Patent ID: 7424096
Filing Date: 2008-09-09
Classification: H05G

Abstract:
1. A tape advancing system for precisely advancing a tape through a targeting area, the tape having first and second opposing faces wherein the second face is positioned by the system for irradiation by a laser within the targeting area, the system comprising: a first positioning device configured to receive the first face of the tape against a first positioning surface; a second positioning device configured to receive the first face of the tape against a second positioning surface that is substantially perpendicular to the first positioning surface, the tape twisting by substantially 90° between the first and second positioning devices; a third positioning device configured to receive the second face of the tape against a third positioning surface that is substantially parallel to the second positioning surface, wherein the third positioning surface imparts a tensioning force to the tape against the second positioning surface as the tape is advanced through the system; a first guide wing configured to receive the first face of the tape against a first guide wing surface that is substantially parallel to the third positioning surface to further position the tape so that the tape is aligned with the targeting area; a second guide wing configured to receive the second face of the tape against a second guide wing surface that is substantially parallel to the first guide wing surface so that the tape passes through the targeting area; and a drive roller having a longitudinal axis parallel to the first and second guide wing surfaces and configured to receive the first or second face of the tape against its surface, wherein the tape is pressed between the drive roller and an idler roller to create a tension on the tape sufficient to pull the tape through the system.