Abstract: A device for coating a plate has an open channel being open in an upward direction and a device for supplying a liquid to the open channel. The liquid in the open channel forms an convexly curved portion projecting upwardly from the open channel. A device for transporting a plate at a close distance past the open channel is provided, with which a surface to be coated of the plate facing the convexly curved portion of the liquid is guided such that a thin film of the liquid is deposited on the surface to be coated by adhesion effects. Another device for lacquering or coating plates or disks has a capillary slot that is filled with a liquid coating medium. The plate to be coated is advanced across the capillary slot with the surface to be coated facing downwardly so that due to the capillary effect a thin layer is deposited on the surface of the plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rigid mask intended for the deposition, spreading and incubation of one or several liquids on a gel (of total surface Sg) according to one or several well-defined zones of the gel, hereafter designated by "incubation surface Si", this mask comprising:an upper surface which is in particular flat and a lower surface which is in particular flat, in particular substantially parallel to each other,at least one orifice intended to permit deposition and spreading of the liquid on the incubation surface Si of the gel, andat least one slit crossing the mask over the whole of its thickness and intended to permit withdrawal of the excess of liquid present on the incubation surface Si of the gel,the lower surface of the mask being intended to be deposited in proximity to the surface Sg of the gel, under conditions such that the lower surface of the mask is not in contact with the incubation surface Si.

Abstract: Apparatus for dyeing tissues sampled from a living body for the purpose of observing immunoreaction of the tissues has a dyeing tray with a plurality of plateaus arranged in parallel disposition. A slide is so placed over each plateau that a wedge-shaped gap of capillary dimension is formed between the plateau and the undersurface of the slide to which a sampled tissue is attached. A liquid drip surface and a liquid discharge port are formed at one end of the top surface of each plateau. A liquid delivery port is formed on a side wall of the tray so as to communicate with the liquid discharge port. The liquid delivery port and the drip surface are always exposed. A dyeing liquid or a rinsing liquid is dripped onto the exposed drip surface and spreads into the gap for dyeing the tissue or rinse the relevant parts. After the dyeing or rinsing, the used liquid is sucked and discharged by way of the liquid delivery port.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of solder-plating only on lead-regions of a lead-frame carrying a multiplicity of electronic parts or components. It comprises a block made of a heat-resistant and solder-wettable metal immersed in a bath of molten solder. The block is provided with a horizontal path for the lead-frame at a plane sufficiently above a level of said molten solder, and a plurality of vertical conduits, extending from the bottom of the block, open at the horizontal path. The conduits are capable of replenishing the molten solder on a plateau provided on a lower inside face of the path by capillary action. The lead-regions of lead-frame which travels through the path contacts with the molten solder on the plateau.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a thin layer of a coating material (2) to a web of material (4) passing over a counter-pressure roller (3), with a slot nozzle device (1) includes a vertical nozzle box (5) with an upper nozzle slot (7) between inlet (8) and outlet (9) nozzle lips and a laterally mounted storage tank (6) for coating material (2). In order to keep the layer thickness the same and without coating flaws and thickened edges according to the operating speed and fluctuations in thickness of the web of material (4), the storage tank (6) is mounted on the nozzle box (5) in such a way that the liquid level of the coating material (2) in the storage tank (6) and in the nozzle box (5) is essentially the same. Furthermore, appropriately in the nozzle box (5) is provided a driven continuous conveyor roller (10) mounted eccentrically in a roller chamber (11) in the path of the coating material ( 2).

Abstract: Device to apply paraffin oil or like onto the surface of textile threads, so as to make them smoother and facilitate weaving thereof. The device includes: at least one container or vessel for a paraffin oil, closed by a cover; at least one rove or felt strip having at least one vertical length with the lower end plunged into the oil of the container and one length, usually horizontal, positioned beneath the cover of the container; and a distributing head, positioned beneath the cover of the container and above the path of the thread, and consisting of a filtering membrane, on the surface of which rests the rove, and of a member pressing the rove onto said membrane, the path of the thread being such that it laps from underneath the outer surface of said membrane.

