Multiple vacuum frame unit

Abstract

A vacuum frame includes a base section having a recessed area within which are positioned a plurality of simultaneous instant start lights; a glass frame pivotally connected at the upper end of the base section by hinges so as to be pivotally movable between a closed position and a desired opened position; a blanket frame pivotally connected by hinges to the glass frame so as to be pivotally movable with respect to the base section and the glass frame between a closed position and a desired opened position; first and second piston-cylinder assemblies pivotally connected at opposite sides of the vacuum frame between the blanket frame and the base section for maintaining the blanket frame in a desired opened position; third and fourth piston-cylinder assemblies pivotally connected at opposite sides of the vacuum frame between the glass frame and the base section for maintaining the glass frame in a desired opened position independent of the pivoted position of the blanket frame; a first locking assembly for locking the glass frame in its closed position; a second locking assembly for locking the blanket frame in its closed position; a vacuum pump for creating a vacuum between the glass frame and blanket frame; and a control and switching device for controlling the vacuum pump and energization of the lights so as to develop a sensitized material in an exact copy of a film negative when the sensitized material and film negative are positioned in alignment between the glass frame and blanket frame.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.