Abstract: Sheet handling apparatus in which sheets or plates of glass are automatically loaded onto the upper surfaces of successive horizontal support platens as the glass sheets and platens are conveyed forwardly in different horizontal planes preparatory to the introduction of the loaded platens into a processing apparatus. The loading apparatus also contemplates the provision of means for removing dust, dirt and other contaminates from the support platens prior to the loading of the glass sheets thereon and means for maintaining the upper surfaces of the glass sheets free of foreign matter during the loading of them onto the support platens and the transfer of the support platens into the processing apparatus.

Abstract: Means for supporting a glass sheet substrate during the sputter-coating of a thin film of metal or metal-alloy thereon, comprising a rigid metal platen having a major supporting surface, and an overlay for the metal platen consisting of at least one glass plate covering the major supporting surface of the platen and directly supporting thereon the glass sheet substrate during the sputter-coating operations.