Importance

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Abstract

The present invention is a universal fixture for holding printed circuit boards with different sizes and shapes during, stencil printing and other manufacturing processes related to printed circuit boards. In one embodiment, a universal fixture for holding a printed circuit board has a platform with a work surface, a first support member attached to the platform to hold a portion of a printed circuit board, and a second moveable support member attached to the first support member to support another portion of the printed circuit board. The platform is preferably adapted to be attached to a workstation of a processing machine, such as a stenciling machine for printing solder or adhesive onto the printed circuit board. The first support member preferably has an elongated sidewall, a first endwall extending transversely from the sidewall, and a second endwall spaced apart from the first endwall along the sidewall and extending transversely from the sidewall. The sidewall and both the first and second endwalls preferably project away from the work surface of the platform to define a first support rim spaced apart from the work surface. Additionally, the second support member is preferably spaced apart from the sidewall and extends from the first endwall to the second endwall. The second support member preferably translates along the first and second endwalls to adjust the distance between the sidewall and the second support member such that the first and second support surfaces support perimeter regions of printed circuit boards with different sizes along the dimension between the second support member and the sidewall.

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First Claim