Patent ID: 7000538
Filing Date: 2006-02-21
Classification: B05C,B41F,H05K

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for printing materials onto surface contacts on an electronic substrate, the apparatus comprising: a stencil comprising a metallic sheet having one or more apertures formed through the thickness of the metallic sheet to define a pattern for printing solder on a substrate, the metallic sheet having four peripheral edges, and the metallic sheet defining more than two slots along each peripheral edge; a support frame having four side members with each side member connected to two other side members and including a channel that extends along each side member; at least first and second displaceable opposed mounting members, with each mounting member disposed within the channel and including a mounting plate that carries a plurality of projections extending from the mounting plate to comprise a terminal side edge, the projections configured to engage the slots along a peripheral edge of the metallic sheet; a mechanism to bias the first mounting member away from the second opposing mounting member; and an inflatable tubular member disposed within the channel and extending along the four side members to displace the first mounting member toward the second opposing mounting member when the tubular member is inflated.