Method and apparatus for aligning phototools for photoprocessing of printed circuit boards
US5335405A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 1, 1993 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49998
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Phototools are located for processing both sides of printed circuit board panels by an apparatus and process that utilizes a work station with two alignment fixtures each including panel center registration PCR alignment mechanism to locate phototools and panels. Processing steps utilize the alignment fixtures to locate phototools on both sides of a panel. Each of the two phototools is initially positioned on its alignment fixture by the PCR alignment mechanism and secured to its alignment fixture by means of a vacuum supplied by a vacuum chuck which is operative as the top surface of the alignment fixture. The panel is then placed on top of the first phototool and aligned to the first phototool in the first alignment fixture using the PCR alignment mechanism. This first phototool is then affixed to the first side of the panel. The panel with the attached first phototool is then placed on the second phototool in the second alignment fixture and aligned to the second phototool using the PCR alignment mechanism. The second phototool is then affixed to the second side of the panel. The phototool-panel-phototool package is then placed in a printer for exposure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.