Improvements in or relating to Film-changing Photographic Cameras.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Dec., 1897
Complete Specification Left, 13th Sept., 1898-Accepted, 3rd Dec., 1898
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Film-changing Photographic
Cameras.
I, ARTHUR LEWIS ADAMS, of 26, Charing Cross Road, London, W.C., Manu-
facturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to photographic cameras of that class in which a number
or series of cut films or flexible sensitive surfaces (which latter for the sake of
brevity I shall herein refer to as films") are arranged as a pack and are one by
one removed after exposure.
16
According to my present invention I proceed as follows:-
")
I use any suitable camera case or 'box with any suitable lens, shutter, etc., and
the films are arranged as a pack in a chamber or magazine formed to receive
same in the rear part of the camera a door or other suitable means being provided
to afford access to said magazine and a suitable spring or springs being provided to
Fact on the rear of said pack and thereby force the whole pack forwardly against
a rebate i.e. in the direction of the lens all such parts being of any known or
suitable character for the purpose of my present invention.
1
The bottom edge of the pack of films rests either on the bottom of the camera.
case or on any suitable support arranged on or above said camera bottom-along
which bottom or support the pack can readily slide or be moved forwardly.
The loose back of any suitable material such as a thin metal plate or wood
(where such back is of about the same size as the films) may be formed with the
upper edge or upper part thereof curved rearwardly or such back may be formed
less in height than the films so as to permit the upper edge of the pack of films
to be bent or moved rearwardly in the operation of changing as hereinafter
described.
Over the magazine and above the top edge of the pack of films and so as to be
clear of said films I arrange two parallel grooved ways disposed opposite one
another and extending horizontally (or thereabouts) from front to rear or there-
abouts over said magazine and normally extending slightly in front of the
position in which the front film will be held when brought "up to register"
ready for exposure.
The two grooved-ways are respectively arranged so as to be capable of travelling
in guideways fixed to the camera top or arranged in a suitable support fixed to
said top and said two grooved-ways are connected together crosswise in such a
way that a spring acting against said cross tie or connection will normally keep
said grooved ways (which are provided with stops) pressed forwardly towards the
lens as far as such stops will allow.
Acting in conjunction with these grooved ways and hinged or flexibly con-
nected thereto is a finger or claw-like device (which I will hereinafter refer to as
the "finger") the free end of which extends forwardly and is normally forced
away from the grooved-ways when it its forward position while when same
together with the grooved-ways are moved rearwardly as hereinafter described said

page_text: finger will descend into line (or thereabouts) with the grooves in said grooved-ways
and thereby engage and move rearwardly therewith the insertion pieces (herein-
after described) which are supported in said grooved-ways.
The front end or top of the said finger is bevelled or provided with a cam
surface or arranged in suchwise that on the descent on to same of a vertically
travelling septum or the like (as hereinafter described) thereby the free end of
such finger will be pressed downwards. and rearwards and at same time will
carry back therewith the aforesaid grooved-ways against the action of the afore-
said or springs which (when the septum is removed) will return the grooved ways
and finger forwardly and cause the finger also to rise as aforesaid.
The septum is arranged to pass through the top of the camera (any suitable
means being provided where same passes through the camera case to keep same
light-tight) and is adapted to be reciprocated just to the rear of the rebates of
the magazine, ie. in the rear of the vertical plane of the front film where same
is brought up to register and is provided with a tongue or selecting device at
its entering end and also with a hook or turned-up edge in the front of such
end this latter (i.e. the hook) adapted to withdraw the exposed film-suitable
means (such as a spring plate at each side) being provided to strip or remove the
film out of said septum as said film is being withdrawn-a suitable reservoir or
chamber being arranged to receive and hold such exposed films therein.
I further provide according to my present invention small insertion pieces or
devices for inserting between the films when arranged as a pack these insertion
pieces being of such a width and provided with a tongue at each extremity as to
be adapted to fit easily in the aforesaid grooved-ways while the body part of such
insertion pieces depend below said grooved ways and extend between the films-
the said grooved-ways being such that said insertion pieces can be placed therein
from the rear and slide right through same and pass out of said grooved-ways
at the front ends of the latter.
