Patent ID: 7114903

Claim:
An apparatus for handling microelectronic workpieces, comprising: an input/output station configured to removably receive microelectronic workpieces at an input/output location; a pre-process station configured to identify and/or align the microelectronic workpieces, the pre-process station including a first workpiece support positioned to carry a microelectronic workpiece; a storage station having a plurality of second workpiece supports, with each second workpiece support being positioned to carry a microelectronic workpiece before processing, after processing or both before and after processing, wherein the first and second workpiece supports are positioned to support coaxially located microelectronic workpieces; at least one process station spaced apart from the pre-process station and the input/output station; a first transfer device movably positioned proximate to the input/output station, the first transfer device being configured to move the microelectronic workpieces directly between the input/output location and the pre-process station; and a second transfer device movably positioned proximate to the at least one process station, the second transfer device being configured to move the microelectronic workpieces directly between the pre-process station and the at least one process station.