Patent ID: 7528936
Filing Date: 2009-05-05
Classification: G03B,H01L

Abstract:
1. A pod for containing a particulate sensitive substrate and for providing pressure equalization between the exterior and an interior environment of the pod and for minimizing gaseous fluid flow inside adjacent to the particulate sensitive substrate, the pod comprising: a primary pod including a base and a cover, the cover configured with a concave inner surface opposite an outer surface, the cover adapted to removably engage the base to define a first enclosure having a first volume between the concave inner surface and the base, the cover having an aperture; a diaphragm positioned in the cover, the diaphragm having a normal undeflected position, the diaphragm dividing the first volume between a second volume in communication with the exterior of the pod, and a third volume not in fluid communication with the exterior of the pod, the diaphragm deflectable from the normal undeflected position; and a secondary pod disposed in the primary pod, the secondary pod comprising a lower portion and an upper portion, the upper portion adapted to interface with the lower portion to define a second enclosure characterized by a second enclosure volume for containing the particulate sensitive substrate, the lower portion comprising support structure to removably hold the particulate sensitive substrate thereupon and the upper portion comprising retaining structure for retaining the particulate sensitive substrate when the upper portion is engaged with the lower portion.