Patent ID: 6176764
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
A polishing apparatus comprising:a chuck including:a body dimensioned to hold a work piece which is to be polished;a first force-bearing surface positioned on the body for movement relative thereto, the first surface having an undeflected position and being bi-directionally deflectable away from the undeflected position;a pressure chamber proximate the force-bearing surface and configured to develop regions of positive and negative pressure sufficient to deflect the force-bearing surface; anda deformable porous work piece-engaging member disposed adjacent the first force-bearing surface for receiving a work piece thereagainst, the work piece-engaging member being positioned for movement with the first force-bearing surface; anda platen, including:a second force bearing surface disposed to frictionally engage a workpiece mounted on the deformable porous work piece-engaging member; anda polishing pad disposed on the second force bearing surface, the polishing pad being configured to frictionally engage and abrade the work piece.