Abstract: Apparatus for contact exposing each side of a substrate to a different image on a mask includes a first-side imaging station for imaging the first side of the substrate, a second-side imaging station for imaging the second side thereof, an intermediate station between the imaging stations for inverting the substrate. In each imaging station, the substrate is moved longitudinally with a transport carriage, from which it is transferred to an imaging carriage to be driven to an imaging point at which illumination through the mask occurs. The imaging carriage moves in both longitudinal and transverse directions, providing for both exposure to a mask covering the substrate and for step-and-repeat exposure of multiple portions of the substrate to a smaller image. Before exposure, the top surface of the substrate is aligned to be parallel to the adjacent mask, fiducial markings in the substrate are aligned with fiducial markings on the mask, and air is evacuated from the area between the mask and the substrate.

Abstract: A test system for applying electrical tests to circuits on flexible substrates includes a first transport system moving frames, each of which is configured for holding a single such flexible substrate, a loading station in which the substrates are individually loaded onto the frames, a testing station in which the electrical tests are applied, and an unloading station in which the substrates are removed from the frames. Within the testing station, each frame is disengaged from the first transport system and fastened to a second transport system, which moves the frame in a pattern causing a number of segments of the substrate within the frame to be placed between probe arrays adjacent each of the opposite sides of the substrate. These arrays are each aligned with visual markings on the adjacent side of the substrate, and the arrays are then moved into engagement with the substrate for the testing process.

Abstract: A flexible sheet to which manufacturing processes are to be applied is tensioned within a carrying fixture having tacky surfaces to which the flexible sheet is fastened. One version of the fixture includes an "L"-shaped attachment surface on a frame member and two tensioning members deflected toward the frame member in mutually perpendicular directions. When the flexible sheet has been fastened to the carrying fixture, the tensioning members are allowed to return toward their undeflected positions while applying tensioning forces to the flexible sheet. Another version of the fixture includes "L"-shaped attachment surfaces on both a frame member and a tensioning member. A loading station includes a stack of unprocessed flexible sheets, a fixture for deflecting tensioning member(s) within the carrying fixture, and a robot arm moving a transport fixture capable of carrying a flexible sheet and a carrying fixture.

Abstract: A flexible sheet to which manufacturing processes are to be applied is tensioned within a carrying fixture having tacky surfaces to which the flexible sheet is fastened. One version of the fixture includes an "L"-shaped attachment surface on a frame member and two tensioning members deflected toward the frame member in mutually perpendicular directions. When the flexible sheet has been fastened to the carrying fixture, the tensioning members are allowed to return toward their undeflected positions while applying tensioning forces to the flexible sheet. Another version of the fixture includes "L"-shaped attachment surfaces on both a frame member and a tensioning member. A loading station includes a stack of unprocessed flexible sheets, a fixture for deflecting tensioning member(s) within the carrying fixture, and a robot arm moving a transport fixture capable of carrying a flexible sheet and a carrying fixture.