Abstract:
A method is disclosed for maintaining a reliable operation of a flexible, self-conforming support system. The self-conforming support system utilizes a plurality of pins that move vertically within a series of apertures. The motion of the pins can be hindered with unwarranted material becoming lodged between the pins and the respective aperture. One scenario where this is highly probable is when using the self-conforming support system for supporting Printed Circuit Boards during a solder paste application process. The present invention utilizes a protective collar to deflect any excess solder paste from becoming lodged between any of the pins and the respective aperture. The collar is essentially an umbrella, and can be of a molded material, a pliant material, or machined into the pins. The collar can further include a pliant top which also protects the Printed Circuit Board from the pins.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to accessories for flexible support systems using elongated support members that vary in position to support planer and/or three-dimensional workpieces. This is a divisional application of Ser. No. 09/597,905 filed Jun. 19, 2000 (Issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,298 on Feb. 24, 2004) as a CIP of Ser. No. 09/253,238 filed 1999, February 19 (Now U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,187 Issued Jul. 24, 2001) which is a CIP of Ser. No. 09/170,016 filed 1998, October 13 (Now U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,966, Issued Feb. 29, 2000). The application further claims priority to application of Ser. No. 10/090,076 filed Feb. 28, 2002. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Numerous manufacturing processes require a means to support a workpiece, without causing damage, so that an operation can be effected thereon, particularly an operation which applies a force or pressure to the workpiece, such as a printed circuit board (PCB) during printing or population. The face of the workpiece to be supported may not necessarily be planer, as demonstrated by the example of a two-sided electronics assembly; at least one application requires tooling to support a three dimensional face. 
   There are several known apparatuses, which utilize elongated support members, which conform to the profile of the contact surface of the workpiece. 
   Thyberg et al. teach an apparatus using a multiplicity of hard balls and the application of pressure to the balls to provide a simple and effective locking mechanism. The elongated support members include ridges formed perpendicular to the axis of motion, whereby pressure (shown as by displacing the balls with an additional member) can be applied to the multiplicity of hard balls to effectively lock about the said ridges. 
   Frosch et al. teach a plurality of spindles (elongated support members), which contour to the workpiece and are secured in position using a locking piston associated with each spindle (or pair of spindles). The elongated support members are raised to the workpiece using springs. 
   Barozzi teaches a multiplicity of parallel pins in parallel rows, which utilize friction to arrest the pins to the respective position. The frictional locking means consist of elastic elements interpositioned with elastic deformation between each of the parallel rows of pins. Barozzi utilizes flat springs located along parallel pins. 
   Dougherty et al. teach an anvil (plurality of elongated support members) having a uniquely configurable face where the elongated support members are raised by a fluid (air, fluid, or similar) directly contacting the pins. The pins are then retained against any downward force by individual sleeves with slits that are placed about the shaft of the pins; the sleeves are compressed inwardly when under external pressure exerted by elastomeric tubes that enclosed the slit sleeves. 
   Puettmer, et al. teach a profiled clamping jaw, whereby the profiling process utilizes a fluid and individual needle valves to raise and hold the plurality of pins to a contour. The apparatus comprises of a complex system to individually move and hold each clamping ram (elongated support member) in position. The system does not allow the removal of any of the clamping rams. 
   Beale teaches an apparatus that provides support for a predetermined position raising and lowering only specified support members. Beale further teaches an apparatus which can secure a workpiece to a fixture using thin clamping foils which will not damage or interfere with the screen printing process. 
   Each of the above contouring support apparatuses is limited where they do not provide a means for easy removal or re-installation of any of the elongated support members. 
   The two parent applications disclose several apparatuses for supporting a workpiece using a plurality of elongated support members, which adjust to conform to the profile of the surface of the workpiece to be supported. 
