Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for forming a protective film on a disc-shaped recording medium including providing a turntable having a center aperture, setting the disc-shaped recording medium having a center opening on the turntable with the center opening being aligned with the center aperture, covering at least the center opening of the disc-shaped recording medium with a rotating disc having a portion larger in diameter than the center opening of the disc-shaped recording medium, and supplying a protective film material to the center of the rotating disc and simultaneously rotating the turntable, the disc-shaped recording medium, and the disc to cause an outward radial flow of the protective film material off the disc and onto the disc-shaped recording medium so that the protective film is obtained and has a thickness with a small variation.

Abstract: A paint mask for shielding a surface to be masked from paint being applied to an adjacent or nearby surface is described. The paint mask is formed of an elastic, substantially gas-impermeable material and has a suction cup surrounded by a flange. Together, the suction cup and flange are sized and shaped to cover the surface to be masked. In the side of the flange which contacts the surface to be masked, there are channels which communicate with the interior of the suction cup, such that when the paint mask is placed on the surface to be masked, an enclosed space is defined by the suction cup, the channels and the surface to be masked. Pressing down on the outside of the suction cup causes a portion of the air inside the enclosed space to escape. When the suction cup is released, a partial vacuum forms in the enclosed space which fixes the paint mask to the surface to be masked.

Abstract: Embodiments of a carpet layer's aid for protecting floor baseboards or walls during carpet installation, along with methods for using the aid, are shown and described. The carpet layer's aid may be an elongated strip with one of more fold lines. The strip is folded at the fold line(s) to create an anchor portion that acts as a stand for the aid and/or that further protects a baseboard by conforming to the outer shape of the baseboard. The anchor portion is inserted into the corner space, created between the floor and a baseboard and between the wall and the tack strip. Preferably, the shield portion of the aid, which extends up to cover the baseboard, includes an adhesive on its back surface for adhering to the baseboard or wall.

Abstract: A cover sheet for painting, plastering, cleaning and lacquering jobs consists of a material sheet (10) folded into at least two folding layers (12a-12h) with longitudinally extending folds (11a-11h). A longitudinal edge portion (13) of the material sheet (10) protrudes beyond the other folding layers (12b-12h), an adhesive tape (16) being fastened along the longitudinal edge portion (13) and protruding laterally beyond the longitudinal edge portion (13). The adhesive-free side (18) of the adhesive tape (16) is provided with a cover strip (20) covering the adhesive tape (16). Using a cover strip and an adhesive tape, the desired properties of this combination may be selected from a great variety of possible combinations by selecting the corresponding tapes and strips.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to repeatedly use a masking member which is applied in a surface treatment having a heating process at a high temperature. To attain said object, said masking member of the present invention uses an engineering plastic having a high mechanical strength and a high heat resistance as a material.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying solder paste to the contact elements of ball grid array components, which is economical to manufacture and simple to handle, and which nonetheless offers the possibility of being able to apply a desired amount of solder precisely to the contact elements of a ball grid array component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for painting all or part of a cut edge of a precoated steel sheet or its shaped article to which a masking film is attached, wherein a painting pad comprised of a sponge or nonwoven fabric and/or woven fabric is impregnated with a paint, the surface of the painting pad is wiped with gas to remove the excess paint, then the painting pad is pressed against the cut edge of the precoated steel sheet under force control.

Abstract: The tile-holding fixture has a fixture wall with an adhesive mask opening therein. Stops adjacent the opening permit positioning of a tile on the face of the wall while tile adhesive is applied by the applicator through the mask opening. The fixture also has a scraper wall provides the combined function of scraping adhesive from the applicator and resting the applicator. The interior of the fixture serves as a reservoir for tile adhesive so that the proper amount of adhesive can be quickly and accurately applied.

Abstract: A device for preserving solder paste in the manufacturing of printed circuit board assemblies. In one embodiment, the preserving device has a frame adapted to be positioned on a stencil plate of a solder paste stenciling machine and a cover coupled to the frame. The frame has a wall that is configured to substantially surround at least a portion of the solder paste on the stencil plate between printing cycles. In a preferred embodiment, the wall is configured to surround a working region on the stencil plate defined by the area on the stencil plate that the solder paste contacts during a printing cycle. The cover is coupled to the frame to form a protective compartment that substantially houses the solder paste between printing cycles. As a result, the preserving device restricts the airflow across the solder paste to protect the solder paste from environmental elements within the stenciling machine.