Abstract: A device for uniform and discretely controlled deposition of small quantities of viscous material at each of a succession of locations on a surface according to a digital X-Y-Z program. A particular application is for deposition of a viscous solder flux or slurry of very small solder particles in such a flux material, through a small (needle) orifice. A pumping valve is driven, typically by pneumatic pressure, during the brief dwell time of the needle at each programmed X, Y location, on an electronic circuit board or the like. A mechanical contact member is provided for automatically optimizing the needle orifice height (Z dimension) over each programmed location irrespective of irregularities or curvature of the plane of the circuit board. In an optional embodiment spaced needle orifices provide contemporaneous deposition of the viscous material. Rotating apparatus is provided for selecting the orientation of the needle orifices in the place of the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for premetered "patch" coating discrete, incremental surfaces or substrates, such as printed circuit boards, integrated circuits and the like, with a pre-configured layer of a liquid in which a controlled volume per unit area of the liquid is applied to the substrate are disclosed. The liquid is dispensed from an applicator slot that is fluidly coupled to a liquid containing chamber. The volume of the liquid in the liquid containing chamber is varied in order to (1) sharply and distinctly start the coating "patch" by producing a pulse of liquid that flows out of the applicator slot to form a connecting bead of liquid coating on the coating surface and (2) sharply and distinctly terminate the coating "patch" by removing the bead of liquid connecting the applicator slot with the coated surface. The width of the coated "patch" is determined by the length of the applicator slot.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are disclosed for growing tubular crystalline bodies according to the Edge defined, Film-Fed Growth (EPG) process, wherein the apparatus has at least one exterior passage (240) and at least oen interior passage (245) formed in its crucible die assembly (200) and associated parts, whereby gases introduced into at least one exterior passage (725) will be delivered to the zone located outside the growing crystalline body (900) (i.e. the "exterior" zone ) adjacent to the growth face on the die member (215), and gases introduced into at least one interior passage (720) will be delivered to the zone located inside of the hollow crystalline body (i.e. the "interior" zone) adjacent to the growth face on the die member, whereby the atmosphere in each of the zones may be separately controlled.

Abstract: A new method for solder finishing the leads of an integrated circuit package such as a DIP having two parallel rows of leads along the sides of the package. The method contemplates establishing two vertical columns of falling molten solder and spacing the columns apart a distance substantially the width of the package. The package is passed between the vertical columns of falling molten solder immersing the two parallel rows of leads along the sides of the package in the respective columns of molten solder, washing the leads and depositing a finishing layer of solder over the surfaces of the leads. The method further contemplates directing hot nonreacting gas over the leads of the package as the package passes from the columns thereby eliminating excess solder and bridging of solder between the leads. A monorail track system and a new solder bridge for implementing the method are described. The invention may be applied for column fluxing as well as for other column liquid treatments.

Abstract: Finish liquid is applied to a bundle of running filamentary material by running the bundle of filamentary material in monolayer form through a passage and conducting finish liquid under pressure through at least two side-by-side capillaries each having a diameter less than 0.06 inches. The finish liquid is discharged through outlet ends of the capillaries and onto the running monolayer of filamentary material. Preferably, the capillaries are separated by a divider wall which terminates short of the outlet ends of the capillaries, whereby those outlet ends define a slot through which the finish liquid is discharged. The slot preferably has end portions which are narrower than a center portion of the slot.

Abstract: A method of purging an excess of a liquid developer in an electrophotographic apparatus including the steps of pressing an electrophotosensitive film formed with an electrostatic latent image against an opening of a developing chamber to close the opening, supplying the liquid developer into the developing chamber to toner-develop the electrostatic latent image, discharging the liquid developer, and supplying gas under pressure into the developing chamber to purge the liquid developer remaining in the developing chamber as well as excess of the liquid developer attaching to the electrophotosensitive film. In the method, the flow rate of the gas at the surface of the electrophotosensitive film may be changed according to a predetermined time chart so that the excess of the liquid developer remaining after the process of development can be quickly purged without degrading the picture quality.

Abstract: A rigid magnetic disk substrate is spin coated using a closely confining, stationary air barrier adjacent the surface being coated. The coating is applied through a slotted opening in the air barrier which is progressively closed as the coating is applied and completely sealed during the spin-off operation. During the application of the coating, the air barrier is positioned approximately 0.15 inch from the disk substrate surface and prior to spin-off, the barrier is moved to a position 0.025 inch from the coated surface. Further, during the high speed spin-off cycle a high kinematic viscosity gas, such as helium, is introduced into the space between the barrier and the coated surface to establish a laminar flow condition and eliminate spoking of the coated material.

