Patent ID: 6893505

Claim:
An apparatus for processing microelectronic workpieces, comprising: at least one processing station configured to apply material to a microelectronic workpiece, the at least one processing station having a vessel configured to receive an electrochemical processing fluid; a reservoir configured to carry the electrochemical processing fluid, the reservoir being in fluid communication with the vessel; and a valve coupled in fluid communication between the reservoir and the vessel to regulate a flow of the electrochemical processing fluid between the reservoir and the vessel, the valve including: a valve body having an entrance port coupled in fluid communication with the reservoir, an exit port coupled in fluid communication with the vessel, and a flow passage in fluid communication with the entrance port and the exit port, the valve body further having a pressure chamber with a pressure port coupleable to a source of pressurized fluid, with fluid communication between the flow passage and the pressure chamber being at least partially restricted; and a regulator movably disposed in the flow passage, the regulator having a first surface with a first projected area and a second surface with a second projected area facing opposite from the first projected area, the second projected area being larger than the first projected area, the first and second surfaces being positioned to be operatively coupled to the electrochemical processing fluid when the electrochemical processing fluid is in the flow passage, the regulator further having a third surface positioned to be operatively coupled to the pressurized fluid when the pressurized fluid is in the pressure chamber.