Patent ID: 6054014
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
Exhaust apparatus for use in a machine that performs a semiconductor process on a wafer, the machine having a chassis, a chamber, a load mechanism and an unload mechanism, the load and unload mechanisms each having an opening coupled to an interior of the chassis, said exhaust apparatus comprising:(a) a first fan, fitted to the opening of the load mechanism(b) a second fan, fitted to the opening of the unload mechanism(c) a body portion having an interior passageway configured to conduct gas;(d) a first end coupled between said body portion and the first fan, said first end configured to allow gas to flow from said load mechanism into said interior passageway of said body portion without flowing into the interior of the chassis;(e) a second end coupled between said body portion and the second fan, said second end configured to allow gas to flow from said unload mechanism into said interior passageway of said body portion without flowing into the interior of the chassis; and(f) a third end coupled between said body portion and an opening in the chassis, said third end configured to allow gas from said interior passageway of said body portion to flow through said opening in the chassis, said third end further configured to allow air from the interior of the chassis to flow through said opening in the chassis, wherein gas from the load mechanism is isolated from the interior of the chassis and gas from the unload mechanism is isolated from the interior of the chassis.