   The flexible, self-conforming workpiece support systems disclosed in the parent applications, as well as similar apparatuses such as the cited arts may be subjected to harsh environments such as solder printing. Solder paste, used during the solder printing process, is known to drop into the solder printing apparatus. The solder paste comprises of small (approximately 0.0008″ diameter) spheres of solder (tin lead) mixed in flux paste to a viscosity of approximately 1×10^6 centipoise. When dried, the solder paste may have properties similar to clay or cement. The small particles of solder may act as abrasives. 
   The flexible, self-conforming workpiece support systems disclosed in the parent applications, as well as similar apparatuses such as the cited arts may provide an upward force to the workpiece during the profiling process. This said upward force could cause the workpiece to flex upwards. 
   What is desired is a system, which is flexible, can automatically create a profile to support the face of any workpiece, including a non-planer surface, and minimizes any forces transferred to the said face. The system should be designed to be repeatable, serviceable, and with minimal complexity. Further, the system should incorporate a method, features and or accessories to increase repeatability and reliability. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One aspect of the present invention is to provide a means to support one face of a workpiece to support the workpiece during an operation in which a force is applied to another face of the workpiece. 
   A second aspect of the present invention is to provide a means to support the workpiece using a plurality of elongated support members, whereby the plurality of elongated support members may create a profile of the contact face of the workpiece. 
   A third aspect of the present invention is to provide a, preferably automated, means to reset the elongated support members to the predetermined, “maximum” distance from the primary assembly position, where the elongated support members are temporarily held in position by a resistive force. The elongated support members are adjusted to the desired height by bringing the workpiece and the primary assembly together, where the surface of the workpiece adjusts the elongated support members against a resistive force to the desired heights. 
   A fourth aspect of the present invention is to provide a holding force to hold the elongated support members after the elongated support members are positioned in the desired profile. 
   A fifth aspect of the present invention is the ability to easily remove or install any of the said support members from the primary assembly of the invention. 
   A sixth aspect of the present invention is a method to vary the size of the array of elongated support members to match the variety of subject workpieces. 
   A seventh aspect of the present invention is a method and apparatus to control the height of the support elongated support members to either in the maximum distance from the primary assembly or minimum distance from the primary assembly. 
   An eighth aspect of the present invention is an apparatus used to protect the shaft of the elongated support members from foreign objects such as solder paste. 
   A ninth aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of the protective member in a molded compliant member, which slides over the top of the elongated support member. 
   A tenth aspect of the present invention is a method of temporarily reinforcing the workpiece to provide a planar top surface. 
   An eleventh aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for temporarily reinforcing the workpiece to provide a planar top surface. 
   A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the ability to automatically profile the plurality of elongates support members to the underside of the workpiece. 
   A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the ability to use the same member to profile the plurality of pins to the one face of the workpiece as well as holding the plurality of pins to the profile against force(s) applied to the another face of the workpiece. 
   A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the ability to raise the plurality of elongated support members using at least one of: springs, a reset plate in conjunction with a resistive member, or fluid. 
   A fifteenth-aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of a single molded member to act as individual pistons to contour the plurality of elongated support members. 
   A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of a single member to seal each individual piston to maintain the contour of the plurality of elongated support members. 
   A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the ability to limit the height of the individual pistons during the contouring process. 
   An eighteenth aspect of the present invention is the ability to retract the elongated support members by the removal of fluid. 
   A nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of a means to individually identify each respective perforation for each respective elongated support member to identify a desired pattern for a particular workpiece. 
   The invention, a method and apparatus comprising: 
   A mechanism, which can profile a plurality of elongated support members to a surface of an object. Several options are described herein, including springs, a resistive member (magnetic, frictional, or similar), and fluid in conjunction with a molded member. 
   A mechanism that can maintain the position of the elongated support members in a contoured position. Several options include a sliding single perforated plate to apply a clamping holding force, increasing the resistance force from a resistive member such as by increasing the magnetic force, and sealing a fluid within the above described molded member. 
   A mechanism of ensuring the planarity of the workpiece whereby the mechanism is placed against the workpiece, the second planar object can be a support block, stencil (and optional squeegee), and the like. 
