Abstract: A stencil printer apparatus is provided. The stencil printer apparatus may include a stencil, a material applicator to apply material on the stencil, a supply roller configured to receive a roll of web-material, the supply roller comprising a first shaft, a take-up roller to receive a roll of web-material, the take-up roller comprising a second shaft, at least one spring-loaded protrusion element associated with one of the first shaft and the second shaft, and a drive configured to move web-material across the stencil between the supply roller and the take-up roller, and a frame to support the supply roller, the take-up roller and the drive. The at least one spring-loaded protrusion element may be configured and arranged on the at least one of the first shaft and the second shaft to resiliently engage at least one web-material core around which web-material may be disposed. Other embodiments and methods ate provided.

Abstract: A stencil printer for printing viscous material on a substrate includes a frame, a stencil coupled to the frame, and a print head, coupled for the frame, to deposit and print viscous material over the stencil. The stencil printer further includes a substrate support to support a substrate in a print position and a substrate clamping assembly to clamp the substrate in the print position. In a certain embodiment, the substrate clamping assembly includes a pair of rail members coupled to the frame. The rail members are adapted to engage opposite edges of the substrate. The substrate clamping assembly further includes a pair of foils, one for each rail member, with each foil being releasably secured to the rail member in a position so that the foil overlies the substrate. The substrate clamping assembly also includes a pair of clamping members, one for each rail member and foil, to releasably secure the foil in place on the rail member.

Abstract: A stencil printer apparatus is provided. The stencil printer apparatus may include a stencil, a material applicator to apply material on the stencil, a supply roller configured to receive a roll of web-material, the supply roller comprising a first shaft, a take-up roller to receive used web-material, the take-up roller comprising a second shaft, at least one spring-loaded protrusion element associated with one of the first shaft and the second shaft, and a drive configured to move web-material across the stencil between the supply roller and the take-up roller, and a frame to support the supply roller, the take-up roller and the drive. The at least one spring-loaded protrusion element may be configured and arranged on the at least one of the first shaft and the second shaft to resiliently engage at least one web-material core around which web-material may be disposed. Other embodiments and methods are provided.

Abstract: Pin placement and support apparatus for a circuit board that has a rigid support table, a supply of pins, a pin placement head, and an X-Y transporter that moves the pin placement head relative to the table so as to place the pins at desired and variable locations on the table. To facilitate defining pin locations, the apparatus includes a computer that is programmed to display a board area of the table and pins at user-selected locations within the board area.

Abstract: A tool bank is located in the path of a populated printed circuit board to minimize the travel required for tool tip changing. Prior to removal of the populated printed circuit board, the tool bank is displaced below the printed circuit.

Abstract: A machine for placing surface mount electronic components has a tool holder that is vertically displaceable and rotatable to pick-up and deposit components. The tool holder can be conjointly axially advanced and rotated to improve the productivity of the system.

Abstract: The tool tip assembly has a fixed large tool tip and a movable telescoping tool tip which has a smaller area pick-up end. The telescoping tool tip is displaceable between fixed stops and the forward stop is defined by an annular bumper projecting rearwardly from the inner surface of the fixed tool tip proximate the forward bore portion. The telescoping tool tip can be quickly and conveniently accessed for repair, inspection or replacement by removing the molded elastomeric fixed large tool tip.