Abstract: Apparatus for the manufacture of large-surfaced, band-shaped silicon bodies for solar cells through a continuous layering process which uses a net-like structured graphite carrier unit. The net-like structure is used in conjunction with a melting pot made from graphite for receiving silicon smelt. The smelt is fed via a drain opening provided in the floor section of the melting pot to the carrier unit guided through a canal which has been arranged in horizontal direction below the melting pot. In order to ensure a continuous replacement of the smelt volume in the layering canal, the canal is shaped in downward direction as a shallow basin made from quartz, whereby the basin areas "a" and "b" are of different depth. In this manner, a "reserve volume" is provided, which ensures a uniform layering. The apparatus allows a continuous production of silicon bands for solar cells.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, tape-shaped silicon bodies for solar cells are formed by continuous coating of a carrier body having a mesh structure. A melt bath receives the silicon melt and has a floor part with capillary openings therein for supplying the melt, the capillary openings leading perpendicularly toward the exterior of the vat and proceeding parallel to one another, and wherein a channel for the guidance of the carrier body proceeding in a horizontal direction is disposed below the melt vat in the region of the capillary openings. The guide channel for the carrier body can also be disposed above a body with capillaries proceeding parallel in a vertical direction, the body being partially immersed in the vat containing the silicon melt for the purpose of supplying the melt via the capillaries. The devices enable continuous tape drawing from a silicon melt wherein convection currents are avoided in the melt.

Abstract: A process is suggested for making electrical contacts between the two surfaces (11,12) of a printed circuit board (10), whereby by means of an electrically conductive printed coating conductive ribs (15) are made. The ribs (15) embrace the edge of the printed circuit board (10), thus eliminating the making of apertures in the printed circuit board.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying a liquid to a heated surface includes a distribution gallery arranged to supply the liquid to the surface. The liquid is supplied from the gallery through a series of spaced orifices each of which opens into an individual drop-forming chamber above the surface, the dimensions of each orifice and drop-forming chamber being such that some liquid always remains in each of said orifices over the range of temperatures from ambient to that of the heated surface. A pump delivers the liquid to the distribution gallery, which is situated above, and spaced from, a wick in contact with the surface.

Abstract: The coating device comprises a furnace (1) comprising a crucible (4) and a lateral distribution conduit (3) whose outlet communicates with an externally open release aperture (2) serving to distribute the molten metal over the entire width of the metal strip (6) to be coated. This strip (6) is entrained from a supply spool (7) to a storage spool (8) and passes over a positioning roll (10) mounted opposite to the release aperture (2), the spacing between this roll and the edge of the release aperture being adjustable by means of a screw (15). A bank of burners (16) is located opposite to the reverse of the strip (6) and upstream of the release aperture (2) in order to heat the strip before it passes in front of the release aperture (2). A molten metal bath is thus constantly maintained between this release aperture (2) and the face to be coated of the strip (6) which is covered with a layer of metal during its displacement.

Abstract: A device for depositing a layer of polycrystalline silicon on a carbon tape comprises a bath of molten silicon through which the carbon tape is drawn vertically. Two semicircular channels are supported vertically in the vicinity of the edges of the tape with their concave side towards the tape. The channels are partially immersed in the bath so as to raise the level of its surface by capillary action. The device is applicable to the manufacture of solar cells.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for asymmetrically coating a tape-shaped carrier body with crystallized silicon for further processing into solar cells. In an exemplary embodiment a carrier body in the form of a graphite mesh is to be drawn through a guide channel leading from the floor of a melt vat and is moistened by the melt. The silicon is caused to crystallize above the melt vat because of a temperature gradient generated at right angles relative to the path of the coated carrier body. The temperature gradient can, for example, be produced by means of single-sided heating, or by a plate-shaped body extending from the melt parallel to the carrier body, or by guide lips with upper boundaries exhibiting different heights and widths. The method and apparatus serve for the continuous manufacture of silicon tapes for solar cells.