   A protective member for protecting the shaft of the elongated support members and the openings in the apparatus from foreign materials such as solder paste. The member can be included in a molded compliant member and placed around or over the top of the elongated support members. 
   The elongated support members can optionally have a mechanism that that allows the elongated support member to be assembled into the primary assembly, while allowing the elongated support member to by removed as desired. Options include a “C-clip”, a rotating securing mechanism, a removable plate and the like. 
   The top surface of the apparatus can also be marked to identify the locations of each elongated support member individually as a means to provide an operator with a repeatable process for arrangement of installed/not-installed elongated support members. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a workpiece; in this case a Printed Circuit Assembly (PCA) located on the conveyor of a workstation. 
       FIG. 2  is a sectional side elevation that illustrates the undesirable deformation of the workpiece, in this case a PCA, during the operation of a workstation. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates limitations of the prior art as well as the parent applications whereby the workpiece may flex upwards during the profiling process and be susceptible to foreign materials such as solder paste. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a reinforcing member used to reinforce a flexible workpiece to ensure the work surface is planar. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross sectional drawing which illustrates a flexible, self conforming workpiece support system in a reset state and one embodiment of a protective collar accessory. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross sectional drawing which illustrates the flexible, self conforming workpiece support system in an adjusting state. The drawing includes the forces imposed, resulting from the motion of the apparatus. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross sectional drawing which illustrates the flexible, self conforming workpiece support system in a secured state. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross sectional drawing which illustrates the elongated support member used in conjunction with a magnetic or mechanical resistance system, where the elongated support member is designed to drop after the elongated support member travels beyond a specified distance. The drawing further describes an alternative embodiment of the present invention, utilizing a variable magnetic force to provide a resistive force and holding force to the elongated support members. The drawing further includes a second and third embodiment of a protective collar. 
       FIG. 9  is a sectional side elevation which illustrates a flexible support apparatus in the reset state or home position, illustrating an alternate embodiment of the present invention, whereby springs are used to reset the flexible support apparatus to the home position and create a resistive force. Additionally, the figure illustrates the inclusion of a pliant material on a contact end of the elongated support member and the locking mechanism. 
       FIG. 10  is a sectional side elevation which illustrates a flexible support apparatus whereby the flexible support apparatus further includes a vacuum means of holding the workpiece for use in conjunction with workstations such as screen printers. 
       FIG. 11  is a sectional side elevation, which illustrates a flexible support apparatus in a profiling state. The preferred embodiment utilizes a molded series of expansion chambers in conjunction with a change in fluid pressure and a sliding aperture plate to raise and temporarily hold the plurality of elongated support members in a profiled state. 
       FIG. 12  is a sectional side elevation, which illustrates the flexible support apparatus of  FIG. 11  in a supporting state. 
       FIG. 13  is an operational flow diagram disclosing a method of the flexible support apparatus. 
       FIG. 14  is an operational flow diagram disclosing a method of reinforcing a workpiece in conjunction with a flexible self-conforming support apparatus. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a PCA (module)  10  illustrating the workpiece  10  located on a conveyor belt  11  within the workstation (not shown). The workpiece  10  is transferred into and out of the workstation via a conveyor belt  11 . The conveyor belt  11  rides along the conveyor rail  12 . After transferring the workpiece  10  to the desired location within the workstation, the workpiece  10  is secured into location using a securing mechanism  15 , in this case illustrated as clamps. Optionally, some workstations use vacuum, which is not shown in this figure. The workpiece  10  is secured to ensure accuracy throughout the operation of the workstation. One reason to secure the workpiece  10  into location is to maintain placement accuracy for various component locations  13 . 
