Abstract:
A system for hydrodynamically loading objects into a manufacturing system is disclosed. The system comprises a receptacle for retaining fluid, the receptacle having an aperture for egress to a manufacturing system. At least one cassette is supported within the receptacle for retaining a plurality of objects and positioning one of the objects in a loading location in alignment with the aperture. At least one nozzle is also disposed within the receptacle for ejecting fluid and urging objects in the loading location into the aperture.

Description:
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119( e ) from United States Provisional Patent Application No. 60/092,827, filed Jul. 13, 1998. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of this invention relate generally to the transport of objects between various manufacturing process steps, and in particular embodiments to methods for hydrodynamically loading and unloading objects into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems, and systems incorporating the same. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Modem manufacturing methods often require a number of processing steps to be performed on an object to transform or prepare the object into a finished product. Even after the object has been fabricated, cleaning steps may be required to remove residue and contaminants such as particulates, organics, and inorganics collected during processing. For example, in conventional magnetic recording media processing techniques a slurry is applied to texture the surface of the magnetic media. This slurry must subsequently be removed, often by mechanically scrubbing the magnetic recording media using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) rollers. Several cleaning steps may be required, because magnetic recording media often requires particle removal efficiencies as small as 0.3 microns, and inorganic/organic particulate levels as low as 1×10 10  atoms/cm 2 . 
     Careful handling is essential as these fragile objects are transported between process steps. Conventional techniques employed for transporting delicate objects such as semiconductor wafers and magnetic recording media between process stations may require both mechanical and human intervention. Once the object completes a processing step, it is loaded into a transportation cassette, carried by process operators to the next processing station, and unloaded from the cassette. This intervention increases the chance of damage to, and contamination of, the objects. 
     Human intervention and manual transportation between processing steps in a multi-step cleaning system can be eliminated by employing substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chutes to transport objects from one process module to another. One example of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chutes is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/196,856. Each substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute includes a transfer slot formed between two walls. Formed in the walls and directed into the transfer slot are support nozzles angled towards the output side of the transfer slot for creating fluid flow and fluid bearings in the transfer slot and urging objects through the transfer slot. In addition, induction nozzles are formed in the walls near the input side of the transfer slot for inducing objects into the input side of the transfer slot. A base supports the first and second walls and is grooved in substantial alignment with the transfer slot for receiving and bottom-centering objects in the transfer slot. 
     However, even if an processing system with hydrodynamic transport chutes between process modules is employed, manual loading and unloading of objects into and out of such systems is still required. In addition, because hydrodynamic transport chutes may transport only one object at a time, the manual and repetitive loading and unloading of single objects into and out of such automated processing systems increases the chance of frictional wear and damage to the object as it comes into contact with the cassettes and human hands, and increases the chance of breakage of the object due to dropping or other mishandling. Contaminants may also be introduced during the loading and unloading process. Manual loading and unloading techniques also may be slower due to the lack of automation and required human intervention, and may be costlier due to the employment of process operators. In addition, no process steps may be carried out during the loading and unloading process. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Therefore, it is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system and method for hydrodynamic loading and unloading of objects into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems to minimize frictional wear and damage to the object. Touchless, as defined herein, is the absence of contact with solid surfaces. 
     It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system and method for hydrodynamic loading and unloading of objects into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems to minimize the chance of breakage of the object due to dropping or other mishandling. 
     It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system and method for hydrodynamic loading and unloading of objects into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems to minimize the introduction of contaminants. 
     It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system and method for hydrodynamic loading and unloading of objects into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems wherein multiple objects can be serially loaded or unloaded into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems in an automated fashion. 
     It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system and method for hydrodynamic loading and unloading of objects into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems to increase the speed and efficiency of the manufacturing process while decreasing its costs by automating the transport process. 
     It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system and method for hydrodynamic loading and unloading of objects into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems to increase the speed, safety, and efficiency of the manufacturing process by allowing one or more cassettes containing multiple objects to be delivered to the hydrodynamic loading and unloading system. 
     It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system and method for hydrodynamic loading and unloading of objects into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems that allows process steps to be performed during the loading and unloading process. 
