Abstract: A machine and method are provided for applying a solder paste to a solar cell or other semiconductor device. The machine comprises (1) a conveyor means having at least one cell-holding means for holding a photovoltaic solar cell, (2) drive means for moving the conveyor means stepwise so as to shift said cell-holding means in turn from a first cell loading position to a second cell pasting position and then to a cell unloading position, (3) selectively operable solder paste dispensing means for applying solder paste to a cell located at said second cell pasting position, (4) means for selectively operating said drive means and said paste dispensing means so as to (a) convey a cell from said loading position to said cell pasting position, (b) cause said paste-dispensing means to dispense solder paste onto a cell in said cell pasting position, and (c) convey the cell with the dispensed solder paste from said cell pasting position to said cell unloading position.

Abstract: A mechanism for stripping the tape carrying an electrical component to expose the component for removal from the tape. The cover strip is removed from the tape to expose the component and the tape is passed between guides that retain the component in the tape until removed therefrom.