Abstract: The apparatus is capable of coating thin objects, such as wires, optical fibers, and the like, with fluids such as enamels, photoresist primers, photoresists, and the like. The apparatus is configured so that the area over which the object is coated and the thickness of the coating can be adjusted. The coating is applied in a reproducible manner. The coating is applied without damaging the articles, such as thin wires and optical fibers having diameters on the order of about 5 to 50 micrometers.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying film coatings of material to electrical component bodies having axial leads includes adhesive tape for supporting the components in spaced relationship. A supply reel carries a supported plurality of such components. A shaft has a circumferential row of transversely oriented pockets for receiving component bodies whereby their leads are parallel. The shaft is oriented with respect to a lower reservoir providing liquid polyurethane, so that, as it rotates, sequential pockets pass through the liquid material, retaining menisci thereof therewithin. As the component bodies are received by the menisci retained pockets, underside portions of the components are coated with liquid material. A brush applies liquid material from a upper reservoir to upper portions of the carried bodies. The brush smooths the upper portions to avoid formation of globs or blobs thereon.

Abstract: Coating apparatus for slide, extrusion or curtain coating of one or more liquids on a moving web in which the metering orifice for each fluid to be coated is filled with a porous plug.

Abstract: In spin coating a liquid magnetic dispersion onto a rotating annular substrate, a stationary fluid barrier member is positioned closely adjacent the substrate after deposition of the dispersion thereon and during the time the excess dispersion is spun off, the substrate has a radial opening therein which permits fluid communication between the outer portion of the fluid barrier and its inner portion. The barrier member serves to reduce the rate of solvent evaporation from the dispersion so that the dispersion flows more readily during spin-off to produce a thinner resulting magnetic coating.

Abstract: Thick film inking system where circuit patterns are written by ink feed through an orifice of a writing pen. Line cross-section is controlled by synchronous positive displacement pumping of ink through the orifice with the motion of the substrate with respect to the pen. A dynamic pen control system provides spring and mass compensation and maintains positive, prescribed pen force on the extruding ink thereby maintaining the desired thickness to width ratio of the lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing tape-shaped silicon bodies for solar cells wherein a tape-shaped reticulate carrier is passed vertically downwardly through a drawing nozzle including a slot which is full of molten silicon. The drawing nozzle is located above the level of molten silicon in a vat containing such molten silicon, and capillary means are provided to deliver the molten silicon from the vat into the drawing nozzle to fill the same with the molten silicon.

Abstract: A method of presenting a hardenable adhesive material on a surface of a flow wall for supporting at least one beaded column of the hardenable adhesive material adapted in part for transfer by capillary action to a magnetic core for use in an electrical inductive device. In this method, the hardenable adhesive material is directed onto the surface of the flow wall, and the hardenable adhesive material flows downwardly in the at least one beaded column along the surface of the flow wall. The flow of the at least one beaded column of the hardenable adhesive material is then redirected angularly away from the surface of the flow wall.Apparatus, a laminated core, and other methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a liquid utilizing surface tension of the liquid for control of amount dispensed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed which will rapidly provide a uniform layer of photopolymerizable material for a printing plate. A regulated flow of liquid photopolymerizable resin is supplied from an external reservoir into a manifold which is approximately C-shaped in cross-section and has one at least partially open side face. A gate is disposed before the open side face of the manifold and this gate is vertically adjustable so that together the gate and open side face define an orifice slot or passageway from which a uniform curtain of the resin may flow onto a platemaking surface. The manifold member has a downward projecting wedge shaped lip which acts as a doctor blade on the liquid resin layer deposited as the manifold is moved across the plate-making surface.

Abstract: A metered bead extrusion coating apparatus for applying a coating fluid to a moving web includes a drawdown die having a beveled drawdown surface thereon, the angle between the drawdown surface and the axis of the extrusion slot being an obtuse angle.

Abstract: A coating method and coating extruder in which color non-uniformity and stripes in a coated solution on a surface of a continuously-run flexible belt-shaped support are eliminated. Coating solution is supplied from a solution pool of the extruder through a slit at a rate which is greater than that which the coating solution is applied to the support through the slit. A portion of the coating solution is discharged from the solution pool from a position furthers, in the widthwise direction of the support, from the solution supplying point of the solution pool.