These insertion pieces (which may for example be say 1½ inches in width and
inch in depth) may be made of any suitable material advantageously of celluloid
or card so as to be as noiseless as possible.
The films are neither notched or backed but are of any ordinary or suitable
form such as the usual rectangular cut films and such films and insertion pieces
are placed as a pack in the magazine of this camera according to my present
invention as follows:-
A film comes first against the rebate (or against the back of the septum if the
latter be pushed in) and is clear of the aforesaid grooved-ways and then an in-
sertion piece is placed in said grooved-ways with the body thereof over-lapping
the film, then another film and then another insertion piece and so on as many
as desired being placed in the magazine according to the capacity of said
magazine.
The aforesaid loose back is now placed in position and by means of any suitable
spring presses the whole pack firmly forwards against the septum or rebate it
said septum is withdrawn.
The camera is now ready for use and the operation of changing the films is as
follows: :―
Assuming the septum is withdrawn and the front film consequently pressed
forwards against the rebates the aforesaid finger and grooved-ways are now also
pressed forward and the front part thereof lies in the path of travel of the septum.
On forcing in the septum the entering end thereof will first ride against the
bevelled end or cam-like surface or equivalent on the top or free end of said finger
and force the latter down in front of the insertion pieces held in position in said
grooved-ways so as to engage the said insertion pieces and move same and the
whole pack (except the front film) rearwardly or the upper edge of said pack is
bent or moved rearwardly as the said finger and grooved ways are bodily moved
rearwardly by the entering end of the septum.
By this means the upper edge of the rest of the pack is separated and moved

page_text: clear of the front film and leaving a clear space for the entering end of the septum
to pass in between the front film and the rest of the pack so that the front
film is thus separated from the rest of the pack and is held exactly up to register
and is "backed" or supported in a perfectly flat state (by said septum) ready for
exposure while the inserted septum will prevent any light passing to the remainder
of the pack during exposure.
On withdrawal of the septum (after exposure) the separated film is withdrawn
therewith as aforesaid and stripped or removed therefrom and transferred into a
suitable storage chamber or receptacle in any suitable manner.
The camera being held in position with the lens downwardly it follows that as
soon as the septum is withdrawn thereupon the next following insertion piece
having no film in front thereof and nothing to prevent same sliding out of the
front ends of said grooved-ways (the aforesaid finger being now in the raised
position clear of said grooved-ways) consequently this front insertion piece will
drop out of said grooved-ways and will fall towards the lens and may be allowed
to lie loosely in the bottom of the camera or may be led or guided into any
suitable receptacle or otherwise controlled for instance the septum may be con-
nected to or made to move-a curtain or trap-door or the like by which said
loose insertion piece is guided into a chamber or receptacle adapted to be closed
when the septum is inserted or otherwise secure and hold said insertion pieces
as desired.
The next film is now brought up to register and separated as just described
when the septum is inserted and so on.
I do not confine myself to all the details exactly as herein before set forth as
obviously modifications thereof may be used for instance I may use tongues instead
of grooves for guiding the insertion pieces that is to say the latter may be notched
and guided and travel on tongues or railways instead of in grooved-ways.
Or I make such insertion pieces of greater width than the films and then these
insertion pieces may travel in or on either fixed or movable grooved ways or rail-
ways open or clear at each end as before for the insertion pieces to be placed
therein or thereon and to enable same to escape therefrom as aforesaid while the
aforesaid finger would act as before.
Moreover such finger if desired could be arranged and operated separately and
independently of said grooved-ways or equivalent but always so as to act in con-
junction therewith for the aforesaid purpose of moving rearwardly the whole of
the pack except the front film.
The septum may be rigid or flexible as desired.
If desired the film-changing mechanism may be arranged to operate at the
side instead of over the top of the films as aforesaid and the insertion pieces
arranged midway or at any desired point across the films.
