Abstract: The invention concerns a locking device comprising a rigid base (2) and a deformable pocket (3) containing a granular material (13). Discharging means (4) are provided for gas exchange between the inside and the outside the deformable pocket (3).

Abstract: A lens layout block device comprising a seal feeding device that supplies an elastic seal to a seal sticking position (A5). The elastic seal is loaded in a tape loading part in the form of a seal tape covered by a mount and a protective sheet and wound in a roll shape and fed by driving a motor. The protective sheet is separated by a protective sheet separating mechanism. At the seal sticking position (A5), a sensor detects the leading edge of a positioning hole in the mount and stops the conveyance of the seal tape after the seal tape is fed from the detection position for a specified time. The stop position is determined as the reference sticking position of the elastic seal and a lens holder is pressed against the elastic seal from above. The mount is pulled down by the seal separating mechanism to separate the mount from the elastic seal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing ophthalmic lenses that uses plastic blanks in the form of flat, round discs. The outer edge of said plastic blanks is clamped and the desired final surface geometry and surface quality of the front faces of the lens are subsequently produced by a machining process using grinders and/or lathes and by smoothing and polishing processes. During machining, a thicker annular region is retained on the outer circumference of the workpiece. The annular region clamps or arranges the workpiece during machining and transport operations and stabilizes the lens for additional machining. Shaped pieces for identifying the machining axes are attached to the annular region. The lens is provided with fine markings to characterize the lens that has been produced, with the lens then being separated from the region.

Abstract: An automatic lens blocking apparatus having a tracer and a lensmeter therein, for adhering a block to a lens by using a robot arm, is disclosed. The automatic lens blocking apparatus comprises: a tracer for obtaining data on a shape of a glass frame and data on a center of the glass frame; a lensmeter for obtaining data on an optical center of a blank lens by measuring physical property of the blank lens; an image camera part for obtaining an image of a shape and a position of the blank lens; and a blocker (a) for determining a blocking position to which a block is adhered on the basis of (i) the data on the shape of the glass frame and the data on the center of the glass frame obtained from the tracer, (ii) the data on the optical center of the blank lens and physical property of the blank lens obtained from the lensmeter and (iii) the image of the shape and the position of the blank lens obtained from the image camera part, (b) for moving the block and (c) for adhering the block to the blank lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a block piece for holding an optical lens to be machined, with a coupling part for holding in a workpiece chuck and with a holding part for fastening the lens. The holding part has a convex or concave holding surface corresponding to a first side of the lens. The holding surface is, according to the shape of the lens to be held, provided in the form of a negative free-forming surface, and the block piece is made from a plastic that can be machined.

Abstract: A fixture for grinding machines includes a first base (10) and a second base (20). The first base has a first surface (12) which defines a first holding groove (11). The first base defines a plurality of first suction holes (13) on the first surface. The second base has a second surface (22) which defines a second holding groove (21) corresponding to the first holding groove. The second base defines a plurality of second suction holes (23) on the second surface.

Abstract: A fixture for grinding machines includes a first base (10), a second base (20) and a driving component (40). The first base defines a first working groove (11) therein. The second base defines a second working groove (12) corresponding to the first working groove therein. The driving component is able to slide in the first working groove, and the driving component cooperates with the first base and the second base to releasably hold workpieces.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for holding optical lenses (20) provided herein generally includes a holding member (100) and a cover member (200) coupling with the holding member. The holding member comprises a plurality of first through holes (110). Each of the plurality of the first through holes comprises a first portion (101) for receiving an optical lens (20) therein and a second portion (102) communicating with the first portion. A minimum breadth of the first portion is greater than a minimum breadth of the second portion. The cover member comprises a plurality of second through holes (201) corresponding to the first through holes of the holding member. The second through holes communicate with their corresponding first portions of the first through holes. A breadth of the second through holes is less than that of the first portions of the first through holes of the holding member.

Abstract: A lens blocking device is disclosed that includes a frame, a light source mounted on the frame, a carriage having a first end and a second end mounted on the frame for sliding movement between first and second positions, a first mirror mounted on the carriage first end and a lens block holder mounted on the carriage second end and shiftable between third and fourth positions with respect to the carriage, a stage disposed between the light source and the carriage, and including an opening, for supporting an object, an at least partially translucent screen generating a display image operably connected to the support frame, at least one second mirror arranged to reflect an image of an object on the stage from the first mirror, when the carriage is in the first position, onto the screen, and an actuator operably connected to the carriage.

