摘要:
The present invention comprises a conveyor for moving a semiconductor containers throughout a fabrication facility. In one embodiment, the conveyor comprises a plurality of individually controlled conveyor zones. Each conveyor zone includes a first belt, a second belt, a drive assembly for rotating the first belt and the second belt at substantially the same speed. The first belt and the second belt are driven at substantially the same speed and movably support the container's bottom plate as the container moves along the conveyor. In another embodiment, the conveyor includes sensors to determine, among other things, the position of the container.
摘要:
The present invention is a wafer transfer system that transports individual wafers between chambers within an isolated environment. In one embodiment, a wafer is transported by a wafer shuttle that travel within a transport enclosure. The interior of the transport enclosure is isolated from the atmospheric conditions of the surrounding wafer fabrication facility. Thus, an individual wafer may be transported throughout the wafer fabrication facility without having to maintain a clean room environment for the entire facility. The wafer shuttle may be propelled by various technologies, such as, but not limited to, magnetic levitation or air bearings. The wafer shuttle may also transport more than one wafer simultaneously. The interior of the transport enclosure may also be under vacuum, gas-filled, or subject to filtered air.
摘要:
The present invention comprises a vacuum end effector having workpiece supports that work in conjunction with distorted workpiece surfaces. In one embodiment, each workpiece support has the ability to gimbal and conform the workpiece surface in contact with an outer edge of the support. Each workpiece support preferably provides a knife-like contact edge to minimize the contact area between the support and the workpiece while still providing an effective vacuum area to hold the wafer securely on the support. In another embodiment, each workpiece support is replaceable without having to remove the end effector from the robot assembly
摘要:
The present invention comprises a distal rest pad for supporting a portion of a wafer seated on an end effector. In one embodiment, the rest pad includes a bottom support pad and an edge stop. Each element is mounted separately to the distal end of a support plate. The bottom support pad includes an inclined surface that transitions to a substantially horizontal surface at its distal end. The edge stop has a substantially vertical wafer contact surface that the peripheral edge of a wafer eventually contacts as the wafer is urged towards the distal rest pad. In another embodiment, the bottom support pad comprises an inclined surface. In yet another embodiment, the distal rest pad comprises a single structure. This distal rest pad includes a backstop portion and a bottom support separated by a particle collection groove. The bottom support may include an inclined lead-in surface that transitions into a flat contact surface or only comprise an inclined lead-in surface.
摘要:
Apparatus and method for reading an identification mark on a semi-conductor wafer. The wafer includes a marking area which bears a relief mark. The marking area is illuminated by a segmented light source and is viewed by a viewing device. The viewing device sees a dark segment and an adjacent lighted segment which preferably surrounds the dark segment, and the mark appears as a light image in the dark segment. Preferably the segmented light source is a diffuse light source with an opaque patch at its center. The method is particularly effective for reading soft marks with low profiles.
摘要:
A wave-powered water vehicle includes a) a first component which is a float that travels on or near the water surface; b) a second component which is wave actuated and travels below the first component; and c) a means whereby the first component engages the second component and/or the second component engages the first component; wherein the engagement means provides lateral support of one component for the other, and thereby minimizes lateral movement of one against the other when the components are fitted together.
摘要:
The present invention is a wafer transfer system that transports individual wafers between chambers within an isolated environment. In one embodiment, a wafer is transported by a wafer shuttle that travel within a transport enclosure. The interior of the transport enclosure is isolated from the atmospheric conditions of the surrounding wafer fabrication facility. Thus, an individual wafer may be transported throughout the wafer fabrication facility without having to maintain a clean room environment for the entire facility. The wafer shuttle may be propelled by various technologies, such as, but not limited to, magnetic levitation or air bearings. The wafer shuttle may also transport more than one wafer simultaneously. The interior of the transport enclosure may also be under vacuum, gas-filled, or subject to filtered air.
摘要:
This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.
摘要:
A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.
摘要:
This invention provides a vessel system and methodology that can be used to promote growth of phytoplankton in the oceans. Unmanned self-controlled wave-powered vessels are equipped with storage units for dispensing a fertilizer, and with sensors to monitor ocean conditions and effects. Fleets of vessels move autonomously by on-board processing of GPS and directional information, piloting a path that is coordinated by a central processing unit. The vessels travel through a defined target area, creating a detailed survey of chemical and biological characteristics that affect grown. The data are processed in a computer model to identify precise locations and precise amounts of fertilizer that will produce the best results. Projected benefits of fertilizing plankton include sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere, and enhancing the marine food chain to improve the fish stock in and around the treated area.