Abstract: A burnout frame for printing of a transparent original film (4) to a collecting film or printing plate (1) and a simultaneous burning out of non-image-carrying areas by means of a light of short wavelength, comprising a transparent printing glass (6,7,15), which is larger than the largest original film considered to be printed and which has a clear, central part (15) of an optical glass and of a type, which absorbs a part of the light within the ultraviolet wavelength range, particularly a bronze glass and designed to send light through the original film (4), and a diffused part (6-7) of a plastic material, located outside said part, the printing glass on its underside having one or two arrays of vacuum grooves (8, 9), designed to hold by suction an original film (4) and possibly also a masking film (5), and the glass part (15) of the printing glass being inserted into the plastic part (6-7), located on the outside, and being joined to it by means of a glue (16), which forms a light barrier between the glass

Abstract: A reprographic apparatus has a copyboard for holding a document to be exposed in a flat position in an exposure plane. The copyboard includes a support plate defining the exposure plane with transparent plate arranged above the plate and being pivotally connected therewith along one side edge. A releasable hold-down mechanism locks the glass plate in an operative position in which it holds the document in pressurized contact with the support plate. A movable pressure bar extends in parallel to the pivotally connected side edge of a glass plate, the bar being connected at its ends with side plates, which are displaceably and pivotally connected to a housing of the copyboard.Such an apparatus is known for instance from the EP 0 085 862.

Abstract: An apparatus for copying transparent and optionally mask films (19,20) onto a radiation sensitive plate (12) comprises a plate carrier (2) on which one or more radiation sensitive plates (12) and one or more transparent films (20) and optionally mask films (19) can be placed in predetermined mutual positions. The apparatus includes a contact frame (3) having means (18) for vacuum connecting the contact frame (3) to the plate carrier (2) and means (V1,V2) for vacuum connecting the transparent film(s) (20) and the mask film(s) (19) to a contact glass (16) of the contact frame (3). An exposure light (4) is provided for directing radiation through the transparent film(s) (20) and the mask film(s) (19) so as to copy them onto the radiation sensitive plate (12). The plate carrier (2) comprises a flexible support plate (8) which is connected to the apparatus frame (1) only along its outer edges, and which carries a flexible rubber blanket (10), which is connected to the support plate (8) only along its outer edges.

Abstract: A kit comprising various components which are connectable to a first and second member for making a phototool from the first and second members.

Abstract: A phototool having frame assemblies connected by a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly comprises a first hinge plate, a second hinge plate and a hinge shaft. Protrusions are connected to the first hinge plate and a non-rotating insert is disposed in each protrusion. Each non-rotating insert receives a portion of the hinge shaft and is sized so that the hinge shaft is substantially non-rotatable within each non-rotating insert. Protrusions are connected to the second hinge plate and a rotating insert is disposed in each of these protrusions. The hinge shaft extends through each rotating insert and each rotating insert is sized so that the hinge shaft is rotatable within the insert without movement in radial directions.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for supporting photographic sheet materials in intimate surface contact during contact exposure includes a flexible membrane which forms a common boundary wall between two gas-tight chambers. Air at ambient pressure is admitted to one chamber at a controlled rate slower than air is evacuated from the other chamber containing the photographic sheet materials. Progressive expansion of the surface area of contacting force assures that residual volumes of air between photographic sheets are squeezed out in an orderly pattern and not trapped in isolated pockets that distort resulting photographic images. A dimensionally stable blanket is supported about the perimeter to slide in a retaining frame against resilient cushioning that urges the blanket into engagement with the platen.

Abstract: A graphic arts exposure device includes a cabinet defining a work surface at a convenient working level and having a forward wall facing an operator utilizing the device. A drawer is positioned immediately below the working level movable between an extended position outwardly of the forward wall of the cabinet and a retracted position within the cabinet. A control panel for the exposure device is mounted on the drawer facing upwardly in the same general field of view for the operator as the working surface of the device. The drawer is supported on sloped slides in the cabinet below the work surface for movement between the extended and retracted positions and the slides are sloped downwardly and outwardly to automatically bias the drawer and control panel to the outwardly extended position ready for receiving operator inputs of the necessary control data while at the same time allowing the operator to view the control panel and working surface in the same general field of vision.

