Abstract: Apparatus and a method for assembling a stack having a precise height from a plurality of individual laminates having varying thicknesses are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises seven colinearly aligned dispensing stations for storing a stack of laminates and for dispensing a predetermined number of laminates from the first six stations and a variable number of laminates in the last seventh station; three walking beam assemblies for transporting the plates between the dispensing stations, and a means for controlling the number of laminates dispensed by the last, seventh dispensing station. The controlling means comprises a vertically extending engaging block resiliently mounted on the third walking beam for engaging the laminates to be dispensed and a resiliently mounted cut-off blade depending into and varying the height of a slot located at the bottom of the stored stack of laminates in the last dispensing station.

Abstract: An apparatus for silk screen printing of circuit boards is provided which comprises a motor driven shaft having three cams keyed thereto which control the positioning of a silk screen and the movement of a squeegee. The latter is controlled relative to the screen so that the squeegee makes forward and return printing movements over the screen so as to print two circuit boards per shaft revolution. Two of the aforementioned cams respectively drive first and second slide members. The second slide carries the squeegee and is mounted on the first slide at right angles thereto. The first and second slides cooperate so as to cause the movement of the squeegee to describe a pattern roughly in the shape of a figure eight as the squeegee comes into printing engagement with the screen and then is lifted over and behind the inking compound at the end of both the forward and return printing strokes.