Abstract: Method and apparatus operates on recognizable target images disposed on upper and lower layers of master photographic images, and on apertures formed in an intermediate layer to resolve positional misalignments and requisite correctional movements of the layers to align upper and lower layers with the intermediate layer within tolerances that are improved by multiple samples of position data pertaining to the apertures formed in the intermediate layer. Inspection cameras produce output data signals representative of target images and aperture patterns detected by inspection cameras that are positioned to establish fields of view encompassing aperture patterns on an intermediate layer and distinguishable target images on upper and lower layers.

Abstract: Apparatus that supports and aligns a pair of glass image masters facilitates relative movements of the masters between separated positions to accommodate insertion of a circuit board, and proximate position in precision alignment of the images carried thereby on opposite sides of the circuit board. Various configurations of reference blocks and engaging followers mounted on one and the other masters assure precision alignment of the masters in proximate position, and resilient bias force exerted in relative orientation between the masters assures precision aligning engagement of followers and reference blocks. Precision positional alignment of one image master relative to the other image master is accomplished by a differential threaded assembly between relatively moveable members interposed between an image master and a follower that engages a reference block.

Abstract: System and method provide for optical alignment of an upper film or substrate to a lower film or substrate. The upper film or substrate has an aperture and the lower film or substrate has a set of four apertures. A light is shone on the upper film or substrate at the point above the set of four apertures in the lower film or substrate. A photodetector, which is divided into four quadrants, is positioned beneath the lower film or substrate. Each quadrant of the photodetector detects the amount of light traveling through a different one of the four apertures. The position of the upper film is adjusted until each quadrant detects a substantially equal amount of light. When each quadrant detects a substantially equal amount of light, the aperture in the upper film or substrate is centered over the set of four apertures in the lower film or substrate, and the upper film or substrate is aligned with the lower film or substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for supporting master image sheets on supporting platens includes forming vacuum seals between sheets and platens and evacuating air from therebetween to retain the master image sheets against movements on the supporting platens. An image receiving layer such as a photosensitive printed circuit board is disposed between supporting platens that are, then evacuated to retain the opposite surfaces of the layer in contact with the master image sheets for parallax-free photographic exposure to light through the platens, with inherent alignment of images thus formed on the opposite surfaces of the layer.

Abstract: System and method provide for optical alignment of an upper film or substrate to a lower film or substrate. The upper film or substrate has an aperture and the lower film or substrate has a set of four apertures. A light is shone on the upper film or substrate at the point above the set of four apertures in the lower film or substrate. A photodetector, which is divided into four quadrants, is positioned beneath the lower film or substrate. Each quadrant of the photodetector detects the amount of light traveling through a different one of the four apertures. The position of the upper film is adjusted until each quadrant detects a substantially equal amount of light. When each quadrant detects a substantially equal amount of light, the aperture in the upper film or substrate is centered over the set of four apertures in the lower film or substrate, and the upper film or substrate is aligned with the lower film or substrate.

Abstract: Registration system and method provide for alignment of films with circuit panels. The exact position of tooling holes in the panel are found using tapered pins. After the exact position of the tooling holes are found tapered registration pins are inserted into the tooling holes. The top of the registration pin is narrower than the tooling hole so that the pin will easily slide into the tooling hole. The middle part of the registration pin is substantially the same size as the tooling hole, thereby ensuring a snug fit between the tooling hole and the registration pin. Where a tooling hole is comprised of overlapping holes, the registration pin contacts several of these holes. A loading apparatus provides pneumatic pressure beneath the registration pin to push the registration pin into the tooling hole. After the registration pins are placed in the tooling holes of the panel, a film is placed on the panel such that the registration pins are inserted into the holes of the film.

Abstract: An exposure unit and method for imaging a photosensitive material includes a source of radiation for exposing the photosensitive material to actinic radiation such that the radiation strikes the photosensitive material at a plurality of angles of incidence, and apparatus for moving the radiation source relative to and in a plane parallel to the photosensitive material. The exposure unit also has a reflector for controlling (1) the proportion of (a) radiation having perpendicular angles of incidence to (b) radiation having non-perpendicular angles of incidence, such that the radiation having non-perpendicular angles is increased, and (2) the distribution of non-perpendicular angles of incidence.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for securing a sheet of photographic material in position on a plate during exposure to a source of radiation includes configuring a flexible vacuum blanket substantially to the shape of a rigid template that forms surface recesses in a selected pattern to facilitate the evacuation of air from beneath the vacuum blanket, and then reconfiguring the surface of the vacuum blanket to smooth condition by relieving vacuum between the blanket and the template to promote substantially continuous contact with the sheet and plate. The sheet may be exposed to a source of radiation through the plate or, after removing the template, through the vacuum blanket which may be formed of transparent polymer material.

Abstract: Method and means are disclosed for producing an improved vacuum blanket with a pattern of air-flow passages that is formed on the underside surface of the air-impervious blanket using conventional printing techniques. The blanket forms an air-tight seal over and around the perimeter of a glass exposure plate, and residual air may be evacuated from beneath the blanket through porous regions beyond the edges of the glass exposure plate.