Abstract: Equipment for capturing the contour, markings, bores, millings and etchings of an ophthalmic lens or a template lens for glasses. Equipment for capturing the contour, markings, bores, millings and etchings of an ophthalmic lens or a template lens for glasses comprising lighting means (11) that produce a beam of parallel rays of light that can produce a projection, image capturing linear means (15), a translucent support (3) arranged between lighting means (11) and capturing means (15), and control means that digitalize and process the projection obtaining a flat representation of the contour, markings, bores, millings and etchings. The lens or template lens are placed on translucent support (3) and a high quality projection of the lens or template lens is formed on support (3) without having to prepare the lens or template lens beforehand by painting it or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for cylindrically grinding workpieces includes a first holding tool (10), a second holding tool (12), and a grinding wheel (14). The first holding tool is configured for positioning un-ground workpieces (18), and the first holding tool defines a plurality of first grooves (104) for containing the un-ground workpieces to be partially ground. The second holding tool is configured for positioning the partially ground workpieces, and the second holding tool defines a plurality of second groove (124) for containing the partially ground workpieces. The grinding wheel defines a plurality of grinding grooves (142) for grinding the workpieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a plurality of lenses, including: a block having a mounting surface; a cavity defined in the block at the mounting surface; and a through hole defined in the block, the through hole being in communication with the cavity, wherein the mounting surface is configured for mounting of the lenses thereon whereby the lenses cooperatively substantially close the cavity at the mounting surface. Because of the cavity has a vacuum therein, the lenses can be retainable attached on the mounting surface by means of the vacuum.

Abstract: This apparatus includes a unit for adhering an elastic seal to a lens holder, a unit for causing the lens holder, to which the elastic seal is adhered, to hold a lens, a pivotal arm, an arm driving unit for pivoting the pivotal arm, a clamp unit attached to the pivotal arm to be vertically movable to hold the lens holder, and a clamp driving unit for vertically moving the clamp unit. The pivotal arm is pivoted to sequentially adhere the elastic seal to the lens holder and hold the lens by the lens holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing optical glasses. The glasses are polished and marked, following a shaping process. The polishing and marking steps are carried out in a common processing cell which comprises a polishing station, a washing station, and a marking station.

Abstract: A cup attaching apparatus for attaching a cup, used during processing of an eye glass lens, to the lens, the apparatus includes: a placing portion onto which the lens is placed; a holding portion for detachably holding the cup; a supporting portion for supporting the holding portion; a moving mechanism for moving the supporting portion in an optical axis direction of the placed lens; and a pressure regulating mechanism for preventing a cup attaching force from exceeding a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for cylindrically grinding workpieces includes a first holding tool (100) for positioning pre-grinding workpieces (60) and a second holding tool (200) for positioning partially ground workpieces (i.e. workpieces which have been ground on one side only). The first holding tool defines a first groove (12) for containing the pre-grinding workpieces to be partially ground and the second bonding defines a second groove (22) for containing the partially ground workpieces. A stopping board (23) connects one side of the second groove, and the stopping board has a projection (231) for transferring the partially ground workpieces from the first groove to the second groove. The present invention also provides a process for cylindrically grinding workpieces.

Abstract: A tool for gripping ophthalmic lenses including a vacuum gripper, a shaft associated with said vacuum gripper, the shaft having two ends and being slidably attached at one end thereof to a support structure, a resilient member which biases the vacuum gripper in a direction away from said support structure and a locking member which locks the shaft in a desired position during a lens gripping operation. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a lens hold down mechanism for holding lenses in a lens tray. Another embodiment of the present invention includes an electronic communications scheme for a robotic manufacturing operation. Another embodiment of the present invention includes an ophthalmic lens manufacturing cell layout wherein ophthalmic edging machines have an opening that faces away from a robotic arm. Another embodiment of the present invention includes an arrangement for holding an ophthalmic edging machine within an ophthalmic manufacturing cell.

