Improvements relating to Photographic Cameras, and to Appliances for Changing Plates or Films therein.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 31st July, 1891
Complete Specification Left, 2nd May, 1892-Accepted, 4th June, 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to Photographic Cameras, and to Appliances
for Changing Plates or Films therein.
I, BENJAMIN JOSEPH EDWARDS, of The Grove, Hackney, in the County of
Middlesex, Photographic Chemist, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
My invention is designed to provide in a more simple and efficient manner than
heretofore, for effecting the change of position of sensitized plates, films or paper in
photographic cameras, so that any desired number of the sensitized plates or
surfaces can be used in succession.
My said invention comprises improved means whereby sensitive flexible films in
continuous lengths may be used, the pictures being taken in succession upon a strip
of the sensitized material which is wound upon rollers enclosed in a suitable box or
case. I use a pair of rollers, which I prefer to make of such diameter that one
complete turn thereof shall unwind from one roller a sufficient length of film for one
exposure, and shall wind upon the other roller a corresponding portion of such film
previously exposed. One of the said rollers is provided with suitable means
whereby it may be rotated from the exterior of the box or case.
Each of my
rollers is fitted at the ends with rims or flanges, and, instead of making the roller to
turn on small pivots or bearing-surfaces as is usually done, I make the enlarged
ends or flanges of the rollers to rest in suitable bearings in which the said rollers
revolve. The large bearings which I use for this purpose are divided longitudinally,
and the rollers are arranged to be pressed into the lower halves thereof by a
spring or other suitable device, so as to create sufficient friction to give the necessary
tension to the film as it is unwound from one roller and wound upon the other.
To keep the film constantly and evenly stretched, 1 provide guide-rollers over
which the film will pass in travelling from one to the other of the main rollers. The
said guide-rollers may be smaller in diameter than the main rollers, and are placed
at such a distance apart as may be required to suit the width of the pictures. I
arrange one or more of these guide-rollers to turn in slotted bearings, and the said
rollers are held apart from each other by a spring or springs in such manner that,
the film being held at each end by reason of the friction on the ends of the main
rollers, the portion of the film which is in position for exposure will be kept tightly
stretched by the outward pressure of the guide-roller or guide-rollers actuated by
the spring or springs.
On the rim or flange of one or both of the main rollers I provide a projection or,
preferably, a depression or recess at one portion of the circumference, so that, when
the roller has made one complete turn, it will actuate or permit the action of a
spring or lever provided with a point or marker, which, by means of the said spring
or lever, is pressed against the film at the end of each revolution of the roller. The
mark, line or dot which is thus produced, serves to indicate the line of division
between the separate exposures, and shows where the film is to be cut previous to
development. I sometimes connect the said marker with the shutter or with the
mechanism which actuates the same, so that the film will be marked as the shutter
falls or is operated for each exposure, or as it is reset after each exposure.

page_text: To protect the film from the action of light before and after exposure, I provide
each of the rollers upon which the film is wound, with an improved light-tight
covering, consisting of a cylindrical tube of cardboard or other suitable material,
which is fitted to turn freely upon the roller, the ends of the latter being recessed
to receive the ends of the tube in such manner that no light can pass to the interior
of the tube. Each tube or casing is split or cut longitudinally throughout its entire
length, and the edges of the slit are covered with velvet or other suitable soft
material, with which, if desired, the whole of the interior of the tube may also be
lined. In use, the film is drawn through the velvet-lined slit, which is kept close
and light-tight by the natural spring or elasticity of the material of which the
cylinder is made, or an elastic band may be passed over each end of the tube to
keep the slit closed. By these means, the film, except such portion thereof as is
actually in use, is effectually kept from the light. The rollers with their casings
may be easily removed from the roll-holder, and carried as light-tight film-
packages, which can be inserted and removed from the camera or roll-holder in
daylight without fear of injury to the film.
My said invention further comprises improved means whereby sensitive glass
plates or films cut into separate pieces may be used, and whereby such plates or
films may be rapidly and conveniently changed in the camera without the use of a
dark-room and without altering the focus.