Improvements in or relating to Film-changing Photographic
Cameras.
I. ARTHUR LEWIS ADAMS, of 26, Charing Cross Road, London, Manufacturer,
o hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is

page_text: to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement:-
This invention relates to photographic cameras of that class in which a number
or series of cut films or flexible sensitive surfaces (which latter for the sake of
brevity I shall hereinafter refer to as films") are arranged as a pack and are
one by one removed after exposure.
According to my present invention I proceed as follows:-
I use any suitable camera case or box with any suitable lens shutter etc. and
the "films" are arranged as a pack in a chamber or magazine formed to receive
same in the rear part of the camera a door or other suitable means being provided
to afford access to said magazine and a suitable spring or springs being provided to
act on the rear of said pack and thereby force the whole pack forwardly against
a rebate i.e. in the direction of the lens--all such parts being of any known or
suitable character for the purpose of my present invention.
The bottom edge of the pack of films rests either on the bottom of the camera
case or on any suitable support arranged on or above said camera bottom-along
which bottom or support the pack can readily slide or be moved forwardly.
The loose back of any suitable material such as a thin metal plate or wood
(where such back is of about the same size as the films) may be formed with the
upper edge or upper part thereof curved rearwardly or such back may be formed
less in height than the films so as to permit the upper edge of the pack of films
to be bent or moved rearwardly in the operation of changing as hereinafter
described.
Over the magazine and above the top edge of the pack of films and so as to be
clear of said films I arrange two parallel grooved ways disposed opposite one
another and extending horizontally (or thereabouts) from front to rear or there-
abouts over said magazine and normally extending slightly in front of the
position in which the front film will be held when brought up to register
ready for exposure
The two grooved ways are respectively arranged so as to be capable of travelling
in guideways fixed to the camera top or arranged in a suitable support fixed to
said top and said. two grooved ways are connected together crosswise in such a
way that a spring acting against said cross tie or connection will normally keen
said grooved ways (which are provided with stops) pressed forwardly towards the
lens as far as such stops will allow.
Acting in conjunction with these grooved ways and hinged or flexibly con-
nected thereto is a finger or claw-like device (which I will hereinafter refer to as
the "finger" the free end of which extends forwardly and is normally forced
away from the grooved ways when in its forward position while when same
together with the grooved ways are moved rearwardly as hereinafter described said
finger will descend into line (or thereabouts) with the grooves in said grooved ways
and thereby engage and move rearwardly therewith the insertion pieces (herein-
after described) which are supported in said grooved ways.
The front end or top of the said finger is bevelled or provided with a cam
surface or arranged in suchwise that on the descent on to same of a vertically
travelling septum or the like (as hereinafter described) thereby the free end of
such finger will be pressed downwards and rearwards and at same time will
carry back therewith the aforesaid grooved wavs against the action of the afore-
said spring or springs which (when the septum is removed) will return the grooved
ways and finger forwardly and cause the finger also to rise as aforesaid.
Or this finger may be operated by a separate device or means independent of the
septum for instance by a device operated separately from the exterior of the camera
case.
The septum is arranged to pass through the top of the camera (any suitable
means being provided where same passes through the camera case to keep same
light-tight) and is adapted to be reciprocated just to the rear of the rebates of
the magazine, i.e. in the rear of the vertical plane of the front film where same

page_text: is brought up to register and is provided with a tongue or selecting device at
its entering end and also with a hook or turned-up edge on the front of such
end this latter (i.e. the hook) adapted to withdraw the exposed film-suitable
means such as a spring plate at each side being provided to strip or remove the
film out of said septum as said film is being withdrawn a suitable reservoir or
chamber being arranged to receive and hold such exposed films therein.
I further provide according to my present invention small insertion pieces or
devices for inserting between the films when arranged as a pack these insertion
pieces being of such a width and provided with a tongue at each extremity as to
be adapted to fit easily in the aforesaid grooved-ways while the body part of such
insertion pieces depends below said grooved ways and extends between the films-
the said grooved ways being such that said insertion pieces can be placed therein
from the rear and slide right through same and pass out of said grooved ways
at the front ends of the latter.
