Abstract: A device and method enabling the de-aeration of viscous media. The device includes a transfer cylinder and a piston for urging the viscous media from a first container, a separator for separating air from the viscous media to create de-aerated viscous media, and a second container to contain the de-aerated viscous media. The de-aerated viscous media may be returned to the first container by urging the de-aerated viscous media from the second container with a second piston back though the separator and into the first container.

Abstract: A screening apparatus including a table for holding an article; and a dual reservoir dispensing assembly. The dual reservoir assembly includes first and second reservoirs for holding first and second materials to be dispensed; first and second nozzles in communication with first and second reservoirs, respectively, for dispensing first and second materials; tilting apparatus for tilting the nozzles in a first direction so that the first nozzle is tilted into position for dispensing the first material and for tilting the nozzles in a second direction so that the first nozzle is tilted out of position and the second nozzle is tilted into position for dispensing the second material; and apparatus for moving the dual reservoir dispensing assembly with respect to the table wherein, in operation, the first nozzle is tilted into position during a first movement across the article and the second nozzle is titled into position during a second movement across the article.

Abstract: A paste dispensing system for dispensing paste to a substrate such as a ceramic greensheet or other electronic component substrate comprises a reservoir for holding the paste and a nozzle housing in fluid communication with the reservoir and having an opening therein through which the paste is dispensed. The nozzle housing has disposed therein a rotatable slotted shutter which is in fluid communication with the reservoir and which has an auger disposed in the shutter. The auger when actuated, draws paste from the reservoir into the shutter, advances the liquid material through the shutter and circulates the paste back to the reservoir. When it is desired to dispense the paste, the shutter is rotated so that the slot in the shutter communicates with a slot in a nozzle plate connected to the nozzle housing through which slot the paste is dispensed. The paste is continually circulated through the paste dispensing system by the auger whether or not paste is being dispensed.

Abstract: Stacking of a large number of delicate and easily damaged flexible lamina with highly accurate registration is automated by use of an alignment fixture having alignment pins and a stacking plate. The stacking plate is raised to and frictionally supported at a location near a tapered shoulder portion of the alignment pins on which each of a plurality of lamina is allowed to self-align. A floating head which may be used to transport lamina to the alignment pins is also self-aligned with the alignment pins and used to press the individual lamina over the alignment while maintaining precisely parallel orientation and motion of the lamina to the lamina stack and the stacking plate. The stacking plate is moved against the frictional support thereof to maintain a short effective alignment pin height or protrusion above the stacking plate or lamina stack to prevent binding or wiping motion between lamina and resultant damage of the lamina.

Abstract: Stacking of a large number of delicate and easily damaged flexible lamina with highly accurate registration is automated by use of an alignment fixture having alignment pins and a stacking plate. The stacking plate is raised to and frictionally supported at a location near a tapered shoulder portion of the alignment pins on which each of a plurality of lamina is allowed to self-align. A floating head which may be used to transport lamina to the alignment pins is also self-aligned with the alignment pins and used to press the individual lamina over the alignment while maintaining precisely parallel orientation and motion of the lamina to the lamina stack and the stacking plate. The stacking plate is moved against the frictional support thereof to maintain a short effective alignment pin height or protrusion above the stacking plate or lamina stack to prevent binding or wiping motion between lamina and resultant damage of the lamina.

Abstract: Substrates are tested by conductive, individually plug replaceable, buckling beam probes in a probe pattern to engage the circuitry on the substrate. When probes engage the substrate, they buckle as a given engaging force is exceeded. Each probe socket is adapted to releasably retain a probe inserted in its socket. The probes and the probe sockets are axially mounted in a probe housing. A probe in a socket has a first end oriented to engage the circuitry and a second end is releasably engaged in a sleeve in its socket. the probe pattern is displayed radially. Guides have guide pins mounted in the probe housing. The pins cooperate with companion guide ways with contours such as slots. The guide ways in the substrate engaging member, and an actuator move the substrate engaging member relative to the guide pins along the contours of the guide ways.