For this purpose, I use an improved dark-slide or changing-box, consisting of
two or more frames or cases made to slide one within the other, and in which the
plates or films are contained. The plates or films are preferably fitted with suitable
sheaths or carriers, or are backed with pieces of cardboard or other suitable
material, of the proper dimensions. The inner sliding case is made to contain a
number of the sheaths carrying the plates or films, and one end of this case is so
constructed at both the back and the front as to allow one of the sheaths at a time
to pass into or out of the said case. Within the outer case I provide one or more
spring catches, hooks or projections so arranged that they will engage with the edge
of one of the said sheaths and retain the said sheath in the outer case, while the
sliding case, with the other sheaths therein, is drawn out. When the sliding case
is drawn out to the full extent, the engaged sheath is pressed by suitable springs to
the opposite side of the outer case. When the inner case is again closed or pushed
home, the said sheath passes into it and takes its position on the opposite side of the
bundle of sheaths or plates contained in the said inner case. In this manner a
succession of plates or films can be exposed, by the simple action of drawing out and
closing the sliding case which holds the said plates or films, without removing the
dark-slide or changing-box from the camera. I provide a stop to prevent the
complete withdrawal of the sliding case; and to protect the plates from the light,
I provide a light-tight bag or box which receives the inner case when it is drawn
For transferring the plates or films from the front to the back of the bundle
thereof, I prefer to use two sets of springs adapted to act upon opposite edges of the
sheath, and each of which comprises two springs so combined that they will at all
times exert an approximately uniform pressure upon the sheath. Both sides of the
outer case are provided with sliding light-tight shutters, one of which is so arranged
that, when all the plates or films contained in the dark-slide or changing-box have
been exposed, the said shutter may be withdrawn and the sheaths carrying the
exposed plates be allowed to drop into an empty case or reservoir, which is also
fitted with a sliding lid and is so constructed that it can be attached to the
changing-box and the plates or films can be transferred to it therefrom without
exposure to light. The changing-box is then replenished from a similar reservoir
or case containing unexposed plates or films. These cases or reservoirs are made
interchangeable. It is evident, therefore, that any desired number of the plates or
films cau be used without having to use a dark-room for effecting the required
changes.
out.
The back of the sliding case is preferably provided with a sliding plate and with
suitable catches to engage therewith, so that, when the sliding case is drawn out to

page_text: shift an exposed plate from the front to the back thereof, the said sliding plate will
be drawn out with it. The said sliding plate is so arranged that it will act as a
spring to push the sheaths to the front of the sliding case and also hold the plates
in the inner case when it is withdrawn. When the sheaths and plates are to be
inserted in, or removed from, the dark-slide or changing-box, the aforesaid catches
are disengaged and the sliding spring-plate is drawn out without the sliding case.
I find it advantageous to arrange in the outer case, a brush formed of velvet or
similar material which will effectually clean the plate or film as the sliding case is
pushed inward.
I sometimes so arrange the cases that the inner case will remain stationary and
the outer case will be moved to effect the changing of the plates.
My improved dark-slide or changing-box and my improved roll-holder may be
made of the same external dimensions so as to fit and be interchangeable in the
same camera, in order that the operator may use either at will. They may,
moreover, be fitted to any ordinary camera which need not be of special
construction.
To register the number of exposures as made, I sometimes provide a counter or
index, which may be in the form of a figured disc attached to a ratchet-wheel which
is moved forward automatically one notch or tooth as each fresh portion of the film
is unwound, or each time the plates or films are changed. Or I may employ any
other suitable registering device.
Dated this 21st day of July 1801
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to Photographic Cameras, and to Appliances
for Changing Plates or Films therein.
I, BENJAMIN JOSEPH EDWARDS, of The Grove, Hackney in the County of
Middlesex, Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My invention relates to photographic cameras and comprises improved means
whereby sensitized flexible films in continuous lengths may be used, the pictures
being taken in succession upon a strip of the sensitized material which is wound
upon rollers enclosed in a suitable box or case. To this end my invention com-
prises improvements in the rollers and their light-tight cases or coverings; in
means for stretching the film strip evenly so as to expose a perfectly nat surface
for receiving the picture; in means for marking the said film strip between each
picture to show where the strip must be cut; and in means for preventing over-
winding of the film.