Abstract: A plate for supporting one or more sheets of originals to be copied and a sheet of sensitized media is supported so as to minimize sag in one direction across the plate. The plate may be inclined with the top and bottom edges of the plate entirely supported or only supported at location(s) spaced inwardly from the edge of the plate. When a cover, such as a flexible curtain, is mechanically pressed against the plate, as by a roller, air gaps between the originals and sensitized media are minimized due to this plate support system. This improves the speed at which high quality prints can be obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing of an image of an original film on photosensitive material, the film and the photosensitive material being held together by vacuum contact between a transparent plate and a flexible sheet. The apparatus includes a squeegee unit which moves while pressing the flexible sheet. The squeegee unit forcibly moves the air, thereby speeding up the setting of the vacuum contact. The apparatus also includes a speed changing unit for changing the speed of the squeegee unit depending on the resistance of the air to movement. If the air moves easily, the squeegee unit moves rapidly. If the air does not move easily, the squeegee unit moves slowly, or the squeegee unit stops for a prescribed period and then, after the air is removed, is restarted. Thus, complete removal of air is carried out rapidly.

Abstract: In a contact exposure apparatus, a film original is overlaid on a photosensitive material, a transparent cover sheet is covered on the film original, the film original and the photosensitive material are brought into contact with each other by vacuum suction, and the film original is exposure-scanned by an exposure unit through the transparent cover sheet. The exposure unit includes a honeycomb board for collimating light emitted from a light source.

Abstract: A vacuum contact type printing device, for carrying out printing with an original film and a photosensitive material maintained in contact with each other, includes a flexible sheet on which the photosensitive material is placed, a sheet holding portion provided below the sheet, an original holding portion for holding an original facing the sheet, and a sealable exposure chamber containing the sheet, the sheet holding portion and the original holding portion. Switching valves for switching the pressure of the central portion and of the peripheral portions of the sheet holding portion between a reduced pressure and the atmospheric pressure are provided at the central and peripheral portions. A vacuum pump is connected to the exposure chamber to reduce the pressure of the exposure chamber, and a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the exposure chamber is provided.

Abstract: A vacuum contact printing apparatus includes: a transparent plate on which an original film and a photosensitive material are placed, an overlay sheet which covers the transparent plate, a friction reducing sheet provided between the transparent plate and the overlay sheet, and an evacuating device for removing air from between the overlay sheet and the transparent plate. The transparent plate is covered with the friction reducing sheet prior to or simultaneously with the covering of the original film and photosensitive material placed on the transparent plate wiht the overlay sheet. Frictional force caused by the change of the form of the overlay sheet can be prevented from being applied to the photosensitive material because the overlay sheet smoothly slides on the friction reducing sheet.

Abstract: A registration system for exposing photosensitive sheets to controlled light through images formed on film includes a thin, relatively stiff, dimensionally stable support board having a relatively flat upper surface for supporting a photosensitive sheet and an image forming film sheet in overlying relation thereon including an upper layer formed of resilient material and having at least one registration opening extending between opposite faces of the board for receiving a registration pin. The pin includes a stop flange adjacent a lower end for limiting upward movement of the pin in the board and includes an upper body normally projecting above the upper surface of the support board to extend into aligned registration openings which are punched in the photosensitive sheet and the image forming film.

Abstract: An improvement in a contact printer which comprises means for supporting a film and an original in superposed relationship on a vacuum table, means for providing a source of light for exposing the film through the original, and means for moving the light over the surface of the superposed film and original. The improvement comprises means carried by the light moving means for covering the superposed film and original with a substantially impervious flexible and transparent cover sheet as the exposing light is scanned across the film and original whereby the vacuum is applied to the film and the original to remove air from therebetween as the film is exposed by the light through the cover sheet and the original.

Abstract: An improvement in a contact printer which comprises means for supporting a film and an original in superposed relationship on a vacuum table, means for providing a source of light for exposing the film through the original, and means for moving the light over the surface of the superposed film and original. A substantially impervious, flexible and transport cover sheet carried by the light moving means is arranged to cover the superposed film and original as the exposing light is scanned across the film and original whereby the vacuum is applied to the film and the original to remove air from therebetween as the film is exposed by the light through the cover sheet and the original. The improvement comprises means for removing and replacing the cover sheet to assure that the optical path for the exposing light remains clear and unobstructed.

