Patent ID: 8272827
Filing Date: 2012-09-25
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A semiconductor workpiece processing system comprising: at least one processing tool for processing semiconductor workpieces; a container for holding at least one semiconductor workpiece therein for transport to and from the at least one processing tool; a first transport section elongated and defining a travel direction, and having parts, that interface the container, supporting and transporting the container along the travel direction to and from the at least one processing tool, where a controller means is connected to the first transport section, the controller means and the first transport section being configured so that the container is in substantially continuous transport at a substantially constant rate in the travel direction, when supported by the first transport section; at least one queue section; and a second transport section connected to the at least one process tool for transporting the container between the at least one processing tool and the first transport section, the second transport section being separate and distinct from the first transport section and interfacing the first transport section through the at least one queue section for loading and unloading the container to and from the parts of the first transport section; wherein the first transport section is a mass transport system with a distributed drive arranged to support and transport containers without transport vehicles, and the second transport section is a vehicle based system having a transport vehicle capable of holding and moving the container.