Compact pinlifter assembly integrated in wafer chuck
US7044476B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 25, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 16, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T279/11
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A compact pinlifter assembly is fitted in a substantially enclosed cavity within a wafer chuck such that an overall outside shape of the wafer chuck remains highly unaffected. The pinlifter assembly includes wedge guides providing a movement path in a wedge angle relative to the wafer holding face. A pin actuator is driven along the wedge guides transforming its movement along the wedge guides into a vertical movement of the lifting pins perpendicularly sliding between the cavity and the wafer holding face. The combination of wedge guides and pin actuator takes advantage of the relatively large lateral dimensions of the wafer chuck to move the pin actuator between end positions that are in a distance multiple of the pin lifters movement. Due to the wedge angle, the actuators comparatively large scale movement is transformed in a highly precise, smooth and balanced movement of the pin lifters.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.