Patent ID: 7262524
Filing Date: 2007-08-28
Classification: B23Q,F16C

Abstract:
1. A stage apparatus comprising: a base having a guiding surface, wherein a magnetic portion is provided in a part of said guiding surface; a moving body capable of moving in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction along said guiding surface; a first movable guide, including a beam extending along the first direction, configured to guide said moving body in the first direction and to move said moving body in the second direction; a first magnet arranged on said first movable guide opposing said magnetic portion; means for defining an end of the magnetic portion that opposes said first magnet; and a first air bearing configured to apply a floating force to said first movable guide, wherein movement of said first movable guide in the first direction is limited by a magnetic attractive force between the magnetic portion and said first magnet, and said magnetic attractive force provides said first movable guide with a preload against said first air bearing, whose direction is opposite to the floating force.