Facilities connection box for pre-facilitation of wafer fabrication equipment

A facilities connection box is provided to accommodate pre-plumbing of facilities lines required in connection with an installation of semiconductor device manufacturing equipment. The facilities connection box accommodates termination of double-containment facilities lines that are adapted to carry hazardous materials required for operation of the semiconductor device manufacturing equipment. Each double-containment facilities line is terminated in an isolation compartment of the facilities connection box. Each isolation compartment has an entry port adapted to couple to an incoming double-containment line and an exit port adapted to permit egress from the isolation compartment of a respective outgoing line.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to apparatus for facilitating installation and use of wafer fabrication equipment in a manufacturing environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Buildings employed for production of semiconductor wafers are specially designed to accommodate heavy manufacturing equipment and the many fluid, gas, vacuum and electrical lines (i.e., facilities lines) that are necessary for semiconductor manufacturing. In some cases, a material to be conducted by a facilities line is of a hazardous nature, and the facilities line is therefore provided as a double-containment line, to minimize the risk of the material escaping from the facilities line.

The Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturing Institute (SEMI) has proposed facilities connection locators in conjunction with a standardized equipment support pedestal upon which semiconductor manufacturing equipment may be installed. The proposed facilities connection locators facilitate pre-plumbing of facilities lines so that connection of facilities to the semiconductor manufacturing equipment can be more easily performed. However, the SEMI proposal, and other proposals in regard to facilities connection locators, have not addressed the particular requirements of providing for convenient pre-plumbing of double-containment lines which carry hazardous materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides a facilities connection box that is adapted to couple double-containment lines to semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The inventive facilities connection box includes an enclosure, a first isolation compartment defined inside the enclosure, a second isolation compartment defined inside the enclosure, and an isolation partition which defines a boundary between the first and second isolation compartments. The inventive facilities connection box also includes a first entry port associated with the first isolation compartment and adapted to couple to a first incoming double-containment fluid line and a first exit port associated with the first isolation compartment and adapted to permit egress of a first outgoing fluid line from the first isolation compartment. The inventive facilities connection box further includes a second entry port associated with the second isolation compartment and adapted to couple to a second incoming double-containment fluid line, and a second exit port associated with the second isolation compartment and adapted to permit egress of a second outgoing fluid line from the second isolation compartment. The first isolation compartment is adapted to accommodate a fluid flow path between the first entry port and the first exit port, and the second isolation compartment is adapted to accommodate a fluid flow path between the second entry port and the second exit port.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a facilities connection box adapted to couple double-containment lines to semiconductor manufacturing equipment is provided. The inventive facilities connection box according to the second aspect of the invention includes an enclosure, and a plurality of isolation compartments contained within the enclosure. Each isolation compartment is divided from an adjacent isolation compartment by an isolation partition. Each isolation compartment has associated with it a respective entry port adapted to couple to a respective incoming double-containment fluid line and a respective exit port adapted to permit egress of a respective outgoing fluid line from the respective isolation compartment. Each aspect may further include a coupling connector installed within the isolation compartment to couple a double-containment facility line (which enters the isolation compartment via the entry port) with an existing line which is bound for a semiconductor device manufacturing tool.

The inventive apparatus accommodates pre-plumbing of facilities lines, including double-containment lines carrying hazardous materials, to a location at which semiconductor manufacturing equipment is to be installed. The inventive facilities connection box may be installed in conjunction with a support pedestal on which the semiconductor manufacturing equipment is to be installed. The inventive facilities connection box may present a standardized facilities interface to the semiconductor manufacturing equipment, thereby aiding in efficient installation of the semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Moreover, the inventive facilities connection box provides isolation of hazardous material facilities lines from each other, thereby minimizing risks and adverse consequences of material leaks, and surrounds the area that is most likely to leak (i.e., the connection between the double containment line and the line that couples to the semiconductor device manufacturing equipment), with a drip container and optionally with exhaust containment.

A source of rinsing/neutralizing fluid, a leak detection sensor, and a manually or automatically controllable drain may be associated with each isolation compartment to detect and address any leak which occurs therein. The inventive facilities connection box may also accommodate facilities lines which are not double-containment lines and do not carry hazardous materials.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A facilities connection box provided in accordance with the invention is adapted to handle double-containment lines which carry hazardous materials. The inventive facilities connection box includes respective isolation compartments for each incoming double-containment facilities line. A junction between the incoming double-containment line and a line connecting to the semiconductor manufacturing equipment can be located within the associated isolation compartment, so that any leak which occurs at the junction can be contained within the respective isolation compartment. A source of rinsing/neutralizing fluid, a leak detection sensor, and a manually or automatically controllable drain may be associated with each isolation compartment to detect and address any leak which occurs therein. The inventive facilities connection box may also accommodate facilities lines which are not double-containment lines and do not carry hazardous materials.

The inventive facilities connection box will be described below in connection withFIGS. 24-30.FIGS. 1-23illustrate, by way of background, various semiconductor manufacturing equipment pedestals with which the inventive facilities connection box may be installed, or other apparatus that may be included in an installation with the inventive facilities connection box.

FIG. 1is a schematic top perspective view of manufacturing equipment installed at a manufacturing location in accordance with the prior art. As depicted therein, manufacturing equipment111, shown as semiconductor processing equipment including two loadlock chambers113and115, a mainframe117and one or more processing chambers119(only one shown), is supported by a plurality of support legs121which extend from mounting feet (not shown) on the bottom of the manufacturing equipment111down to base mount location pads123disposed on an underlying waffle-grid floor125. Typically each of the support legs121is custom fabricated for the installation, in order to assure that the manufacturing equipment111is level, and also so as to connect the support legs to the interstices of the waffle sub-floor. Generally, the suppliers of the manufacturing equipment111will provide mounting feet (not shown) which are of adjustable height. In that way upon final installation of the manufacturing equipment111, when each of the mounting feet is attached to a support leg121, final leveling of the manufacturing equipment111can be conducted by adjusting the height of each of the mounting feet. While a manufacturing location will have facilities lines127brought to the manufacturing level, further plumbing is required for connection of the facilities lines127to the manufacturing equipment111after the physical installation (i.e., anchoring of the manufacturing equipment111on support legs121and leveling thereof) is completed. As noted above, disadvantages of theFIG. 1prior art installation include the additional time and cost for providing customized support legs121and the difficulty in pre-planning or pre-facilitating the manufacturing location due to the fact that the locations of the support legs121may interfere with pre-plumbed facilities lines127.

