Patent ID: 7771153
Filing Date: 2010-08-10
Classification: B65G,H01L

Abstract:
1. An automated material handling system, comprising: at least one storage unit including a plurality of storage bins, each of the plurality of storage bins being configured to hold at least one unit of material, the plurality of storage bins being disposed within the storage unit for movement and positioning along a carousel path, the carousel path including at least one vertical path; and an overhead hoist transport subsystem including at least one overhead hoist transport vehicle, and at least one overhead hoist having a gripper portion configured to grip the at least one material unit, the overhead hoist transport vehicle being configured to travel along a suspended track defining at least one predetermined route running adjacent to the storage unit, wherein at least one of the plurality of storage bins comprises a movable shelf, the movable shelf being operative to move in a vertical direction to a first position along the vertical carousel path, to move in a lateral direction from the first position along the vertical carousel path to a second position proximate the overhead hoist transport vehicle, and to move in the lateral direction from the second position back to the first position along the vertical carousel path, and wherein the storage unit is at least partially open to allow the moveable shelf to move to and from the second position, thereby allowing the gripper portion of the overhead hoist to access at least one material unit directly from the movable shelf disposed at the second position for subsequent transport along the track between various locations within a product manufacturing facility.