Abstract: A detachable sponge device for a spin coating machine used to coat a liquid material over a semiconductor wafer is provided. The detachable sponge device is used to prevent the solvent that is jetted on the edge of the wafer from being oversprayed elsewhere on the wafer. The detachable sponge device is composed of a curved mounting piece and a corrugated piece of sponge attached on the curved inner side of the mounting piece. The mounting piece can be detachably mounted on the spin coating machine. The corrugated piece of sponge can absorb splattered particles of solvent from the wafer which can thus be prevented from bouncing back onto the wafer. The planarization of the coating of SOG on the wafer thus will not be affected by splattering particles of the solvent. Excellent results of planarization of SOG or photoresist layers can thus be achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for its use for plating pin grid array packaging modules, with a fixture capable of simultaneously holding a plurality of said pin grid array modules such that three-dimensional bottom surface metallurgy (BSM) is sealingly protected during plating of top surface metallurgy (TSM).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating a wafer spacing mask on a workpiece support chuck. Such apparatus is a plate containing a plurality of apertures that is positioned atop the workpiece support chuck while material is deposited onto the plate and through the apertures onto chuck. Upon completion of the deposition process, the plate is removed from the workpiece support chuck leaving deposits of the material to form the wafer spacing mask.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shield fabricated from a sheet of material having a trough disposed on the lower edge and peripheral flanges disposed about the remaining edges for confining excess spray/mist when positioned rearwardly of an object being painted, cleaned or otherwise treated, and directing it to the trough where it is collected and discharged. More specifically, the shield is fabricated from any of a variety of materials including cardboard, plastic, tin, stainless steel, etc., may optionally be provided with a coating to enhance the flow of the excess spray/mist downwardly into the trough, and is provided with means for suspending, staking or wedging the same onto support means during use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for simultaneously coating a plurality of workpieces. The apparatus includes a modular fixture having a plurality of bushing and spindle arrangements for supporting the workpieces to be coated. The bushing and spindle arrangements allow each workpiece to rotate about its longitudinal axis. They further allow each workpiece to assume a first position where it is tilted towards a source of coating material during a first portion of the coating cycle and a second position substantially parallel to the source of coating material during a second portion of the coating cycle. By providing the novel bushing and spindle arrangement of the present invention, it is possible to coat surfaces of the workpiece which are substantially perpendicular to other surfaces of the workpiece and still obtain a substantially uniform coating along the other surfaces of the workpiece. A process for simultaneously coating the workpieces is also described.

Abstract: A cover for enclosing a door knob during painting of a door. The inventive device includes a spherical resilient knob cover assembly positionable over a knob portion of a door knob. An escutcheon cover assembly extends from the knob cover assembly for positioning over an escutcheon and shaft of the door knob.

Abstract: A carpet layer's aid for protecting floor baseboards or walls during carpet installation, the aid including an elongated strip which can be separated into two portions. The elongated strip is separated into an edge portion, which is used to anchor the elongated strip, and a central portion, which is used to shield the baseboard or wall. Preferably, the elongated strip has perforations which allow the central portion to be detached from the edge portion of the elongated strip upon completing the carpet installation. The edge portion of the elongated strip is left behind under the tack strip and carpet.

Abstract: A mask stencil (112) is made with at least one indicator line (204, 205) of material pre-removed from a wear surface (212) of the mask stencil, the depth of the line is approximately the amount of stencil mask material that can be worn from the wear surface of the mask stencil by a squeegee (110) without adversely affect an amount of solder paste (114) that accumulates on a printed circuit board substrate (116) through openings (201) in the mask stencil. In another embodiment, the mask stencil (112) is made with at least one indicator line (304, 305) of material pre-removed from a surface opposite (314) the wear surface (312). The amount of stencil mask material that remains above the indicator line is approximately equal to the amount of material that can be worn from the wear surface of the mask stencil by the squeegee without adversely affect an amount of solder paste that accumulates on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A masking device is produced by folding a first material to form a pleat that serves as an extension or handle, for the device. By folding the first sheet of material at three fold lines, a pleat is formed. If the piece of material is coated with adhesive prior to the folding process, two adhesive-coated surfaces will face each other within the body of the pleat, helping to attach two segments of the pleat together to form a more permanent and more rigid extension. The extension, or handle, extends from an unfolded portion of the first piece of material and facilitates the removal of the masking device from either a backing sheet or a surface which is protected by the masking device. The handle also facilitates the application of the masking device to the surface to be protected.