FIG. 2is a schematic top perspective view of the proposed rectangular SEMI support pedestal130installed at a manufacturing location. The SEMI support pedestal130provides an alternative to the customized support legs121of FIG.1. The SEMI support pedestal130comprises a rectangular pedestal frame135supported on a plurality of SEMI support pedestal legs131, each of which is aligned to or near one of the interstices of the waffle-grid floor125. The SEMI pedestal frame135includes a plurality of SEMI facilities connection locations137for establishing pre-facilitation locations to which facilities lines127can be pre-plumbed prior to the installation of the manufacturing equipment111of FIG.3. The SEMI pedestal frame135additionally may be adapted to support raised flooring139.

FIG. 3is a schematic top perspective view of the proposed SEMI support pedestal130with manufacturing equipment111installed thereon. With like reference numerals indicating previously-referenced components,FIG. 3depicts the SEMI support pedestal130having a rectangular SEMI pedestal frame135disposed on a plurality of SEMI pedestal support legs131which extend down to base mount locations on the waffle-grid floor125. SEMI facilities connection locations137are provided along the SEMI pedestal frame135as pre-facilitation locations for connection of facilities lines127. When manufacturing equipment111is installed on the SEMI support pedestal130, crossbeam members138typically must be attached to the SEMI pedestal frame135to support the manufacturing equipment111, and to transfer and distribute the weight of the manufacturing equipment111to the SEMI support pedestal130. Given the fact that the manufacturing equipment111has a unique shape, the installation of the manufacturing equipment111on a SEMI support pedestal130requires “customization” for both support and facilities connections.

The SEMI support pedestal130, by attachment and alignment to the top edge of the SEMI pedestal frame135, does provide the alignment and leveling reference points for installation of manufacturing equipment111, and provides pre-plumbing reference points (i.e., the facilities connection locations137). Nonetheless, the installation of the manufacturing equipment111requires customized support fabrication of the crossbeam members138and/or cantilevers (not shown), and customized retrofitting for connecting the facilities lines127from the facilities connection locations137to the actual facilities connection points (not shown) on the manufacturing equipment111. As noted above, modifications to certain facilities lines can adversely affect the flow through those lines to the potential detriment of both the manufacturing process and the manufacturing equipment111.

FIG. 4is a schematic top perspective view of an inventive support pedestal140. The inventive support pedestal140comprises a support frame145having a plurality of support legs141extending downward there from. The support frame145has a frame outline which substantially duplicates the bottom outline of the mainframe117of the manufacturing equipment111, with the “bottom outline” of the mainframe117being defined by the lower frame of the mainframe117itself. In one aspect the support frame145may be monolithic so as to provide the enhanced support integrity which comes from a “seamless” frame. The support frame145includes brackets147for engaging the load-bearing mounting feet of the manufacturing equipment (if any).

The support legs141are adjustable and comprise an outer leg section144fixedly mounted (e.g., bolted or welded) to the support frame145, and an inner leg section142. The inner leg section142is slideably mounted in the outer leg section144, so that the length of the support legs141can be adjusted and, once optimized, locked in place by bolting or welding the inner leg section142to the first outer leg section144. The support legs141are disposed on base mount location pads143, which can be affixed (e.g., removable via bolts, or welded) to the support legs142prior to installation or can be provided at the installation site. Additionally affixed to the support legs141are optional seismic braces149. A first end of each seismic brace149is fixedly mounted to a support leg141as shown, (or alternatively could be attached directly to the waffle grid flooring) while a second end of the seismic brace149is provided for attachment to the manufacturing equipment111upon installation thereof.

The inventive support pedestal140includes at least one facilities connection locator150which is fixedly mounted to the support frame145and which establishes the facilities connection locations, representatively shown as the four facilities connection locations151-154, which exactly match the facilities connection points on the manufacturing equipment111. Optional outer flanges (not shown) at the periphery of the support frame145, as well as optional inner flanges (not shown) are provided for supporting raised flooring (as shown in FIG.5).

FIG. 5is a schematic top perspective view of the inventive support pedestal140ofFIG. 4, installed at a manufacturing location and having the mainframe117attached thereto. The inventive support pedestal140includes the support frame145, having a frame outline which substantially duplicates (and preferably exactly duplicates) the bottom outline of the mainframe117, and a plurality of support legs141, each of which extends to a base mount location pad143positioned on the waffle-grid floor125. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the frame outline need not substantially (or otherwise) duplicate the bottom outline of the mainframe117. Seismic braces149are attached to the support legs141and to the mainframe117. The facilities connection locator150is attached to the support frame145to provide the fixed facilities connection locations151-154(shown in FIG.4). The illustrated support pedestal140may have raised flooring (not shown) attached at the periphery of the support frame145. It is to be noted that the support pedestal140can alternatively be installed just below the level of the raised flooring, as depicted inFIG. 8(discussed herein below).

The inventive support pedestal140provides manufacturing equipment alignment (due to the shape of the pedestal frame145) and leveling (due to the adjustable legs), as well as providing fixed facilities connection locations151-154, all of which can be established in advance of the manufacturing equipment installation with reference to a datum point100(FIG. 7) of the factory location. That is, a datum point is identified at the factory location and the support pedestal is aligned, leveled and plumbed with reference thereto. Since the frame outline of the support frame145matches the bottom outline of the mainframe117of the manufacturing equipment which is installed on the support frame145, and since the quantity and positioning of the plurality of support legs141has been adapted to engage the manufacturing equipment's load-bearing mounting feet for support of the particular manufacturing equipment being supported by the inventive support pedestal140, no additional support structures (such as the custom-fabricated steel jacks, concrete piers, crossbeams or cantilevers) are required. Furthermore, given the fact that all of the facilities connection locations151-154of the facilities connection locator150are pre-aligned to the facilities connection points on the manufacturing equipment itself, no retrofitting of facilities lines and connectors is required, thereby avoiding interference with flow patterns within the facilities lines. Using the factory location's datum point, therefore, the factory location can be pre-facilitated with all of the facilities lines pre-plumbed to the specified location of the facilities connection locations151-154at the facilities connection locator150.

The support pedestal140is adaptable to specific manufacturing equipment configurations, as illustrated in FIG.6. For the installation of a semiconductor processing system, such as is depicted inFIG. 7, which includes not only the mainframe processing unit117but also the factory interface114with loadlock113and115and a process chamber119, the support pedestal140can be augmented with at least one additional support160, including an additional frame165supported by additional support legs161extending to additional base mount location pads163to support the factory interface114, the loadlocks113,115or the processing chamber119(FIG.7). The components of the addition support160may be configured in the same manner as the components of the support pedestal140with adjustable legs161positioned below load bearing mounting of the manufacturing equipment positioned on the additional support160and/or frame165that duplicates the bottom of the manufacturing equipment. The additional support component160may be joined to the support pedestal140by connecting segments167. Alternatively, however, the pedestal frame140can be extended to include the support for the additional manufacturing equipment (e.g., the processing chamber119). Thus, a single support pedestal140may be configured to support one or more pieces of manufacturing equipment or a plurality of support pedestals may be coupled directly or via a connecting segment167. In this example ofFIG. 6, the support pedestal140includes an additional facilities connection locator170with additional facilities connection locations (171ofFIG. 8) as needed (e.g., for the additional processing chamber119).

