Patent ID: 6837964
Filing Date: 2005-01-04
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for supporting a web of polishing material, comprising: a platen assembly having a support surface; a web of polishing material having a first portion disposed across the support surface and a second portion wound on a first roll coupled to the platen assembly; a platen port disposed in the platen assembly and fluidly coupled to the support surface; a venturi having a vacuum port fluidly coupled to the platen port, a pressure supply port and an exit port, wherein fluid flowing between the pressure supply port and the exit port pulls fluid through the vacuum port; a valve fluidly coupled to the exit port, the valve having a first state that causes vacuum to be drawn through the vacuum port and a second state that causes flow from the vacuum port through the platen port; and a tensioning mechanism coupled to the platen assembly and adapted to tension the web of polishing material in response to a diameter of the second portion of the web of polishing material wound on the first roll.