Patent ID: 8927435
Filing Date: 2015-01-06
Classification: C30B,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of transporting workpieces, the method comprising: loading a workpiece into a boat through a first port in communication with a first portion of a chamber of a load lock, the boat disposed in the chamber; transferring the workpiece to a workpiece holder mounted on a first surface of the boat; moving the boat towards a partition between the first portion of the chamber and a second portion of the chamber to sealably engage the partition with the first surface of the boat, wherein moving the boat comprises moving the workpiece holder into the second portion of the chamber, and sealably engaging the partition with the first surface of the boat; increasing the pressure of the second portion of the chamber; processing the workpiece in a process module after loading and before transferring the workpiece to the workpiece holder; and unloading the workpiece through a second port in communication with the second portion of the chamber.