Abstract: An apparatus for spreading a smear over a slide with a spreader (slide) for microscopic observation, includes a mechanism for suitably varying the relative spreading speed between the slide and the spreader, and/or the spreading angle formed between the slide and the spreader, in order to maintain the thickness of the smear at a constant value, by means of imparting a programmatic command to vary the speed and/or the angle, with the aid of a servomotor and/or a cam means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed which will rapidly provide a uniform layer of photopolymerizable material for a printing plate. A regulated flow of liquid photopolymerizable resin is supplied from an external reservoir into a manifold which is approximately C-shaped in cross-section and has one at least partially open side face. A gate is disposed before the open side face of the manifold and this gate is vertically adjustable so that together the gate and open side face define an orifice slot or passageway from which a uniform curtain of the resin may flow onto a platemaking surface. The manifold member has a downward projecting wedge shaped lip which acts as a doctor blade on the liquid resin layer deposited as the manifold is moved across the plate-making surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying an epoxy glue, solder paste or a similar material to the surface of a planar circuit chip, such as a silicon integrated circuit chip. Positioned just above the liquid epoxy in the bath is a fine mesh, stainless steel screen clamped at its periphery and having supported thereover a leveling paddle with a micrometer adjustment rotatable relative to the bath itself for smoothing the material over the screen surface. After this smoothing or leveling operation, the chip, usually held by a vacuum chuck, is pressed against the screen into the epoxy with the screen functioning as a resilient means enabling the chip to be withdrawn therefrom with uniform deposition of material applied to the undersurface thereof. The apparatus may also have a spongy material such as polyurethane or a sponge neoprene rubber under the screen to enhance chip removal.

Abstract: In a fluid supply and dispensing system including a fluid dispenser for carrying a working supply of fluid at working surface level, and a reservoir which is connected in fluid flow communication with the dispenser for carrying a replenishing supply of fluid at a surface level which establishes the working surface level of fluid in the dispenser, there is provided with an improvement for lowering the working surface level to prevent spillage of fluid from the dispenser when the system is not in use. The improvement includes providing the reservoir with a movable, fluid displacement member, which is normally lowered into the replenishing supply of fluid, and providing means for raising the displacement member at least partially out of the replenishing supply of fluid, when the system is not in use, for lowering the surface level of the replenishing fluid supply and thus the working surface level of the dispenser's working fluid supply.

Abstract: A spreader, movable over a base, coats a microscope slide or the like mounted on a supporting surface of the base with a single uniform layer of a fluid. The spreader comprises a support having legs for engaging the supporting surface, pressure pads for engaging the slide to hold the support above the slide having a fluid thereon, and a bar extending transversely along the lower surface of the support having a flat section and a cutaway section for uniformly spreading the fluid to create a monolayered film on the upper surface of the slide as the spreader is moved in a longitudinal direction along the length of the slide. The flat section and the cutaway section are maintain parallel to the slide and sloped surfaces extend upwardly in the longitudinal direction from the flat section and the cutaway section toward the support. Ramps are provided in tracks of the base to permit the bar to evenly disengage from contact with the film.

Abstract: The walls of an orifice in a board are coated by a rod or tube which touches or dips into a liquid below the board. The walls are coated either by a capillary effect or by moving the rod or tube through the orifice. Several rods and/or tubes may be attached to a single holder for coating a plurality of selected orifices simultaneously.

Abstract: Coating, particularly a method for uniformly depositing a micro thin layer of fluid upon the surface of an object such as a substrate, or the like. Flowing the coating material through a permeable and sloping surface, so as to develop a downward laminar flow of coating material on the outside of the sloping surface. The object to be coated is advanced tangentially to the flow of coating material such that the surface to be coated intersects laminar flow of coating material at the apex of the sloping surface. Meniscii of coating material are supported both at the leading edge and the trailing edge of coating material in contact with the surface to be coated. The uniform disengagement and drainage of deposited excess coating material from the coated surface are ensured by uniform meniscii and the constant downward laminar flow of coating material on the outside of the sloping surface.

Abstract: A process for preparing a surface for adhesive bonding to a second surface having the steps of abrasion cleaning the surface and then applying an adhesive thereon, wherein the improvement over prior art processes comprises the displacement of atmospheric gases from the surface by means of a dry inert gas. The abrasion cleaning is preferably achieved by bombarding the surface with particulate matter and removing the particulate matter before application of adhesive to the surface. The process is suitable for preparing metal surfaces for metal to metal bonds.

Abstract: In a slide coloring apparatus for smear preparations, the slides are placed into small cavities, at a distance from the cavity bottom such that the reagents provided for the coloring are spread on each slide by capillarity.The cavities are provided in the peripheral zone of a circular tray which is capable of rotating at a more or less high speed. The cavities are open toward the edge of the tray, and are separated by swellings. Each reagent is poured into the central zone of the tray and it flows into the cavities by centrifugal action, with the tray rotating at a low speed. After the time needed for each reaction, the reagent is evacuated through the edge of the tray, by centrifugal action, with the tray then rotating at high speed.The invention is especially usable for coloring blood smear preparations.

