Patent ID: 6623235
Filing Date: 2003-09-23
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
An edge gripping device for gripping and ungripping substrates comprising:a base; a distal member extending from the base in a distal direction and having at least one distal contact member at a distal location; a proximal member having at least one proximal contact member thereon at a proximal location; a linkage mechanism movably mounting the distal member and the proximal member to the base, comprising: a first four-bar linkage comprising a stationary link fixed with respect to the base and three movable links, the proximal member fixed to at least one of the movable links of the first linkage for movement therewith, and a second four-bar linkage comprising a stationary link fixed with respect to the base and three movable links, the distal member fixed to at least one of the movable links of the second linkage for movement therewith; and an actuator having one end fixed with respect to the first linkage and an opposite end fixed with respect to the second linkage, the actuator operative to move the first linkage and the second linkage to effect movement of the proximal contact member and the distal contact member between an open position and a closed position.