Patent ID: 6318945
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
A substrate processing apparatus having a main process transport chamber and an assembly for transporting substrates into and out of said main process transport chamber, said transport assembly comprising:a first housing enclosing a first sealed load lock chamber, said housing mounted to a frame of said main process transport chamber and having an opening to allow communication between said load lock chamber an d said main process transport chamber;a second housing enclosing a load/unload chamber mounted in a position vertically adjacent to said first load lock chamber and having an opening for communication between said load lock chamber and said load/unload chamber, said load/unload chamber having a further closable access portal;a third housing enclosing a second sealed load lock chamber mounted vertically adjacent to said load/unload chamber said housing mounted to said frame of said main process transport chamber and having an opening to allow communication between said second load lock chamber and said main process transport chamber;an elevator having a first and second racks for supporting a plurality of substrates, said elevator mounted for vertical movement in said first, second, and third housings between a position wherein said first rack is in said first load lock chamber and said second rack is in said load/unload chamber and a position wherein said second rack is in said second load lock chamber and said first rack is in said load/unload chamber;a process transporter mounted within the main process transport chamber for moving substrates into and out of said first and second load lock chambers; anda load/unload transporter mounted adjacent said load/unload chamber portal for opening said portal and moving substrates into and out of said load/unload chamber.