Patent ID: 6753945
Filing Date: 2004-06-22
Classification: G03F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for transferring one or more substrates or masks in a storage box to an apparatus for handling, processing or using the substrates or masks, the storage box being detachable from the apparatus and comprising a cover having an openable cover part, the method comprising:providing the storage box onto an openable wall part of a wall of an enclosed protective environment of the apparatus such that the openable cover part overlaps the openable wall part, the protective environment being adapted to be filled with an inert gas or to be evacuated; evacuating a space between the openable cover part and the openable wall part; opening the openable cover part and the openable wall part, whereby the cover forms part of the wall and an inside of the storage box becomes part of the protective environment; and transferring at least one of the substrates or masks from an inside space of the storage box to an inside space of the wall of the protective environment, or vice versa.