My said invention is designed moreover to provide in a mor sile and efficient
manner than heretofore for effecting the change of position. ized plates, or
separate sheets of film, or paper, in photographic cameras, so that any desired
number of the sensitized plates or surfaces can be used in succession.
When I use sensitized glass plates or film cut into separate pieces, I provide
for changing such plates or pieces rapidly in the camera without the necessity for
using a dark room and without altering the focus.
In the accompanying drawings I have shown how my invention may be con-
veniently and advantageously carried into practice.
Figure 1 is a side view of a simple form of roller and light-tight covering for
the sensitized film strip.
Figure 2 is a side view of the roller alone, the removable end of the roller being
shown detached.

page_text: Figure is another view of the movable end piece.
Figure 4 is side view of another form of roller and covering.
Figures 5 and 6 are end views of the same.
Figure 64 is an edge view of a covering strip, and
Figure 7 is a view of the roller detached.
Figure is a plan view of a roll-holder and two rolls in their light-tight
coverings placed therein.
Figure 9 is a section of the same on the line a x, Figure 8.
Figure 10 is a section on the line y y Figure 8, and
Figure 11 is an end view of the holder showing in dotted lines the mechanism
for unrolling the film and marking the film at the places where it is to be cut.
Figure 12 is an inverted view of the table for stretching the film.
Figure 13 is an end view of the same.
Figure 14 is a top view.
Figure 15 is an inverted view, and,
Figure 16 is an end view of a modified form of table without rollers hereinafter
described.
Figure 17 is an end view, and
Figures 18 and 19 are side view and plan on an enlarged scale of the locking
device and mechanism for actuating the marker hereinafter described.
Figure 20 is a longitudinal section of my improved changing box, hereinafter
described, the sliding frame being shown withdrawn, and, one of the plates in the
act of being transferred to the back of the same.
Figure 21 is a front view of the said changing box.
1
Referring to Figures 1 to 3. A is the roller on which the sensitized film is wound,
the said roller having enlarged ends A', A' one of which is detachable as shown in
Figure 2. The said ends A' are recessed at A2 so as to enter and fit the light-
tight cylindrical sheath B which is for the purpose of protecting the film before
and after exposure. The said sheath is made of cardboard or other suitable
material and is slit from end to end at B' through which slit the sensitized film is
drawn. B2 B2 are strips of velvet or similar material cemented or otherwise
secured to the edges of the slit B₁ to prevent the admission of light therethrough.
The tube may also be lined throughout with velvet. Usually the elasticity of the
sheath will be sufficient to keep the slit closed, but if this is not the case, a small
elastic band may be passed around each end of the sheath to ensure the same being
kept light-tight. By these means, the film except such portion thereof as is
actually in use, is effectually kept from the light. Two rollers and light-tight
cases such as above described are according to one modification of my invention
placed in a suitable box or roll-holder provided with a table over which the film
strip passes as it is wound from one roller to the other. The ends A' constitute
the journals on which the rollers turn, being arranged to turn in bearings formed in
the holder. I divide the said bearings longitudinally and I may provide a spring to
press the rollers into the lower halves of the bearings so as to create sufficient
friction to produce the required tension in the film. The rollers with their light-
tight casings or coverings may be easily removed from the roll-holder, and
carried as light-tight film packages which can be inserted and removed from the
camera or roll-holder in day-light without fear of injury to the film. When the
roller sheath or covering is made circular I attach a rib or projection therein to
engage with the side of the box or roll-holder or a suitable stop to prevent the
sheath turning with the roller. The above forms a simple device, but I prefer to
construct my rollers and light-tight cases as follows.
Referring to Figures 4 to 7 the light-tight case B is of octagonal form though
it may be square or hexagonal or other suitable shape in cross section. The
roller A is formed with a simple flange or collar A' at one end and is reduced at its
other end to fit in a bearing aperture B³ in the end of the sheath B and forms one
journal about which the roller turns, the other journal being formed by the
flange A¹.
