Patent ID: 6997664
Filing Date: 2006-02-14
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for loading and unloading wafers to and from fabrication equipment, having a main assembly comprising: a port plate; a base; first and second port plate supporters' each having a top end and a bottom end, the top ends being connected to the port plate and the bottom ends being connected to the base; a first lead screw and corresponding lead device installed on the first plate supporter; a second lead screw and corresponding lead device installed on the second plate supporter; a port door with two screw nuts installed at opposite sides thereof, the port door being coupled to the first and second lead screws via the two screw nuts; a lifting/lowering drive mechanism installed on the base, comprising a motor, timing pulleys, and timing belts, wherein the lifting/lowering drive mechanism drives the first and second lead screws to move the port door upwards or downwards via the timing pulleys and timing belts through the power generated by the motor; protective covers covering the first and second port plate supporters, repectively; an intake filtering system having a filter installed in the base and a plurality of intake pipes installed at openings of the protective covers to form an air shield to prevent particles from going out and contaminating wafers; and for each of the first and second lead screws, a spring grommet installed between a top end thereof and the port plate and a spring grommet installed between a bottom end thereof and the base for absorbing a pitch error between the screw nut and the corresponding lead screw.