COAXIAL DRIVE LOADER ARM

摘要

PURPOSE: A coaxial drive loader arm is provided for an article transfer mechanism for moving an article between first and second stations in a straight linear path with repeatability of movement and which mechanism is articulated by a drive which both rotates and vertically moves the mechanism about and along a given axis. CONSTITUTION: A transfer device (36) for moving substrates from one position to another comprises a base (51) and a drive arm (60) pivotally connected to one another about a first pivot axis. A drive is connected to the drive arm (60) for moving the drive arm (60) through an arc about the first pivot axis. The drive arm (60) has a free end which has a second pivot axis disposed parallel to the first pivot axis. The drive arm free end further including at least one article handling element (66) which is rotatably disposed about the second pivot axis. A belt (98) rotatably couples the at least one article handling element (66) to the base such that upon movement of the drive arm through the arc in a first rotary direction the at least one article handling element is rotated in the other opposite direction to move a substrate along a straight line path.