Abstract: An apparatus for chemically and mechanically planarizing a workpiece surface employs a polishing slurry and a microreplicated pad having a surface for planarizing the workpiece surface in the presence of the slurry. The surface of the microreplicated pad has a regular array of structures having a sharp distal apexes which contact the workpiece surface during planarization and which are subject to ablating during planarizing thereby becoming substantially blunt. The workpiece moves in a rotational, orbital or translational motion relative to the microreplicated pad.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical planarization process employs a microreplicated surface comprising a regular array of precisely shaped three-dimensional structures such as pyramids, cones, or cube-corners. In a preferred embodiment, asperities of the microreplicated surface employed in an advancing linear belt are allowed to ablate during processing, effectively resulting in a two-phase grinding/polishing operation that increases the material removal rate and increases workplace throughput.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a flexible comprises first and second elongated handles, each of the handles having at least an upper and a lower aperture defined therethrough, the apertures extending substantially transversely to the elongated handles. At least one central aperture is also defined in each of the first and second handles, the central aperture extending substantially transversely to the elongated handles and positioned between the upper and lower apertures. A loop of flexible element, extends through, and freely slidable within each of the apertures in each of the handles, wherein manipulation of the handles in conjunction with pressure applied to the loop of flexible element advances the element through the apertures to change the position of the flexible element relative to the handles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning and moving a flexible element is shown and described herein. The method includes the steps of providing a pair of elongated handles, each having a pair of apertures, providing a loop of flexible element threaded through the apertures, and advancing the elements through the apertures by moving the handles and tensioning various segments of the loop. The apparatus includes first and second elongated handles each having a pair of apertures, at least one of the handles including a cleat extending transversely to said handle, and a loop of flexible element threaded through the apertures and entrained around the cleat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning and moving a flexible element in space. The element is formed into a loop mounted on a pair of positioning handles. The loop, which may be a real or a virtual loop, is mounted on the two handles so as to be movable relative to the handles and to form a working segment of the element between corresponding one free end of the handles, each by one hand or both by the fingers (and thumb) of one hand, positions the working segment in space and manipulation of the loop moves the working segment relative to the handles. The apparatus and method find advantageous application in dental flossing devices, a laparoscopic surgical device or cutting or abrading devices, for example.

Abstract: A flossing apparatus and method of flossing. The flossing apparatus comprises a pair of separate and distinct flossing handles which are interconnected by a loop of dental floss. The loop is formed from a length of dental floss and includes a working segment of floss which interconnects corresponding free ends of the handles, a control segment which interconnects the handles at points displaced from the free ends, and a pair of side segments which run along corresponding handles between respective ends of the working and control segments. The handles are free to move on all axes relative to each other, restrained only by the dimensions of the loop. They are also free to move relative to the loop. The flossing handles are used by manipulating them separately to achieve any optimum working floss segment length and angular relationship between the handles for the particular flossing operation contemplated.