Abstract: A graphic arts contact printer which comprises a vacuum table for supporting a photosensitive film and an original, containing an image to be reproduced, in superposed relationship. A light source provides an elongated beam of photoactive light for exposing the film through the original. A light transport is provided for moving the light transversely of the length of the beam over the vacuum table surface over the superposed film and original whereby the superposed film and original are scanned by the light to expose the film through the original. Means is provided which is associated with the light transport for applying a transparent cover sheet over the superposed film and original as the light is moved over the film and original. Further means carried by the light transport is provided for collimating the light, with the collimating means being disposed between the light and the cover sheet.

Abstract: An improvement in a contact printer which comprises means for supporting a film and an original in superposed relationship on a vacuum table, means for providing a source of light for exposing the film through the original, and means for moving the light over the surface of the superposed film and original. A substantially impervious, flexible and transparent cover sheet carried by the light moving means is arranged to cover the superposed film and original as the exposing light is scanned across the film and original whereby the vacuum is applied to the film and the original to remove air from therebetween as the film is exposed by the light through the cover sheet and the original. The improvement comprises means for contacting the surface of the cover sheet during use and removing dust and dirt thereon to assure that the optical path for the exposing light remains clear and unobstructed.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for supporting photographic sheet materials in intimate surface contact during contact exposure includes a flexible membrane which forms a common boundary wall between two gas-tight chambers. Air at ambient pressure is admitted to one chamber at a controlled rate slower than air is evacuated from the other chamber containing the photographic sheet materials. Progressive expansion of the surface area of contacting force assures that residual volumes of air between photographic sheets are sneezed out in an orderly pattern and not trapped in isolated pockets that distort resulting photographic images.

Abstract: The present invention describes a burn-out frame for a copy print machine, comprising a support table on which a film or a printing plate is intended to be mounted, and a copy print frame having exposure light for providing a print of one and the same original film or a series of different original films onto the film or printing plate, and in which the print frame comprises a frame having a transparent glass plate (11), which at the bottom surface thereof is formed with at least one downwardly opening groove (12, 14) for vacuum connecting an original film (13) and eventually a masking film (15), and one or more bores and/or channels (16, 17) opening in said groove (12) for connecting the vacuum groove(s) (12) to a source of sub-pressure, and in which part (19) of the print frame glass corresponding to the largest image area of the original film (13) is clear, and parts (18) of the transparent plate located outside said largest image area are diffused.

Abstract: An exposing apparatus arranged, while peripherally sealing a space between an original and a material to be exposed by a packing of elastic material, to evacuate the space to thereby ensure intimate contact between the original and the material to be exposed, the exposing apparatus being characterized in that the packing is hollow so as to make it possible to change its thickness by changing its internal pressure.

Abstract: A transport belt for an automatic camera vacuum feed and hold down system is provided. The movable, flexible opaque transport belt has a substantially uniform bottom surface facing the exposure platen and a top surface provided with at least one transverse resilient belt flexing member. The belt flexing member is preferably a curved plastic member having memory which assumes a first, curved position to create at least one air channel beneath the belt. The air channels reduce the length of time required to evacuate air beneath the belt. During vacuum hold down for exposure, the resilient belt flexing member assumes a second position, substantially parallel to the platen and the air channels are eliminated, such that the bottom belt surface presents a substantially flat uniform background surface during exposure.

Abstract: A clamping frame for contact printers of working masks in the semiconductor industry enables the application of packings made of easily obtainable raw materials and limits tangential forces acting on masks of the original and copy. A first packing and a second packing with a supporting frame between both packings is provided. The supporting frame prevents transmission of tangential forces to packings which come in contact with masks of the original and of the copy.

Abstract: A frame for properly aligning to glass masters on opposite sides of a substrate is disclosed. The frame includes: (a) first alignment means comprised of spherical balls projecting from one frame member intended to mate with associated concave ball receiving surfaces associated with the other frame member; and (b) second alignment means comprised of pins capable of being inserted into bores in one frame member and pin seats in the second frame member. The frame also includes a pump and solenoid valve. Depending upon the position of the valve, the pump will either draw air from between the frame members to close the frame or push air between the frame members to open the frame.

