Title:
MATERIALS TRANSPORT SYSTEM HAVING INDUCTIVE POWER TRANSFER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO2000024017
Kind Code:
A9
Abstract:
An inductive power transfer apparatus is provided for a semiconductor wafer handling system or other similar type of materials transport system in which one or more cars (12) are moveable along a track. The system includes a plurality of elongated primary coils (92), each disposed in a position along the track. Each of the moveable cars (12) has one or more pick-up or secondary coils (98) that are coupled to the primary coil (12) when the car comes into position along the track. A secondary coil or coils (98) on the car provides power to a battery charging circuit for so long as the secondary is in coupling relationship with the primary or for so long as needed to provide an intended charge to the on-board batteries. A drive circuit (94) provides drive signals to a plurality of primary coils, and the circuit may be activated by sensing the presence (96) of a second coil in coupling position with the primary coil. The charge current can be controlled to suit the characteristics of the charge status of the batteries.
Inventors:
BRIEN RICHARD M
WEISS MITCHELL
WEISS MITCHELL
Application Number:
PCT/US1999/023882
Publication Date:
August 24, 2000
Filing Date:
October 14, 1999
Export Citation:
Assignee:
PRI AUTOMATION INC (US)
International Classes:
H01L21/677; (IPC1-7): H01H35/00; H01H47/00
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