FIG. 7is a top perspective view of the support pedestal140at a factory location with the manufacturing equipment111, including the factory interface114, the loadlocks113and115, the mainframe processing unit117(shown partially cut away so that the bottom footprint thereof is visible) and the additional processing chamber119installed thereon. The illustrated additional processing chamber119, like the factory interface114, may be supported independently as described with reference to FIG.6. The factory interface114is supported by the additional support component160comprising additional frame component165supported by additional support legs161which extend down to additional base mount location pads163.

The mainframe117of the manufacturing equipment111is mounted on the support frame145, which is in turn supported by support legs141which extend to the base mount location pads143coupled (e.g., welded or bolted) to the waffle-grid flooring125. In theFIG. 7embodiment, the mainframe processing unit117has been provided by the manufacturing equipment supplier on its own mounting frame156to which load-bearing mounting feet157are affixed. In such an embodiment, the bottom outline of the mainframe117is defined by the locations of the load-bearing mounting feet157as mounted to the mounting frame156(provided by the manufacturing equipment supplier) for the mainframe117.

FIG. 8is a schematic top perspective view of the support pedestal140of the present invention installed below the level of the raised flooring168. In such an alternate embodiment, the support frame145(not shown) would be installed on support legs141which extend down to base mount location pads143on the waffle-grid flooring125as in the previously-described embodiments. Raised flooring168would be installed on top of the support pedestal140, with openings provided for the facilities connection locator150of the mainframe117(not shown), for the additional facilities connection locations171of the additional facilities connection locator (not shown) which is provided for the additional processing chamber119(not shown), and for the brackets147which will engage the load-bearing mounting feet157of the manufacturing equipment111.

FIG. 9is a side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 8with manufacturing equipment111installed thereon. As shown therein, the raised flooring168has the openings for brackets147(FIG. 8) which accommodate load-bearing mounting feet157. The mainframe processing unit117is provided on its mounting frame156which includes load-bearing mounting feet157to be attached to the brackets147(FIG. 8) of the underlying support pedestal140. The support frame145of the support pedestal140is fixedly attached to the plurality of support legs141, each of which extends to and is coupled to the base mount location pads143on the waffle-grid floor125. Facilities connections155are shown projecting up from the facilities connection locations151-154(not shown) of facilities connection locator150to be provided to the mainframe processing unit117. The additional processing chamber119has additional facilities connections175extending up through its additional facilities connection locations171(FIG. 6) associated with the additional facilities connection locator170.

FIG. 10is a side view of gooseneck connectors191which provide facilities connection between the facilities supply lines193of a factory location and the facilities connection locations151-154of a facilities connection locator150of the present invention (or any other facilities connection locations). The gooseneck connectors191comprise a plurality of connector segments195which are alternately oriented to flexibly approximate a “straight” flow path between the facilities supply lines193and the facilities connection locations of the facilities connection locator150.

The invention has been described with reference to several specific embodiments. One having skill in the relevant art will recognize that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it is to be noted that the manufacturing equipment111may include some non-load-bearing feet (hereinafter referred to as “anchoring feet”) which may be provided for additional lateral securing of the manufacturing equipment to the support frame145. The number and locations of the support legs141of the inventive support pedestal140are selected to match the number and locations of the load-bearing mounting feet157on the bottom outline of the manufacturing equipment. It is to be understood that, without departing from the invention as taught and claimed, additional anchoring feet may be provided on the manufacturing equipment, and additional brackets for engaging the anchoring feet may be provided on the inventive support pedestal140in locations which may or may not align with support legs141.

In addition, the illustrated seismic braces, including variable length ball-end rods149ofFIG. 4, are merely representative of one embodiment of the optional feature. An alternative embodiment would include a piece of thick metal strapping, which would first be secured to the support leg, followed by custom-bending in situ, and then bolting or welding into place. By either method, the support pedestal would be triangulated in orthogonal directions, thus preventing the vertical support legs from deforming to the point of failure during a seismic event.

While it has been taught that a molded, monolithic pedestal frame is advantageous for mechanical integrity, clearly a pedestal frame comprising a plurality of bonded (e.g., welded) or fixedly coupled (e.g., bolted) pieces can be substituted without departing from the invention as claimed.

Yet another modification comprises the use of standardized spacers as the mounting and anchoring feet, in place of the adjustable mounting and anchoring feet which have traditionally been employed for in situ leveling of manufacturing equipment. The inventive support pedestal has adjustable legs which are adjusted prior to installation of the manufacturing equipment to thereby pre-establish the alignment and leveling of the manufacturing equipment; therefore, fixed spacers are recommended since the fixed spacers maintain the fixed parallel relationship between the support frame and the manufacturing equipment which has been established relative to the datum point and since no in situ leveling of the manufacturing equipment will be required.

The support leg sections could also be. tubular, right angle sections (“angle iron”), or triangular or etc., they need not be rectangular. Also, the lower portion of the support leg could be either the outer or the inner portion. As an alternative to being bolted-on, the mounting of the support legs to the pedestal frame could also be welded-on, designed so that they would attach underneath the frame (in compression), or designed to fit into underside receptacles fabricated as part of the frame itself, or some combination of these.

Finally, pre-facilitation of a factory location can be conducted using a “map” of the support pedestal and its facilities connection locator with facilities connection locations defined relative to a datum point of the factory location. A medium (polycarbonate film) having a full-scale outline of the inventive support pedestal, with or without facilities connection locations denoted, can be delivered to the factory location prior to installation of the support pedestal. Once the polycarbonate film is spread out on the factory floor relative to the datum point, the x and y coordinates (i.e., the coordinates in the horizontal plane) for each facilities connection location will be precisely defined in situ and appropriate plumbing, electrical, construction can be performed prior to installation of the inventive support pedestal.

FIG. 11is an isometric view, taken from above, of a manufacturing equipment support apparatus201, showing an improved facilities connection locator203coupled thereto. The facilities connection locator203comprises a bottom surface205and a plurality of side walls207extending upwardly therefrom so as to form a fluid tight “bucket”. The facilities connection locator203has at least one fluid connection port formed therein and may also have any number of vacuum connection ports, and/or facilities connection plates, the features of which are best understood with joint reference to FIG.11and toFIGS. 12-17which show various views of the facilities connection locator203and/or its facilities line connectors.

