System and method of improving throughput and vehicle utilization of monorail factory transport systems
AssigneeMiddlesex General Industries, Inc.
InventorsGeorge W. Horn, Adrian L. Pyke, William T. Lebo
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Means and methods for optimizing the utilization of monorail-based vehicles carrying a work-in-progress in a clean manufacturing environment. The method includes increasing the number of pick up and drop off points on a primary or secondary monorail transportation network, to amplify the number and frequency of pick up and drop off events per vehicle per circumnavigation of the network or loop. By increasing the number of pick up and drop off events, the empty run or idle time of the corresponding vehicle will decrease, improving utilization and throughput.
Claims25
A method of improving the utilization of a vehicle carrying a work piece carrier operating on a primary monorail transportation network, the method comprising:
- reducing at least one of an empty run time and an idle time between a first pick up and drop off event and subsequent pick up and drop off events occurring within a single circuit of the vehicle on the primary monorail transportation network by providing a greater number of pick up points and destination points on said primary monorail transportation network and by increasing the number of subsequent pick up and drop off events occurring within said single circuit of said vehicle on said primary monorail transportation network.
An integrated system for transporting a multiplicity of carriers bearing a work-in-progress in a clean manufacturing environment, the system comprising:
- a synchronous primary monorail transportation system;
- a plurality of secondary transportation loops, each loop communicating with at least one process tool;
- and
- means for reducing at least one of an empty run time and an idle time between a first pick up and drop off event and subsequent pick up and drop off events occurring within a single circuit of the vehicle on the primary monorail transportation network
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.