Abstract: A polishing jig for mounting a working object lens on a polishing apparatus that polishes the concave surface of the working object lens, a conveyor tray for exclusive use for conveying the polishing jig, and a conveying method and a conveying apparatus for conveying the polishing jig or the like with the working object lens held thereon to a working apparatus such as the polishing apparatus. The polishing jig (1) includes a mounting potion (2) to be mounted on a chuck of a polishing apparatus, a ring-shaped closely contacting portion (3) for closely contacting with a convex surface (11) of a working object lens (10), and a filling gap portion (4) having an opening at the closely contacting portion for being filled with adhesive substance (7) which adheres to the convex surface of the working object lens closely contacted by the closely contacting portion to hold the working object lens.

Abstract: There is disclosed a block piece for holding an optical workpiece, in particular a spectacle lens, for machining thereof, which block piece comprises a basic body which has an end face, against which the workpiece can be blocked by means of a temporarily deformable material, and a clamping face via which the workpiece blocked on the basic body can be fixed on a spindle of a machining machine. According to the invention, the basic body is injection-molded from plastic and is provided on its end face with at least two cut-outs for receiving the temporarily deformable material, said cut-outs being arranged on either side of an imaginary plane which contains the central axis of the basic body, and the boundary face of said cut-outs which is closest to the central axis of the basic body in each case forms an undercut.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for polishing end faces of optical fibers, comprising a main body with fixing grooves; a fixing rod is accepted in each fixing groove; the upper end of the fixing rod is combined with the supporting stand; the bottom of the fixing rod has diametrically protruding engaging portion to allow the fixing rod not to be contacted with the fixing groove except at the engaging portion; the fixing groove is indented below the main body to cause a contact face of the bottom of the fixing rod and the fixing groove is on a same plane with a contact face of the polished end faces of optical fibers and a polishing surface to allow a same polished shape to be obtained at a same batch work of the polished end faces. Whereby, the polishing speed and quality can be enhanced.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the invention provides a blocking apparatus and a blocking method for precisely aligning a button holder against a block during blocking process of lens manufacturing. According to another aspect, the invention provides an adjustable offset that enables pivotal movement of a button holder for precision alignment. According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a button holder that may flexibly float on a seat stage of a blocking apparatus, where the button holder may include a mechanism to self-align on the seat stage after a block of the blocking apparatus interfaces with the button holder.

Abstract: A curved surface cutting method in which a surface of a material is cut by a bite to form a specified curved surface, a cutting edge of the bite is provided with a flat section and corner sections at both ends of the flat section; the posture of the cutting edge of the bite is adjusted such that a ridge line along the flat section of the cutting edge of the bite is in parallel with a tangent drawn at the curved surface; and the surface of the material is cut with the cutting edge of the bite retained in the posture while feeding the cutting edge in a predetermined feeding direction, thereby forming a first band-like cut surface having a width corresponding to the width of the cutting edge of the bite.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the invention provides a blocking apparatus and a blocking method for precisely aligning a button holder against a block during blocking process of lens manufacturing. According to another aspect, the invention provides a blocking apparatus a blocking method for automatically applying a wax material on a button. In one embodiment, the blocking apparatus includes an automatic wax delivery system having an automatic retractable dispensing nozzles for wax delivery.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing system having a wafer carrier assembly is provided. The wafer carrier assembly includes a wafer carrier support frame, a wafer carrier head housing rotable mounted on the wafer carrier support frame, with a base including a bladder bellows operating connecting the wafer carrier base to the wafer carrier head housing such that rotational torque is transferred from the wafer carrier head housing to the wafer carrier base. Further provided is a retaining ring, operatively connected to a retaining ring bearing which allows relative axial motion while constraining relative radial motion between the retaining ring and the wafer carrier head housing; and a retaining ring bellows, operatively connecting the retaining ring bearing to urge the retaining ring against a polishing member.