These insertion pieces (which may for example be say 1½ inches in, width and
inch in depth) may be made of any suitable material advantageously of celluloid
or card so as to be as light and noiseless as possible.
The films are neither notched nor backed but are of any ordinary or suitable
form such as the usual rectangular cut films and such films and insertion pieces
are placed as a pack in the magazine of this camera according to my present
invention as follows:-
A film comes first against the rebate (or against the back of the septum in the
latter be pushed in) and is clear of the aforesaid grooved ways and then an in-
sertion piece is placed in said grooved ways with the body thereof over-lapping
the film then another film and then another insertion piece and so on as many
as desired being placed in the magazine according to the capacity of said
magazine.
The aforesaid loose back is now placed in position and by means of any suitable
spring presses the whole pack firmly forwards against the septum or rebate if
said septum is withdrawn.
The camera is now ready for use and the operation of changing the film is as
follows:
Assuming the septum is withdrawn and the front film consequently pressed
forwards against the rebates the aforesaid finger and grooved ways are now also
pressed forward and the front part thereof lies in the path of travel of the septum.
On forcing in the septum the entering end thereof will first ride against the
bevelled end or cam-like surface or equivalent on the top or free end of said finger
and force the latter down in front of the insertion pieces held in position in said
grooved ways so as to engage the said insertion pieces and move same and the
whole pack (except the front film) rearwardly or the upper edge of said pack is
bent or moved rearwardly as the said finger and grooved ways are bodily moved
rearwardly by the entering end of the septum.
By this means the upper edge of the rest of the pack is separated and moved
clear of the front film and leaving a clear space for the entering end of the septum
to pass in between the front. film and the rest of the pack so that the front
film is thus separated from the rest of the pack and is held exactly up to register
and is "backed" or supported in a perfectly flat state (by said septum) ready for
exposure while the inserted septum will prevent any light passing to the remainder
of the pack during exposure.
On withdrawal of the septum (after exposure) the separated film is withdrawn
therewith as aforesaid and stripped or removed therefrom and transferred into a
suitable storage-chamber or receptacle in any suitable manner.
The camera being held in position with the lens downwardly it follows that
when the septum is withdrawn thereupon the next following insertion piece
having no film in front thereof and nothing to prevent same sliding out of the
front ends of said grooved ways (the aforesaid finger being now in the raised
position clear of said grooved ways) consequently this front insertion piece will

page_text: drop out of said grooved ways and will fall towards the lens and may be allowed
to fie loosely in the bottom of the camera or may be led or guided into any
suitable receptacle or otherwise controlled for instance the septum may be con-
nected to or made to move-a curtain and trapdoor or the like by which said
loose insertion piece is guided into a chamber or receptacle adapted to be closed
when the septum is inserted or otherwise secure and hold said insertion pieces
as desired.
The next film is now brought up to register and separated as just described
when the septum is inserted and so on.
I will now proceed to describe my present invention with reference to the
drawings hereunto annexed.
Fig. 1 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view (on line 1-1 Fig. 2) of a camera
constructed according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a horizontal sectional view on line 2-2 Fig. 1 looking in the direction
of the arrow 2.
Fig. 3 is a back end view of the camera with the door or end flap (for closing
the magazine) open-showing the interior of said magazine.
Fig. 4 shows a plan rectangular film (without any notching along the edges)
for use in my camera.
Fig. 5 shows the "insertion piece" which may be formed of flexible thin sheet
metal or celluloid or any other suitable material or combination of two or more
materials.
Fig. 6 is a similar view to Fig. 1 showing the septum withdrawn and the
camera in the position in which same is held while changing each film i.c.
reversed with regard to the position shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. is a similar view to Fig. 6 but with the septum pushed partly in and
showing the consequently altered position of the parts.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts throughout.
