Patent ID: 8016592

Claim:
A system for thermal processing of workpieces, the system comprising: a platform, including at least one fixture, that is removably positioned in a transfer stage to hold a plurality of workpieces, wherein each of the workpieces is held up vertically; a first thermal processing chamber to receive the platform, wherein the workpieces are processed therein to a first temperature; a piece of deposition equipment that is designed to process the workpieces after the workpieces are processed in the first thermal processing chamber; a transfer stage for transferring the platform in or out of the first thermal processing chamber; a second thermal processing chamber to receive the platform, wherein the workpieces are processed therein to a second temperature, the transfer stage is designed to transfer the platform out of the first thermal processing chamber for treatment with the deposition equipment, and into the second thermal processing chamber after the workpieces are treated with the deposition equipment; a first facility is provided to circulate a medium used to heat the workpiece in the first thermal processing chamber; and a second facility is provided to circulate a medium used to cool the workpiece in the second thermal processing chamber.