Abstract: A document handler 20 for presenting documents to the platen 23 of a copier 10 for copying with a vacuum belt platen transport system 23 having plural unapertured, thin, low-frictional, document transporting belts 35 with substantial exposed spaced 35a between the edges of the belts, the belts being movable under a substantially planar vacuum plenum backing and imaging background surface 33a overlying the platen, and a vacuum system 33 for applying a partial vacuum to a document sheet being transported by the movable belts; wherein the vacuum plenum surface 33a has multiple vacuum apertures 53 located under and overlaid by the edges of the belts 35, the belts extending in rows under the belt edges across the surface, but not extending into the exposed spaces between the belts. The belts are opaque and white and optically conceal the overlaid vacuum apertures 53.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for supporting photographic sheet materials in intimate surfact contact during contact exposure includes a flexible membrane which forms a common boundary wall between two gas-tight chambers. Air at ambient pressure is admitted to one chamber at a controlled rate slower than air is evacuated from the other chamber containing the photographic sheet materials. Progressive expansion of the surface area of contacting force assures that residual volumes of air between photographic sheets are squeezed out in an orderly pattern and not trapped in isolated pockets that distort resulting photographic images.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for precisely registering a flexible web to a stationary rigid support station to accurately and repeatably electrostatically transfer a developed image from a master on the flexible web to a receiving surface on the rigid support station.

Abstract: Pin register vacuum systems. A vacuum holder for holding film in a camera. Two pins are located near one end of the holder to locate film having corresponding holes. A first spring is mounted on one side of the holder. A second spring is mounted on one end of the holder. Vacuum is applied to hold the film flat in the holder. A vacuum register glass carrier for the enlarger and a vacuum register platen for enlarging are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and holding a photosensitive material comprises: a case provided movably in a back-and-forth direction on a transparent plate held on a table frame of a copying apparatus; an overlay sheet to be spread over the photosensitive material, having one end fixed to a rear end of the transparent plate and another end held by a sheet roller in the case in a yieldable and retractable manner; stopper members provided on the table frame for placing the case in a desired position in the back-and-forth direction; contact members held by the case for positioning the photosensitive material in a transverse direction, with which at least two right-angled edges of the photosensitive material are brought into contact; and an evacuating device for evacuating air trapped between the overlay sheet and the transparent plate after positioning of the photosensitive material.

Abstract: In an original film discharge mechanism in an inclined-type step and repeat machine that includes a photosensitive material holder having a rearwardly inclined surface for holding thereon a photosensitive material and an original film holder movable along the surface of the material holder, which mechanism includes a discharge part having a surface rearwardly inclined at substantially the same angle as that of the surface of the material holder with respect to the horizontal for receiving thereon the original film discharged from the film holder, and a supporting member for supporting the original film removed from the film holder, the improvement includes suctions provided on the surface of the discharge part for suction-holding the original film being discharged onto the part from the film holder, the suctions being positioned upward of and remote from the supporting member along the surface of the discharge part at a distance larger than longitudinal size of the original film; the film holder and suctions

Abstract: A contact printer comprising a glass plate on which a rubber mat can be placed by unwinding the latter from a roll. The cylinder of the roll is mounted in a slide which can be moved along guide rails extending on both sides of the glass plate. The guide rails are mounted near a rear edge portion of the housing so as to be pivotable about a pivot axle.

Abstract: A vacuum frame for exposing a light-sensitive sheet to a light pattern according to a negative includes a blanket frame having peripherally bonded thereto a platen and a blanket with the platen being bowable and the blanket being flexible. The platen and blanket are peripherally sealingly bonded to one another, forming a vacuum chamber therebetween. A light transmissive frame mounted to the blanket frame for movement toward and away from the blanket and a spacing and sealing means peripherally interposed between the blanket and the light transmissive frame when the light transmissive frame is moved toward the blanket define an exposure chamber with the blanket. The exposure chamber is adapted to receive a light sensitive sheet and negative.A first vacuum inlet means connects the vacuum chamber to an evacuation means, and a second vacuum inlet means connects the exposure chamber to an evacuation means.

Abstract: A device for controlling the shape of a surface of a plate-like member such as a semiconductor wafer, includes support for supporting the plate-like member from a reverse surface thereof, a holding system for holding a portion of the reverse surface of the plate-like member on the support, and a control for controlling a pressure in a closed space which is related, when the plate-like member is supported by the support, to a portion of the reverse surface of the plate-like member other than the first-mentioned portion, such that the pressure in the closed space is changeable to be increased or decreased as compared with an initial pressure in the closed space when the plate-like member is supported by the support, to control deformation of the plate-like member to thereby control the surface shape of the plate-like member.

Abstract: There is disclosed in accordance with this invention a proofing machine in which the means for exposing the proof paper comprises a light carriage adapted to be moved by the operator to an open position for loading proof paper and negatives and a closed position where the exposure is initiated and thereafter automatically terminated at the end of the exposure cycle and there is provided means for exposing a plurality of proofs of the same size simultaneously as well as to accommodate proofs of different size comprising a plurality of separate and selectively usable vacuum systems and systems of locator pins.

