Patent ID: 6379103
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
A substrate transfer apparatus comprising a handler for transferring a substrate:said handler comprising: a substrate holding apparatus comprising a noncontact chuck for holding said substrate without contacting an upper surface of said substrate, and an elevating mechanism for lifting and lowering said noncontact chuck; and a substrate contact apparatus comprising a contact member being in contact with an end face of said substrate, a moving mechanism for moving said contact member away from the end face of said substrate as said noncontact chuck is being lowered and moving said contact member towards the end face of said substrate as said noncontact chuck is being lifted, wherein said contact member comprises a supporting member for supporting said substrate by being in contact a lower surface of said substrate opposite said upper surface, said supporting member defining a shelf engaging said lower surface to support said substrate without engaging said end face.