Patent ID: 6467827
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
Handling apparatus for gripping an integrated circuit wafer symmetrical about a central axis that includes opposed top and bottom surfaces, at least one of which includes a circular surface area constituting a non-intrusion area and having an outer perimeter spaced radially inwardly from the outer periphery of the integrated circuit wafer and on which circular non-intrusion area are embedded individual integrated circuits, the annular surface defined between the perimeter of said circular non-intrusion area and the periphery of said wafer constituting a free-zone by which said wafer may be grasped, comprising:a) confronting top and bottom plates non-adjustably spaced to define a hollow shell having an opening of fixed dimension constituting a slot therein for receiving a peripheral edge portion of said integrated circuit wafer that projects into said shell through said opening; and b) means within said hollow shell selectively actuable to effect gripping impingement of said annular free-zone surface area of said wafer defined between the perimeter of said circular non-intrusion area and the peripheral edge of said wafer that projects into said hollow shell through said opening, said gripping impingement being effected in a direction perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of said wafer.