In the drawings at Figs. 1 to 3 I have shown that side a² of the camera upper-
most on which is mounted the handle (such handle being mounted on this side
so that the septum does not show when the camera is carried in this position) and
consequently the camera has to be reversed to the position shown in Figs. 6
and at each film-changing operation-hut for the purpose of describing my
invention with reference to said drawings I prefer to consider and designate the
side a¹ as the top and will describe the camera as though it were always carried
held used and operated in the position shown in Figs. 6 and 7.
The camera case or box a is provided with any suitable lens shutter etc. and
the "films" are arranged as a pack d in a chamber or magazine b formed to
receive same in the rear part of the camera a, a door a³ or other suitable means
being provided to afford access to said magazine b and a suitable spring or springs
such as c being provided to act on the rear of said nack (this spring e may advan-
tageously be attached at one end to the inside of the door and the other end
attached to a metal plate c¹ carrying vertical presser bars or ribs c² on the face
thereof which bars 2 bear against the vertical side edges of the back of the pack
as shown in Figs. 1 and 2-the top end of each said rib c² being bevelled off at
see Figs. 1, 6 and 7 as and for the purposes hereinafter described) said spring or
springs serving to force the whole pack forwardly against a rebate b¹ which may
advantageously be arranged as a flange formed on the front end of a metal
plate forming the smooth metal lining of each side of the magazine ball such
parts being of any suitable character adapted for the purpose.
The bottom edge d' of the pack of films d rests either on the bottom a³ of
the camera case a or on any suitable support arranged on or above said camera
bottom along which bottom or support the pack d can readily slide or be
moved forwardly.
The loose back instead of being made as shown of thin sheet metal plate cl 5
carrying ribs thereon may be of any other suitable material and where such
back is of about the same size as the films may be formed with the upper edge

page_text: or upper part thereof bevelled or curved rearwardly-or such back may be
formed less in height than the films d-so as to permit the upper edge of the
pack of filmstd to be bent or moved rearwardly in the operation of changing as
hereinafter described for instance as shown in Fig. 7.
Over the magazine b and above the top edge d² of the pack of films d and so
as to be clear of said films I arrange a slide piece e having formed therein two
parallel grooved ways e¹ disposed opposite one another and extending horizontally
(or thereabouts) from front to rear or thereabouts over said magazine band
normally extending (i.e. when the septum m is withdrawn see Fig. 6) slightly
in front of the position in which the front film will be held when brought up to
register against the rebates 61 ready for exposure.
.
This sliding device e is also provided with two guide-ways e to fit over and
slide upon the guide rails f fixed to the camera top or arranged in a suitable
support fixed to said top the said two grooved ways e being thus ;carried on the
slide e in such a way that a spring or springs 9 attached at one end to said slide
and at the other end to the camera case a will normally keep, said slide e pressed
forwardly (i.e. towards the lens) until same is arrested either by coming against
the septum (hereinafter described) or against stops (not shown) provided for this
purpose.
Acting in conjunction with this slide e and hinged or flexibly connected thereto
at ex is a finger or claw-like device h (which I will hereinafter refer to as the
"finger") the free end h of which extends forwardly and is normally forced away
from the grooved ways e¹ (when the latter are in the forward position shown in
Fig. 6) by the tail end h coming against the fixed striking plate i while when
said finger together with the slide e is moved rearwardly as hereinafter des-
cribed (i.e. from the position shown in Fig. 6 into the position shown in Fig. 7)
the end of said finger h will descend into line (or thereabouts) with the grooves e¹
in the slide e and thereby engage and move rearwardly therewith the insertion
pieces (Fig. 5) which are supported in said grooved ways e¹.
The front end of the said finger h is bevelled and provided with a cam-like
surface * or arranged in suchwise that on the descent on to same of a vertically
travelling septum m or the like (as hereinafter described) thereby the free end h¹
of the said finger h will be pressed downwards and rearwards (from the position
shown in Fig. 6 to the position shown in Fig. 7) and at same time will carry
back therewith une aforesaid slide e and grooved-ways; e¹ therein against the action
of the aforesaid spring or springs g which (when the septum m is removed) will
return the grooved ways e¹ and finger h,forwardly and thereby cause said finger h
also to rise as aforesaid into the position shown in Fig. 6.