Abstract: A contact printer includes a printing table for mounting of photosensitive material thereon, a framework for supporting a light-transmitting plate, a packing, a conveyor belt for movement of an original in X and Y-directions, and an air-blowing nozzle and drive means for open and close operation of the framework. The framework is held at a position where it is in a slightly opened state during movement of the original, supported by the blown air in order to prevent the photosensitive material from being damaged and to insure accurate positioning of the original.

Abstract: A vacuum contact exposure device for exposing a light-sensitive sheet to another sheet, which comprises a housing with a hinged top cover, a contact exposure space formed between a glass plate and a flexible blanket inside said housing, and means for creating an underpressure in the housing, wherein in succession the housing and the contact exposure space are evacuated, the exposure space is closed, the atmospheric pressure is restored in the housing while the exposure space remains evacuated, and the lid is opened and the exposure carried out.

Abstract: A film end holding device comprises a film holding plate, an operating plate, guide bushes and a contact member, in which the operating plate moves obliquely when pushed in the axial direction of a drum on which a film is to be fixed. The holding plate moves in the circumferential direction of the drum, and the operating plate (17) runs on an angle portion of the holding plate so that an end of a film may be held by the contact member of the holding plate on the drum.

Abstract: Method and means are disclosed for producing an improved vacuum blanket with a pattern of air-flow passages that is formed on the underside surface of the air-impervious blanket using conventional printing techniques. The blanket forms an air-tight seal over and around the perimeter of a glass exposure plate, and residual air may be evacuated from beneath the blanket through porous regions beyond the edges of the glass exposure plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved vacuum frame having upper and lower frame members of rectangular shape, the upper one of which supports a plate of glass. Connected to the lower frame is a flexible sheet such as a rubber sheet with a backing member connected to its lower surfae. Resilient members such as springs urge one edge of the sealing sheet upwardly toward the glass plate and the other edge downwardly away from the glass plate to produce a wedge shaped vacuum chamber which upon being evacuated becomes progressively smaller as air is progressively and directionally removed proceeding from one edge of the glass plate to the other.

Abstract: A vacuum contact system has a vacuum contact frame including a bi-layer blanket having top and bottom layers spaced apart by a number of parallel strip members to define a first space. A bead is positioned around the outer edges of the top layer to support a glass plate so that a second space is formed. Vacuum connectors communicate with the second space and a further vacuum connector communicates with the first space, all the connectors being connected to a vacuum pump. The first and second spaces have the atmosphere therein controlled by electromagnetic valves located in a vacuum circuit with the pump.In operation a film master and a presensitized material are located in the second space and the vacuum circuit is arranged to remove air from both the first and second spaces so that the two layers of blanket are drawn together. Ridges formed by the strip members are thus formed in the top layer outer surface and these ridges press the film master and presensitized material against the glass plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exposing a layer of photoresist on a sheet includes positioning the sheet in a vacuum printing frame comprising a glass photographic printing plate carrying an opaque master pattern of metal or metal oxide on a central area of the printing plate. A light transmissive rubbery material is patterned in such a fashion as to overlie the opaque portions of the master pattern and provide a continuous path between the islands overlying the opaque master pattern. The rubbery material also extends in the peripheral area of the photographic printing plate and a plurality of mesas separated by channels are formed in this peripheral area. The channels have a width substantially greater than the path width formed between adjacent islands of rubbery material overlying the opaque portions of the pattern. The peripheral channels facilitate the evacuation of the plate and reduce evacuation time.

Abstract: A registration board capable of dissipating static electricity through a conductive sink for use in a vacuum frame exposure system. The board comprises a bottom layer with channels and slots for registration pin flex plates, a middle layer for spacing and with guide holes for the registration pins, and a top layer of a conductive and resiliently compressible material. The static electricity that builds up from movement of materials in a vacuum frame printing process is bled off the conductive top layer through a conductive element placed between the top and middle layer and extending to the underside of the bottom layer which can either merge the static electricity with the greater field of the blanket or be selectively attached to an external ground connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous and automatic operation control method and apparatus for an automatic photo-composer, and is composed mainly of the steps of attaching a mark such as a bar code on a photographic original plate prior to the printing work by a photo-composer, setting up the predetermined amount of a photographic original plate and a photosensitive plate in a holder of the automatic photo-composer, reading the contents of the mark attached on each photographic original plate by a mark reader arranged in the photo-composer after starting to operate the photo-composer, and causing the automatic photo-composer to execute processes necessary for the photographic original plate in accordance with the computer program.

