Abstract: An implantable tissue marker device is provided to be placed in a soft tissue site through a surgical incision. The device can include a bioabsorbable body in the form of a spiral and defining a spheroid shape for the device, the spiral having a longitudinal axis, and turns of the spiral being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of markers can be disposed on the body, the markers being visualizable by a radiographic imaging device. The turns of the spiral are sufficiently spaced apart to form gaps that allow soft tissue to infiltrate between the turns and to allow flexibility in the device along the longitudinal axis in the manner of a spring.

Abstract: The invention provides a unitary retaining ring for use in a CMP apparatus. The retaining ring features a pad engaging surface which is designed to be flat and planar when the retaining ring is mounted to a carrier of the CMP apparatus. The pad engaging surface includes portions which surround the wafer and contact a pad and slurry on the CMP apparatus. A plurality of mounting features are provided along a carrier engaging surface of the ring. The mounting features are installed to cause localized compressive stresses in the material when in a demounted state. Upon mounting to a carrier of the CMP apparatus under specified torque or force conditions, tensile stresses are applied to the material of the ring resulting in a flat and planar mounted front surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a unitary retaining ring for use in a CMP apparatus. The retaining ring features a pad engaging surface which is designed to be flat and planar when the retaining ring is mounted to a carrier of the CMP apparatus. The pad engaging surface includes portions which surround the wafer and contact a pad and slurry on the CMP apparatus. A plurality of mounting features are provided along a carrier engaging surface of the ring. The mounting features are installed to cause localized compressive stresses in the material when in a demounted state. Upon mounting to a carrier of the CMP apparatus under specified torque or force conditions, tensile stresses are applied to the material of the ring resulting in a flat and planar mounted front surface.