     These and other objects are accomplished according to a system for hydrodynamically loading objects into a manufacturing system. The system comprises a receptacle for retaining fluid including, but not limited to, water, air, cleaning solutions, and solvents. The receptacle has an aperture for egress to a manufacturing system. At least one cassette is supported within the receptacle for retaining a plurality of objects and positioning one of the objects in a loading location in alignment with the aperture. At least one nozzle is also disposed within the receptacle for ejecting fluid and urging objects in the loading location into the aperture. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, when read with the drawings and appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a processing system including the substantially touchless loading, unloading, and hydrodynamic transport of objects between manufacturing process steps according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of a hydrodynamic loading system coupled to a substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute and a multi-process system according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a removable indexing rack containing a cassette and cassette holder according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cassette for holding objects according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cassette holder for holding a cassette according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of a cassette holder for holding a cassette according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a top view of a substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute and a hydrodynamic load system including a removable indexing rack and a cassette holder according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a side view, partially cut away, of one side panel, a cassette load shelf, and a cassette queuing shelf of a removable indexing rack, illustrating the pushing forward of a cassette onto a cassette holder according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a top view of a substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute and a hydrodynamic load system illustrating a cassette disposed on a cassette holder according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rotating actuator linkage, which includes a rotating actuator arm, rotating actuator support, rotational actuator, and a rotating actuator mounting plate for fixed attachment outside the load tank according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 11 is a side view of a removable indexing rack containing a cassette and a cassette holder rotating about a rotating cassette support shaft according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 12 is a side view of a removable indexing rack containing a cassette and a cassette holder rotated into a horizontal load orientation according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 13 is a top view of a removable indexing rack containing a cassette and a cassette holder rotated into a horizontal load orientation according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an indexing actuator linkage, which includes indexing actuator arms, indexing actuator supports, and indexing actuator mounting plate for fixed attachment to a linear actuator according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 15 is a top view of a spray post having multiple spray nozzles for pushing disks into a substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a spray post showing spray nozzle locations according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 17 is a top view of a removable indexing rack illustrating the positions of an empty cassette and a cassette holder after all disks have been loaded according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 18 is a top view of a removable indexing rack illustrating the positions of an empty cassette and a cassette holder rotated back into an upright orientation after all disks have been loaded according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 19 is a top view of a removable indexing rack having a queuing drive belt, symbolically illustrating the movement of a cassette holder and cassette around the removable indexing rack during the indexing process according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 20 is a top view of a removable indexing rack without a queuing drive belt, symbolically illustrating the movement of two cassette holders and cassettes around the removable indexing rack during the indexing process according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a hydrodynamic load system according to an embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following description of preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
     Modem manufacturing methods for producing objects of a particular composition often require a number of processing steps before a finished product is created. Even after the object has been fabricated, multiple cleaning steps may be required to remove residue and contaminants collected during processing. For example, complex multilayered objects such as semiconductor wafers or magnetic recording media may require the removal of certain chemical compositions applied during fabrication by repeatedly scrubbing the surface of the object in different cleaning steps. Careful handling is essential as these fragile objects are transported between cleaning steps. 
     Human intervention and manual transportation between processing steps can be eliminated by employing substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chutes to transport objects from one process module to another. One example of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chutes is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/196,856. In addition to the use of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chutes between process steps, it is also desirable to provide for the substantially touchless hydrodynamic loading and unloading of objects into and out of such processing systems. 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a manufacturing system  10  including the substantially touchless hydrodynamic loading and unloading objects into and out of manufacturing system  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Manufacturing system  10  includes a hydrodynamic load system  12 , wet and dry substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chutes  14 , scrub modules  16 , a spin-dry module  18 , and a hydrodynamic unload system  20 . Wet substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chutes  14  are coupled between hydrodynamic load system  12  and scrub module  16 , between scrub modules  16 , and between scrub module  16  and spin-dry module  18 , and transport objects therebetween. Dry substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14  is coupled between spin-dry module  18  and hydrodynamic unload system  20 , and transports objects therebetween. It should be noted that FIG. 1 is merely representative, and that manufacturing system  10  may include any number of modules coupled together by substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chutes  14 . An illustration of the substantially touchless transport of objects through manufacturing system  10  is illustrated in FIG. 2, wherein objects such as disks  22  are shown leaving hydrodynamic load system  12  and entering and leaving scrub modules  16  through substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chutes  14 . 
