US Patent 7182680 Apparatus for conditioning processing pads

Embodiments of a flexible pad conditioner for conditioning a processing pad are provided. The pad conditioner includes an arc-shaped member having an abrasive bottom surface configured for conditioning the processing pad. Means are provided to apply a downward force as well as to oscillate the pad conditioner. Further means may be provided to vary the downward force along the length of the pad conditioner. In one embodiment, a plurality of actuators may be coupled to a top surface of the member and adapted to selectively provide an independently controllable force against the member to finely control the conditioning profile.