Abstract: A nozzle for use with a thick film dispensing system comprising a hollow tubular member having a fluid receiving port at one end and a fluid dispensing orifice at the other end. The hollow tubular member has a means coupled thereto for spacing and maintaining the fluid dispensing orifice a preselected distance away from a substrate surface. The use of this nozzle permits the uniform cross-section dispensing of a viscous thick film fluid on the substrate surface regardless of the curvature thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing epitaxial Ga.sub.1-x Al.sub.x As:Si films via liquid-phase epitaxy, using a boat in a quartz tube. The Ga, which is contained in a graphite boat, open at the long side, is baked out first. The Ga-melt is allowed to run onto GaAs substrate wafers, on which Si is deposited, and to be drawn into the gap between the GaAs-substrate wafers and the plane graphite surfaces. The thin Ga-melt formed above the GaAs substrate wafers is then brought into contact with the melted Al and is allowed to cool.

Abstract: In application of metered finish to a high speed running yarn, the exit portion of the finish passageway is angled such that a positive atmospheric gauge pressure adjacent to the exit of said passageway is maintained.

Abstract: In application of metered finish to a high speed running yarn, a vent is provided in the finish passageway just prior to the exit.

Abstract: In application of metered finish to a high speed running yarn, a check valve at the end of the finish passageway prevents entrained air fluctuations from entering the finish passageway.

Abstract: Disclosed is a centrifugal cytology swinging bucket for providing multiple dispersions of fixed cells or other particles onto a microscope slide or similar substrate, the bucket comprising a slide holder for receiving a slide and a transparent sample block having a sample chamber with drill holes for fluid communication between fixative cups, such fixative cups having porous frits therein. The bucket further comprises a pair of holddowns each having an eccentric cam and a lever protruding therefrom.

Abstract: A marking device wherein liquid is dispensed through the interfacial spaces in a bank of thin blades to an article pressed into engagement with the lower ends of the blades and wherein the flow of liquid to the blades is controlled by maintaining a vacuum in the storage tank which supplies the liquid to the blades characterized in the combination therewith of improved vacuum-producing means by means of which the vacuum of constant predetermined pressure can be maintained with a lesser volume transfer and, hence, with less evaporation of the liquid material, with less work output and, hence, less noise output, and with improved longevity of the apparatus.

Abstract: A platen and the method of operation thereof are described for applying liquid to a generally flat surfaced object, such as a microscopic slide, so as to provide multiple liquid treatments in at least two transverse bands across the width of the object. The apparatus and method permit different biological markers to be applied to separate areas of the same specimen on a microscopic slide; the same biological marker to be applied to different specimens on the same microscopic slide; the same biological marker to be applied to separate areas of the same specimen on a microscopic slide; or different biological markers to be applied to different specimens on the same microscopic slide.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for applying liquid to a series of individual, substantially flat objects. The apparatus and method are particularly adapted for staining microscope slides. The apparatus comprises a fixed plate member and preferably an opposing plate member positioned substantially parallel to and movable toward and away from the fixed plate member, aligned by means of at least one guide member which engages said plate members. A series of movable spacing shims extend along the guide member for separating flat objects, such as glass slides. The flat objects are inserted into the apparatus while the movable plate member is positioned away from the fixed plate member. Once the flat objects have been inserted in the apparatus between adjacent spacing shims the movable plate member is moved toward the fixed plate member to clamp the flat objects in predetermined spaced parallel face-to-face relation.

Abstract: A device for uniform and discretely controlled deposition of small quantities of viscous material at each of a succession of locations on a surface according to a digital X-Y-Z program. A particular application is for deposition of a viscous solder flux or slurry of very small solder particles in such a flux material, through a small (needle) orifice. A pumping valve is driven, typically by pneumatic pressure, during the brief dwell time of the needle at each programmed X, Y location, on an electronic circuit board or the like. A mechanical contact member is provided for automatically optimizing the needle orifice height (Z dimension) over each programmed location irrespective of irregularities or curvature of the plane of the circuit board. In an optional embodiment spaced needle orifices provide contemporaneous deposition of the viscous material.