Abstract: A printing apparatus applies material to a carrier through a planar screen aving a pattern including a number of lines substantially parallel to a first direction. The screen and carrier are mounted so material forced through the lines of the screen is deposited on the carrier in the same pattern as the pattern of the screen. A blade having an elongated, straight edge is positioned to force the material through the screen onto the carrier. The blade is supported and actuated so that the blade is displaced in a plane parallel to the plane of the screen and in a second direction. The second direction is adjustable to any angle with respect to the first direction, so that the blade can slide parallel to the lines in the screen.

Abstract: A plate is locked in situ on a table that has a guide for controlling the vement of the plate in a predetermined direction. A pair of members are moved between a first position where they are applied to fixedly connect the plate to the guide and a rest position where the plate can be moved. Ramps are inclined relative to the predetermined direction of the guide. The ramps and member are positioned so the member is movable between the first and rest positions along the ramps. The ramps cooperate with the member and are displaceable substantially in the predetermined direction as the plate moves on the guide.