Stocker apparatus affording manual access
First Claim
1. A stocker apparatus comprising:
- a minimum of one input/output port;
an array of storage locations for storing an array of work in process product units;
a random access transportation means for transporting a work in process product unit at least bidirectionally between the minimum of one input/output port and a storage location within the array of storage locations; and
a controller for controlling the random access transportation means, wherein the controller is programmed such that upon unavailability of the minimum of one input/output port and upon concurrent receipt of a request to retrieve a work in process product unit stored within the array of storage locations to reposition the requested work in process product unit to a designated storage location within the array of storage locations where it may be manually retrieved.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Within both a stocker apparatus and a method for operating the stocker apparatus there is employed, in addition to: (1) a minimum of one input/output port; (2) an array of storage locations for storing an array of work in process (WIP) product units; and (3) a random access transportation means for transporting a work in process (WIP) product unit at least bidirectionally between the minimum of one input/output port and a storage location within the array of storage locations; (4) a controller for controlling the random access transportation means. Within the stocker apparatus and the method, the controller is programmed such that upon unavailability of the minimum of one input/output port and upon concurrent receipt of a request to retrieve a work in process (WIP) product unit stored within the array of storage locations to reposition the requested work in process (WIP) product unit to a designated storage location within the array of storage locations where it may be manually retrieved.
19 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A stocker apparatus comprising:
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a minimum of one input/output port;
an array of storage locations for storing an array of work in process product units;
a random access transportation means for transporting a work in process product unit at least bidirectionally between the minimum of one input/output port and a storage location within the array of storage locations; and
a controller for controlling the random access transportation means, wherein the controller is programmed such that upon unavailability of the minimum of one input/output port and upon concurrent receipt of a request to retrieve a work in process product unit stored within the array of storage locations to reposition the requested work in process product unit to a designated storage location within the array of storage locations where it may be manually retrieved. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for operating a stocker apparatus comprising:
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providing a stocker apparatus comprising;
a minimum of one input/output port;
an array of storage locations for storing an array of work in process product units;
a random access transportation means for transporting a work in process product unit at least bidirectionally between the minimum of one input/output port and a storage location within the array of storage locations; and
a controller for controlling the random access transportation means, wherein the controller is programmed such that upon unavailability of the minimum of one input/output port and upon concurrent receipt of a request to retrieve a work in process product unit stored within the array of storage locations to reposition the requested work in process product unit to a designated storage location within the array of storage locations where it may be manually retrieved;
making unavailable the minimum of one input/output port;
requesting the requested work in process product unit stored within the array of storage locations;
repositioning the requested work in process product unit to the designated storage location within the array of storage locations wherein it may be manually retrieved; and
manually retrieving the requested work in process product unit. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification