Patent ID: 8279406
Filing Date: 2012-10-02
Classification: G03F,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for loading/unloading an article to a placing table that is moved for positioning within a predetermined plane and has a vertically moving member that moves vertically while holding the article between a position over the placing table and a placing surface of the article provided on the placing table comprising; positioning said placing table, where the article to be unloaded is placed, to a second position that is different from a first position within said predetermined plane, unloading the article that exists on the placing table that is positioned at said second position after positioning said placing table to said second position, moving said placing table from said second position to said first position while said vertically moving member is positioned at a position lower than a lower surface of a loading member holding a next article waiting for loading over said first position and higher than the placing surface of the placing table, after unloading said article from said placing table, allowing a loading member holding the next article to be loaded onto the placing table to wait over the first position before the placing table is positioned at the first position, and loading the next article onto the placing table positioned at the first position after moving said placing table from said second position to said first position.