I prefer that the flange or collar A' shall be of the full diameter or

page_text: nearly so of the interior of the sheath. By this means I am enabled to insert the
spool or roller in the sheath after the film is wound thereon. To maintain the
roller in position in the sheath I provide an outer cap of cardboard paper or other
suitable material B* Figure 64 preferably of the full size of the case, and which
may be fixed by binding of paper or other suitable material to the end of the
sheath over the head of the roller. One or more grooves A* is or are formed in
one or both ends of the receiving roller to enable it to be turned by means of a
clutch or key inserted therein.
Instead of using the light-tight covering above described I may utilize pieces of
opaque paper of sufficient length to cover the roll and attached at each end of the
film strip as described in my prior Specification of Letters Patent No. 11416
of 1889 such pieces of paper forming a sufficient protection for the film when
removed from the camera or roll-holder.
For measuring and marking the film at the division lines of the separate
exposures 1 may provide on the rim or flange of one or both of the main rollers
a projection or depression at one part of the circumference in combination with a
lever or spring marker so arranged that when the roller has made one complete
turn it will actuate or permit the action of the said marker which latter then marks
the film in the desired places. Or I may connect the marker with the exposure shutter
or with the said shutter mechanism in such a manner that the film will be marked each
time the shutter falls or is operated for each exposure, or as it is reset after each
exposure. I prefer however to use the arrangement now to be described with reference
to Figures 8 to 19. Against one side of the roll-holder I mount between suitable
guides a sliding frame or plate D which is continually pressed upward by a spring D¹.
To the side of the holder is pivoted at E' a spring lever E which is located between
the side of the holder and the sliding frame D and which is arranged to engage a
projection D2 on the said sliding frame D. The said lever E is turned up at the
extreme end or is otherwise shaped to engage a cam or single toothed disc F
carried by an axis F' which passes out through the end of the roll-holder, and is
provided with a handle or key F whereby the said disc can be rotated as shown
clearly in Figures 17 to 19.1 F3 is a ratchet toothed wheel fixed to the dise F
and F is a spring pawl or catch pivoted to the end of the holder and engaging the
teeth of the ratchet wheel F³ whereby the said wheel is prevented from being
turned in the backward direction. F³ is a key or clutch fixed to the face of the
disc F and adapted to enter the cross cut or groove A* formed in the end of the
receiving roller. By turning the handle or key F2 the receiving roller is rotated
and caused to wind up the sensitized film. When a complete turn of the disc F
has been made the tooth thereof encounters the end of the spring lever E and
depresses the said lever, and the said lever brings down the sliding frame D.
When the frame D is depressed as far as it can go the disc F is arrested and
cannot be further rotated until released as hereinafter described. D³, D³ Figures 8
and 10 are the marking points or projections which are formed on or are attached
to the frame D. When the said frame or plate is depressed as above described
the said points are brought down upon the film and mark or puncture the film so as
to clearly indicate where it must be cut.
G is a flat table over which the film is drawn when passing from one roller to the
other. At the ends of the said table I mount in suitable bearings, guide
rollers G G. The roller G' is notched circumferentially at 9 at those parts
opposite the markers D3, D3 so as to facilitate the indentation or puncture of the
film by the said markers when the sliding frame D is depressed. The roller G²
is a movable tension roller it being mounted in movable bearings or slots G³
which admit of lateral movement of the roller. G is a spring which
bears against the bearings of the said roller G* and tend to press the roller
outward towards the extreme end of the slots. The guide rollers G1, G2 are
placed at such a distance apart as may be required to suit the width of
the picture. By this device the portion of the film which is in position for
exposure will be kept tightly and evenly stretched by the outward pressure of

page_text: the movable guide roller. I sometimes dispense with one or both of the guide
rollers and make the film as it is wound from one roller to the other to pass
over a board or table which is divided into two portions longitudinally, and I
provide a spring or springs between the said two portions of the table for
separating the same, whereby the film is kept at a sufficient tension to cause it
to lie perfectly flat upon the table. This modification is clearly shown in
Figures 14 to 16.
