Patent ID: 7334826
Filing Date: 2008-02-26
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An end-effector for handling a microelectronic workpiece, comprising: a body; a plurality of spaced-apart abutments carried by the body, the plurality of abutments defining a workpiece-receiving area; a channel member carried by the body, the channel member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a channel, and a ramp at the distal portion sloping upward toward the proximal portion; an actuator slidably received in the channel of the channel member, the actuator being associated with at least one of the abutments and adapted to move the associated abutment inwardly toward the workpiece-receiving area from a retracted position; a detector located at the end-effector and operatively associated with the actuator, the detector being adapted to generate an error signal if the associated abutment fails to engage an edge of a workpiece when the actuator moves the associated abutment inwardly; and wherein the actuator carries a flag and the detector comprises spaced-apart first and second flag sensors, and wherein the second flag sensor is positioned to detect movement of the flag beyond a position of the flag when the associated abutment engages the edge of the workpiece.