pit formed therebelow. A track covers the top side of the pit flush with the road surface of the conveying passage. A plurality of wheels are attached to the conveying carrier with at least the front wheels being casters. A steering frame is pivotally supported on the conveying carrier and is turnable about a vertical steering axis line. A driving wheel and motor are attached to the steering frame, with the driving wheel being positioned to contact the track at a location substantially directly below the vertical steering axis line. A guide member is guided by a guide rail laid in the pit and connected to the steering frame through a slit in the widthwise center of the track. The pit is a substantially U-shaped track frame buried in the widthwise central portion.

Abstract: A mobile storage system including a plurality of one-piece track members each defining a guideway and a series of longitudinally spaced holes. The system also includes a carriage rotatably supported on the track members on rollers riding in the guideways. A drive mechanism on the carriage includes a sprocket which directly engages the unitary holes in each track member. In a preferred embodiment for heavy units, the drive mechanism includes a pair of such sprockets mounted on a common shaft driven at a midpoint to reduce carriage canting.

Abstract: The transporter has a frame which is fastened to a side rail of a foremost one of a plurality of juxtapositioned plant trays. It has an electric motor mounted thereon, and a gear reducer coupled to the output or power end of the motor. The trays are supported on a pair of extended beams by rollers, underlying the trays, and fixed to the trays. The gear reducer drives a sprocket, and three rubber-tired wheels are rotatably supported by the frame and engage one of the beams; two of the wheels engage one side of the beam, and the other is equi-distant from the axes of the two and engaged with the beam on the opposite side. Each wheel has an axle journalled in the frame and having a sprocket fixed to an end thereof. A continuous chain is engaged with the driven sprocket, and with the other three; upon the motor being turned on, this causes the wheels to turn and travel along the engaged beam and, in this way, the whole plurality of trays are pushed along the two beams.

Abstract: A portable drive for coaction with a band is provided with a motor driven drive roller for transporting the drive along the band. The drive roller with coacting structure for maintaining operative coaction with the band are settable to two main positions, viz, an operative and a neutral position, the band in the neutral position running freely while the drive roller with coacting structure being cantilevered so that the band can be freely taken aside for disengagement of the band from the drive, or for inserting the band from the side over the drive roller to coact therewith after resetting to the operative position. The inventive drive is primarily intended to be attachable to a skier allowing him to be towed up a hill along a band which is anchored at its upper end to a tree, for example.

Abstract: A system for transfering discs, such as integrated circuit wafers during manufacture, from a location at atmospheric pressure into a vacuum chamber of an electron microscope or the like with a minimum of vacuum loss to the chamber. A wafer is placed on a moveable holder in a small sealable chamber having a sealable top door and which is mounted to the outer surface of the vacuum chamber at the position of a small gate through the chamber wall. The wafer holder carries a magnet that is magnetically coupled to a second magnet outside of the sealable chamber and which is motor driven to transfer the wafer through the gate and into the vacuum chamber and upon a stage that has a three-point grasping mechanism operated by the leading end of the moving wafer holder. The wafer holder includes a solenoid operated clip that engages the leading edge of a wafer during pick-up of the wafer for its removal from the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A pallet transport apparatus includes individual pallets which travel in succession on a run way, each of the pallets containing an in-line indexing dual-cam mechanism and a drive motor for the cam mechanism for controlled rotation, and the run way including pairs of cam followers which are arranged at regular intervals along the run way and each of which engages the corresponding cam plates on a pallet facing it. The pallets can travel and remain motionless every one pitch as determined by the interval between the adjacent cam follower pairs.