     FIG. 2  is a sectional side elevation illustrating a non-desirable deflection  20  of a workpiece  10  during the operation of a workstation. The workpiece  10  is located on the conveyor belt  11 , as described by  FIG. 1 . The conveyor belt  11  rides along the conveyor rail  12 . The workpiece  10  is secured by a securing mechanism  15  to ensure accuracy during processing. The drawing illustrates, using a dashed line; a planer surface  22  of the workpiece  10  prior to the subjection of loads  26  during the operation of workstation. The drawing illustrates a deflected surface  24  of the workpiece  10  during the subjection of loads  26  during the operation of a workstation. This particular drawing illustrates an example of the assembly process of a PCA, depicting the impact of component  27  placement, where the workstation is placing a component  27  onto a work surface  28  of the workpiece  10  using a vacuum nozzle  23 . A non-desirable deflection  20  of the workpiece  10  has several negative effects of the assembly process, including moving the workpiece  10  such that the location of the workpiece  10  no longer corresponds with the registration of the equipment, bouncing the components  27  off the work surface  28  upon placement, not providing a planer surface  22  during a screen-printing process, not providing a planer surface  22  during a dispensing process, not providing a planer surface  22  during component  27  placement, or where the components  27  are then dropped (instead of placed) onto the surface  28  of the workpiece  10 . It can be recognized that the implementation of a self conforming support apparatus may secure the workpiece  10  to present a planer surface  22  during screen-printing, dispensing, component placement, or other assembly process. 
     FIG. 3  is a cross sectional drawing which illustrates a limitation of the prior art when a flexible, self conforming support apparatus  100  contours to a non-rigid workpiece  10  such as a thin Printed Circuit Assembly. During a profiling procedure (described later), a plurality of elongated support members  110  exert a profiling force  30  onto a planar workpiece  34  causing a deflected workpiece  36 , emphasized by the resulting upward deflection  32 . The desired planar surface  22  is shown in the upward deflection  32  as a deflected surface  28 . A component  335  is shown assembled to the contact side of the workpiece  10  to illustrate the requirement for a contouring support apparatus, particularly for two sided Printed Circuit Assemblies. 
     FIG. 4  is a cross sectional drawing of a flexible, self conforming support apparatus  100  with the inclusion of a reinforcing member  40 . The reinforcing member  40  would apply a generally distributed reinforcing force  42  to the workpiece  10  to ensure planarity. The reinforcing member can be a plate placed onto or clamped to the workpiece  10 . Alternatively, a plate may be placed inside the workstation in workstations such as a screen printer or a stencil  44  tightly mounted within a stencil frame  46  can be used in conjunction with securing mechanism  15  as described by Beale (see background). The stencil  44  although tightly mounted within a stencil frame  46 , is known to be flexible, and should further reinforcement be required, squeegee(s)  48  may be lowered to contact the stencil  44  effectively further stiffening the stencil  44 . 
     FIG. 5  is a cross sectional drawing of the flexible, self conforming support apparatus  100  illustrating the elongated support members  110 , preferably arranged in an array (not shown) to support a workpiece  10 , further illustrating the ability to provide support to a three dimensional object by including a component  335  attached to the workpiece  330 . The elongated support members  110  are held primary parallel by at least one perforated planer member  120 ,  125 , where the preferred embodiment would be two perforated planer members  120  and  125 , which have similar patterns of perforations  128  designed to allow the elongated support members  110  to adjust perpendicularly  135  to the plane of the at least one perforated planer member  120  and/or  125 . The elongated support members  110  may be temporarily held in position by the frictional forces enduced by a resistance member  130 . The resistive member  130  comprises any material capable of creating a retaining force (not shown) at the point of contact  138 , where when a profiling force  132  or reset force  153  is applied to the elongated support members  110  the force causes the elongated support members  110  to move downward  135  or reset upwards  158 . Examples of resistive material are foam, rubber, woven mesh, magnets and the like. This system can be designed to control the force  132  required to move each elongated support member  110 . The plurality of elongated support members  110  can be reset to a home position  320 . Alternatively, springs or fluid may be used in place of the resistive member  130  and reset plate  150  and will be described later. 
