Patent ID: 7001254

Claim:
A processing machine for processing microelectronic workpieces, comprising: a table; a processing pad coupled to the table, the processing pad comprising a planarizing medium having a contact surface defined by a plurality of microfeatures having bearing surfaces; a microelectronic workpiece support assembly having a head for holding a microelectronic workpiece and a drive mechanism connected to the head, the drive mechanism controlling the head to move the microelectronic workpiece with respect to the processing pad; a carrier assembly having a holder positionable over the processing pad; and an end-effector carried by the holder, the end-effector comprising a conditioning surface configured to engage the contact surface of the processing pad, and a plurality of microstructures on the conditioning surface, the microstructures being spatially arranged in a pattern corresponding to a desired pattern of microfeatures to be imparted on the contact pad, and the microstructures being raised elements projecting from the conditioning surface and/or depressions in the conditioning surface.