The septum m is arranged to pass through the top a of the camera case a (any
suitable means being provided where same passes through the camera case a to
guide same and keep same light-tight) and is adapted to be reciprocated in a
plane just to the rear of the rebates 6 of the magazine b, i.e. just in the rear of
the vertical plane of the front film d* where same is brought up to register against
said rebates 6 (see Fig. 2) and said septum is provided with a rounded edge m¹ at
its entering end and also with a hook or lip m³ on the front side of such end this
latter (i.e. the hook m³) being for the purpose of withdrawing the exposed film d³
upon the withdrawal of the septum m-suitable means such as a flat spring n at
each side being provided with the free end n¹ bearing against the septum m to
strip or remove the film d* out of said septum m as said film is being withdrawn
and thereby transfer same into a suitable reservoir or chamber such as o arranged to
receive and hold such exposed films therein.
A recess m³ (see Fig. 1) is formed in-and towards each side of the septum m
to receive therein the end n¹ of the strippers n to ensure the latter getting behind
the film held in the septum.
5 are small insertion pieces or devices (see Fig. 5) for inserting between the
films and arranged alternately therewith as a pack; these insertion pieces being
provided with a tongue r¹ at each extremity and being of such a width and

page_text: shape that said tongue a will fit and slide easily in the aforesaid grooved ways e¹
the notches in suid pieces a being adapted to fit loosely over the edges e* of
the sliding device e while the body part 2 of such insertion pieces projects
below said grooved ways e¹ and extends a short distance between the films-the
said grooved ways el being such that the tongues of said insertion pieces *
can be placed therein from the rear and slide right through same and pass out
of said grooved ways eat the front ends of the latter as hereinafter explained.
These insertion pieces may be made of any suitable material-advantageously
of celluloid or card so as to be as light and noiseless as possible.
The films do not require to be either notched or backed but are of any suitable
form such as the usual rectangular cut films (as shown in Fig. 4) and a number
of such films and insertion pieces are placed together alternately as a pack in
the magazine b of this camera a according to my present invention as follows:-
A film comes first against the rebate (or against the back of the septum m
if the latter be pushed in) and is clear of the aforesaid grooved ways e and then
an insertion piece a is placed with its tongues a¹ in said grooved ways e¹ with the
larger part thereof overlapping the film, then another film and then another
insertion piece as before and so on; as many as desired being placed in the
magazine according to the capacity of said magazine b.
The aforesaid loose! back is now placed in position and by means of any
suitable spring such as c presses the whole pack firmly forwards against the
rebate if the septum m is withdrawn or against the back of the septum m which
latter is shown provided with a, vertical rib or ridge m² down each vertical side
edge thereof for the purpose of keeping the sensitive surfaces on the central part
of the films from being rubbed or injured by the septum m as same is withdrawn or
inserted.
The camera is now ready for use and the operation of changing the films is
as follows:-
'
The camera is held in the position shown in Figs. 6 and 7.
The septum m is withdrawn (as shown in Fig. 6) and the front film & con-
sequently is pressed forwards (by the spring c) against the rebates b¹ the end *
of the aforesaid finger h and grooved ways el are now also pressed forward and
the front part thereof lies in the path of travel of the septum m as shown in
Fig. 6.
el
On forcing in the septum m the entering end m¹ thereof will first ride against
the cam-like surface or equivalent on the top or free end of said finger
and force the latter down in front of the insertion pieces a in said grooved ways
so as to engage the said insertion pieces and move same and the whole pack
(except the front film d*) rearwardly or the upper edge d² of said pack is bent or
moved rearwardly (as shown in Fig. 7) as the said finger h and grooved ways e¹
are bodily moved rearwardly by the entering end m² of the septum m.
Or the finger h may be separately operated and forced rearwardly by other
means than the septum as herein before indicated.
