Patent ID: 6454508
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
A work piece processing system comprising:a central transfer chamber; a work piece handler contained in the central transfer chamber; at least one vacuum processing chamber coupled to the central transfer chamber; a vacuum pump coupled to the vacuum processing chamber; at least one external chamber coupled to the central transfer chamber having a first wall having a first opening adapted to receive a work piece carrier and a second wall having a second opening, the second wall being non-parallel to the first wall; and a pivot mechanism located within the external chamber adapted to pivot a work piece carrier horizontally between a first position in which the work piece carrier may be accessed via the first opening, and a second position from which the work piece carrier may be accessed, via the second opening by the work piece handler contained in the central transfer chamber of the work piece processing system; wherein the pivot mechanism is adapted to pivot a work piece carrier about a pivot point that does not coincide with a central axis of the work piece carrier.