Abstract: A transport mechanism for disk-shaped workpieces has a horizontally movable transport arm with two elongated carrying elements at one end, for receiving the workpiece. A cassette which includes a comb structure at each side for receiving several workpieces, is inserted free of contact between two adjacent combs with workpieces therein for vertically lifting a workpiece. The carrying elements are disposed such that during a cassette engagement they are each positioned substantially adjacent and parallel to the comb structure along a comb, and that in this region along and between two adjacent comb planes on one side of the cassette, a scanning beam is provided for workpiece acquisition, and that the scanning beam is relatively height-positionable with respect to the cassette. The scanning beam is tilted about a small angle with respect to the horizontal workpiece plane.

Abstract: A vacuum lock on a vacuum chamber has a lockable gate opening with a substantially vertical gate and the following characteristics: the gate is a sliding plate displaceable parallel to the opening; the gate is connected via a driving rod on a side oppose the opening and is supported at a distance in the sliding direction; this connection is via a guidance mechanism such that in the presence of a blockage of the closing process, the gate is laterally pressed on a seal encompassing the opening; and a spring element is provided to narrowly compensates the weight of the gate. This ensures that in the event of a operator error or unintentional reaching into the opening during a closing process, injuries cannot occur and a high degree of safety is ensured.