Patent ID: 7695239
Filing Date: 2010-04-13
Classification: B25J,H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for using an IC photolithography tool for establishing patterned photo-resist material on surfaces of silicon wafers, the method comprising the steps of: a. receiving a pod which carries a reticle on a base thereof into a pod opener that is located adjacent to the IC photolithography tool and opening the pod, the pod opener including: b. moving the pod opener's arm to dispose the end effector's gripper-support bar over the reticle that is located on the pod's base; c. moving the gripper arms inward toward the axis about which the gripper-support bar is rotatable to grip with the reticle-side grippers opposite sides of a reticle near an edge thereof, the reticle being supported above a base of a pod received into the pod opener; and d. transferring the reticle between: while transferring the reticle gripped near an edge thereof, the reticle being reorientable with respect to the pod opener's arm by rotating the gripper-support bar with respect to the pod opener's arm, the gripping of a reticle near an edge thereof further increasing displacement of a reticle to exceed that provided solely by movement of the pod opener's arm.