Patent ID: 6846222
Filing Date: 2005-01-25
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for processing a workpiece, comprising: a base having a plurality of ports extending therethrough and a plurality of flexible membranes, each of the ports being sealed on one end with a respective one of the flexible membranes, and each of the ports being independently pressurized for selectively expanding and retracting the flexible membranes; a flexible platform mounted to the base such that the plurality of flexible membranes are covered by the flexible platform, the flexible platform being adapted to support the workpiece such that the workpiece is aligned with the plurality of flexible membranes, and pressure in the ports substantially restrains the workpiece from movement in a direction normal to the workpiece; and an electrical circuit mounted to the base and adapted to be electrically interconnected with the workpiece when the workpiece is mounted to the flexible platform, such that a physical characteristic of the workpiece is ascertained by the electrical circuit to selectively adjust a pressure in each one of the ports and thereby manipulate and differentiate respective ones of the flexible membranes to process the workpiece with respect to the physical characteristic.