Patent ID: 6219899
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: G03F,H05K,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of sequentially positioning panels relative to a pattern having a plurality of contact areas, which comprises:moving the pattern into planar proximity of a registration mechanism on a work surface having a plurality of contact elements;moving the registration mechanism relative to the work surface into registration with the pattern;releasing the contact elements of the registration mechanism from engagement with the contact areas of the pattern and removing the pattern from the registration mechanismmoving a panel onto the work surface,engaging the contact elements with the panel by moving the contact elements on the registration mechanism until all contact elements engage contact areas on the panel, processing the panel, andmoving the movable contact elements of the registration mechanism out of engagement with the contact areas of the processed panel and removing the panel from the work surface;repeating the step of moving a panel onto the work surface, the step of enaring the contact elements with the panel, and the step of moving the movable contact elements out of engagement with the contact areas of the processed panel and removing the panel from the work surface;the step of moving the registration mechanism into registration with the pattern including maintaining the registration mechanism movable relative to the pattern, engaging the contact elements with the contact areas on the pattern by moving the contact elements on the registration mechanism until the elements all engage the contact areas on the pattern, and then locking the registration mechanism in position.