Abstract: A processing system for processing flexible substrates is disclosed. The system includes a loading station having an input spool adapted to support a wounded, unprocessed flexible substrate; a processing station adapted to perform one or more predetermined processes on the flexible substrate; an unloading station having an output spool adapted to receive the processed flexible substrate; and a substrate stability subsystem adapted to maintain the flexible substrate in a substantially vertical orientation while the substrate undergoes the one or more processes performed by the processing station. The substrate stability subsystem includes movable upper clips adapted to engage with upper portions of the flexible substrate, and a plurality of lower clips adapted to engage with lower portions of the flexible substrate as it is being transported into and out of the processing station.

Abstract: A plating clamp assembly for use with a plating system including a plating bath and an article transport assembly to selectively engage an article to be plated as the article is moved through the plating bath by the article transport assembly to coat at least a selected portion of the surface of the article with material without creating faults on the selected portion of the surface of the article.

Abstract: A plating clamp assembly for use with a plating system including a plating bath and an article transport assembly to selectively engage an article to be plated as the article is moved through the plating bath by the article transport assembly to coat at least a selected portion of the surface of the article with material without creating faults on the selected portion of the surface of the article.