Abstract: A tape for use in estimating how many electronic parts being fed to an electronic part inserting machine remain on the tqape and a system for using the same. More particularly, a system which counts the remaining electronic parts on the end portion of the tape and sets up a most suitable time that the presently used tape should be replaced with a new one so that the system dead time which may occur during the replacement of tape rolls is remarkably reduced. This tape includes a mark formed at the beginning of an end portion of the tape where some electronic parts are left to be fed to the electronic part inserting machine, and the mark is sensed by a sensor so that the count starts when the end portion of the tape is sensed.

Abstract: An apparatus to clean gold plated contact surfaces on printed circuit boards uses a printed circuit board guide and cleaning units in contact with the printed circuit board guide. A guide rail on the printed circuit board guide is adapted to guide the printed circuit board having contaminated gold plated contact surfaces. The cleaning units include grindstones to abrade the gold plated contact surfaces and rub off the contaminants. Embodiments are capable of achieving cleaning uniformity, reducing failure rate, and enhancing the quality of the products. The effectiveness of the invention permits operators to carry out other operations during the cleaning process. Practice of the present invention also provides improved operating conditions without problems such as those due to the presence of waste eraser particles.

Abstract: A method for washing metal masks using a cleaning liquid includes the steps of washing the metal masks before a solder printing process on printed circuit boards, washing the metal masks at least once during the solder printing process and washing the metal masks after completing the last solder printing process. The washing liquid has a composition consisting of from 1 to 5% by weight of a fluorine-based surfactant and from 95 to 99% by weight of isopropyl alcohol, the some of the constituents being 100% by weight. More preferably, the cleaning liquid is a composition consisting of 2% by weight of the fluorine-based surfactant and 98% by weight of isopropyl alcohol, the some of the constituents being 100% by weight.