The sliding frame or plate D may or may not be provided with marking points D³,
but in either case it forms an automatic stop which prevents more film being wound
off the roller than is required to take the picture. When the picture has been
taken and it is desired to wind off more film it is necessary to release the cam
disc F so as to allow it to make another turn. For this purpose I provide a
releasing lever H which is pivoted to the roll-holder at H' and is connected with a
handle H² outside the holder. The said lever H is bent somewhat as shown and
rests against the end of the spring lever E. By turning the releasing handle
about its pivot the lever H is caused to press back the lever E out of engagement
with the tooth of the disc F thereby liberating the said lever and allowing the
plate D to rise again under the action of its spring. The disc F is now free to be
rotated once more and upon the completion of another revolution it again encounters
the lever E and depresses the said lever and is thereby locked as before described,
until disengaged again by means of the lever H. The receiving roller is preferably
so proportioned that one complete turn thereof is sufficient to wind off as much
film as is required for the picture, but if desired for large pictures a comparatively
small receiving roller may be used and multiplying gear provided so that one turn
only of the disc F is made for each picture. In any case whether multiplying
gear is or is not employed, the plate D with or without the marking device acts as
an automatic stop to prevent over winding of the film.
For registering the number of exposures made and thereby showing how much
film is left unexposed I may provide any suitable indicating device, a simple form
consisting of a toothed wheel which is figured with numerals arranged in a circle.
The wheel is pivoted on a suitable axis so as to gear with the single tooth of the
disc F. The said tooth operates to turn the indicating wheel a distance equal to
one tooth at each revolution of the disc F and thereby exposes the indicating
numbers successively through a window or aperture in the side of the holder.
For recording a large number of pictures I provide a second indicating wheel for the
tens, the first wheel being used for the units, the said wheels being arranged as in
an ordinary counter.
My improved dark-slide or changing-box for changing plates and films in the
camera is constructed as follows. K is a frame containing the plates or films,
L is a sliding frame for changing the plates after each exposure, and M is an outer
frame or case enclosing the whole apparatus. The said case M is adapted to fit
in the camera. The plates or films are mounted in separate sheaths or carriers
of any suitable construction or are backed with cardboard. The said frame K is
open at the front and back to permit of the exposures being made and for emptying
and refilling purposes. N is a leaf spring which presses on the rearmost plate and
pushes the bundle of plates forward against two internal stops or flanges K¹, K¹
formed by turning down the edges of the sides of the frame K. The said leaf
spring N is made to slide through a slot in the end of the outlet case, which is
made light-tight by strips of velvet and its inner face is kept pressed against the
rearmost plate in the box. N', N' are hooks or buttons to keep the spring N in
position.
When it is desired to empty the box and to refill the same with fresh plates,
the buttons N', N₁ are turned and the spring N is withdrawn, whereupon on taking
off the removable back M' of the outer frame and withdrawing a sliding light-tight
door L¹ in the back of the frame L the plates can be dropped out and fresh ones
put in their place. The plates may be dropped into an empty case or reservoir
which is also fitted with a sliding lid and is so constructed that it can be attached

page_text: to the changing box and the plates can be transferred to it therefrom without
exposure to day light. The cases or reservoirs are made interchangeable.
