Abstract: An apparatus for docking a substrate storage pod to a factory interface is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for docking a substrate storage pod to a factory interface includes a docking station having a substantially horizontal flange extending from a substantially vertical wall. The wall has an aperture formed therethrough. A stage is movably coupled to the flange and adapted to support the substrate storage pod. An engagement mechanism and docking actuator are coupled to the stage. The engagement mechanism is adapted to secure the substrate storage pod to the stage. The docking actuator is adapted to move substrate storage cassette against the bay. A release mechanism is adapted to decouple at least one of the engagement mechanism from the pod or the stage from the docking actuator, thereby facilitating access to the pod in the event of one or more of the actuators becoming immobilized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing substrate damage in a factory interface. In one embodiment, a method for preventing substrate damage in a factory interface includes the steps of receiving an indicia of potential substrate damage, and automatically preventing substrates from moving out of a substrate storage cassette in response to the received indicia. The indicia may be a seismic warning signal, among others. In another embodiment, a method for preventing substrate damage in a factory interface includes the steps of moving a pod door in a first direction to a position spaced-apart and adjacent a pod, and moving the pod door laterally in a second direction to close the pod. The lateral closing motion of the pod door urges substrates, which may be misaligned in the pod, into a predefined position within the pod.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a substrate and a method for positioning a substrate include a substrate support, a stator circumscribing the substrate support, and an actuator. The actuator is coupled to the stator and adapted to change the elevation of the stator and/or adjust an angular orientation of the stator relative to its central axis. As the substrate support is magnetically coupled to the stator, a position, i.e., elevation and angular orientation, of the substrate support may be controlled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing substrate damage in a factory interface. In one embodiment, a method for preventing substrate damage in a factory interface includes the steps of receiving an indicia of potential substrate damage, and automatically preventing substrates from moving out of a substrate storage cassette in response to the received indicia. The indicia may be a seismic warning signal, among others. In another embodiment, a method for preventing substrate damage in a factory interface includes the steps of moving a pod door in a first direction to a position spaced-apart and adjacent a pod, and moving the pod door laterally in a second direction to close the pod. The lateral closing motion of the pod door urges substrates, which may be misaligned in the pod, into a predefined position within the pod.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a substrate and a method for positioning a substrate are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for supporting a substrate includes a substrate support, a stator circumscribing the substrate support, and an actuator. The actuator is coupled to the stator and adapted to change the elevation of the stator and/or adjust an angular orientation of the stator relative to its central axis. As the substrate support is magnetically coupled to the stator, a position, i.e., elevation and angular orientation, of the substrate support may be controlled.