Abstract: A cap for a fluid container includes a main body, an actuator ring slidable along the main body and having an annular groove, and a plurality of latches having secure and release states and that may be placed in the release state by contact with the actuator ring. A closure system for a fluid container includes the cap, and a lip attached to a fluid container that is engaged by the latches of the cap. The lip may be integral with a fluid container or part of an adapter that is connected to the fluid container. A method of automated handling of a container includes engaging an annular groove of an actuator ring of a cap using a robotic arm, driving the actuator ring, and removing the cap from the container. The method may further include transporting the container via engagement of the robotic arm with the cap.

Abstract: A cap for a fluid container includes a main body, an actuator ring slidable along the main body and having an annular groove, and a plurality of latches having secure and release states and that may be placed in the release state by contact with the actuator ring. A closure system for a fluid container includes the cap, and a lip attached to a fluid container that is engaged by the latches of the cap. The lip may be integral with a fluid container or part of an adapter that is connected to the fluid container. A method of automated handling of a container includes engaging an annular groove of an actuator ring of a cap using a robotic arm, driving the actuator ring, and removing the cap from the container. The method may further include transporting the container via engagement of the robotic arm with the cap.

Abstract: A cap for a fluid container includes a main body, an actuator ring slidable along the main body and having an annular groove, and a plurality of latches having secure and release states and that may be placed in the release state by contact with the actuator ring. A closure system for a fluid container includes the cap, and a lip attached to a fluid container that is engaged by the latches of the cap. The lip may be integral with a fluid container or part of an adapter that is connected to the fluid container. A method of automated handling of a container includes engaging an annular groove of an actuator ring of a cap using a robotic arm, driving the actuator ring, and removing the cap from the container. The method may further include transporting the container via engagement of the robotic arm with the cap.

Abstract: A cap for a fluid container includes a main body, an actuator ring slidable along the main body and having an annular groove, and a plurality of latches having secure and release states and that may be placed in the release state by contact with the actuator ring. A closure system for a fluid container includes the cap, and a lip attached to a fluid container that is engaged by the latches of the cap. The lip may be integral with a fluid container or part of an adapter that is connected to the fluid container. A method of automated handling of a container includes engaging an annular groove of an actuator ring of a cap using a robotic arm, driving the actuator ring, and removing the cap from the container. The method may further include transporting the container via engagement of the robotic arm with the cap.

Abstract: A bottom opening pod utilizing magnetic coupling for securing one or more cassettes within. The pod includes magnetic couplers that provide magnetic coupling between the cassette(s) and the bottom door of the pod. The magnetic couplers may include magnetic elements disposed on a base of the cassette and on the bottom door of the pod. The magnetic coupling secures the cassette(s) to the bottom door without imposition of separation forces between the housing and the bottom door of the pod.

Abstract: A cap for a fluid container includes a main body, an actuator ring slidable along the main body and having an annular groove, and a plurality of latches having secure and release states and that may be placed in the release state by contact with the actuator ring. A closure system for a fluid container includes the cap, and a lip attached to a fluid container that is engaged by the latches of the cap. The lip may be integral with a fluid container or part of an adapter that is connected to the fluid container. A method of automated handling of a container includes engaging an annular groove of an actuator ring of a cap using a robotic arm, driving the actuator ring, and removing the cap from the container. The method may further include transporting the container via engagement of the robotic arm with the cap.

Abstract: A cap for a fluid container includes a cap body including a base surface at a first end and an opening at a second end. The cap body is engageable with the fluid container. The base surface includes a first engagement structure. The cap includes a first aperture in the base surface. The cap further includes a key code body including a second engagement structure engageable with the first engagement structure. The key code body includes a key code ring. A removable closure member includes a plurality of engagement surfaces and a sealing surface disposed opposite the plurality of engagement surfaces. The removable closure member includes a sealing mechanism including a sealing member on the sealing surface. The sealing member is engageable with a portion of the base surface that defines the first aperture.

Abstract: A cap for a fluid container includes a cap body including a base surface at a first end and an opening at a second end. The cap body is engageable with the fluid container. The base surface includes a first engagement structure. The cap includes a first aperture in the base surface. The cap further includes a key code body including a second engagement structure engageable with the first engagement structure. The key code body includes a key code ring. A removable closure member includes a plurality of engagement surfaces and a sealing surface disposed opposite the plurality of engagement surfaces. The removable closure member includes a sealing mechanism including a sealing member on the sealing surface. The sealing member is engageable with a portion of the base surface that defines the first aperture.

