Patent ID: 6290584
Filing Date: 2001-09-18
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
A workpiece carrier for use with a workpiece polishing system, said workpiece carrier comprising:a carrier housing having an upper end and a lower end;a pressure element operatively associated with said carrier housing and being configured to hold a workpiece against a polishing surface during a polishing operation associated with said workpiece polishing system, wherein said pressure element substantially defines a plane; anda workpiece retaining assembly operatively associated with said carrier housing, wherein said workpiece retaining assembly comprises:a plurality of distinct retaining elements, each of said distinct retaining elements being capable of independent movement relative to one another, wherein said movement is in a direction substantially perpendicular to said plane; andmeans for biasing a position of said plurality of distinct retaining elements relative to said carrier housing, wherein said means for biasing comprises:a plurality of separate chambers formed within said carrier housing, each of said plurality of chambers being configured to communicate with at least one of said distinct retaining elements; anda fluid source for supplying said plurality of chambers with a pressurized fluid such that said pressurized fluid applies a downward force, relative to said upper end of said carrier housing, to said distinct retaining elements.