Abstract: A holder for an optical fiber ferrule end face grinding apparatus is provided which can grind an increased number of optical fiber ferrules simultaneously. The holder comprises a holder plate provided with a plurality of ferrule insertion holes, a seat extending to at least one insertion hole and having a first wall, and a second wall on a side of the insertion hole opposing the seat. A slidable holding member including a front face facing the second wall, and an inclined rear face is disposed on the seat. A depression member is mounted on the holder plate that presses downwardly on a rod member disposed on the inclined rear face. As the depression member is operated, the rod member is pressed downwardly along the first wall, and the holding member is pushed forward such that a ferrule is clamped between the front face and the second wall.

Abstract: A method of blocking ophthalmic lenses for edging comprises providing an ophthalmic lens having first and second surfaces, providing a first block for securing against the first lens surface and a second block for securing against the second lens surface. The method then includes placing an adhesive layer on the first block, placing a film having cling properties between the adhesive layer and the first lens surface, and urging the first block toward the first lens surface and the second block toward the second lens surface. The film having cling properties provides sufficient bonding force between the adhesive layer and the first lens surface to prevent the ophthalmic lens from slipping in the blocks during edging thereof.

Abstract: A lens layout block device comprising a seal feeding device that supplies an elastic seal to a seal sticking position (A5). The elastic seal is loaded in a tape loading part in the form of a seal tape covered by a mount and a protective sheet and wound in a roll shape and fed by driving a motor. The protective sheet is separated by a protective sheet separating mechanism. At the seal sticking position (A5), a sensor detects the leading edge of a positioning hole in the mount and stops the conveyance of the seal tape after the seal tape is fed from the detection position for a specified time. The stop position is determined as the reference sticking position of the elastic seal and a lens holder is pressed against the elastic seal from above. The mount is pulled down by the seal separating mechanism to separate the mount from the elastic seal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward carrier assemblies, planarizing machines with carrier assemblies, and methods for mechanical and/or chemical-mechanical planarization of micro-device workpieces. In one embodiment, a carrier assembly for holding a microelectronic workpiece comprises a head, a backing assembly in the head, and a barrier. The head includes a chamber, a pneumatic line in fluid communication with the chamber through which a pneumatic fluid passes, and a retaining member defining a perimeter portion of a workpiece cavity. The backing assembly is positioned in the head, and the backing assembly can include a plate in the chamber and a diaphragm on one side of the plate. The diaphragm defines a backside portion of the workpiece cavity. The barrier is positioned in the chamber and/or the pneumatic line. The barrier is configured to inhibit contaminants from back-flowing into at least a portion of the pneumatic line.

Abstract: A polishing system is provided which includes an o-ring adapted to couple a carrier ring to a carrier plate. In some embodiments, one component may include a groove with which to receive the o-ring and the other component may be substantially absent of a groove adapted to receive an o-ring. Alternatively, both components may include a groove with which to receive the o-ring. Consequently, a semiconductor polishing system component comprising a notch adapted to receive an o-ring is also provided herein. In particular, the semiconductor polishing system component may be adapted to couple to another semiconductor polishing system component by use of the o-ring. In addition, a method for assembling a semiconductor polishing system is contemplated herein, which includes positioning a first component of the semiconductor polishing system against a portion of an o-ring protruding from a groove arranged within a second component of the semiconductor polishing system.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supporting semiconductor wafer in a wafer processing system. The apparatus comprises at least two wafer support assemblies, defining respectively at least two wafer support levels and being mounted between opposing support beams; one or more supporting bases connected to or integral with each of the wafer support assemblies; and a motion unit coupled to the support beams.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward carrier assemblies, planarizing machines with carrier assemblies, and methods for mechanical and/or chemical-mechanical planarization of micro-device workpieces. In one embodiment, a carrier assembly for holding a microelectronic workpiece comprises a head, a backing assembly in the head, and a barrier. The head includes a chamber, a pneumatic line in fluid communication with the chamber through which a pneumatic fluid passes, and a retaining member defining a perimeter portion of a workpiece cavity. The backing assembly is positioned in the head, and the backing assembly can include a plate in the chamber and a diaphragm on one side of the plate. The diaphragm defines a backside portion of the workpiece cavity. The barrier is positioned in the chamber and/or the pneumatic line. The barrier is configured to inhibit contaminants from back-flowing into at least a portion of the pneumatic line.

