Patent ID: 6036583
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
An apparatus for use in substrate polishing, comprising:a conditioner head constructed to receive an end effector for conditioning a surface of a polishing pad;a support arm to support the conditioner head above the polishing pad surface to be conditioned; anda driver coupled between the conditioner head and the support arm, the driver includinga drive shaft coupled between the conditioner head and the support arm, the drive shaft being linearly actuatable toward and away from the polishing pad to be conditioned along a drive shaft axis that is substantially normal to the polishing pad surface to be conditioned,an interior cavity, anda fluid membrane sealing fluid within the interior cavity of the driver as the drive shaft is linearly actuated to apply an actuating force for extending and retracting the conditioner head toward and away from the polishing pad surface, whereby an end effector attached to the conditioner head can condition the surface of the polishing pad.