The exemplary facilities connection locator203shown comprises four fluid connection ports209(FIG. 12) and three vacuum connection ports211(FIG.12and FIG.16). Each vacuum connection port211is shown surrounded by a riser213.

A mounting mechanism (such as mounting flanges215) extends from the facilities connection locator203and interfaces with features of the equipment support apparatus201so that the facilities connection locator203is mounted to the equipment support apparatus201with a predetermined relationship (i.e., such that features of the facilities connection locator203are fixed in the x-axis and y-axis directions relative to the outline or footprint of the equipment support apparatus201, and are fixed in the z-axis direction relative to a top surface217of the equipment support apparatus201). In the exemplary embodiment shown, the mounting flanges215of the facilities connection locator203rest on corresponding mounting flanges219located within the footprint of the equipment support apparatus201and recessed slightly below the top surface217of the equipment support apparatus201such that the top surface of the facilities connection locator203and the mounting flanges215thereof are flush with the top surface217of the equipment support apparatus201.

Consider, for example the riser213, each of which extends a predetermined height Z1, above the bottom surface205. Accordingly, because the bottom surface205is a predetermined height Z2below the top surface217, the z-axis position of the top of the riser213is known relative to the top surface217. The same principle is true for the remaining features of the equipment support apparatus201, such as the z-axis position of any fluid line connectors220relative to the top surface217or the z-axis position of any facilities connection plate221relative to the top surface217.

The riser213may be employed with a facilities connection line223having a z-axis locating mechanism such as a locating flange225, best understood with reference toFIGS. 13 and 14. As shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, the facilities connection line223has a top surface227which may comprise a flange, as shown. The top surface227has a fixed height relationship Z3with respect to the top of the riser213(FIG.14). Thus, as the top of the riser213has a fixed z-axis position with respect to the top surface217, so does the top surface227.

In order to facilitate accurate z-axis positioning/mounting between the locating flange225and the riser213, the locating flange225may comprise a V-shaped groove229, and the riser213may comprise a plurality of holes (not shown) formed at a predetermined height above the bottom surface205. In one aspect the V-shaped groove229and the holes (not shown) in the riser213are configured such that when a top surface231of the locating flange225is flush with the top surface of the riser213, the center of the V-shaped groove229is adjacent the holes. A screw233may then be threaded through a nut235and through the hole in the riser213so as to extend into the center of the V-shaped groove229. As will be apparent, the nut235ensures that the screw233is normal to the hole in the riser213, and the normally positioned screw233contacts the equally sloped sides of the V-shaped groove229ensuring that the facilities connection line223is precisely positioned in the z-axis direction. Although the facilities connection line223is shown only as a vacuum line connection in the figures, it will be understood that the facilities connection line223also may be employed as a fluid line connector.

In one aspect, the fluid line connectors220may be configured as shown in the bottom isometric view of FIG.15A. Each fluid line connector220comprises a fluid line237having a planar surface239that extends horizontally from the fluid line237and, when coupled to the facilities connection locator203, is positioned such that the planar surface239extends along the interior side of the facilities connection locator203's bottom surface205. An o-ring241is disposed along the planar surface239so as to form a fluid tight seal between the planar surface239and the interior side of the facilities connection locator203's bottom surface205. A portion of the fluid line237that is to extend downward from an exterior surface of the facilities connection locator203's bottom surface205is threaded (not shown) so that a threaded bolt243may be threaded thereon, as shown. Thus, the bolt243may be tightened such that the o-ring241is held firmly between the planar surface239and the facilities connection locator203's bottom surface205, forming a fluid tight seal. Because the planar surface239has a fixed offset from the top of the fluid line237, and the fluid line237has a known height, the top of the fluid line237is a fixed or known distance from the bottom surface205of the facilities connection locator203, and from the top surface217.

Any of the connections described above may also be welded to the facilities connection locator203, as shown in FIG.15B. By welding or otherwise integrally forming vacuum and/or fluid line connectors to the bottom surface205, the facilities connection locator203is fluid tight without the need for the special fluid tight design of the fluid line connectors220described above, and without the need for the riser213. Further, the welded or integrally formed fluid line connectors220and facilities connection lines223will have fixed positions (in the x-y and z axis) relative to the facilities connection locator203and hence relative to the top surface217of the equipment support apparatus. Such welded/integral fluid line connectors220and facilities connection lines223are shown in the isometric view ofFIG. 15B, and may also have an optional industry standard clamp flange (not shown).

An optional feature of the facilities connection locator203is the facilities connection plate221, which is best shown byFIGS. 16 and 17.FIG. 16is an exploded close up isometric view of the facilities connection locator203, taken from below; andFIG. 17is a close up isometric view of the facilities connection locator203taken from above and at an angle that better shows a riser213that surrounds the facilities connection plate221.

As with the vacuum connection port211, the riser213surrounds the facilities connection plate221so that if fluid should fill the facilities connection locator203, the facilities connection plate221will be protected therefrom. As best shown inFIG. 12the facilities connection plate221may also have an integrally formed riser213awhich makes mounting of the facilities connection plate221easier. The integrally formed riser213amay also have welded corners so as to be fluid tight. The connection plate's riser213ais adapted to couple to the riser213so that a bottom surface245of the facilities connection plate221is a fixed height above the bottom surface205of the facilities connection locator203, and thus, is a fixed height offset from the top surface217. Alternatively, rather than a riser, the connection plate221may have an integral edge that extends downwardly to facilitate mounting of the connection plate221. The facilities connection plate221has a plurality of removable panels247(e.g., knock out panels with perforated edges that facilitate easy removal) that may be individually removed to allow facilities lines (e.g., electrical, gas, fluid or pressure lines, etc.) to pass therethrough.

FIG. 18is an isometric view, taken from above, of a manufacturing equipment support apparatus, showing an improved facilities connection locator203acoupled thereto and having additional features not shown in FIG.11. The facilities connection locator203ahas the additional feature of a gravity drain249, located on the bottom surface205of the fluid tight bucket203. The bottom surface205may be sloped, such that the drain249is at a slightly lower elevation than the remainder of the bottom surface205. Also shown inFIG. 18is a liquid level sensor251that detects when fluid in the facilities connection bucket203has reached a certain level. The liquid level sensor251may be coupled to a controller (not shown) that will notify an operator of the fluid level, will shut of the fluid flow through the fluid line(s) connected to the facilities connection locator203and/or will activate a fluid pump coupled to the facilities connection locator203. A fluid pump253which automatically begins to pump fluid when it senses the same may also be employed.

