Automated Replacement of Consumable Parts Using Interfacing Chambers
First Claim
1. A front opening ring pod (FORP) for holding consumable parts used in a processing tool, comprising:
- a plurality of compartments for holding consumable parts in a vertically stacked orientation within the FORP;
a plurality of ledges disposed along internal sidewalls of the FORP provide shelves for supporting the consumable parts in the vertically stacked orientation;
a separator plate disposed within the FORP, providing a horizontal plane that divides an inside region of the FORP into an upper region and a lower region, such that each of the upper region and the lower region include a group of said shelves for holding the consumable parts; and
a vent defined in a base of the FORP, the vent provides a path for gases out of the lower region of the FORP.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A cluster tool assembly includes a vacuum transfer module, a process module having a first side connected to the vacuum transfer module. An isolation valve having a first side and a second side, the first side of the isolation valve coupled to a second side of the process module. A replacement station is coupled to the second side of the isolation valve. The replacement station includes an exchange handler and a part buffer. The part buffer includes a plurality of compartments to hold new or used consumable parts. The process module includes a lift mechanism to enable placement of a consumable part installed in the process module to a raised position. The raised position provides access to the exchange handler to enable removal of the consumable part from the process module and store in a compartment of the part buffer. The exchange handler of the replacement station is configured to provide a replacement for the consumable part from the part buffer back to the process module. The lift mechanism is configured to receive the consumable part provided for replacement by the exchange handler and lower the consumable part to an installed position. The replacement by the exchange handler and the process module is conducted while the process module and the replacement station are maintained in a vacuum state.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A front opening ring pod (FORP) for holding consumable parts used in a processing tool, comprising:
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a plurality of compartments for holding consumable parts in a vertically stacked orientation within the FORP; a plurality of ledges disposed along internal sidewalls of the FORP provide shelves for supporting the consumable parts in the vertically stacked orientation; a separator plate disposed within the FORP, providing a horizontal plane that divides an inside region of the FORP into an upper region and a lower region, such that each of the upper region and the lower region include a group of said shelves for holding the consumable parts; and a vent defined in a base of the FORP, the vent provides a path for gases out of the lower region of the FORP. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A front opening ring pod (FORP) for holding consumable parts used in a processing tool, comprising:
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a plurality of compartments for holding consumable parts in a vertically stacked orientation within the FORP; a plurality of ledges disposed vertically along internal lateral sidewalls and an internal back sidewall of the FORP, defining shelves for supporting the consumable parts in the vertically stacked orientation; an opening with a door frame provided on a front sidewall of the FORP, the opening is configured to receive a door, the opening is sized to provide access in and out for the consumable parts held in the FORP; a separator plate disposed within the FORP, provides a horizontal plane that divides an inside region of the FORP into an upper region and a lower region, wherein each of the upper region and the lower region include a group of said shelves for holding the consumable parts; and a vent defined in a base of the FORP, the vent provides a path for gases out of the lower region of the FORP. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification