Abstract: A new apparatus and methods for automatically loading an article onto a printing surface of a printing machine, and preferably provide a completely reproducible placement of the textile on the printing machine. In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus includes a first support structure having a surface including a first area and a second area, and adapted to support at least one textile thereon. A second support structure is also provided proximate the second area of the first support structure, having a textile lifting mechanism and a textile transfer mechanism. The first support structure in one embodiment is a conveyor table having a primary textile indexing mechanism, such as a laser created line, a vertical stop, or a compact table with angled side edges. The indexing mechanism may be contoured to approximate a periphery of a portion of the textile. Supplemental or secondary indexing mechanisms may also be used, including lasers or the like.

Abstract: A contaminant remover for a screen printing operation using a multiple station printing machine having at least a first printing station is disclosed. The contaminant remover has a support arm attached to the first printing station of the printing machine, and a contaminant removal surface attached to the support arm. As a printing surface is automatically brought into printing alignment with the first printing station, the contaminant removal surface engages the printing surface and moves across the printing surface to remove contaminants which may undesirably block portions of the screen. The contaminant removal surface is preferably a plurality of removable roller brushes having an adhesive applied to their respective surfaces.