Patent ID: 6637998
Filing Date: 2003-10-28
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
A mobile, self-evacuating, micro-environment system for transit and storage of substrates between two or more processing chambers in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, said system comprising:(a) a mobile cart; (b) a vacuum sealable container, said container having an internal volume adapted to hold a plurality of said substrates, said container located on said cart; (c) a vacuum source having a portable power source, said vacuum source and said power source located on said cart, said vacuum source capable of generating a vacuum in said internal volume of said container; and (d) a docking valve to mate with a corresponding valve on each of said processing chambers, said docking valve and said corresponding valve securable to one another to form a substantially vacuum-tight seal and openable, while mated, to permit unloading and loading of substrates between said container and said processing chamber, said docking valve providing a seal for said container when said container is detached from any of said processing chambers; whereby protection against ambient contamination of said substrates is provided.