Abstract: A part-holding fixture is adapted for rotation about a work spindle axis and includes a mounting land that seals a back surface of an optical flat for securing the optical flat to the part-holding fixture and that inclines the back surface of the optical flat through a wedge angle for grinding wedged optical flats at repeatable wedge angles.

Abstract: Retaining device (1) for a block or suction element (10) in a centering device for spectacle lenses, having a support, which has a longitudinal axis (2), having a spherically dome-shaped bearing surface (3) on the support, having a spherical dome (5), which is mounted cardanically on the support and is complementary to the bearing surface, having a holding element (6) in the spherical dome for the block or suction element with a contact surface (11) for the spectacle lens, and having a radius (R) of the bearing surface and of the spherical dome, the mid-point (M) of which is located on the longitudinal axis of the support (1) on the contact surface for the spectacle lens.

Abstract: A method of lathing a lens, especially a contact lens, involves attaching the cylindrical blank of lens material to a first block of machineable plastic material, lathe cutting a desired first lens surface in the cylindrical blank, attaching the machined first lens surface of the blank to a second block, lathe cutting to remove the block of machineable plastic material, and lathe cutting a desired second lens surface in the blank. Both the first and second blocks may be adhered to the lens blank with an adhesive curable by ultraviolet radiation, and a two-piece block, composed of a head section and a body section, is disclosed.

Abstract: A polishing head and a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus having the polishing head including a plate having vacuum holes for transferring vacuum pumping force; a porous film having holes corresponding to the vacuum holes and attached to a lower surface of the plate; a retainer ring attached to the lower surface of the plate at an edge portion thereof and having a sloped surface; a clamp ring attached to the lower surface of the plate adjacent the retainer ring for clamping the retainer ring; an adjusting ring having a sloped surface parallel and in contact with the sloped surface of the retainer ring, the adjusting ring being installed between the retainer ring and the plate; and a diameter adjusting device for adjusting a diameter of the adjusting ring by moving the adjusting ring along the sloped surface of the retainer ring, thereby adjusting a height of the retainer ring.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for assembling a polishing while inspecting for air leakage in the polishing head and an apparatus for performing the same. By the present invention, a polishing head may be tested for air leakage at each assembly step thereof, so that the polishing head may be assembled free of air leakage, thereby reducing testing time of the polishing head, and failure of the polishing head due to air leakage may be prevented. The apparatus includes a housing supporting the polishing head and having coupling lines coupled with ends of tubes provided in the assembled polishing head, or the polishing head being assembled. A pneumatic pressure regulating section selectively supplies positive pressure or vacuum to the tubes through the coupling lines. A sensor section detects the pressure and level of vacuum in the tubes. A determining section determines if there is air leakage in the polishing head.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a block including a block base configured to support a lens for surfacing or finishing, a cover retained to the base, and a formable material disposed between the base and the cover. Further disclosed herein is a system for blocking a lens including a block base configured to support a lens for processing, a cover retained to the base, a formable material disposed between the base and the cover, and a receptacle configured to receive the base to heat and cool the base. Further disclosed herein is a method for blocking a lens includes heating a block to render the formable material pliable, applying a lens to the block, and cooling the block to render the material non-pliable. A method for blocking a lens includes rendering a formable material of a block pliable, deforming the material with a lens, rendering the formable material non-pliable and causing a vacuum between the formable material and the lens to hold the lens to the block.

Abstract: The invention is an endface polishing method and an endface polishing apparatus improving polishing accuracy of an optical fiber and making polishing time and polishing work shorten. Polishing is performed making a boundary line center axis while observing the boundary line of brightness and darkness formed at outer circumference face of an optical fiber by irradiating substantial parallel light from the predetermined direction crossing at the right angle to the axis of the optical fiber in an endface polishing method polishing a tip end of the optical fiber held by a jig by a polishing member attached at a polishing disk in an apparatus providing the polishing disk supported by a main body of the apparatus and the jig holding the optical fiber.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device having a front surface where circuits are formed and a back surface, a hemispherical solid immersion lens is formed at the back surface of the semiconductor device in a body with the semiconductor device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protecting the edge geometry of an intraocular lens during polishing are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a protective device having a cavity configured to receive the lens and an annular peripheral portion for surrounding and protecting at least one edge corner of the lens. In one embodiment, the peripheral portion has a constant inner diameter and receives the lens in an interference fit. In another embodiment, the lens is trapped between flanges which extend radially inwardly from the peripheral portion. A lens that is encased in the protective device will have a polished central portion and an unpolished peripheral portion after the polishing process has been completed and the protective device has been removed.

