Patent ID: 6612797
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: G03F,H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
An interface for transferring cassettes between a pod having a pod door and a pod shell, and a processing tool, comprising:a load port having a port door used to support the pod door and a port plate used to support the pod shell when the pod is seated on said load port, said load port capable of decoupling the pod door from the pod shell; a protective enclosure mechanically connected to said port plate, said protective enclosure capable of traveling between a first position where the cassette is located within the pod, and a second position where the pod shell is separated from the pod door and said protective enclosure encompasses and isolates the cassette from ambient atmospheric conditions; at least one cassette support shelf located within said protective enclosure, said cassette support shelf capable of supporting a first cassette while a second cassette is simultaneously supported on the pod door; and a transfer arm assembly used to transfer cassettes between said cassette support shelf, the pod door, and the processing tool.