Abstract: The apparatus described facilitates the registry of image bearing transparencies with a plate having a photosensitive coating thereon. After exposure to light, the plate typically is subjected to chemical milling processes to produce printed circuit boards and the like. The registry apparatus includes upper and lower frames which form an enclosed region therebetween in which the plates and transparencies are placed in sandwich relationship. An outer gasket between the frames permits a vacuum to be applied to the enclosed region. An inner perimeter channel is formed in the opposed faces of each frame to permit a separate vacuum to hold the transparencies in place while the frames are opened to remove, insert or replace a plate. Successive plates may be processed without the necessity of re-registering the transparencies prior to each exposure.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for making a hollow, rib-reinforced article from a composite preform of two thermoplastic sheets. One sheet has a pattern of ridges or grooves, on a surface which contacts the other sheet, to permit the free flow of fluid from a marginal edge to interior regions of the preform. The apparatus includes (1) a heater, (2) mold platens which include a rib-forming mold cavity, (3) a ram to close and hold the mold platen in contact with the composite preform, and (4) a manifold which supplies a pressurized fluid to a marginal edge of the preform, thereby distending the thermoplastic sheet into the mold cavity. Then, the ram is further closed to seal nondistended areas of the preform, forming a hollow, laminated article.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a hollow, rib-reinforced, laminated article by:A. placing two sheets between opposing mold platens, the sheets being aligned such that the sheet surfaces oppose each other, at least one of the sheets being a thermoplastic material heated to its thermoforming temperature and at least one of the sheets being provided with grooves or integral projections which form fluid passageways, and at least one of the mold platens being provided with a mold caivty to form a shaped article having ribs;B. closing the mold platens to contact the sheets; andC. introducing a fluid into the fluid passageways to distend the thermoplastic sheet into its mold cavity forming a shaped article having ribs, while the sheets maintain contact in the nondistended areas.