Abstract: A semiconductor wafer processing apparatus, more specifically, an edge contact loadcup for locating a semiconductor workpiece or wafer into a chemical mechanical retaining ring utilizing a cone, wafer chuck and flexure. The cone aligns the wafer concentrically to the retaining ring. The wafer chuck, inside the cone, is restrained from moving laterally in respect to the cone by the flexure. The wafer, which is supported by the wafer chuck, is moved into the retaining ring by the wafer chuck after the cone has become aligned with the retaining ring. An adjustment mechanism is provided to ensure the co-planar orientation of the wafer and fixture. Other embodiments include a sensor for detecting the presence of the wafer on the chuck, and in the cone, and minimizes particulate contamination to the wafer.

Abstract: A hammerhead made of tool steel and having in combination a pair of asymmetric claws and a magnetic nail holder, the holder being in the form of a T-shaped notch and a permanent magnet having a very high field intensity as compared to the conventional permannet magnet.