Patent ID: 6364593
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
A system positioned adjacent a process tool having a reception region for loading and unloading cassettes adapted to support therein a plurality of semiconductor wafers comprising:a frame having a charging opening in communication with the reception region of the process tool; a platform mounted on the frame and movable between a deployed position and a retracted position, the platform in the deployed position having a generally level orientation adjacent the charging opening and projecting away from the frame for receiving thereon a cassette; a movable closure for the charging opening for opening and closing a horizontal path through the charging opening; an actuating mechanism for moving the platform between the retracted position and the deployed position; and an elevational transporter mechanism for moving the platform elevationally between the retracted lowered position and the deployed raised position, the elevational transporter including: a pair of upright parallel spaced apart elevational slides mounted on the frame; an upright drive screw mounted on the frame intermediate the pair of elevational slides for rotation about a longitudinal axis; drive means for rotating the upright drive screw; and the platform having a tapped bore threadedly engaged with the upright drive screw and a pair of spaced apart bores for slidably receiving the elevational slides, respectively, such that rotation in one direction of the upright drive screw causes the platform to be raised and such that rotation in an opposite direction of the upright drive screw causes the platform to be lowered.