By this means the upper edge of the pack is separated and moved clear of the
front film (see Fig. 7) and leaving a clear space for the entering end m' of the
septum m to now pass in between the said front film d and the rest of the pack d
so that the front film d is thus separated from the rest of the pack d and is
held exactly up to register and is "backed" or supported in a perfectly flat state
(by said septum m) ready for exposure while the inserted septum m will prevent
any light passing to the remainder of the pack during exposure.
is
On withdrawal of the septum m (after exposure) the separated film
withdrawn therewith as aforesaid and stripped or removed therefrom by the
stripper springs n and thereby transferred into a suitable storage chamber or
receptacle such as o or removed in any other suitable manner.
The camera being held in position with the lens downwardly it follows that
when the septum m is withdrawn thereupon the next following insertion piece
having no film in front of the lower portion ³ thereof and nothing to prevent

page_text: end h¹ being now in the raised position clear of said grooved ways e as shown
of the front ends of said grooved ways e¹ (the aforesaid fin
Fig. 6) consequently this front insertion piece will drop out of said groo
ways e (the next insertion piece being prevented from dropping, by the film
5 front thereof) and will fall towards the lens and in order to guide each said lo
insertion piece into the chamber provided for same in the bottom of t
camera I mount a flexible sheet or curtain on a spring roller r this curtain
extending across the full width of the interior of the camera and attached at
to the rigid rods s which latter are attached at s¹ (exterior of the camera) to t
10 septum m so that as the septum m is withdrawn thereby the rods s are simu
taneously withdrawn consequently drawing the curtain off the roller r from th
position shown in Fig. 1 to the position shown in Fig. 6 in which latter positio
the curtain g guides the falling insertion piece on to the now open trapdoor
hinged at to the inside of the bottom of the camera case a whence said in
15 sertion piece falls into the receptacle for same--the one end of said trapdoor
lying in the path of travel of the rods s so that on the insertion of the septun
the inner ends of said rods s will force said trap door t from the position shown
in Fig. 6 into the closed position shown in Fig. 1 the other end of said trapdoo
being thereby forced against the edge of the opening into the chamber 7
O whereby the latter is thus held tightly closed until the next withdrawal of the
septum m whereupon the spring below said trapdoor t will return same into
the position shown in Figs. 6 and 7 to permit the next insertion piece
the chamber f and so on.
t to enter
is a spring platform (mounted on the bottom of the camera) which lies in the
path of travel of the septum m which latter when inserted forces said platform e
against the underside of the bottom a while when the septum is withdrawn there-
upon the platform follows a short distance and the central stop or projection
thereon is thereby placed in front of the lower edge d' of the rest of the pack d
and acts as a stop to prevent the films from bulging along said edge while the
septum withdrawn while the two projections serve as stops to the front
film d.
bare stops (advantageously formed by returning the ends of the rebates 61)
in front of the top of the pack of films to prevent the front film getting out of
position when brought up to register or while stripping same out of the septum m
on withdrawal of the latter.
I do not confine myself to all the details exactly as hereinbefore set forth as
obviously modifications thereof may be used for instance I may use tongues
instead of grooves for guiding the insertion pieces that is to say the latter may be
notched and guided and travel on tongues or railways instead of in grooved
ways.
Or I may make such insertion pieces of greater width than the films and then
these insertion pieces may travel in or on either fixed or movable grooved ways or
ailways-open or clear at each end as before for the insertion pieces to be placed
herein or thereon and to enable same to escape therefrom as aforesaid while
he aforesaid finger would act as before.
Moreover such finger / if desired could be arranged and operated separately and
idependently of said grooved ways el or equivalent but always so as to act in
onjunction therewith for the aforesaid purpose of moving rearwardly the whole
the pack except the front film d*.
The septum m may be rigid or flexible as desired.
