Patent ID: 6186722
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for handling wafer-like workpieces, wherein the apparatus comprises:a processing chamber to which a workpiece is transferred and for performing a predetermined process on the workpiece;a first preparatory chamber and a second preparatory chamber for transferring the workpiece between the processing chamber and an exterior, wherein the first and second preparatory chambers are aligned vertically;a handling chamber connected to the processing chamber;a transfer chamber connected to the handling chamber, said transfer chamber having an upper side and a lower side, the first preparatory chamber being connected to the upper side of the transfer chamber and the second preparatory chamber being connected to the lower side of the transfer chamber;transfer means disposed in the handling chamber for transferring the workpieces between the processing chamber and the transfer chamber;an upper stage located in the transfer chamber to hold and transfer the workpieces between the first preparatory chamber and the transfer chamber;a lower stage located in the transfer chamber to hold and transfer the workpiece between the second preparatory chamber and the transfer chamber; anda substantially horizontally arranged movable upper cover for selectively communicating and disconnecting the exterior with the first preparatory chamber and a substantially horizontally arranged movable lower cover for selectively communicating and disconnecting the exterior with the second preparatory chamber.