Patent ID: 6409448
Filing Date: 2002-06-25
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
A system for loading and unloading semiconductor wafers adjacent a process tool comprising:a platform having an upper surface for receiving thereon a cassette adapted to support therein a plurality of the semiconductor wafers to be passed though a charging opening in communication with the reception region of the process tool, the platform including a cassette cradle and a tilt assembly for moving the cassette cradle with the cassette thereon from a first location at which the semiconductor wafers are supported in a substantially upright orientation to a second location adjacent the reception region into the process tool such that the plurality of wafers are supported in a substantially level orientation; wherein the cassette cradle includes a base for initially receiving the cassette thereon, an integral back wall extending in a plane transverse to the base, and an arbor pivotally mounting the cassette cradle about an axis parallel to a line of intersection between the base and the back wall for moving the cassette between the first location and the second location whereat the cassette is supported on the back wall; a selectively operable closure movable between a first position withdrawn from the charging opening allowing the passage therethrough of the semiconductor wafers and a second position overlying the charging opening preventing the passage therethrough of the semiconductor wafers; a shroud movable between a retracted position fully exposing the platform and the cassette received thereon and an advanced position fully encompassing the platform and the cassette received thereon adjacent the process tool to serve as a barrier against the passage of particulate matter into the process tool; a cassette cradle crank interconnecting the cassette cradle and the arbor; and an actuating mechanism for rotating the cassette cradle crank about the axis of the arbor, the actuating mechanism including a rotary actuator, a drive link driven by the rotary actuator about a drive axis parallel to and spaced from the axis of the arbor, and a connecting link pivotally connected at opposed ends, respectively, to the cassette cradle crank at a position spaced from the arbor axis and to the drive link at a position spaced from the drive axis.