   The figure further illustrates two accessories in conjunction with the present invention: a protective collar  160  and reinforcing member  40 . The protective collar  160  may be formed, coupled to, and the like to the elongated support members  110 . The protective collar  160  is an enlarged member to keep foreign material such as solder paste (not shown in this figure) from gathering around, contacting, or interfering with the shaft of the elongated support members  110  and the perforations  128 . The protective collar  160  would be preferably placed as low as possible and as large as possible to shadow the Shaft from foreign material. It can be recognized that there are many methods to manufacture the protective collar  160  and couple it to the elongated support members  110 . Stamped metal may be slid over and coupled to the shaft. The elongated support member may be machined, cast or molded including the protective collar  160 . The preferred embodiment would be to mold the protective collar of a pliant material whereby the molded protective collar  160  would slide over the contacting end of the elongated support member  110  and also provide protection between the contacting surface of the elongated support members  110  and the contacting surface of the workpiece  10 . This will be illustrated in a later figure. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates a profiling state of the flexible, self-conforming support apparatus. A contacting surface  36  of the elongated support members  110 ,  412  contacts the workpiece  10  and/or features which extend beyond the primary plane of the workpiece (protrusions/components/etc.)  335 , respectively, whereby the workpiece  10  or features  335  exert a profiling force  132  onto the elongated supporting members  110 ,  412 . The profiling force  132  overcomes the resistive force  410  and causes the elongated supporting members  110 ,  412  to move down replicating the profile of the workpiece  10  and respective protrusions  335 , as shown by comparing the reset (not moved) position of the elongated support member  110  to the profiled (moved) position of the elongated support member  412 . 
   The resistive force(s)  410  can generate a lifting force (opposite the profiling force  132 ) causing the workpiece  10  to bend upwards as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The figure illustrates the utility of the reinforcing member  40  against the generally opposing side of the workpiece  10  to reinforce the workpiece  10  against any resulting lifting forces. Alternatively, the workpiece  10  may be placed in a position against the stencil (item  44  of  FIG. 4 ), using the stencil as a reinforcing member  40 . To further stiffen the stencil (item  44  of  FIG. 4 ), the squeegees (item  48  of  FIG. 4 ) or another rigid object may be placed against the stencil (item  44  of  FIG. 4 ). 
     FIG. 7  illustrates the flexible support apparatus  100  in the locked state. The figure illustrates the elongated support members  110 ,  412  located against the workpiece  10  and the protruding member  335  respectively. The elongated support members  110 ,  412  are temporarily held in location by the resistance member  130 . The locking member illustrated in the locking position  510 , exerts a force  522 , pushing the elongated support members  110 ,  412  against the perforated upper plate  120  and/or perforated lower plate  125 . The perforated upper plate and/or perforated lower plate exert a supporting force  524 ,  526  respectively. The applied clamping forces  522 ,  524 , and  526  secure the elongated support members  110 ,  412  in position to create a supporting force  530  onto the workpiece  10  and a supporting force  535  onto the attachment  335  to the workpiece  10 . 
     FIG. 8  illustrates examples of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated embodiment utilizes a magnetic resistive member  825  in conjunction with at least one of an elongated support member  110  of magnetic material or at least a portion of the elongated support member  110  of magnetic material. A resistive force  845  is applied by friction created between the surface of the elongated support member  110  and the resistive member  825  by the normal forces generated by the magnetic attraction between the two interfaces. A holding force is created by increasing the magnetic force  845  by increasing the current through a magnetic force generating coil  840  and the like. The elongated support members may be removably located within the apparatus and temporarily secured by a securing mechanism  815 , where the example illustrated is a clip located in a slot (not shown) within the elongated support member  110 . The securing mechanism  815  is used to secure the elongated support members  110  in the primary assembly during handling whereby the securing mechanism  815  allows the elongated support members  110  to be easily removed from the primary assembly as desired by removing the securing mechanism  815  from the elongated support member  110 . 
