Abstract: A linear robot includes a slide and an end effector arm connected to the slide. The end effector arm includes an end effector. During use, vacuum is selectively supplied to the end effector, with selectively grabs and releases substrates. The slide is supported on a hanger. An air bearing between the slide and the hanger allows the slide and end effector arm including any substrates held by the end effector to freely move along the hanger. The entire periphery of an air bearing surface of the slide is lined by a collector, which is coupled to a vacuum source. Pressurized gas from the air bearing region between the slide and the hanger is captured by the collector. Thus, any particulates entrained with the pressurized gas are captured and do not contaminate the substrates.

Abstract: A particulate free air bearing and seal is formed between a slide and an air bearing body. Pressurized gas is supplied to an air bearing region between the slide and the air bearing body. The pressurized gas causes the slide to float on the air bearing body thus avoiding particulate generation due to friction between the slide and the air bearing body. Vacuum is simultaneously supplied to a collector. The collector captures the pressurized gas and any particulates entrained within the pressurized gas preventing the particulates from entering and contaminating a clean area.

Abstract: A sheath cover for a quartz thermocouple sheath has an outer surface which includes silicon carbide. The silicon carbide has a greater adherence to deposits than quartz. The cover thus essentially eliminates deposit flaking and avoids the particulate contamination associated with conventional quartz thermocouple sheaths. The cover includes first and second half sections and a slip ring. The cover is easily installed over the sheath by placing the half sections around the sheath and then sliding the slip ring into place around the half sections.