Abstract: A laboratory system has a plurality of bottom opening sample transport pods for carrying one or more cassettes with cell culture vessels therein may have an aseptic interior environment and may cooperate with cell culture growing/processing stations having load ports allowing transfer of the cassettes with cell culture vessels into the stations while maintaining the aseptic integrity of the interior of the pods and the cassette and cell culture vessels. Internal environmental monitoring and control, purging, and tracking as well as automated robotic operation may be provided.

Abstract: A bottom opening pod utilizing magnetic coupling for securing one or more cassettes within. The pod includes magnetic couplers that provide magnetic coupling between the cassette(s) and the bottom door of the pod. The magnetic couplers may include magnetic elements disposed on a base of the cassette and on the bottom door of the pod. The magnetic coupling secures the cassette(s) to the bottom door without imposition of separation forces between the housing and the bottom door of the pod.

Abstract: A containment for one or more substrates has an enclosure that defines a contained volumetric area and included therein is a block or plate getter unit that has an enhanced performance provided by increased surface area formed on the plate or block by a series of grooves or other repeating surface structure pattern. Such patterning provides increased surface area on the block or plate and thus increased exposure of active elements to the contained volumetric region. In an embodiment, structure on one side of the block or plate has mirror image surface or a complementary surface on the opposing side. With such a structure, rigidity of the block or plate is preserved, weight is minimized, and exposed surface area is maximized. The enclosure may have specific pockets or may utilize a conventional substrate slot for the block or plate getter. The plate or block getter may be configured to fit within a conventional slot or a dedicated pocket in a wafer container or other substrate container.

Abstract: A front opening wafer carrier formed principally of plastic and comprising an enclosure portion and door has a path to ground with respect to the wafers, the path to ground effectuated by the door. The base “ground” may be provided at the machine interface upon which the carrier sits, or through the robotic arm that grasps, operates and moves the door.

Abstract: A front opening wafer carrier formed principally of plastic and comprising an enclosure portion and door has a path to ground with respect to the wafers, the path to ground effectuated by the door. The base “ground” may be provided at the machine interface upon which the carrier sits, or through the robotic arm that grasps, operates and moves the door.

Abstract: A front opening wafer carrier formed principally of plastic and comprising an enclosure portion (20) and a door (24) has a path to ground with respect to the wafers (22), the path to ground effectuated by the door (24). The base “ground” may be provided at the machine interface upon which the carrier sits, or through the robotic arm that grasps, operates and moves the door (24).

Abstract: A front opening wafer carrier formed principally of plastic and comprising an enclosure portion (20) and a door (24) has a path to ground with respect to the wafers (22), the path to ground effectuated by the door (24). The base “ground” may be provided at the machine interface upon which the carrier sits, or through the robotic arm that grasps, operates and moves the door (24).

Abstract: A wafer container has an open front defined by a frame for receiving a door. The frame has slots on opposite sides. The door utilizes two latching linkages that extend, lift, lower and retract two latching portions from the edge portion of each opposite side of the door and into and out of latch receptacles on the frame. Each latching mechanism utilizes a sliding plate with a handle connected thereto and exposed on the front of the door. The sliding plate has a pair of lifting linkages cooperating with a pair of latching linkages. Moving the handles outwardly extends the latching portions into the latching receptacles, then pulls the door inwardly to seal the door to the container portion. The sliding plate includes a rack portion engaged with a pinion accessible from the front of the door by a latch key whereby the mechanism can be operated robotically.

Abstract: A wafer container having a container portion with an open front for receiving and removal of wafers includes a door with a cushion system that utilizes a unique wafer restraint system and structural features to provide maximum protection for the wafers and preventing rotation of said wafers. A feature of the door is that the front of the door covers have a pair of latch cavities on the outwardly facing side of the door. The latch cavities for receiving two latch mechanisms with latch members that extend out the upper and lower peripheral edge of the door. The latch mechanisms are covered by a pair of door panels that utilize hooks that attach to the peripheral edge of the door and further attach with posts near the vertical midsection. The latch cover at the peripheral side edge and at the vertical midsection of the door provides stiffness and resistance to bending of the door.

Abstract: A wafer container having a container portion with an open front for receiving and removal of wafers includes a door with a cushion system that utilizes a unique wafer restraint system and structural features to provide maximum protection for the wafers and preventing rotation of said wafers. A feature of the door is that the front of the door covers have a pair of latch cavities on the outwardly facing side of the door. The latch cavities for receiving two latch mechanisms with latch members that extend out the upper and lower peripheral edge of the door. The latch mechanisms are covered by a pair of door panels that utilize hooks that attach to the peripheral edge of the door and further attach with posts near the vertical midsection. The latch cover at the peripheral side edge and at the vertical midsection of the door provides stiffness and resistance to bending of the door.