   A protective collar  160 ,  865  is included in the figure illustrating two alternate embodiments: a first protective collar  160  that is manufactured  160  into the shaft of the elongated support member  110  and a second being a separate molded protective collar  865  which includes a pliant means between the elongated support member  110  and the workpiece ( 10  in other figures). The protective collar  160 ,  865  can be described as a member which acts similar to an umbrella; a member larger than the area to be protected from foreign materials. The example illustrated utilizes the protective collars  160 ,  865  to protect the region between the shaft of the elongated support members  110  and the perforation  128  from the foreign material  870  such as solder paste. The foreign material  870  would accumulate on top of the protective collar  160 ,  865 , away from the subject interface; thus increasing the reliability of the apparatus. 
   The preferred embodiment is the molded protective collar  865 , whereby the molded protective collar  865  would be molded of a pliant material compatible with alcohol or other flux removing fluids for cleaning. The removable, molded protective collars  865  are easy to manufacturing, inexpensive to manufacture, easy to clean and replace, and the like. Included in the figure is an optional automatic dropping feature  730 , whereby the automatic dropping feature  730  of the figure is a small magnetic band coupled to the elongated support member  110 . The automatic dropping feature  730  is located along the shaft of the elongated support members in such a manner as to provide a resistive force from the resistive member  825  (also  130  herein with regards to other figures) while the automatic dropping feature  730  contacts the resistive member  825 ,  130 . Once the automatic dropping feature  730  is located beyond a contacting area of the resistive member  130 ,  825 , the resistive force no longer supports the elongated support member  110  and the elongated support member  110  drops and no longer provides a supporting force to the workpiece  10 . 
   The above, automated dropping feature  730  utilizes magnetic forces. An alternative automated dropping feature  730  can utilize friction, where the automatic dropping feature illustrated is an increase in width of the elongated support member  110  for use in conjunction with a mechanical/frictional resistance plate  130 . The enlarged area would create a frictional resistance within a perforation of the resistive member  130 . For example, the diameter of the automatic dropping feature  730  would be slightly larger than the diameter of the opening in a foam resistive member  130  and the shaft of the elongated support member  110  is smaller than the diameter of the opening in the foam resistive member  130 . Once the automatic dropping feature  730  is no longer within the opening of the resistive member  130 , gravity would cause the elongated support member  110  to automatically drop. The automated dropping feature  730  may be included in the shape of the elongated support member  110  or added by coupling a second piece  730  to the elongated support member  110 . 
     FIG. 9  illustrates a flexible support apparatus  100  in a home position  50 . The elongated support member(s)  110  are placed to the home position  50  by a homing force  153 . A coil spring is used in this figure to illustrate a self restoring mechanism  52  used to apply the homing force  153 . The self restoring mechanism  52  can be located above the flexible, self conforming support apparatus  100  as illustrate by a first embodiment which provides for a narrow profile apparatus or located below the elongated support member  110  as illustrated by a second embodiment. It can be recognized that the springs may be located within the elongated support members as a third embodiment of the present invention. The figure illustrates the ability to remove any elongated support member  110  and the respective self restoring mechanism  52  to provide clearance for items such as conveyors  12  or extra sensitive components  335 . It can be recognized that many other urging devices may be used as self-restoring mechanisms  52  may be used to apply the homing force  153 . The workpiece  10  to be supported is shown above the flexible support apparatus  100  residing in the home position  50 . One elongated support member  110  includes a pliant material  38  located at the end of the elongated support member  110  which contacts the workpiece  10  to avoid damage to delicate surfaces (protrusions  335 ) of the workpiece  10 . The figure further illustrates a compliant material  35  being used to account for tolerances to ensure adequate clamping of the elongated support member(s)  110 . It can be recognized that the compliant material  35  can be applied to other embodiments described herein. 
     FIG. 10  is a sectional side elevation illustrating features of a flexible support apparatus  100  specifically designed for a screen printing workstation. Features of the flexible, self-conforming support apparatus  100  in conjunction with a screen printer include a protective collar  865 , a compliant contact area  812 , and a vacuum system. The vacuum system includes a vacuum passage  39  to transfer vacuum from a vacuum source (not shown) to a vacuum chamber  38 , where the vacuum chamber  38  is created by vacuum wall members  29 . The vacuum wall members  29  can be coupled to the perforated member  120 , and preferably located within the peripheral edges of the module to optimize the vacuum. It can be recognized that the vacuum wall members may be adjustable. It can also be recognized that the vacuum chamber  38  may be included in the elongated support members  110  by making the elongated support members  110  hollow  38 . The vacuum would transfer from the vacuum source through the bottom of each elongated support member  110  to the surface of the workpiece  330  (not shown). The figure illustrates the utility of the protective collars  865  whereby solder paste  870  is deflected from the shaft of the elongated support member  110 . 