The inner frame K is fixed to the outer case at the lower end thereof, and at
its upper end stops are formed or fixed thereon for engaging corresponding stops
or flanges formed on the sliding frame L whereby the outward travel of the
said sliding frame is limited. The sliding frame L is provided with parallel
slides L which work on ribs or guides K on the fixed inner case K. L³ is the
light-tight shutter for closing the front of the sliding frame and protecting
the plates from the light when the sliding frame is drawn out. L' L' are buttons
for securing the shutters L¹, L³ and preventing the sliding case and said shutters
being accidentally opened. In the upper end of the box K is a slit or opening K³
which allows of the plates being slid out of the box one at a time. For sliding out
the plates through the said slit K³ I provide a pair of spring mounted catches or
hooks L', L' fixed to the lower end of the sliding frame. These catches engage
with the lower edge of the front plate when the sliding frame is pushed down and
serve to draw out the said plate when the sliding frame is drawn out. As soon as
the frout plate has been completely withdrawn in the manner described it is trans-
ferred to the opposite side or back of the frame by suitable springs O, arranged in
the side of the sliding frame. When the said sliding frame is pushed back again
the plate which has been displaced is pushed by the piece L' through a slit Kin
at the back of the bundle of plates between the previous rearmost plate and the
spring N and the second plate now becomes the front one, it being brought into
the proper focus by the spring N which presses it against the flanges K' K' of
the inner frame. This operation can be repeated until all the plates have been
successively exposed and changed. The sheath containing the last plate in the
bundle is made thicker than the others and cannot be drawn out through the slit K³.
When therefore all the plates have been exposed the sliding frame becomes locked
and cannot be drawn out again, until the used plates have been removed and replaced
with a fresh bundle, the thick one of which is placed at the back. The springs O, O
are compound springs, each being made of two springs 01 02 arranged as shown in
Figure 20. By this construction an approximately uniform pressure is obtained
throughout the whole range of movement of the spring. Q is a spring mounted in
the upper end of the sliding case and formed with a groove or recess Q'. When
the front plate or film is being drawn out its upper edge is supported by the afore-
said notch Q' in the spring and the plate is thereby prevented from canting over
until it is almost or quite withdrawn from the bundle of plates. Figure 20 shows
a plate in the act of being transferred.
I find it advantageous to arrange a brush L formed of velvet or the like on the
sliding frame L so that when the said frame is pushed in, the said brush will wipe
the front plate clear of all dust particles.
My improved dark-slide or changing-box and my improved roll-holder may be
made of the same external dimensions so as to fit and be interchangeable in the
same camera, in order that the operator may use either at will. They may more-
over be fitted to any ordinary camera which need not be of special construction.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In a photographic film holder, a spool or roller having an enlarged flange at
one end, or at each end said flange or Hanges forming the bearings for the roller,
for the purpose specified.
2. A roller having a flange or flanges such as described in combination with a
light-tight covering therefor constructed substantially as described with reference
to Figures 1 to 3, or to Figures 4 to 7 for the purpose specified.
3. In a roll-holder, a device for marking the film, such device forming also a stop
to prevent overwinding, for the purpose specified.

page_text: 4. The locking-device for the receiving roller, substantially as described and
shown.
5. The combined stop and film marking device for preventing overwinding and
marking the film where it should be cut, substantially as described with reference
to the drawings, and operating as specified.
6. The combination with the combined stop and film marking device of the
releasing device therefor to enable more film to be wound off, substantially as
described.
7. In a roll-holder, the table provided with one or more antifriction rollers,
mounted in sliding spring-actuated bearings, for the purpose specified.
8. In a roll-holder, the film-stretching table constructed in two parts, one of
which can slide relatively to the other, and having a spring connection which tends
to separate the said two parts, for the purpose specified.
9. The film-stretching table constructed substantially as described with reference
to Figures 12 and 13 or to Figures 14 to 16 for the purpose specified.
10. A changing-box having an inner shell containing the plates which are pressed
forward by a spring, a sliding frame for changing the plates after each exposure,
said sliding frame having spring catches for withdrawing one plate at a time, and
other springs for transferring the said plates when withdrawn to the rear of the
box, and an outer frame or case through which the exposures are made, substantially
as described.
11. A changing-box provided with transferring springs, and with an outer case
which protects the plates when the sliding frame is withdrawn.
12. The combination with the transferring springs o³, o² of a supporting spring
such as Q, for the purpose specified.
13. In a changing-box for photographic plates or films, the compound transferring
springs, substantially as described.
14. The changing-box constructed substantially as described with reference to
the drawings, and operating as and for the purpose, specified.
Dated thin and day of M. 1902
B. J. EDWARDS.
Haseltine, Lake & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.