Abstract: A fixture (90) for use in selectively applying a protective coating to a gas turbine engine blade (10) includes a base (92) having a blade retention slot (102), and a disposable shield (110). The shield (110) includes a sheet metal sleeve (112) and a cap (114) having a window (116) the cap being affixed to one end of the sleeve. When fully assembled with the blade properly positioned in the fixture only those portions of the blade selected to be coated are exposed. Additional features such as a locator dowel (104) extending from the floor of the slot and mutually cooperative track (121) and nub (122) assist in locating the blade correctly in the fixture and orienting the window with respect to the blade platform (16). A lock exemplified by a groove (128) and the nub (122) resists separation of the shield from the base during coating operations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a removable spacing device and method therefor, for use in the application of stucco to a building's exterior. The removable spacing device is comprised of a section of tape and a substantially triangle-shaped spacer, and is applied to the edge of a window frame, door frame, or similar structure prior to the application of a layer of stucco adjacent thereto. After the stucco layer has dried, the removable spacing device is removed, and the resulting space created by the device is filled with caulk or a similar weatherproofing material. This device and method prevents the formation of small cracks between a stucco layer and adjacent frame, which cracks are too small to be filled with caulk and which allow the damaging penetration of water into the stucco and underlying layers.

Abstract: There is disclosed an assembly for selectively coating a hollow, cylindrical first substrate defining a first open end region having an outer surface and an inner surface and a second open end region, the assembly including a first plug member fabricated from a nonwetting material, wherein the plug member has a bottom surface defining a pallet coupling feature and a top surface defining a cavity region encompassed by a circumferentially extending rigid side wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the first end region of the substrate is disposed in the cavity region where the inner surface of the side wall grips the outer surface of the first end region of the substrate to couple the first plug member to the first end region, whereby the plug member minimizes coating of the outer surface and the inner surface of the first end region of the substrate by a coating solution.

Abstract: A masking tape used in spray application or removal of coatings along a demarcation line. The tape is engineered so that during the spraying process the coating being applied or the abrasive grit being used to remove a coating makes substantially no contact with the lateral edge of the tape along a shadow zone flanking the demarcation line. The shadow zone is formed between the demarcation line and the tape in line of sight with the coating or grit being sprayed. In a preferred embodiment for use in spray painting vehicles on a production basis, the body of the tape is rubber with a release coating applied to its top surface formed of polyethylene film.

Abstract: Masking material of particular value to vehicular surface coating operations consists of a thin, flexible base sheet having opposing first and second longitudinal edges which define a width. A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is applied longitudinally along at least the first edge on the inner surface of the sheet with a width substantially less than that of the base sheet, the base sheet further including a longitudinal area on its outer surface and along the first edge which functions as a release layer, enabling the base sheet with adhesive layer to be provided in roll form and easily removed therefrom for use.

Abstract: A molded plastic ring having a mounting flange and a shield flange which collectively mask an automotive or truck tire during the painting of a supporting wheel. A beveled edge of the mounting flange is fitted to the wheel. The mounting flange projects from the shield flange in the range of 95 to 130 degrees. The shield flange extends from the mounting flange in a plane parallel to the wheel and overlies the tire sidewall. The ring is molded from polyethylene or other flexible materials impervious to encountered solvents, cleaners, thinners and curing temperatures. Radial slits or notches can be provided at the mounting flange to facilitate attachment and the mounting and shield flanges can exhibit arcuate curvatures, when viewed on edge.

Abstract: A portable paint shield that is attached to a paint can (60), having a unitary planar board (30) with a hole (40) in the center. The hole (40) is approximately the size of the circumference of the paint can (60). The unitary planar board (30) has a plurality of teeth-like protrusions (50) into the hole (40) to frictionally hold the board to the paint can (60). The device can be constructed from cardboard, corrugated paperboard and the like. The unitary planar board (30), when attached to a paint can (60) is conveniently placed and carried by the paint can (60). Thus providing a portable area of protection from paint drips, splatter, and access to the paint, in one motion.

Abstract: A shield for protecting a vehicle body when adding protectant or dressing to vehicle tires. The shield protects the body panels and fenders from cleaning fluid or protectant spray mist which may damage the finish of a vehicle. The protective device has a flexible collar which conforms to the tread portion of the tire and an overspray cape attached to the flexible collar.

Abstract: A screen printing machine comprising a backing plate with holes conforming to components attached to the surface of a flexible circuit board. The machine includes a screen which patterns solder paste on the surface of the circuit board while the circuit board is on the backing plate. Also included is a spring loaded element disposed adjacent to the backing plate which applies a predetermined continuous force to the four corners of the circuit board. This force is applied in a diagonal direction to the corners to stretch the circuit board so that the circuit board is parallel to the backing plate during screening.

