Scalable stockers with automatic handling buffer
View Patent ↗Scalable storage can be achieved with linear array storage of wafers, comprising two linear arrays of storage compartments on opposite walls, with a middle transfer mechanism. Together with a buffer station for automatic material handling system, a scalable bare wafer stocker can provide flexible and uninterrupted services to a fabrication facility.
1. A bare substrate stocker comprising:
a stocker storage for storing bare substrates;
a stocker loading station configured for receiving a container containing substrates from an operator;
a storage robotic mechanism for transferring the substrates directly between the container in the stocker loading station and the stocker storage;
a transport buffer comprising one or more buffer stations for storing one or more containers containing substrates;
an interface mechanism for transferring a container between the stocker loading station and the transport buffer; and
a mechanism configured for transferring a container between the transport buffer and an automatic transport.
2. A stocker as in claim 1 wherein the transport buffer is configured to accept a container from an automatic transport.
3. A stocker as in claim 1 wherein the stocker storage further comprises a drop station, wherein the drop station accepts a single substrate from the stocker loading station, and wherein the storage robotic mechanism is configured to transfer a substrate between the drop station and the stocker storage.
4. A stocker as in claim 3 wherein the drop station is adapted to allow the substrate to be picked up at the bottom and at the edge.
5. A bare substrate stocker comprising:
a stocker storage for storing bare substrates;
a stocker loading station configured for receiving a container containing substrates from an operator;
a storage robotic mechanism for transferring the substrates directly between the container in the stocker loading station and the stocker storage;
a transport buffer comprising:
one or more buffer stations for storing one or more containers containing substrates; and
a buffer loading station configured for supporting a container;
a buffer transfer mechanism to transfer a container between the buffer loading station and the buffer stations;
an interface mechanism for transferring a container between the stocker loading station and the transport buffer; and
the buffer loading station is configured to accept a container from an automatic transport.
6. A stocker as in claim 5 wherein the bare substrates are stored vertically in the stocker storage.
7. A stocker as in claim 5 wherein the interface mechanism is configured for transferring a container between the stocker loading station and the buffer loading station.
8. A stocker as in claim 5 wherein the interface mechanism is configured for transferring a container between the stocker loading station and the buffer stations.
9. A stocker as in claim 5 wherein the buffer stations are disposed on top of the stocker storage.
10. A stocker as in claim 5 wherein the stocker storage further comprises a drop station, wherein the drop station accepts a single substrate from the stocker loading station, and wherein the storage robotic mechanism is configured to transfer a substrate between the drop station and the stocker storage.
11. A stocker as in claim 10 wherein the drop station is adapted to allow the substrate to be picked up at the bottom and at the edge.
12. A bare substrate stocker comprising:
a stocker storage for storing bare substrates;
a stocker loading station configured for receiving a container containing substrates from an operator;
a storage robotic mechanism for transferring the substrates directly between the container in the stocker loading station and the stocker storage;
a transport buffer comprising one or more buffer stations for storing one or more containers containing substrates, wherein the transport buffer is configured to accept a container from an automatic transport; and
a mechanism for transferring a container between the transport buffer and the automatic transport.
13. A stocker as in claim 12 wherein the stocker loading station is configured to receive a container from the automatic transport.
14. A stocker as in claim 12 further comprising a mechanism configured for transferring a container between the stocker loading station and the automatic transport.
15. A bare substrate stocker comprising:
a stocker storage for storing bare substrates;
a stocker loading station configured for receiving a container containing substrates from an operator;
a storage robotic mechanism for transferring the substrates directly between the container in the stocker loading station and the stocker storage;
a transport buffer comprising one or more buffer stations for storing one or more containers containing substrates;
an interface mechanism for transferring a container between the stocker loading station and the transport buffer; and
a mechanism configured for transferring a container between the stocker loading station and an automatic transport.
16. A bare substrate stocker comprising:
a stocker storage for storing bare substrates;
a stocker loading station configured for receiving a container containing substrates from an operator;
a storage robotic mechanism for transferring the substrates directly between the container in the stocker loading station and the stocker storage;
a transport buffer comprising:
one or more buffer stations for storing one or more containers containing substrates; and
a buffer loading station configured for supporting a container;
a buffer transfer mechanism to transfer a container between the buffer loading station and the buffer stations;
an interface mechanism for transferring a container between the stocker loading station and the transport buffer; and
a mechanism configured for transferring a container between the buffer loading station and an automatic transport.
17. A bare substrate stocker comprising:
a stocker storage for storing bare substrates;
a stocker loading station configured for receiving a container containing substrates from an operator;
a storage robotic mechanism for transferring the substrates directly between the container in the stocker loading station and the stocker storage;
a transport buffer comprising:
one or more buffer stations for storing one or more containers containing substrates; and
a buffer loading station configured for supporting a container;
a buffer transfer mechanism to transfer a container between the buffer loading station and the buffer stations;
an interface mechanism for transferring a container between the stocker loading station and the transport buffer; and
a mechanism configured for transferring a container between the stocker loading station and an automatic transport.