Abstract: A retainer for retaining an abrasive pad on a lens making machine and an abrasive pad adapted to such retention comprises a retainer nestable with a lap of a lens making machine wherein when such retainer is nested, a pad placed upon said lap before nesting will be trapped in the desired position. The pad of the invention includes radially outwardly extending members beyond the working area of the pad whose purpose is to be trapped by the retainer. The invention enables automatic loading and unloading of pads on the lens making machine.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securing and clamping optical lenses requiring edge-machining, in particular spectacle lenses, which exhibits improved handling and which is optimised from the point of view of virtually backlash-free rotary drive of the optical lens. Elements located between two holding shafts, in particular a clamping assembly, a securing member with securing member adapter and an adhesive connection between securing member and optical lens are specially designed for this purpose.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protecting the edge geometry of an intraocular lens during polishing are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a protective device having a cavity configured to receive the lens and an annular peripheral portion for surrounding and protecting at least one edge corner of the lens. In one embodiment, the peripheral portion has a constant inner diameter and receives the lens in an interference fit. In another embodiment, the lens is trapped between flanges which extend radially inwardly from the peripheral portion. A lens that is encased in the protective device will have a polished central portion and an unpolished peripheral portion after the polishing process has been completed and the protective device has been removed.

Abstract: A process of dry polishing molded or lathe cut intraocular lenses or like medical devices to removing flash, sharp edges and/or surface irregularities therefrom. The process includes gas and/or rotational tumbling of the intraocular lenses or like medical devices in a dry polishing media. The process is suitable for single piece and multipiece intraocular lenses of varying composition.

Abstract: A work piece carrier head can carry a semiconductor wafer during both plating and polishing operations. The carrier head includes a first component secured to a shaft by which the carrier head can be rotated, translated, and moved up and down, a second component connected to the first component and movable by fluid pressure relative to the first component between retracted and extended positions, and a third component connected to the first and second components for up and down movement between wafer loading or unloading and wafer plating or polishing positions. The third carrier head component includes a contact element by which electrical contact with the wafer is provided to permit wafer plating.

Abstract: This apparatus includes a unit for adhering an elastic seal to a lens holder, a unit for causing the lens holder, to which the elastic seal is adhered, to hold a lens, a pivotal arm, an arm driving unit for pivoting the pivotal arm, a clamp unit attached to the pivotal arm to be vertically movable to hold the lens holder, and a clamp driving unit for vertically moving the clamp unit. The pivotal arm is pivoted to sequentially adhere the elastic seal to the lens holder and hold the lens by the lens holder.

Abstract: An end face polishing apparatus has a jig plate for supporting at least one workpiece having an end face and a polishing member for polishing the end face of the workpiece. A support mechanism supports the jig plate to undergo movement in a direction toward the polishing member to bring the end face of the workpiece into pressure contact with the polishing member solely under the weight of the jig plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polishing head, for use with a polishing apparatus. In one embodiment, the polishing head includes a carrier head assembly, and a retaining ring having a surface positionable adjacent a polishing pad and couplable to the carrier head assembly and configured to retain a semiconductor wafer therein, the retaining ring having a slurry conduit located therethrough to provide a flow of slurry to the polishing pad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding and delayering a die include an outer member (10) that receives an inner member (20), and a set screw (25) and set screw hole (12) for securing the position of the inner member (20) within the outer member (10). A die (50) is attached to the inner member (20), and the apparatus is then used to apply the die (50) to an abrasive disk (200) which is attached to a rotatable wheel (300) and is delayered by progressive abrading. The outer member (10) provides stability and precision to the delayering operation. The inner member (20) provides portability and control to the delayering operation.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical head includes a retaining ring to maintain a substrate beneath the mounting surface during polishing. The retaining ring has a lower portion with a bottom surface for contacting a polishing pad during polishing and made of a first material, such as plastic, and an upper portion made of a second, different material, such as metal.