Abstract: A support for parts being electrostatically coated or painted as mounted upon an electrically charged rack wherein the support is formed of a flexible material and includes a flexible electrical conductive portion engaging the rack and part permitting the part to be charged, and a flexible non-conductive portion frictionally engaging the part. The support may include a masking cover defined on either of the portions engaging and protecting the part from painting. The support may be formed of thermoset rubber material, thermoplastics, polyvinylchloride material, or the like.

Abstract: A masking apparatus and method is utilized for masking preselected areas of articles which are to be coated. The masking apparatus includes several embodiments which generally include a planer member with expandable member for engaging the article. Quarter turn latches may be utilized to hold and position the masking apparatus. The present invention provides for combining various embodiments to adapt to articles having various configurations using various combinations of the masking apparatus embodiments.

Abstract: A Pre-stamped Half-hinge Adherent Cover designed to thoroughly protect all exposed surfaces of a half-hinge attached within the hinge recess of a door or jamb during the operation of coating and which combines the advantages of rigid covers (easy and quick to align and apply) with the advantages of flexible adhesive covers (securely remains in place and less expensive). In the preferred embodiment, numerous Pre-stamped Half-hinge Adherent Covers are provided on a roll so a painter can quickly and easily peel one off the roll and apply it to a half-hinge, greatly reducing the time involved in preparing a door or jamb to be coated and replacing the door in its jamb.

Abstract: A device and method for decorating an object such as an egg, which has a perimeter surface. The device includes a resilient band adapted for placement about the perimeter of the object to be decorated, the resilient band having a surface and at least one prominent, resilient area for masking. The resilient area for masking is mounted against the surface of the resilient band, so that the resilient band may be placed about the perimeter surface of the object, so that the resilient band will bias the resilient area for masking against the perimeter surface, so that the perimeter surface of the object may be immersed in a colorant, and thereby producing an image on the perimeter surface of the object by preventing colorant to reach the perimeter surface. The method includes providing a resilient band with prominent areas for masking.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shield fabricated from a sheet of material having a trough disposed on the lower edge and peripheral flanges disposed about the remaining edges for confining excess spray/mist when positioned rearwardly of an object being painted, cleaned or otherwise treated and directing it to the trough where it is collected and discharged. More specifically, the shield is fabricated from any of a variety of materials including cardboard, plastic, tin, stainless steel, etc., may optionally be provided with a coating to enhance the flow of the excess spray/mist downwardly into the trough, and is provided with means for suspending, staking or wedging the same onto support means during use.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying an antistatic and/or antireflective coating to the outer surface of a curved glass display screen of a cathode ray tube (CRT) includes a spin coating arrangement for rotating the CRT about its longitudinal axis after the coating solution is deposited on a center portion of the display screen. Centrifugal force and gravity urge the coating solution outwardly toward the edges of the display screen in forming a thin layer of uniform thickness on the display screen. A curved shield shaped in accordance with the display screen's curvature is disposed above the display screen in closely spaced relation thereto to form a chamber of stable air above the display screen and eliminate air turbulence and its tendency to spread the coating nonuniformly. The curved shield may include a center aperture for permitting the coating solution to be deposited upon the display screen prior to rotation and is adapted for easy attachment to and removal from the CRT's peripheral implosion protection band.

Abstract: A painting mask for use when painting a tire rim that is secured to a tire including an elongated and generally rectangular strip having two free ends and with the strip bent in a generally circular shape to create a ring and with the ring having a diameter adjustably sized to fit around a peripheral extent of the tire rim and positionable against the tire secured therearound to confine painting operations; a first coupling mechanism for removably coupling the ends of the strip together and for allowing the diameter of the ring to be adjusted to fit around a peripheral extent of the tire rim; and a second coupling mechanism for removably coupling the ring to the tire.

Abstract: A vacuum treatment facility and method are provided for the surface treatment of workpieces, particularly for the covering of the central and/or peripheral area of circular-disk-shaped workpieces, as in the manufacturing of CD's or storage plates. The facility comprises a chamber arrangement that can be evacuated, and transport devices in order to transport the workpieces into, through and out of the chamber arrangement. Along the transport devices, an application station is provided for applying at least one loose masking element respectively to one workpiece respectively. The method is a method for masking a workpiece, particularly for covering the central and/or peripheral area of circular-disk-shaped workpieces, as in the manufacturing of storage plates, during a vacuum surface treatment. At least one masking element is applied as a separate part to the workpiece on its path to the treatment and is subsequently removed therefrom again.

