Abstract: A process apparatus including a front end with a load opening for loading production workpieces into the apparatus; a process section being offset at a distance from and coupled to the front end via an interior transport path configured for transport of the workpieces between the front end and process section; a load lock between the front end and process section with the transport path extending through the load lock, the load lock having an intermediate entry with an opening shunting the transport path to the exterior separate from the front end; and a predetermined interchangeable transport carrier cassette configured to be entered within the load lock from the exterior through the intermediate entry opening, the entry and removal of the cassette through the opening loads and unloads the load lock with a transport path interface that interfaces, the transport path coincident with the cassette loaded in the load lock.