Patent ID: 7913705
Filing Date: 2011-03-29
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for cleaning a polishing pad conditioner comprising a cleaning cup including a recessed area into which a polishing pad conditioner is lowered during cleaning, the cleaning cup formed to support a bath of cleaning fluid and the recessed area formed to include a high velocity spray outlet for directing a stream of cleaning fluid against the polishing pad conditioner, the high velocity spray outlet comprising at least one venturi water knife including a central spray slot in the form of a V-shaped channel region for inducing movement in the bath of cleaning fluid for directing a sheet of cleaning fluid against the polishing pad conditioner and a plurality of drains for directing the cleaning fluid into said central spray slot; and at least one vertical spray stem disposed adjacent to the cleaning cup, the at least one vertical spray stem including a plurality of separate spray jets for directing a plurality of separate streams of cleaning fluid against exposed surfaces of the polishing pad conditioner.