Patent · US Active

Multi-level load lock chamber, transfer chamber, and robot suitable for interfacing with same

US7695232B2 · kind B2 · utility

13Cited by
14References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 15, 2006
Grant dateApr 13, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 11, 2028

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T29/49826
  • WIPO fieldSemiconductors
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A new apparatus for processing substrates is disclosed. A multi-level load lock chamber having four environmentally isolated chambers interfaces with a transfer chamber that has a robotic assembly. The robotic assembly has two arms that each can move horizontally as the robotic assembly rotates about its axis. The arms can reach into the isolated chambers of the load lock to receive substrates from the bottom isolated chambers, transport the substrates to process chambers, and then place the substrates in the upper chambers. The isolated chambers in the load lock chamber may have a pivotably attached lid that may be opened to access the inside of the isolated chambers.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.