Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods to store and transfer objects, and more particularly to workpiece stocker configurations such as stocker for semiconductor wafers, reticles or carrier boxes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for integrated cleaning of objects comprising a sequence of wet cleaning and vacuum drying in a same process chamber. The present integrated cleaning process can eliminate moving parts, improving the system reliability. Vacuum decontamination can be included for degassing and decontaminating the cleaned objects. In an embodiment, a cleaner system combines various movements into an integrated movement to be handled by a robot, for example, to improve the throughput. For example, an integrated robot movement comprising picking up a closed container from the input load port, moving both the lid and body together, and then depositing the body and lid separately into the appropriate positions in the cleaner to be cleaned.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for a deposition system are provided to deposit a thin coating layer on flat substrates, such as semiconductors or panels. In an embodiment, liquid supplied rollers accepting liquid media provide liquid chemicals to the substrates for coating the substrates. The liquid delivery system can control the flow and the pressure of the liquid to achieve optimum process condition with minimum excess waste. In another embodiment, rollers with non-uniform distribution of liquid media provide a non-uniform thickness profile on the substrates, which can be used to compensate for the non-uniformity of subsequent processes.

Abstract: An integrated grip arm for transfer reticles and carrier boxes is disclosed for improving throughput, yield and reliability of transport equipment. The integrated grip arm comprises a plurality of grippers to accommodate a plurality of reticles and carrier boxes without the need of separate arm or gripper changes. The integrated grip arm can further comprise sensor or means to select the right gripper for the right reticles or carrier boxes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for integrated cleaning of objects comprising a sequence of wet cleaning and vacuum drying in a same process chamber. The present integrated cleaning process can eliminate moving parts, improving the system reliability. Vacuum decontamination can be included for degassing and decontaminating the cleaned objects. In an embodiment, a cleaner system combines various movements into an integrated movement to be handled by a robot, for example, to improve the throughput. For example, an integrated robot movement comprising picking up a closed container from the input load port, moving both the lid and body together, and then depositing the body and lid separately into the appropriate positions in the cleaner to be cleaned.