Patent ID: 6583597
Filing Date: 2003-06-24
Classification: F16C,G03F,H01J

Abstract:
A stage apparatus for moving and positioning a stage within a guide plane, comprising:a support structure comprising first and second linear-motor stators; a stage; an arm member connected to the stage, the arm member having a first end extending from the stage in a first direction and a second end extending from the stage in a second direction opposite the first direction in a plane parallel to the guide plane; first and second sets of linear-motor movers arranged on the first and second ends, respectively, and configured to interact with the first and second linear-motor stators, respectively, so as to achieve motion, relative to the support structure, of the arm member and stage in the guide plane; and a guide bar connected to the stage, the guide bar having a first end extending from the stage in the first direction and a second end extending from the stage in the second direction, wherein each end of the guide bar comprises a respective bearing by which the guide bar slides relative to a respective surface on the support structure without contacting the support structure.