     Referring again to FIG. 1, in embodiments of the invention, unfinished (or unprepared) disks  22  are loaded into hydrodynamic load system  12  for entry into manufacturing system  10 . Hydrodynamic load system  12  then delivers disks  22  into a first wet substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14 , where it is transported into a first scrub module  16 . Within first scrub module  16 , disk  22  may be mechanically scrubbed to remove contaminants. Hardware within first scrub module  16  then aligns disk  22  for insertion into the next wet substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14 , where it is transported into the next scrub module  16 . The scrubbing and transport steps are repeated until disk  22  enters a spin-dry module  18 , where disk  22  is spun-dry. Hardware within spin-dry module  18  then aligns disk  22  for insertion into a dry substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14 , where it is transported using air or gas as a fluid into a hydrodynamic unload system  20 . 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a removable indexing rack  24  containing a cassette  26  disposed on a cassette holder  40  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Removable indexing rack  24  includes side panels  30 , and is sized to be supported within a load tank  28  (see FIG.  2 ). Rotating cassette support shaft  34  is rotatably disposed within holes in side panels  30 . Coupled between side panels  30  are fixed cassette support shaft  60 , support rods  32 , cassette load shelf  36 , and cassette queuing shelf  38 . In preferred embodiments of the present invention, multiple removable indexing racks  24  may be employed, wherein each removable indexing rack  24  and corresponding cassette holder  40  and cassette  26  may be differently dimensioned to accommodate disks  22  of different sizes. Indexing rack  24  is removable from load tank  28  to enable hydrodynamic load system  12  to process different sized disks  22 , and to facilitate cleaning and maintenance of both the indexing rack  24  and load tank  28 . 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of cassette  26  including disk slots  92 . In preferred embodiments of the present invention, cassette  26  may hold twenty-five (25) disks  22  in disk slots  92 . However, in alternative embodiments cassette  26  may be dimensioned to hold any number of disks  22 . Cassette  26  has an open cassette bottom  94  to facilitate the pushing of disks  22  out of cassette  26 . 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of cassette holder  40  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Cassette holder  40  includes alignment ribs  42 , upright support walls  44 , horizontal support walls  46 , and cassette holder notches  48 . In preferred embodiments, alignment ribs  42  are angled (see reference character  52 ) with respect to cassette holder end walls  54 . As illustrated in the side view of FIG. 6, cassette holder  40  further includes shaft openings  50  for rotatably receiving rotating cassette support shaft  34 , and bumpers  62 . 
     FIG. 7 is a top view of a substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14  and a hydrodynamic load system  12  including a removable indexing rack  24  and cassette holder  40 . Prior to the automated loading sequence, an operator loads a cassette into load area  68 . In alternative embodiments, the loading of cassettes may be performed by robotics. When the automated loading process begins, the cassette is pushed forward in the direction indicated by arrow  58  over cassette load shelf  36  and onto cassette holder  40  by load plunger  66 . Alignment ribs  42  assist in centering the cassette within cassette holder  40 . Load plunger  66  may comprise a push arm coupled to plunger supports configured to extend up and over the top edge of load tank  28 . Plunger supports may be coupled to a plunger actuator (not shown in FIG. 7) outside load tank  28 . 
     FIG. 8 is a side view, partially cut away, of one side panel  30 , cassette load shelf  36 , and cassette queuing shelf  38  of removable indexing rack  24 , illustrating the pushing forward of cassette  26  onto cassette holder  40 . Cassette holder notches  48  receive cassette tabs  56  on cassette  26 . FIG. 9 is a top view illustrating cassette  26  disposed on cassette holder  40 . 
     Once cassette  26  is loaded into cassette holder  40 , cassette holder  40  must be rotated into a horizontal orientation. FIG. 10 illustrates rotating actuator linkage  98 , which includes rotating actuator arm  100 , rotating actuator support  102 , rotational actuator  156 , and rotating actuator mounting plate  104  for fixed attachment outside load tank  28 . Rotating actuator arm  100  is pivotally coupled to lever  96  and rotating actuator support  102 . When cassette holder  40  is positioned to be rotated to its horizontal orientation (see FIG.  9 ), lever engagement tabs  110  on cassette holder  40  engage lever  96 . Movement of rotational actuator  156  in the direction indicated by arrow  150  pushes upward on rotating actuator support  102  and rotating actuator arm  100 , and rotates lever  96  in the directions indicated by arrow  106 . As a result, cassette holder  40  is rotated between upright and horizontal orientations. In preferred embodiments illustrated in FIG. 10, rotational actuator  156  is comprised of a cylinder  152  and piston  154 . The configuration of rotating actuator arm  100  and rotating actuator support  102  enable rotational actuator  156  to remain outside load tank  28  (see FIG.  2 ). 
     FIG. 11 illustrates removable indexing rack  24  containing cassette  26  and cassette holder  40  rotating about rotating cassette support shaft  34  in the direction indicated by arrow  64 . FIG. 12 illustrates cassette  26  and cassette holder  40  in the horizontal orientation, with bumpers  62  supported on fixed cassette support shaft  60 . FIG. 13 illustrates cassette holder  40  and cassette  26  rotated into the horizontal orientation. 
