Abstract: A vacuum printing frame includes a backing plate; a pressurizable bladder assembly positioned on the backing plate, the bladder assembly including a lower wall positioned on the backing plate, a plurality of partitions sealed around lower edges thereof to the lower wall and defining a series of interconnected, nested chambers arranged in alignment from and pressurizable from a head end to a foot end of the vacuum printing frame, and a plurality of holes in each partition at positions close to the securement of the respective partition to the lower wall to provide fluid communication between adjacent bladder chambers; a flexible, fluid impervious membrane positioned above the bladder assembly for supporting a mask and photosensitive sheet; a transparent plate movable between an open position for permitting the mask and photosensitive sheet to be positioned on the membrane, and a closed position for sandwiching the mask and photosensitive sheet between the membrane and the transparent plate in an evacuation reg

Abstract: An improved pin board system for use within a vacuum contact frame includes a two piece pin board arrangement with an elastomeric gasket sheet. The primary pin board is relatively thin, but stiff, so that it can flex slightly in response to the force of the vacuum frame's pressure blanket. Alignment pins "float" slightly within oversized holes and are spring loaded against the pin board by means of the elastomeric backing. A vacuum port and manifold board, similar in material and thickness to the primary pin board provides a vacuum connection with the top surface of the pin board. An elastomeric gasket sheet, upon which the two boards of the assembly rest, provides a vacuum seal when the combination is pressed against a covering glass of a vacuum frame.

Abstract: An improved contact photo vacuum frame includes a specially constructed inflatable bladder which backs up the pressure blanket. The bladder is divided into a plurality of interconnected compartments by means of partitions, arranged in such a way that the compartments inflate sequentially, progressively forcing the air from between the contacting photo films in a predetermined pattern, insuring more intimate contact between the films. Alternative embodiments provide specific inflation patterns. A vacuum source can operate simultaneously to evacuate the volume between the film layers.