Patent ID: 6967166
Filing Date: 2005-11-22
Classification: B24B,C25D,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of monitoring force applied to a top conductive surface of a workpiece during an electrotreatment process that operates upon the conductive surface using an electro treatment solution, the method comprising the steps of: performing an electrotreatment process on the conductive surface using a potential difference created between the conductive surface and an electrode during at least a portion of the electrotreatment process and the electro treatment solution disposed between a workpiece surface influencing device and the conductive surface of the workpiece, the electrotreatment process including maintaining relative motion between the workpiece surface influencing device and the conductive surface of the workpiece in the presence of physical contact between the workpiece surface influencing device and the conductive surface of the workpiece, whereby the relative motion in the presence of the physical contact cause the force between the workpiece surface influencing device and the conductive surface of the workpiece; and monitoring a signal obtained that corresponds to a torque value of a motor that is used to maintain the relative motion in the presence of the physical contact during the electro treatment process.