     Once cassette  26  is rotated into a horizontal orientation, cassette  26  must be indexed to load disks  22  into substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14 . For this purpose, an indexing actuator linkage  70  is positioned as illustrated in FIG. 13 prior to the rotation of cassette holder  40  into the horizontal orientation. Thus, when cassette holder  40  is rotated into the horizontal orientation, cassette holder  40  is positioned within indexing actuator arms  72 . 
     FIG. 14 illustrates indexing actuator linkage  70 , which includes indexing actuator arms  72 , indexing actuator supports  74 , and indexing actuator mounting plate  76  for fixed attachment to a linear actuator (not shown). In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the linear actuator is a screw drive. When movement of the linear actuator moves indexing actuator linkage  70  in the direction indicated by arrow  78  (see FIG.  14 ), indexing actuator arms  72  push cassette holder  40  as illustrated in FIG.  13 . The configuration of indexing actuator arms  72  and indexing actuator supports  74  enable the linear actuator to remain outside load tank  28 . Referring again to FIG. 13, as the linear actuator moves cassette holder  40  in the direction indicated by arrow  78 , the exposed back ends  80  of disks  22  pass in front of spray post  82 . In preferred embodiments of the present invention, spray post  82  is a single post extending upward from the floor of load tank  28 . However, in alternative embodiments, spray post  82  may take on any number of configurations, including two separate posts. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 15, fluid enters spray post  82  from the bottom of spray post  82  and, in preferred embodiments, exits through multiple spray nozzles  84  located on spray post  82  on both sides of a plane  86 . Disks  22  to be pushed into substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14  must be located approximately on plane  86 . In preferred embodiments of the present invention, spray post  82  is located about 1.0″ from disk  22 , disk  22  is located about 0.25″ from substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14 , and spray nozzles  84  are angled at a 7.5° angle from disk  22  as indicated by reference character  88 . After a disk  22  is positioned along plane  86  by the linear actuator, fluid is rapidly forced out of spray nozzles  84 . The resulting jet of fluid contacts the sides of disk  22  and causes disk  22  to move into substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14  the direction indicated by arrow  90 . In preferred embodiments of the present invention, fluid flows from spray nozzles  84  for only about one or two seconds. After disk  22  has been loaded into substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14 , the linear actuator causes cassette  26  to be repositioned such that the next disk  22  lies along plane  86 , and the process is repeated until all disks  22  have been loaded. 
     In alternative embodiments of the present invention, a gate  148  may be employed which opens only when a disk  22  is being pushed into substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14 . Until gate  148  is opened, no fluid flows in substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14 . Once gate  148  is opened, the combination of fluid flow into substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14  and the jet flow from spray nozzles  84  induce disk  22  into substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14 . Once disk  22  is inside substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14 , gate  148  closes. Thus, gate  148  may reduce the amount of fluid needed to maintain an appropriate fluid level in load tank  28 . 
     As illustrated in FIG. 16, spray nozzles  84  may be positioned in pairs of columns, with one column in any pair of columns on each side of plane  86  (see FIG. 15) and an equal number of spray nozzles  84  in each column in any pair of columns. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, two columns of seven spray nozzles  84  each are employed, with the spray nozzles  84  in each column being separated by about 0.25″, the columns being separated by about 0.25″, and each spray nozzle having a diameter of about 0.020″. It should be noted that the dimensions given herein with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16 are interrelated and dependent on the size and positioning of the objects to be loaded, and therefore other combinations of dimensions may also adequately propel disk  22  into substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14 . 
     When all disks  22  have been loaded, empty cassette  26  and cassette holder  40  are positioned as shown in FIG.  17 . Cassette holder  40  and cassette  26  are then rotated back into an upright position as shown in FIG.  18 . Once cassette  26  is in an upright position, unload plunger  108  pushes cassette  26  back onto unload area  112  on cassette queuing shelf  38 . 
     Therefore, in embodiments of the present invention described above, after a single cassette  26  is placed into a load area, cassette  26  is automatically indexed until all disks  22  have been loaded into substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14 , and then cassette  26  is relocated to unload area  112 . However, in alternative embodiments described below, multiple cassettes  26  can be placed onto cassette queuing shelf  38 , and all cassettes  26  can be automatically indexed and relocated to queuing shelf  38 . 