A further feature that may be employed with any equipment support apparatus, is an airflow control plate255as shown in FIG.11. The airflow control plate255may be mounted to the support apparatus via a plurality of flanges or any other suitable mechanism. The airflow control plate255has a plurality of openings (e.g., in a preferred embodiment evenly distributed holes of equal size) to control airflow. The plate may be adapted to fully or partially occupy an interior region of the support apparatus' frame outline. Accordingly, where gaps exist between the installed equipment and the pedestal's top surface, the airflow control plate255may be installed to reduce turbulence, and/or to prevent objects from falling into the gap.

Like the airflow control plate255, the facilities connection locator203may be any size and shape, and may occupy all or any portion of the outline of the support apparatus' outline. Both the airflow control plate255and facilities connection locator203may also be mounted to extend beyond the outline of the support apparatus' frame. Such a facilities connection locator203would still provide accurate positioning of facilities lines with respect to the top surface217of the equipment support apparatus201, and such an airflow control plate255would still provide airflow management and safety functions.

FIG. 19is a top isometric view of an exemplary standardized facilities box301. The exemplary standardized facilities box301comprises a bottom surface303and a plurality of side walls305. The standardized facilities box301ofFIG. 19therefore provides inherent drop containment and may prevent servicing tools or other components dropped while working in the standardized facilities box301from falling to the subfloor. Accordingly, use of the standardized facilities box301may increase safety for those working in the subfloor region.

The standardized facilities box301comprises mechanisms that allow one or more add-on features to be selectively coupled (i.e., attached at predetermined locations without machining). Such mechanisms may be, for example, conventional mechanisms such as tongues or grooves for coupling to a corresponding tongue or groove of an add-on feature, snap couplings, threaded couplings, predrilled bolt or screw holes, premachined slots, etc. The specific mechanism employed for selective coupling is not material. Accordingly, inFIG. 19the coupling mechanisms are generally represented by reference number307. When a specific one of the exemplary coupling mechanisms is described, an alphabetical reference is added to the general reference number307.

An individual add-on feature may be selectively coupled to the standardized facilities box301if that specific add-on feature is needed for a particular installation. In this manner installation is both facilitated, as on site machining of the facilities box301is not required, and standardized, as the specific add-on features are in a known location within the standardized facilities box301. To the extent there is more than one location within a given standardized facilities box301for a given add-on feature, it follows that the location for the add-on feature may be further specified. Standardization of facilities connections simplifies troubleshooting, enables use of standardized documentation such as installation, maintenance or safety information. Moreover, standardization of facilities connection locations (e.g., process gas or fluid lines, vacuum or exhaust lines) from one installation to the next, promotes greater processing uniformity. In one aspect, the specific add-on features may be positioned (e.g., moved around adjacent various coupling mechanisms, until a desired fit (for example, allowing the desired number of add on features) is achieved.

Coupling mechanisms307of an exemplary standardized facilities box301may include, for example, a guide (e.g., a grooved track or rail)307awhich may run along the interior and/or exterior of the bottom surface303and/or along the interior or exterior of the one or more side walls305. One or more locating mechanisms307b(such as snap couplings, bolt/screw holes, or mechanical stops, etc.) may be positioned along the guide307aas shown on the bottom wall305of FIG.19.FIG. 23is a close up perspective view, taken from the side, showing an exemplary locating mechanism307b(such as a tubing clamp) coupled in a tongue and groove manner to a unistrut rail type coupling mechanism307aAlternatively, the guide307amay be omitted, and only the locating mechanisms307b(bolt holes, or threaded holes, etc.) employed, as shown on the sidewall305of FIG.19.

Other coupling mechanisms307may comprise one or more precut openings, or perforated knockouts (e.g., portions of the sidewalls or bottom of the facilities box that may be easily removed with manual force, such as when struck by a hammer or mallet), through which facilities connections may be made (e.g., through which a subfloor facilities line may be coupled to a processing tool located above the raised floor). The precut openings may include a removable cap307c(FIG. 20) which may snap or screw in place, for example. The precut openings of perforated knockouts may include snap, twist or screw on mechanisms to which a riser213(such as that described with reference toFIG. 12) or other z-axis locating mechanism may be selectively coupled. The top of the side walls305may include a coupling mechanism for coupling a cover to the standardized facilities box301(e.g., a hinge307e(FIG.20)), a prefacilitated location for mounting a hinge, snap fit mechanisms or tabs).

The exemplary standardized facilities box301also may comprise a flange309for coupling the standardized facilities box301to the raised floor168(FIG.8), to a support pedestal140(FIG. 8) or to a bridge flange311(shown in FIG.22). The flange309may include a coupling mechanism307for coupling the flange309to any one of a number of bridge flanges311(FIG.22). In one aspect the flange309and the bridge flange311may couple, simply by overlapping such that the bridge flange311supports the flange309. Each of the bridge flanges311may be adapted to couple to a floor tile, tool pedestal, etc., of differing thickness. Further each bridge flange311may be of varying size so as to fill open space (resulting from floor tile removal) that is not occupied by the standardized facilities box301. Alternatively, a filler plate F (FIG. 22) may be provided to occupy such open space. Standard sizes of filler plates F may be provided for use with commonly used raised floor systems. The filler plate F may be perforated so as not to interfere with laminar air flow, and will be strong enough to support operator traffic. It will be understood that any selectively coupleable member that adapts a standardized facilities box to a floor tile grid system that employs floor tiles having a larger footprint then the footprint of the standardized facilities box (e.g., larger than the footprint of the flange309), may be considered a bridge mechanism. In this manner, floor tile cutting may be avoided, and standardized facilities box301installation further facilitated.

FIG. 20shows the standardized facilities box301ofFIG. 19having a plurality of add-on features coupled thereto. It should be emphasized that the positions of the add-on features are merely exemplary, as the standardized facilities box301may allow a number of predefined positions for a given add-on feature.

As shown inFIG. 20, a partition313is shown coupled to the guide307athat runs along the bottom surface303, and may function to separate incompatible facilities (e.g., fluids and electrical lines). A document storage compartment315is shown coupled to the guide307athat runs along one of the side walls305. As with each of the add-on features, the document storage compartment315may be coupled to a coupling mechanism307at any location. A particularly advantageous location may be to locate the document storage compartment315on the underside of the cover321.