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: A device for automatic loading of film material on a suction plate by transport roller pairs arranged at two oppositely disposed ends of the suction plate. One pair receives the film material and the other pair further transports the film material. At the two other lateral sides or ends of the suction plate, a roller is respectively provided extending over an entire side of the plate. A cloth can be wound on this roller such that the roller and cloth are so arranged that they respectively form a blind covering the suction plate up to and overlapping lateral edges of the film material.

Abstract: A copying frame machine for producing offset plates includes a rubber cover, a copying frame having a glass plate superimposable on the rubber cover so as to sandwich and lock therebetween an offset printing plate, a film and a sheet of copying material, means for applying a vacuum between the rubber cover and the glass plate, and vibration-generating means for applying vibration to at least one of the glass plate and the rubber cover.

Abstract: A microimage recording apparatus of the type utilizing an elongated master film strip movable along a master film processing path and a duplicate film strip movable along a duplicate film strip processing path for making duplicates of successive developed image areas on the master film strip includes a duplication station having a support for the master film strip to position a developed image area thereon in a duplication position along the master film strip path. Support is provided for the duplicate film strip along a segment of the duplicate film processing path merging with the master film strip path at the duplication station. The master and duplicate film strips are biased together in close contact at the duplication station against a glass platen and light is passed through a developed image area on the master film strip to create a latent, duplicate image area on the duplicate film strip for subsequent development.

Abstract: A stencil exposure apparatus that includes a frame with central translucent stencil mounting surface. A plurality of generally flat, resilient, compressible seal elements extend between opposite sides of the translucent surface and are movably mounted on the frame to accommodate the stencil exposure apparatus to a variety of stencil dimensions. A stencil chase mounting bar is movably mounted on the forward face of the frame, is connected to a support bar on the rear face of the frame, and which includes a mechanism for maintaining the orientation of the bar relative to the frame while the mounting bar is being moved. Mounting blocks are slidably mounted on the mounting bar and include a clamping mechanism for rapid lateral adjustment of the blocks.

Abstract: A suction film holder for a reproduction camera is formed by a flexible cover in the form of a conveyor band. One or more suction cups and a plurality of transverse grooves are provided in connection with the flexible cover. During the exposure of a sheet of light-sensitive material the transverse grooves tightly abut longitudinal grooves along the rim of an underlying glass plate, the grooves in the glass plate being connectable to an evacuation system.According to a particularly preferred embodiment air is blown inwards below the flexible cover upon the exposure. In this manner the time for loosening the flexible cover from the underlying glass plate is reduced to 5-10 secs. The blowing in occurs automatically when the vacuum is removed by means of an inflatable membrane in a box situated parallel to a pressurized valve communicating with the vacuum pump. The membrane is thereby blown up by means of vacuum and blows automatically the air inwards below the flexible cover when the vacuum is removed.

Abstract: A vacuum exposure registry apparatus holds a thin, image-bearing sheet in intimate contact with a flat photo-sensitive surface while exposing both to a light source to register an image on the photo-sensitive surface. The apparatus includes a flat plate made of rigid transparent material and having a hollow, tubular vacuum fitting extending through the plate near a corner of the plate. A flexible elastomeric tube joinable at its ends to form a continuous perimetral loop is placed around an image-bearing sheet lying on a photo-sensitive surface. The plate is then placed down on the upper surface of the elasomeric tube, with the lower opening of the vacuum fitting within the perimetral boundary defined by the loop. Applying a vacuum to the vacuum fitting evacuates the region within the loop and between the plate and photo-sensitive surface, drawing the surface and overlying image-bearing sheet into tight contact with the underside of the plate.

Abstract: A combined stripping and vacuum contact frame work station includes a work table and an easel for placing work to be viewed from said work table. In addition, a vacuum contact frame for assembling negatives and exposing a film with a composite image thereon, is movable between a position where it forms part of the easel, with the underside of the vacuum contact frame forming the easel surface, and another position where the vacuum contact frame is face up on top of the work table. A high intensity light is provided for applying intense illumination to the low sensitivity "lights-on" film which may be employed. A safe light and conventional interior lighting arrangements may also be provided, and the work table may be an optical light table to provide illumination for use in "stripping" or preparing composite images from film clips.