Cassette pod stage equipped with locked guide pins

A cassette pod stage equipped with locked guide pins comprising:

• a cassette pod stage having a top surface, a bottom surface defining a first thickness therein-between, said cassette pod stage having at least one aperture therethrough, said aperture having a first diameter;
• at least one guide pin engaging said at least one aperture, said at least one guide pin further comprises:
• a top portion and a bottom portion with a skirt portion therein between;
• said top portion having a smooth, tapered top and a second diameter larger than a third diameter of said bottom portion, said third diameter of the bottom portion being smaller than said first diameter of said aperture, said skirt portion having a fourth diameter larger than said first diameter of said aperture;
• said bottom portion having a length larger than said first thickness of the cassette pod stage and is provided at least partially with a thread for engaging a locking nut;
• and
• at least one locking nut for threadingly engaging said thread on said bottom portion of said at least one guide pin.