A sensor317(e.g., a heat, fluid, or pressure sensor) is shown coupled to the locating mechanisms307b. The sensor317may include a warning indicator such as a visual (e.g., a flag that ejects from a cylinder and is visible through the transparent cover321) or audible warning indicator. A lockout mechanism319may operatively couple to the sensor317and may function for example to lock a cover321(shown hingedly coupled to the standardized facilities box301) when a given condition (fire, leak, etc.) is detected by the sensor317or is detected elsewhere in the semiconductor fabrication facility. Also, any individual facilities connection line within the facilities box301may be locked and tagged, as is conventionally known.

Every connection within the box may be locked and tagged out simultaneously via a lock out tag out mechanism322fixed to the cover321and adapted to allow the cover to be locked and tagged. Conventionally, tagging out means to attach an indicator that identifies for example, which operator has locked the device. Typically the indicators are in the form of a tag, thus the term “tag out” is conventionally employed. Such a mechanism may comprise for example, a pair of sidewardly extending tabs, one that extends from the cover321, and one that extends from the side of the standardized facilities box301. Each tab may have a hole H formed therethrough. The two holes H may be adapted such that a lock322b(e.g., padlock or combination lock, etc.) and tag322ccan be inserted therethrough, thus locking the cover321to the facilities box301.

Alternatively, the box may include an internal cover (not shown) that need not be adapted to support the weight of personnel or equipment. The internal cover may include a tab that extends upwardly and has a hole that aligns with a hole on a tab internal to the facilities box, thus allowing the internal cover to be locked to the facilities box. Thereafter, the cover321, may be closed over the internal cover, if desired. As will be apparent, a lockout mechanism may take a number of different forms, and may be located at a number of different positions. Accordingly, the lock out mechanism shown and described herein is merely exemplary.

The cover321may have a recessed and/or retractable handle320(FIG. 20) to facilitate lifting. Provided the cover321is transparent, a floor lighting strip323may be coupled to the standardized facilities box301via one of the guides307athat extend along a side wall305of the standardized facilities box301. The floor lighting strip323may be coupled to the sensor317, and may be adapted to illuminate when a leak, or other malfunction is detected by the sensor317. Alternatively the floor lighting strip323may be coupled to a central monitor, and may be illuminated as floor lighting in the event the lights in the FAB are inoperable. Similarly a lifting mechanism325(seeFIG. 20) such as a pneumatic lift may be coupled to the standardized facilities box301for example via locating mechanisms307blocated on bottom surface303of the standardized facilities box301, and may be adapted to lift/lower items to or from the standardized facilities box301. Such items may include the cover321.

In the example ofFIG. 20, a pair of tool mounting mechanisms329such as snap connectors are shown mounting a service tool (e.g., a wrench). In other embodiments a tool storage mechanism such as an enclosure may be mounted within the standardized facilities box301. An exhaust mechanism330may be coupled (e.g., to a knockout panel247(FIG. 12) located on the bottom303or the side/front wall305) and may be adapted to maintain the internal region of the facilities box301at a negative pressure (e.g., coupled to a pump), so as to prevent gas leaks from escaping the box301. Facilities connections are preferably made in the region internal to the facilities box301, such that leaks (gas, fluid, etc.) may be contained therein.

FIG. 21is a side elevational view showing a pair of the standardized facilities boxes301ofFIG. 19coupled together or merely placed side by side. In this embodiment the standardized facilities boxes301may be coupled via coupling mechanisms (such as a joiner plate (not shown), or an interlocking coupling (not shown)) located on their respective flanges309. Such interlocking couplings would preferably join in an over/under relationship, so as to maintain planarity with the surrounding floor. Alternatively the standardized facilities boxes301may be coupled via coupling mechanisms307that are positioned along the sidewalls305of the respective standardized facilities boxes301or via a bridge flange311.

Also shown inFIG. 21are support legs331a-b,coupled to the standardized facilities boxes301via the guide307athat extends along the exterior of the bottom surface303. The first support leg331ais shown extending to the waffle grid subfloor125(FIG.6), and the second support leg331bis shown cantilevered to a support leg333which may be a support leg of the raised floor grid139or of a support pedestal140for a fabrication tool111. It will be understood that the support legs331a-bare optional. Any number of support legs may be employed, and either cantilevered or direct floor coupling supports legs may be employed exclusively. Although, for clarity, the flanges309of the standardized facilities boxes301are shown resting on top of the raised floor139, in a preferred aspect, the flanges309of the standardized facilities boxes301will be flush with the raised floor or equipment support pedestal to which they are mounted. Note that reference number340represents a floor beam of a raised floor, or a beam of an equipment support pedestal.

Installation of one or more new tools for semiconductor device fabrication may be easier and more repeatable from one installation to the next, with use of the inventive system which provides standardized locations for facilities connections, and/or prefacilitated locations for inclusion of add-on features. An exemplary method for using the inventive system to achieve standardization may include indicating a location within a fabrication facility for installing a facilities box; providing a standardized facilities box; providing a plurality of add-on features and specifying which add-on feature should be selectively coupled to which selective coupling mechanism of the standardized facilities box.

Although the inventive system of standardized facilities boxes and add-on features is most advantageous for locating and standardizing facilities connections to a processing tool, in other aspects, the standardized facilities box may be used for locating joints in a length of a fluid, gas or electrical line which may extend along a factory for producing semiconductor devices (i.e., a FAB). By locating such joints with a facilities box, areas where maintenance or further connections are most likely to be needed are easy to identify and access. Further, inherent drop and/or leak containment may be provided by the standardized facilities box. The facilities boxes may be fluid tight and/or may be maintained at a negative pressure via coupling to a facilities exhaust line.

In other aspects the facilities location box may merely provide a convenient location for containing needed tools, documents, safety indicators, floor lights, etc. Accordingly, in a further aspect, the invention comprises a FAB that employs facilities boxes in such a manner. Another aspect comprises a method for standardized FAB construction, that provides specific locations for standardized facilities boxes, and specific ad-on features to be included therein. Finally, it should be understood that many of the add-on features may themselves be inventive when used within a facilities box. Accordingly, the invention may comprise a facilities box with such features, whether or not the add-on feature is fixedly or selectively coupled to the box. Examples may include a facilities box that comprises a support leg of its own, thus allowing the facilities box to be coupled directly to a raised floor (as shown in FIG.21), rather than to an equipment pedestal. Further examples may include a facilities box that comprises lift/lowering mechanisms, and/or a facilities box that includes sensors, an exhaust mechanism, or a lockout mechanism (i.e., a mechanism adapted to automatically lock a cover of the facilities box when a specific condition is sensed).

