Apparatus and method for securely carrying a substrate
US5320225A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jun 14, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S206/829
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A container or carrier for securely carrying a substrate such as a reticle, mask, wafer, or the like during a semiconductor manufacturing process or during the transport of the substrate. The container includes a housing having an opening through which the substrate may be inserted and removed. The housing includes an open box and a lid, the lid securely held in place by a unique latching mechanism. A door that is hinged upon the lid and held in place by biasing springs substantially seals the housing opening. Within the housing are a plurality of suction cups upon which the substrate rests and which apply suction to firmly engage the substrate on only one side when the substrate is in a contained position. The suction cups hold the substrate in the contained position thereby preventing relative motion between the container and the substrate. The invention further provides for increasing the suction applied by the suction cups to the substrate by applying additional suction to modified suction cups from a vacuum pump. The invention also provides a method for securely containing a substrate within a container. The method including the step of fixing the substrate in a contained posi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.