     FIG. 19 illustrates a hydrodynamic load system  12  including a removable indexing rack  24  with a queuing drive belt  114  replacing a cassette queuing shelf according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Prior to the automated loading sequence, an operator loads first cassette  128  containing disks into first load area  132  and second cassette  130  containing disks into second load area  134 . In alternative embodiments, the loading of cassettes may be performed by robotics. When the automated loading process begins, first cassette  128  is pushed forward onto cassette holder  40  by first load plunger  136  as indicated by arrow  116 . Cassette holder  40  and first cassette  128  are then rotated into a load orientation by the rotating actuator linkage as indicated by arrow  118 . First cassette  128  is then indexed by the indexing actuator linkage as indicated by arrow  120 , with spray post  82  loading individual disks into substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14 . After first cassette  128  completes the indexing process, cassette holder  40  and first cassette  128  are rotated into an upright orientation by the rotating actuator linkage as indicated by arrow  122 . First cassette  128  is then pushed back onto second load area  134  by second unload plunger  138  as indicated by arrow  124 . In addition, at some time after first cassette  128  is pushed forward onto cassette holder  40  but before first cassette  128  is pushed back onto second load area  134 , second cassette  130  in second load area  134  is queued to first load area  132  by queuing drive belt  114  as indicated by arrow  126 . This automated indexing process then repeats for second cassette  130 . It should be noted that although the embodiment described above with respect to FIG. 19 describes and illustrates the indexing of only two cassettes, in other alternative embodiments hydrodynamic load system  12  may accept and index any number of cassettes. 
     FIG. 20 illustrates a hydrodynamic load system  12  including a removable indexing rack  24  without a queuing drive belt  114  according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. Prior to the automated loading sequence, an operator loads first cassette  128  containing disks  22  into first load area  132  and second cassette  130  containing disks  22  into second load area  134 . In alternative embodiments, the loading of cassettes may be performed by robotics. First cassette  128  is then pushed forward onto cassette holder  40  by first load plunger  136 , rotated into a horizontal orientation by the rotating actuator linkage, indexed and returned to the indexing start position by the indexing actuator linkage, rotated back into an upright orientation by the rotating actuator linkage, then pushed back into first load area  132  by first unload plunger  140 . This path for this sequence is indicated by arrow  142 . Cassette holder  40  is then re-positioned by the indexing actuator linkage to accept second cassette  130 , which is pushed forward onto cassette holder  40  by second load plunger  144 , rotated into a horizontal orientation by rotating actuator linkage  98 , indexed and returned to the indexing start position by the indexing actuator linkage, rotated back into an upright orientation by the rotating actuator linkage, then pushed back into second load area  134  by second unload plunger  138 . This path for this sequence is indicated by arrow  146 . 
     It should be noted that although the embodiment described above with respect to FIG. 20 describes and illustrates the indexing of only two cassettes, in other alternative embodiments hydrodynamic load system  12  may accept and index any number of cassettes. In such embodiments, multiple load and unload plungers may be employed, one pair for each load area, or one or more pairs of load and unload plungers, re-positionable using a mechanism similar to the indexing actuator linkage, may alternatively be employed. In addition, in any of the above-described embodiments employing a load and unload plunger pair, in alternative embodiments a plunger removably couplable to the cassette may be employed to both push and pull cassettes onto and off of the cassette holder. 
     FIG. 21 illustrates a hydrodynamic load system  12  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Note that load tank  28  is removable for ease of cleaning and maintenance. 
     Hydrodynamic unload system  20  (see FIG. 1) is similar to hydrodynamic load system  12 , and in preferred embodiments is identical. However, spray post  82  is not utilized in hydrodynamic unload system  20 , for disks  22  are forced out of a substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14  and into cassette  26  by forces within substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14 . 
     It should be noted that the hydrodynamic load and unload systems  12  and  20  described herein also allow process steps such as ultrasonic cleaning to be performed while cassettes  26  containing disks  22  are within the fluid bath of load tank  28 . In addition, although the hydrodynamic load and unload systems  12  and  20  described herein describe the loading of only one disk  22  at a time into substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute  14 , in alternative embodiments multiple disks  22  may be simultaneously loaded into multiple substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chutes  14 . 
     It should be noted that although the preceding discussion focused on the loading and unloading of disks  22  into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chutes  14 , embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the transport of recording disks. Objects capable of being loaded and unloaded may include, but are not limited to, magnetic recording media, semiconductor wafers, and glass, plastic, or metal articles. 
     Therefore, according to the foregoing description, preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for hydrodynamic loading and unloading of objects into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems to minimize frictional wear and damage to the object, minimize the chance of breakage of the object due to dropping or other mishandling, and minimize the introduction of contaminants. Embodiments of the invention also enable multiple objects to be loaded or unloaded into and out of substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport systems in an automated fashion to increase the speed and efficiency of the manufacturing process, and decrease costs. The speed, safety, and efficiency of the manufacturing process is also improved by utilizing cassettes containing multiple objects. Embodiments of the invention also enable process steps to be performed during the loading and unloading process. 
     The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.