# US 6,296,349 B1 · Aligning a tab circuit on print head intersecting surfaces > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 6,296,349 B1 - Document ID: US6296349B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 09/466,717 - Filed: 1999-12-17 - Granted: 2001-10-02 - Earliest claimed: 1999-12-17 - Assignees: Lexmark International, Inc. - Inventors: Robert Samples - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US6296349B1 ## CPC - B41J 2/16: Production of nozzles - B41J 2/1623: {bonding and adhesion} - B41J 2002/14362: {Assembling elements of heads} - Y10T 29/5102: Binding or covering and cutting - B41J: TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract Methods and apparatus are provided for aligning a TAB circuit on first and second intersecting surfaces of a print head. The methods comprise aligning a chip portion of the TAB circuit on the first surface and applying a progressive force along the contact pad portion of the TAB circuit to align the contact pad portion on the second surface of the print head. The apparatus comprise a machine for aligning the chip portion of the TAB circuit on the first surface and roller for applying a progressive force along the contact pad portion of the TAB circuit to align the contact pad portion on the second surface. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for aligning a TAB circuit on a print head, comprising: providing a print head having a first surface and a second surface which intersects the first surface; aligning a chip portion of a TAB circuit on the first surface; and applying a progressive force along a contact pad portion of the TAB circuit to align the contact pad portion on the second surface. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising attaching the aligned chip portion to the first surface. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising attaching the aligned contact pad portion to the second surface with an adhesive. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the alignment of the chip portion on the first surface is maintained during the application of the progressive force along the contact pad portion. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the progressive force is applied with a roller. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the progressive force is initially applied at or adjacent an intersection of the first surface and the second surface and progresses along the contact pad portion such that the first surface and the second surface are in contact with the TAB circuit at or adjacent the intersection. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) A method according to claim 1, wherein the contact pad portion comprises a plurality of electrical contact pads. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) A print head assembly, produced according to the method of claim 1 and comprising, the TAB circuit aligned on the print head. ### Claim 9 A method for aligning a TAB circuit on a print head, comprising: providing a print head having a first surface and a second surface which intersects the first surface; aligning a chip portion of a TAB circuit on the first surface; and applying a progressive force along a contact pad portion of the TAB circuit to align the contact pad portion on the second surface while maintaining the print head in a stationary position. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) A method as recited in claim 9, further comprising attaching the aligned chip portion to the first surface. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The method as recited in claim 9, further comprising attaching the aligned contact pad portion to the second surface with an adhesive. ### Claim 12 (depends on 9) The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the alignment of the chip portion on the first surface is maintained during the application of the progressive force along the contact pad portion. ### Claim 13 (depends on 9) The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the progressive force is initially applied at or adjacent an intersection of the first surface and the second surface and progresses along the contact pad portion such that the first surface and the second surface are in contact with the TAB circuit at or adjacent the intersection. ### Claim 14 An apparatus for aligning a TAB circuit on a first and a second intersecting surfaces of a print head, comprising: means for aligning a chip portion of a TAB circuit on the first surface; and means for applying a progressive force along a contact pad portion of the TAB circuit to align the contact pad portion on the second surface. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising means for attaching the aligned chip portion to the first surface. ### Claim 16 (depends on 14) The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising means for attaching the aligned contact pad portion to the second surface with an adhesive. ### Claim 17 (depends on 14) The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising means for maintaining the alignment of the chip portion on the first surface during the application of the progressive force along the contact pad portion. ### Claim 18 (depends on 14) The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the means for applying a progressive force includes means for initially applying force on the contact pad portion at or adjacent the intersection of the first surface and the second surface and means for progressively applying force from the point of initial application along the contact pad portion such that the first surface and the second surface are in contact with the TAB circuit at or adjacent the intersection. ### Claim 19 An apparatus for aligning a TAB circuit on a first and second intersecting surface of a print head, comprising: a machine vision apparatus capable of aligning a chip portion of a TAB circuit to the first surface; and a pressure applicator operative to progressively apply a force along a contact pad portion of the TAB circuit to align the contact pad portion on the second surface. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) An apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising means for attaching the aligned chip portion to the first surface. ### Claim 21 (depends on 19) An apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising means for attaching the aligned contact pad portion to the second surface with an adhesive. ### Claim 22 (depends on 19) An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the machine vision apparatus is capable of maintaining the alignment of the chip portion on the first surface during the application of force along the contact pad portion. ### Claim 23 (depends on 19) An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the pressure applicator is operative to initially apply a force at or adjacent an intersection of the first and the second surfaces and to apply a force progressively from the initial point of application along the contact pad portion such that the first surface and the second surface are in contact with the TAB circuit at or adjacent the intersection.