Patent ID: 6599075
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
A processor for processing articles comprising:an enclosure for providing a substantially enclosed workspace therewithin; an interface section located adjacent an interface end of the enclosure, the interface section including at least one interface port through which sealed article containers containing articles are loaded or unloaded to or from the processor; an article inventory subassembly disposed within the interface section for holding a plurality of sealed article containers; a container docking subassembly for receiving sealed article containers from the article inventory subassembly and for opening and closing the containers without exposing the articles to ambient atmospheric conditions within the interface section; an article transfer subassembly for extracting the articles from the article containers; at least one processing station having an access opening which opens to the work space to allow installation and removal of articles relative to the at least one processing station; at least one conveyor for conveying the articles to and from the at least one processing station and the article transfer subassembly.