Patent ID: 7682455
Filing Date: 2010-03-23
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A device for storing plate-shaped substrates the device comprising: a plurality of consecutive storage elements stacked in a stacked direction, each storage element accommodating at least one substrate, each of said storage elements comprising an outer ring-shaped stacking area and a plurality of holding elements connected to said outer ring-shaped stacking area, each of said holding elements extending from said outer ring-shaped stacking area in an upwardly and radially inward direction with respect to said outer ring-shaped stacking area, said plurality of holding elements being offset from said ring-shaped stacking area with respect to said stacked direction, said at least one substrate being arranged on said plurality of holding elements, the inner diameter of the ring shaped stacking area being greater than the diameter of said substrate; a tool for selectively opening the stack of storage rings, having a first storage element contact surface and a second storage element contact surface, said first storage element contact surface engaging a first storage element; a moving means for moving said tool relative to said stacked storage elements; a moving means for moving said tool relative to said stacked storage elements; a control unit programmed for moving said tool via said moving means with said first storage element contact surface engaged with said first storage element such that said second storage element contact surface engages a second storage element adjacent said first storage element, wherein said control unit controls said moving means such that said tool divides said plurality of stacked storage elements into an upper stack of storage elements and a lower stack of storage elements, said first storage element being located at a spaced location from said second storage element when said second storage element contact surface contacts said second storage element, said control unit controlling said moving means such that said moving means moves said tool with said first storage element contact surface engaged with said first storage element and with said second storage element contact surface engaged with said second storage element such that said second storage element is located at a spaced location from said upper stack of storage elements and said lower stack of said storage elements, to enable access a single said substrate in the stack of the storage elements; and a stacking area defined by an area of one storage element in contact with another storage element in a stacked formation.