Aquest to Receive Another Patent on Revolutionary FabEX(TM) System; Unique FabEX Curve Technology Increases AMHS Performance

SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Aquest Systems, the developer of next-generation automated material handling systems (AMHS) for the global semiconductor industry, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will be issuing an important patent covering aspects of the FabEX(TM) system that are critical to customers and distinct to Aquest.

While most patents take more than three years to process, notice of allowance for this application took less than a year because of the unique properties of FabEX technology. Aquest's first patent, number 7,281,623, was issued and assigned to Aquest Systems in October 2007 -- only 18 months after filing.

The first patent concerned FabEX AMHS's ability to transport semiconductor wafer containers via front opening unified pods (FOUPs) at high speeds (>3 meters/second), with low vibration throughout a semiconductor fab. The new patent covers the technology that enables FOUPs in the FabEX AMHS to move smoothly around curves without stopping. In addition to significant gains in throughput and performance, the technology minimizes moving parts and vibrations to increase system reliability.

Commenting on this latest patent, Aquest's Chief Engineer and Principal Inventor, Barry Kitazumi, noted, "Aquest is pleased that the unique capabilities of our FabEX technology are being recognized and protected. The FabEX curve has been extremely well-received by industry-leading IC manufacturers in Taiwan and Korea and is now protected by a strong portfolio of patents."

Aquest's FabEX products help deliver on the company's vision for No-Wait-Manufacturing(SM) by enabling chipmakers to significantly reduce or eliminate the unnecessary waits or delays that negatively affect both the productivity and profitability of their fabs.

The company's innovations are protected by a web of patents involving numerous leading-edge features. By leveraging Mihir Parikh's experience -- from being the founder of Asyst Technologies, to being the founder and chief executive officer of Aquest -- the company has created next-generation AMHS technologies that are unparalleled to its competitors. Also assisting in Aquest's success is Carr and Ferrel LLP, a law firm based in Palo Alto, Calif. that specializes in protecting and enhancing innovations that drive businesses around the world.

In addition to this most recent notice of allowance, Aquest has more than a dozen other patents pending, both in the United States and internationally, focused on protecting FabEX's distinct capabilities. These include reducing delivery time, increasing transport capacity, easing installation, and ensuring maintainability and flexibility.

About Aquest Systems

Founded in 2004, Aquest Systems is the pioneer of No-Wait-Manufacturing(SM) (NWM) automation technologies for the worldwide semiconductor industry. A truly global company, Aquest employs a worldwide organization to efficiently leverage talent and resources in the United States, Japan, Taiwan and India. The company is privately held and headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif. More information can be found at http://www.aquestsystems.com/ .

No-Wait-Manufacturing (NWM) is a service mark of Aquest Systems.

FabEX is a trademark of Aquest Systems

CONTACT: Company, Carol Higgins of Aquest Systems, +1-408-530-2503, chiggins@aquestsystems.com ; or Agency, Kelly Picasso of MCA, +1-650-968-8900, ext. 127, kpicasso@mcapr.com , for Aquest Systems

SOURCE Aquest Systems