     FIG. 11  is a sectional side elevation illustrating features of a fluid operated flexible support apparatus  900  utilizing a fluid  902  and molded series of expansion members  904 ,  906 . The fluid  902  enters a passage  908 , whereby the fluid passage  908  is coupled to a fluid pump, or similar to transfer fluid  902  into a fluid basin  910  and is distributed into the plurality of expansion members  904 ,  906 . The fluid  902  would flow into the expansion members  904 ,  906  and raise  909  the plurality of elongated support members  110  to contact the workpiece  10  and protrusion(s)  335 . A completely expanded member  904  is shown in an expanded state, and an partially expanded member  906  is limited in expansion as a result of a profiling force  132  from the workpiece  10  and protrusions  335 . The preferred embodiment of the expansion members  904 ,  906  would be a single molded member with a plurality of expansion members  904 ,  906 , manufactured of a flexible material interconnected by a flat sheet which can provide gasketing capabilities between the layers of the apparatus. The pattern of the expansion members  904 ,  906  can be duplicated in a pattern of expansion chambers  912  as shown being machined in an expansion chamber member  914 . The expansion chambers  912  can include a maximum lift feature  916  which maintains the distance in which the expansion members  904 ,  906  can expand. A protection member  918  can be placed between the expansion-member  904 ,  906  and the elongated support members  110  to increase reliability of the molded expansion members  904 ,  906 . A sliding seal  920  is shown in an open state allowing fluid to transfer from the fluid cavity  910  and the expansion members  904 ,  906 . The sliding seal  920  can be of a plate with a plurality of openings  924  in a pattern similar to the pattern of expansion members  904 ,  906  and can be controlled by a seal actuator  922 . The sliding seal can be located in a cavity within the apparatus, whereby the overall apparatus is sealed to avoid leaks. 
     FIG. 12  is a sectional side elevation illustrating a supporting state of a fluid operated flexible support apparatus  900 . The sliding seal  920  adjusts by changing the state of the seal actuator  922 , whereby the position of the sliding seal  920  controls the flow of fluid  902  between the expansion members  904 ,  906 . This can minimize the flow of fluid  902  between the expansion members  904 ,  906 , the fluid cavity  910 , and other expansion members  904 ,  906  when engaged as shown. The fluid  902  which is isolated within the expansion members  904 ,  906  and the sliding seal provide a supporting force  530 ,  535 , while maintaining a profiled position for the plurality of elongated support members  110 . It should be noted that an advantage of the disclosed invention is in that the assembly may be externally sealed, not requiring detailed internal sealing features. Small flow of fluid  902  between the expansion members  904 ,  906  and the fluid cavity  910  does not impede the performance of the apparatus  900 . The seal actuator can comprise of a fluid supporting cavity  930  and a return spring  932 . By flowing fluid  902  into the fluid-supporting cavity  930 , the pressure adjusts the position of the sliding seal  920 . By removing the fluid  902  from the fluid-supporting cavity  930 , the return spring  932  returns the sliding seal  920  to the original position. The fluid  902  can be drawn from the fluid cavity  910  causing the expansion members  904 ,  906  to retract, thus lowering the elongated support members  110  to a reset position. Once the sliding seal  920  is located in the sealed position, the fluid  902  can be pressurized in the fluid cavity  910  to apply sealing pressure  934  to improve the seal. 
   It can be recognized that the disclosed flexible, self conforming support apparatus  900  can be automated with the inclusion of sensors, software, and other related automation equipment as recognized by those skilled in the art. 
