Coupling system for the transfer of a confined planar object from a containment pod to an object processing unit

In an apparatus for transferring a flat object arranged in a desired atmosphere in a confinement box to a processing apparatus for said object without substantially changing said atmosphere, said box having at least one wall with a first shutter mounted therein and said processing apparatus having at least a one wall with an opening therein, a coupling system comprising:

• a coupling member having at least two facing side walls, one of said side walls having a second shutter adapted to face said first shutter of said confinement box and said other side wall having a third shutter;
• mounting means for movably mounting said coupling member on said processing apparatus so that said third shutter closes said opening and maintains the atmosphere of said processing apparatus without change;
• means for moving said one of said side walls of said coupling member into contact with said one wall of said confinement box;
• interlocking means mounted on said first and second shutters so that said first and second shutter can be moved as a single unit without changing the atmosphere of said box or coupling member when said coupling member and said confinement box are in contact;
• and
• means for moving said interlocked first and second shutters and said third shutter simultaneously to permit transfer of said object from said confinement box through said coupling member into said processing apparatus without changing said desired atmosphere.