Patent ID: 6717171
Filing Date: 2004-04-06
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for handling a microelectronic workpiece initially positioned in a container, the container being changeable from a first configuration in which the microelectronic workpiece generally inaccessible within the container to a second configuration in which the microelectronic workpiece accessible for removal from the container, the apparatus comprising:a container access device positionable proximate to an aperture of an enclosure that at least partially encloses a region for handling a microelectronic workpiece, the container access device being movable to change the configuration of the container from the first configuration to the second configuration; a movable container support positionable proximate to the aperture of the enclosure, the container support being configured to support the container in a fixed, stationary position relative to the aperture when the container is in the second configuration and positioned to have the microelectronic workpiece removed; and an actuator coupled to the container support to move the container support along a path between a first position at a first height and a second position at a second height different than the first height.