Abstract: A masking device for caulking, painting and similar operations includes a strip of material with multiple perforations. One side of the device may be provided with adhesive over desired areas. The adhesive may vary in strength along various regions of the surface. In use, the device is placed over the area to be caulked, painted or similarly treated. A desired portion of the masking device is peeled back and the desired operation is performed. The remaining portions of the masking device are then removed. In another embodiment of the invention, the device utilizes multiple strips, at least one of which partially overlaps another.

Abstract: A masking tape is provided that is suitable for insertion under many moldings and gaskets which not only masks the molding or gasket but also facilitates refinishing under at least a portion of the molding or gasket. The masking tape is constructed to include a longitudinal non-adhesive portion and a longitudinal adhesive portion, wherein the non-adhesive portion is stiffer than the adhesive portion and is sufficiently stiff to facilitate easy insertion of the non-adhesive portion beneath at least a portion of the molding or gasket to be masked while the adhesive portion is sufficiently flexible to permit the wrapping thereof around the molding or gasket. The stiffened portion advantageously provides a dual purpose of facilitating the easy insertion of the non-adhesive portion beneath the molding or gasket and creating a lever action during application between the molding or gasket and the wall or panel to which the molding or gasket is mounted.

Abstract: A semiconductor protection tube is a ceramic tube with a layer of silicon carbide covering at least a portion of the tube adjacent an open front end of the tube and extending forward of the open end to form a hollow, closed-end tip. The protection tube is formed by providing the ceramic tube, inserting a mandrel through the tube to extend forward of the front end, and depositing silicon carbide by chemical vapor deposition over at least a front portion of the ceramic tube and over the forward-extending portion of the mandrel. Subsequent removal of the mandrel completes the production of the protection tube.

Abstract: A paint masking assembly comprising a sheet of paint masking material having a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive releasably adhered to a sheet of liner material which is coextensive with and extends beyond the sheet of paint masking material, and is slit to define first and second parts of the sheet of liner material extending over first and second portions of the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive. The sheet of paint masking material is removable from the first part of the sheet of liner material to expose the first portion of the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive by which the the removed sheet of paint masking material may be releasably adhered to a substrate.

Abstract: Structural components (2), such as turbine blades (16) partially to be coated, for example with precious metal coatings, are inserted into a circumferential pocket on a carrier wheel (8), so that surface areas (10, 10A) protruding radially outwardly are presented for a coating operation, for example by vapor deposition, gas diffusion, plasma spraying, or sputtering, while surface portions (9) of the components within the wheel are protected against coating by wheel disks (8A, 8B). The wheel is rotated either continuously or stepwise through an active coating chamber (3). Surfaces to be coated participate in forming first and second walls for enclosing a coating space (11). Other walls of the space (11) are formed by one or two coating sources (12, 13), such as cathode sputterers, whereby the need for screens or masks (4, 14) that form the remaining walls of the space (11) are minimized. The bottom (59) of the space (11) is preferably formed by wall portions (4A) of the turbine blades (16).

Abstract: A continuous sidelight threshold and door sill assembly for use with entryways having at least one fixed sidelight panel and a hinged door panel comprises an extruded aluminum frame having an elongated channel and a sloped sill. A vertically adjustable threshold cap is shorter than the channel is configured to fit in and be selectively positioned at a predetermined location along the channel. A separate panel cap is also configured to fit in the channel and be selectively positioned therealong. The assembly is universally adaptable to be used either with left handed, right handed, or double sided sidelight door entryways simply by positioning the threshold cap and the panel cap at respective appropriate locations along the channel. A removable paint shield is provided to protect the threshold and sill assembly from paint and damage during construction of a building in which the assembly is installed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming abrasive surfaces on the tips of a plurality of workpieces such as the tips of gas turbine airfoil blades. The method broadly comprises the steps of providing a mechanical masking device having a plurality of openings arranged around the circumference of the device, installing an array containing a plurality of workpieces to be coated within the mechanical masking device so that portions of the workpieces including the tips thereof extend through the openings, immersing the mechanical masking device with the installed array of workpieces in a tank containing a plating bath with a matrix material and an abrasive grit material in slurry form so that the workpieces lie in a substantially horizontal plane, and applying a current through the plating bath to form the abrasive surfaces of the tips of the workpieces. The mechanical masking device protects portions of the array form the coating operation.