FIG. 24is an isometric view, taken from above, of a semiconductor manufacturing equipment support pedestal401, to which a facilities connection box403, provided in accordance with an aspect of the invention, is installed.FIG. 25is an isometric view taken from below of the support pedestal401and the facilities connection box403. The support pedestal401may be such as to support semiconductor manufacturing equipment of the type referred to as a “polisher”, which is a type of equipment that is well known in the art. A polisher may require one or more slurries or other potentially hazardous materials that should be brought to the polisher within suitable double-containment lines to reduce the possibility of a leak of such materials out into the fabrication facility. The inventive facilities connection box403is adapted to accommodate double-containment facility lines and provides a convenient, standardized point of junction for both double-containment lines and non-double-containment lines adjacent the place of installation of the semiconductor manufacturing equipment. (Although not so indicated in the drawings, support legs404of the support pedestal403may be formed of cylindrical sections in accordance with teachings of commonly assigned co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/214,878, filed Aug. 8, 2002, entitled “Adjustable Support Leg for Semiconductor Device Manufacturing Equipment Support Pedestal”, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.)

Details of the facilities connection box403will now be described with reference toFIGS. 26-29.FIG. 26is an isometric view of the inventive facilities connection box403.FIG. 27is a top view of the inventive facilities connection box403, shown with the cover removed.FIG. 28is a front elevational view of the inventive facilities connection box403.FIG. 29is a side elevational view of the inventive facilities connection box403.

The inventive facilities connection box403includes an enclosure405. In the particular embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 26-29, the enclosure405is generally rectangular, with a step at the rear407of the enclosure405. Note the step may be omitted. In the embodiment shown the step down region is included because the rear portion of the exemplary facilities connection box403is intended to fit beneath the frame of the equipment pedestal, and the front portion is intended to be flush with the FAB floor.

The enclosure405is made up of a front wall409, side walls411,413, a bottom wall415, a rear wall417, a top plate419, an intermediate top wall421and an intermediate rear wall423. A removable cover425(shown above the remainder of the inventive facilities connection box403) selectively closes the top portion of the enclosure405adjacent the top plate419. The top plate419and the cover425(when in place) may be considered to constitute a top wall of the enclosure405. The cover425may include a leak-proof seal, which is not separately shown. A suitable arrangement (not shown) may be associated with the cover425to selectively vent vapors from the enclosure405to a vapor recovery handler (not shown). Mounting brackets427(FIG. 26, only one bracket being visible in the drawing) are provided, for example, on the side walls411,413to aid in mounting the facilities connection box403on the support pedestal401.

Isolation partitions429,431,433,435,437and439are disposed within the enclosure405. The isolation partitions, for example, may be oriented parallel to the side walls411,413of the enclosure405and positioned at intervals along the front wall409. The isolation partitions serve to define isolation compartments441,443,445,447,449and451within the enclosure405. The isolation partitions extend the length of the enclosure405, (e.g., from the front wall409to the rear wall417) and are joined in a liquid-tight manner to the bottom wall415, and, in this example, the front wall409and the rear wall417. As best seen inFIG. 28, the isolation partitions all have substantially the same height, which is less than the height of the front wall409and the side walls411,413. Consequently, the isolation compartments are open in an upward direction below the cover425.

It will be observed that in this example, the front walls of the isolation compartments are constituted by the front wall409of the enclosure405. The isolation partition429defines a boundary between the isolation compartments441and443. The isolation compartment441is also bounded by the side wall411of the enclosure405. The isolation partition431defines a boundary between the isolation compartments443and445; the isolation partition433defines a boundary between the isolation compartments445and447; the isolation partition435defines a boundary between the isolation compartments447and449; and the isolation partition437defines a boundary between the isolation compartments449and451. The isolation partition439defines a boundary between the isolation compartment451and a compartment453. Although isolated from the isolation compartment451, the compartment453may be shared, as will be seen, by a plurality of incoming facilities lines for which isolation from each other is not desired. In this example, the isolation partitions are spaced along the front wall409such that the isolation compartments441,443are relatively large, to accommodate relatively large-diameter double-containment facilities lines, whereas the isolation compartments445,447,449and451are relatively small to accommodate smaller-diameter double-containment facilities lines. The top plate419may be considered to form a portion of a top wall of the isolation compartments441,443,445,447,449,451and of the shared compartment453.

In this example, entry ports455,457,459,461,463,465,467,469,471,473and475are provided on the front wall409of the enclosure405. As shown, the entry port455is adapted to couple to a relatively large-diameter double-containment facility line, and is formed in the front wall of the isolation compartment441. The entry port457is also adapted to couple to a relatively large-diameter double-containment facility line and is formed in the front wall of the isolation compartment443. The entry ports459,461,463and465are all adapted to couple to respective small-diameter double-containment facility lines and are respectively formed in the front walls of the isolation compartments445,447,449and451. Thus the entry ports455,457,459,461,463and465are respectively associated with, and provide access to, the isolation compartments441,443,445,447,449and451.

The entry ports467,469and471are provided on the front wall409of the enclosure405at the locus of the shared compartment453, and are respectively adapted to couple to facility lines that are not double-containment lines, and for which no isolation is desired.

Exit ports477,479,481,483,485,487,489,491,493,495and497are formed in the top plate419of the enclosure405. The exit ports477,479,481,483,485,487,489,491,493,495and497are respectively associated with the entry ports455,457,459,461,463,465,467,469,471,473and475. In particular, the exit port477is positioned to accommodate a line499(FIGS. 27,29), which exits from the isolation compartment441bound for the semiconductor processing equipment (e.g., a polisher)501(FIG.29). Note that the top plate419limits unwanted access (e.g. by dropped objects, etc.) to the facilities box403, and limits airflow into/out of the facilities box403. Although less desirable, the top plate419may be omitted.

Similarly, referring toFIG. 27, the exit port479is positioned and adapted to accommodate a fluid line (not shown) which exits from the isolation compartment443bound for the semiconductor manufacturing equipment501; the exit port481is positioned and adapted to accommodate a fluid line (not shown) which exits from the isolation compartment445bound for the semiconductor manufacturing equipment501; the exit port483is positioned and adapted to accommodate a fluid line (not shown) which exits from the isolation compartment447bound for the semiconductor manufacturing equipment501; the exit port485is positioned and adapted to accommodate a fluid line (not shown) which exits from the isolation compartment449bound for the semiconductor manufacturing equipment501; and the exit port487is positioned and adapted to accommodate a fluid line (not shown) which exits from the isolation compartment451bound for the semiconductor manufacturing equipment501.

The exit ports489,491and493are positioned and adapted to accommodate fluid lines (not shown) which exit from the shared compartment453.

An exhaust port521is also formed in the top plate419of the enclosure405. The exhaust port521is adapted to be connected to an exhaust line (not shown) which vents or exhausts the enclosure405.

