Abstract: A solder printing apparatus (40) for use within a solder printer (34) includes a vision and alignment mechanism (44), a steering mechanism (46), a vacuum conveyer (48), and a tension roller assembly (42). The vision and alignment mechanism (44) controls the position of the flexible tape (10) and sends a signal to the steering mechanism (46). The steering mechanism (46) adjusts the position of the flexible tape (10) in response to receiving the signal from the vision and alignment mechanism (44). The vacuum conveyer (48) holds and advances the flexible tape (10). The tension roller assembly (42) maintains tension in the flexible tape (10).

Abstract: An apparatus (400) used for indexing and affixing components to a substrate includes a vacuum conveyor and a controller (816) for controlling operation of the apparatus (400). The conveyor includes pallets (102), first and second tracks (414, 416), first and second motors (502, 503), a vacuum source, a plenum (110), and first and second elevators (404, 405). The pallets carry the substrate, while the first and second tracks guide the pallets. The first motor is used for driving a pallet in a first direction on the first track, while the second motor is used for driving a pallet in a direction opposite to the first direction on the second track. The plenum is coupled to the vacuum source and at least one pallet for applying adhering forces to the substrate. The first and second elevators are used for transferring a pallet between the first and second tracks.

Abstract: An apparatus (400) enclosing a portion of a substrate (401) is used for affixing at least one component to a corresponding circuit of the substrate when a manufacturing line (800) ceases to operate. The apparatus includes a conveyor (400), heating elements (102), and a controller (816) for controlling operation of the apparatus (400). The conveyor is used for indexing the substrate periodically through the apparatus. The heating elements are used for dividing the portion of the substrate enclosed by the apparatus into controllable temperature zones (902). The controller is adapted to cause each of the plurality of heating elements to dynamically adjust the temperature of each of the controllable temperature zones upon the indexing process of the manufacturing line (800) ceasing to operate, until at least one component of each circuit enclosed by the apparatus has been adequately affixed to its corresponding circuit.