   It can be recognized that the disclosed flexible, self conforming support apparatus  900  can be used in conjunction with at least one of a solder screen printer, an electronic component placement machine, and a dispensing machine. 
     FIG. 13  is an operational flow diagram  1000  describing the general operational flow of a fluid operated flexible support apparatus  900 . The first step  1002  is to restore the flexible support apparatus  900  where the elongated supporting member(s)  110  are placed in the home position  320  by drawing fluid from the expansion members  904 ,  906 . The second step  1004  in the operational flow diagram  1000  is to bring the workpiece  10  and the fluid operated flexible support apparatus  900  proximate each other. The third step  1006  in the operational flow diagram  1000  is to flow fluid into the expansion members  904 ,  906 , raising the plurality of elongated support members  110 . The fourth step  1008  in the operational flow diagram  1000  is the profiling of the elongated support member(s)  110  by using the pressure from the fluid into the expansion members  904 ,  906  to raise the elongated support members  110  against the workpiece  10 . The fifth step  1010  is to adjust the position of the sliding seal  920  to limit the flow of fluid  902  between the fluid cavity  910  and the expansion members  904 ,  906 . By limiting the flow of fluid  902 , the fluid within the expansion chamber provides a supporting force  530 ,  535  to the workpiece  10  and protrusion  335  respectively. The sixth step  1012  is to process the workpiece  10 . The seventh step  1014  is to reposition the sliding seal  920  to allow the fluid  902  to flow between the expansion members  904 ,  906  and fluid cavity  910 . The eighth step  1016  is to draw the fluid  902  from the expansion members  904 ,  906  to return the expansion members  904 ,  906  to the retracted position, thus lowering the plurality of elongated support members  110 . The ninth step  1018  is to separate the workpiece  10  from the fluid operated flexible workpiece support apparatus  900 . 
     FIG. 14  is an operational flow diagram  1100  describing the general operational flow of the utilization of a reinforcing member in conjunction with a workpiece  10 , whereby the workpiece  10  may flex under loading imposed during the profiling process  1008  of a flexible, self conforming support apparatus  100 ,  900 . A first step  1102  is to bring the workpiece  10  and reinforcing member  40  proximate each other. A reinforcing member  40  can be any means of coupling a planar member proximate the opposing side of the workpiece  10 . Examples may include a plate, a truss or multiple of trusses, a notched extrusion (as illustrated in  FIG. 4 ), a plurality of adjustable members that can alter the overall size to be match the size of the workpiece  10 , a stencil  40 , squeegee(s)  48 , a combination of stencil  40  and squeegee(s)  48 , and the like. It can be recognized that the workpiece  10  can be secured, using mechanical clamps  15 , vacuum (see  FIG. 10 ) and the like, prior to placing the workpiece against the reinforcing member  44 . In a second step  1104 , the flexible, self conforming support apparatus  100 ,  900  and the reinforced workpiece  10  are brought proximate each other. The second step  1104  may occur prior to the first step  1102 , particularly if the workpiece  10  is secured in position. In a third step  1106 , the elongated support members  110  are profiled to the workpiece  10  and any respective protrusions  335 . It can be recognized whereby if the flexible support apparatus  100 ,  900  is proximate the workpiece  10  prior to the workpiece  10  being proximate the reinforcing member  40 , the elongated support members  110  would begin the profiling process. The profiling process would then continue when the workpiece  10  and the reinforcing member  40  are placed proximate each other. In a fourth step  1108 , the elongated support members  110  are secured in the profiled position. In a fifth step  1110 , the reinforcing member  40  and the workpiece  10  are separated. In a sixth step  1112  the workpiece  10  is processed. In a seventh step  1114 , the elongated support apparatus  100 ,  900  can reset or separate from the workpiece  10 . In an eighth step  1116 , the flexible support apparatus  100 ,  900  are separated, allowing the workpiece to continue to the next workstation of the assembly flow. In a ninth step  1108 , the process can be repeated with the next workpiece  10 .