In the space above the isolation compartments441,443,445,447,449and451, and above the isolation partitions429,431,433,435,437and439, a spray mechanism523extends transversely relative to the isolation partitions. Spray nozzles525may extend (e.g., downwardly) from the spray mechanism523into the isolation compartments. The specific configuration of the spray mechanism may vary, for example, in another aspect the spray mechanism may comprise a bar having a plurality of openings through which fluid may flow. A fluid supply line527(FIG. 27) couples the spray mechanism523to a fluid source which is not shown.

Upon occurrence of a chemical leak in one or more of the isolation compartments, a fluid (e.g., water or another neutralizing fluid) may be sprayed into the isolation compartments via the spray mechanism523and the spray nozzles525to neutralize the leaking chemical and/or to rinse the isolation compartments.

A respective liquid detection sensor529(FIG. 28) is provided at or near the bottom of each of the isolation compartments441,443,445,447,449,451and the shared compartment453to detect fluid leaks therein. Each of the isolation compartments441,443,445,447,449and451and the shared compartment453is provided with a respective drain531. A respective manually and/or electronically controlled drain valve530is associated with each of the drains531. As shown, the drains531are preferably located along a wall of the enclosure405other than the bottom wall415so as to reduce the possibility of fluid leaks there from. However, in other embodiments, the drains531may be positioned along the bottom wall415with proper sealing.

FIGS. 27 and 29show a double-containment facility line533, suitable for carrying a hazardous material, coupled to the entry port455associated with the isolation compartment441. Although not shown in the drawings, it will be understood that other facilities lines may be connected to each of the other entry ports457,459,461,463,465,467,469,471,473and475. In one embodiment, by way of example, the facility line533may be a drain line for draining hazardous materials and other materials from the semiconductor manufacturing equipment501, and the lines457and455may be drain lines for waste deionized water and used polisher slurry, respectively.

Each of the entry ports459,461,463and465(respectively associated with isolation compartments445,447,449,451) may be connected to a respective double-containment slurry supply line (not shown). The entry ports467and469may be connected to cooling lines (not shown) and the entry port471may be connected to a deionized water supply line (not shown). The entry ports473and475may be connected to gas supply lines (not shown) for which isolation is not required.

Referring toFIG. 29, a coupling connector535is installed within the isolation compartment441to couple the double-containment facility line533, which enters the isolation compartment441via the entry port455, with the exiting line499, which is bound for the semiconductor device manufacturing equipment501via the exit port477(FIG.27). Thus a flow path is provided from the entry port455to the exit477. (As noted above, the facility line533may be a drain line, such that the actual flow of material may be in the direction from the exit port477to the entry port455.)

Although not shown in the drawings, a similar arrangement of a coupling connector and a flow path between an entry port and an exit port may be provided in each of the other isolation compartments.

As schematically illustrated inFIG. 30, a controller537is coupled to the liquid detection sensors529to receive leak detection signals from the sensors529(FIGS.29and30). The controller537is also coupled to the spray mechanism523(and/or to the above-mentioned liquid supply (not shown) associated with the spray mechanism523) to selectively spray rinsing and/or neutralizing fluid into the isolation compartments. The controller537is also coupled to drain valves530, to selectively open the drain valves530so as to drain the isolation compartments441,443,445,447,449,451and the shared compartment453when required. The controller537shown inFIG. 30may be a control device dedicated to controlling the facilities connection box403or alternatively may control other equipment as well. For example, the controller537may also control other facilities connection boxes (not shown) or may be a controller which controls the semiconductor manufacturing equipment501and/or which controls part or all of the semiconductor fabrication facility.

Referring again toFIG. 28, fluid lines541,543,545,547,549are shown exiting isolation compartments443,445,447,449,451respectively, bound for the semiconductor manufacturing equipment501(FIG.29).

The facilities connection box provided in accordance with the present invention accommodates pre-plumbing of facilities lines required for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, thereby promoting convenient installation of the semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The inventive facilities connection box is suitable for use with double-containment facilities that may carry hazardous materials. In addition, the inventive facilities connection box is arranged to isolate and control leakage of hazardous material which may occur at a junction between the facilities lines and lines terminating at the semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Other features and advantages the inventive facilities box may provide are as follows:provides an easily accessible prefacilities connection point to speed the installation of wafer processing equipment (for example, the Applied Materials CMP Reflexion and Mira Mesa systems);provides an easily accessible, safe, double containment enclosure to connect plumbing lines for hazardous chemical, liquid based material;provides segregation of hazardous chemical, liquid based materials if a fluid line or connection should develop a leak;provides a method of early leak detection in order to prevent major clean up of hazardous chemical contamination;provides a safe method to neutralize hazardous chemical contamination due to leaks or spillage;provides a controllable method to rinse clean and drain neutralized chemical contamination from all or one segregated area(s) of the container;can be easily constructed of materials (e.g., PVC, Teflon, stainless steel, etc.) that are compatible with the hazardous liquid chemicals that are used within the system;the container may be completely leak proof and may be vented to extract hazardous vapors caused by leaks and spillage; andmay have both manual and automatic capability to detect, signal a leak (e.g., activate a visual or audible alarm), neutralize, rinse, drain and/or vent so as to purge the enclosure of hazardous materials.

The foregoing description discloses only an exemplary embodiment of the invention; modifications of the above disclosed apparatus which fall within the scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the inventive facilities connection box may include more or fewer isolation compartments, compartments adapted to accommodate relatively wide-diameter double-containment lines. Isolation compartments adapted to accommodate relatively small-diameter double-containment lines, and/or non-double-containment lines than the exemplary connection box illustrated herein.

It should also be understood that not every installation of an inventive facilities connection box may have facilities lines connected to every entry port of the facilities connection box.

The facilities connection box of the present invention has been shown as installed with a particular type of semiconductor manufacturing equipment support pedestal. It will be understood, however, that the inventive connection box can be installed with other types of support pedestals, as well as with equipment that does not require a support pedestal.

Although the isolation partitions are each shown as single walls, one or more of the isolation partitions may be formed as a double wall, or more generally as two or more walls with a space or spaces there between.

Also, any opening (in any wall including the less preferred bottom wall) that allows a fluid line to exit from an isolation compartment bound for the semiconductor manufacturing equipment may be considered an exit port.

Moreover, as will be appreciated from previous discussion, when the inventive facilities connection box is installed and in use, fluid may flow in either direction through a given isolation compartment, i.e., either from the entry port to the exit port or from the exit port to the entry port.

The inventive facilities connection box disclosed herein is illustrated in a particular configuration suitable for use with a polisher, but other configurations, and use with other types of semiconductor device manufacturing equipment, would fall within the scope of the invention.