Gripper for supporting substrate in a vertical orientation
US6474712B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 26, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 26, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S414/141
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A gripper assembly is provided which supports a substrate in a vertical orientation. The gripper assembly's end effectors contact only the edge of the substrate. In a first aspect the end effectors each comprise a first pair of opposed surfaces and an second pair of opposed surfaces, all of which simultaneously contact the substrate, holding the substrate in a clamp-type manner. In a second aspect the end effectors each comprise a lower pair of opposed surfaces which simultaneously contact the substrate, and an upper pair of opposed surfaces, larger than the thickness of the substrate, which limit the substrate from horizontal tilting. In the second aspect the end effectors can close at a first elevation where they do not contact the substrate, and can then elevate to gently contact and support the substrate in a pocket-like manner. In a third aspect one of the end effectors has two pairs of opposed surfaces which simultaneously contact the substrate, and the other end effector has two pairs of opposed surfaces which limit the substrate from horizontal tilting. In any aspect no moving parts are required to limit the substrate's vertical and horizontal movement. In a further aspect,…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.