Patent ID: 7411655
Filing Date: 2008-08-12
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A load-lock apparatus having a housing configured to enclose a first space and to accommodate a substrate, said apparatus comprising: an exhaust pipe configured to exhaust a gas in the first space; a first gate valve provided in said housing and configured to openably close to separate the first space and a second space outside said housing; a second gate valve provided in said housing and configured to openably close to separate the first space and a third space outside said housing, pressure in the third space being lower than that in the second space; and a capacity changing system configured to move a first portion of said housing to change capacity of said housing, said capacity changing system being configured to change the capacity so that capacity of said housing when gas in the first space is exhausted through said exhaust pipe is smaller than capacity of said housing when the substrate is conveyed from the second space to the first space through said first gate valve.