Apparatus and methods for coverlay removal and adhesive application

An apparatus for synchronously removing a coverlay film from an adhesive film and attaching an adhesive strip cut from the adhesive film to a support element, comprising:

• a reel of adhesive film;
• a drive wheel assembly positioned downstream of the reel of adhesive film and configured to index the adhesive film;
• a pinch wheel assembly positioned immediately above and adjacent to the drive wheel assembly, the pinch wheel assembly operable in conjunction with the drive wheel assembly to remove the coverlay film from the adhesive film;
• a cutter assembly positioned downstream of the drive wheel assembly and the pinch wheel assembly, the cutter assembly comprising an opening having a peripheral outline defined by a cutting blade and a side rail, the opening configured to receive a leading terminal end of adhesive from the adhesive film and a portion of the adhesive following the leading terminal end, and a channel configured to guide the adhesive into the opening;
• and
• a cutting block configured to move through the opening to cut adhesive strips from the adhesive received within the opening and to apply the adhesive strip to the support element, the cutting block and the adhesive strip having the peripheral outline of the opening.