Overhead light exposure apparatus

Abstract

An overhead light exposure unit for making copies on pre-sensitized sheets from images on film includes a base supporting a vacuum blanket for pressing the sheets and film together against a transparent panel. The transparent panel is mounted in a frame that is pivotally secured to the base for movement between a closed horizontal position for making copies and an upwardly tilted, open position for unloading and loading film, sheets and media into place. A light source is positioned above the panel for directing controlled, high intensity light downwardly through the panel to reproduce film images on the pre-sensitized sheets held in place by the vacuum blanket. A support system is provided for holding the light source in an exposure position space directly above the transparent panel for directing controlled intensity light downwardly through the panel to reproduce an image on a silk screen, sheet or film held in place by the vacuum blanket. The support system is operative to move the light source away from the exposure position to an open position to afford better access to and viewing of the working space above the horizontal position of the vacuum blanket for loading and unloading film media, etc., when the frame is in an open position. The light source is maintained within a space above the base defined within an upwardly extending periphery thereof even in the open position and the exposure distance between the light source and the film sheets is minimized when the light source is in the exposure position to reduce the exposure time interval required.