Abstract: A carpet layer's aid for protecting floor baseboards or walls during carpet installation comprising an elongated strip with a separating means. The elongated strip is divided by the separating into an edge portion, which is used to anchor the elongated strip, and a central portion, which is used to shield the baseboard or wall. The separating means is integral with the elongated strip and allows the central portion to be detached from the edge portion of the elongated strip upon completing the carpet installation. The edge portion of the elongated strip is left behind under the tack strip and carpet.

Abstract: A masking profile for use in painting the transitional area between motor vehicle windshields embedded in profile members or gaskets and the motor vehicle body. The masking profile is constructed with two profile legs at an angle relative to one another and with an adhesive coating on at least one profile leg. A shorter L-leg is for engaging behind the lip of the profile member or gasket holding the vehicle windshield, which lip contacts the body region to be painted. Additionally, a longer L-leg is for gluing onto the outer surface of the windshield and/or on body surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved fixture (70) for masking a portion of an airfoil (12) during coating operations. The fixture (70) includes a masking member (54) and a clamp (74) for forcing the masking member (54) into contact with the portion of the airfoil (12) requiring masking.

Abstract: A wheel mask provided to protect the vehicle wheels during chemical treatment of the tires is a unitary thin plastic molding having a circular concave body that includes a central hub having an exterior handle and terminates in a flared outer periphery. The flared outer periphery includes a plurality of radially-spaced annular raised ridges, each having tapered annular inner and outer walls connected by an annular crown. Each ridge corresponds to a specific size wheel rim. A plurality of annular depressed grooves are formed at the juncture of adjacent inner and outer walls. The handle is inwardly open and formed of walls which project outwardly of the hub and are tapered to permit partial insertion of a handle of another mask, and the ridge walls are angled outwardly to enhance stacking of a plurality of masks.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably clamping a substrate to a support platform, or other support system, at a face of the substrate is described. In one embodiment, a retractable clamp holds a substrate near its edges on a support platform when the clamp is in its fully extended position. One or more leaf springs are mounted to the clamp and apply force to the substrate at respective points in the event the substrate adheres to the clamp, thereby releasing the substrate from the clamp. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more activators are positioned in cooperative relationship to the leaf springs to cause the leaf springs to retract into recesses in the clamp when the clamp is extended against the substrate. In their retracted position, the leaf springs do not contact the substrate so as to minimize the generation of particle contamination and the chance of the release leaf springs themselves adhering to the substrate.

Abstract: First and second transport chambers are joined to one another through a common opening (5), and house respective substrate carriers (6, 7) mounted for rotation about parallel axes. In at least one position the carriers may be superposed, plungers (14 and 15) being disposed in the area of this superposition on opposite sides of the carriers, both carriers being longitudinally displaceable parallel to the pivot axes (a and b, respectively). After a coating operation in the second transport chamber, the second plunger releases the mask from the second carrier, moves it back to the first carrier where the substrate is peripherally engaged, then moves the mask still further in order to release it from the substrate. The second plunger then retreats, and the coated substrate can be rotated in the first chamber.

Abstract: A method of applying a tacking agent to a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board (10) has a number of solder pads (12), and each solder pad is preclad with a layer of solder (14) between 0.02 and 0.3 mm thick. A plastic film (16) is temporarily adhered to the printed circuit board by a pressure sensitive adhesive. The plastic film has a number of apertures (22) that correspond to the solder pads, and is positioned so that the apertures in the film expose the solder coated pads. There is a breakaway tab (20) on the plastic film that is used to peel the film from the printed circuit board in a later operation. The film is roller coated with a high viscosity tacking agent (30) so that a layer of the tacking agent is applied to the exposed interconnect pads. The plastic film is then peeled cleanly away from the printed circuit board using the breakaway tab, leaving the tacking agent only on the solder pads.

Abstract: A framed window pane paint hand-held semi-flexible plastic pane-shield positionable against a substantially right-angled corner of a window frame, the pane-shield having a linear edge continuous with a bottom surface of its flange. The linear edges of the hand-held pane-shield intersect at up to a ninety-degree angle or more. The pane shield's bottom surface angles upwardly from its linear edge at an angle of about 20 degrees relative to a mounted window pane surface. The intersecting flanges and their linear edges are each about 4 or more inches in length and each is sufficiently flexible as to expand, relative to the other, to sharply engage and flushly fit along a window frame edging having an edging corner that ranges from slightly less than 90 degrees possibly to greater than 90 degrees.