Globalfoundries Inc.

Ryan John Gallagher

William John Fosnight

Stephen Bradley Miner

Stephanie Waite

Leslie Marshall

Eric Christensen

Gabriel Gaxiola

Systems, machines, and methods for monitoring wafer handling are disclosed herein. A system for monitoring wafer handling includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor is capable of being secured to an assembled wafer handling machine. The controller is in electronic communication with the sensor and includes control logic. The control logic is configured to store a reference output of the sensor when the wafer handling machine is aligned and is configured to generate an indication signal when a difference between the reference output and a current output of the sensor exceeds a threshold.

System and method for monitoring wafer handling and a wafer handling machine

A method for operating a material handling system including an overhead rack defining a plurality of storage positions, first and second side rails disposed above the overhead rack, a first cross rail movably coupled to the first and second side rails, and a first transport vehicle movably coupled to the first cross rail includes positioning the first transport vehicle above at least one interior window defined in the overhead rack. At least a portion of the first transport vehicle is descended through the interior window to interface with a first load port of a first tool disposed below the overhead rack. The first transport vehicle is positioned above at least one periphery window defined in the overhead rack. At least a portion of the first transport vehicle is descended through the periphery window to interface with a second load port of a second tool disposed below the overhead rack.

Overhead substrate handling and storage system

A material handling system includes an overhead rack defining a plurality of storage positions. The overhead rack defines at least one interior window devoid of storage locations. First and second side rails are disposed above the overhead rack. A first cross rail is movably coupled to the first and second side rails. A first transport vehicle movably is coupled to the first cross rail and operable to descend below the overhead rack through the at least one interior window.

A system for separately handling different size FOUPs includes an end effector having a surface thereon for supporting a FOUP. The end effector and surface is configured to support different size FOUPs. A fixture or means for engaging and maintaining a FOUP, of different size FOUPs, included to position and maintain each of a different size FOUP on the end effector during transport thereof. A shelf is configured to receive each of said different size FOUPs. The end effector is thus capable of transporting either a first size FOUP or a second, smaller size FOUP.

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Saratoga Springs, NY, United States of America

Ryan John Gallagher