Patent ID: 6443686
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
A material handling and transport system for moving material supported by a carrier between storage and processing destinations, comprising:a vehicle configured to run on a support structure and comprising: a carrier nest configured to receive and support a carrier capable of holding a material to be transported, the carrier nest comprising a plurality of pins configured to mate with corresponding recesses on a bottom surface of the carrier; and a lifting mechanism operative to vertically raise and lower the carrier nest; a load port support surface disposed vertically above the support structure, an opening provided in the load port support surface sized to allow vertical passage of the carrier therethrough; a load port nest on the load port support surface configured to receive and support the carrier adjacent a selected destination; and a carrier manipulation mechanism operative to manipulate the carrier from a raised position on the carrier nest and elevated through the opening in the support surface to a load position on the load port nest.