Patent ID: 7210989

Claim:
A planarizing machine, comprising: a table having a support surface; a processing pad on the support surface; a carrier assembly having a head configured to hold a microelectronic workpiece and a drive assembly carrying the head relative to the support surface; a solution dispenser separate from the head, the solution dispenser being configured to discharge a planarizing solution onto a plurality of locations on the pad, wherein the solution dispenser comprises an elongated support over the pad at a location spaced apart from a travel path of the head, a fluid passageway carried by the support through which a planarizing solution can flow, and an elongated distributor slot along at least a portion of the support; and a valve having an elongated valve slot movable between an open position and a closed position, in the open position the valve slot being aligned with the distributor slot so that the distributor slot is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway to create an elongated flow of planarizing solution and in the closed position the valve slot being positioned away from the distributor slot so that planarizing solution cannot flow through the distributor slot.