If desired the film-changing mechanism may be arranged to operate at the side
the camera instead of at the top as aforesaid, and the insertion pieces x
ranged midway or at any desired point with respect to the films.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
vention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
laim is:-
1. The herein-described method of selecting and

page_text: graphic cut films a number of which have been arranged as a pack in the
magazine of a photographié camera and small insertion pieces therewith one part
of each said insertion piece extending only a very short distance between the
films and the remainder of the insertion piece extending beyond the edge of the
pack of films and held in guideways-which consists, in bending or forcing said
insertion pieces rearwardly and thus forcing back the edge of the whole pack.
except the front film alone and thereby enabling the introduction of the septum
between the said front film and the rest of the pack substantially as and for the
purposes set forth.
2. The herein-described method of selecting and removing one by one photo-
graphic cut films a number of, which have been arranged as a pack in the magazine
of a photographic camera and small insertion pieces therewith one part of each
said insertion piece extending only a very short distance between the films and
the remainder of the insertion piece extending beyond the edge of the pack of
films and held in guideways--which consists in bending or forcing said insertion
pieces rearwardly by a device operated from the exterior of the camera and thus
forcing back the edge of the whole pack except the front film alone and thereby
enabling the introduction of the septum between the said front film and the rest
of the pack substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
3. In a film-changing photographic camera-the combination of a magazine
chamber adapted to hold a number of rectangular cut films arranged as a pack
therein, movable grooved ways arranged to one side of said chamber and adapted
to receive and hold therein the shaped portion of insertion pieces the lower part
of which latter enter between the films these insertion pieces; and films being
arranged alternately as a pack, a septum adapted to be reciprocated just behind
and in a parallel plane with the front film when the latter is, brought up to
register, a rocking finger in front of said grooved ways adapted when rocked in
one direction on the withdrawal of the septum to permit the escape of the foremost
of the insertion pieces from said grooved ways and when rocked in the other direc-
tion adapted to press back the pack of insertion pieces and films except the front
film and thereby permit. the introduction of said septum between the front film
and the remainder of the pack substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore
described.
4. In a film-changing photographic camera-the combination of a magazine
chamber adapted to hold a number of rectangular cut films arranged as a pack
therein, movable grooved ways arranged to one side of said chamber and adapted
to, receive and hold therein the shaped portion of insertion pieces the lower part
of which latter enter between the films these insertion pieces and films being
arranged alternately as a pack, a septum adapted to be reciprocated just behind
and in a parallel plane with the front film when the latter is, brought up to
register, a rocking finger in front of said grooved ways adapted when rocked
in one direction on the withdrawal of the septum to permit the escape of the fore-
most of the insertion pieces from said grooved ways and when rocked in the other
direction by the insertion of the septum adapted to press back the pack of in-
sertion pieces and films except the front film and thereby permit the introduction
of said septum between the front film and the remainder of the pack substantially
as and for the purposes hereinbefore described.
5. In a film-changing photographic camera-the combination of a magazine
chamber adapted to hold a number of rectangular cut films arranged as a pack
therein, movable grooved ways arranged above said chamber and adapted to
receive and hold therein the shaped portion of insertion pieces the lower part
of which latter enter between the films these insertion pieces and films being
arranged alternately as a pack, a septum adapted to be reciprocated just behind
and in a parallel plane with the front film when brought up to register, a rocking
finger in front of said grooyed ways adapted when rocked in one direction on the
withdrawal of the septumr to permit the escape of the foremost of the insertion
pieces from said grooved ways and when rocked in the other direction adapted to

page_text: press back the pack of insertion pieces and films except the front film and there-
by permit the introduction of said septum between the front film and the remainder
of the pack, a hook on the front inner end of the septum to withdraw the exposed
film in front of said septum upon withdrawal of the latter and stripper springs
bearing against the upper part of said septum to remove said film from said
septum into the receiving chamber substantially as and for the purposes herein-
before described.
:
6. In a film-changing photographic camera-the combination of a magazine
chamber adapted to hold a number of rectangular cut films arranged as a pack
therein, movable grooved ways arranged above said chamber and adapted to
receive and hold therein the shaped portion of insertion pieces the lower part
of which latter enter between the films these insertion pieces and films being
arranged alternately as a pack, a septum adapted to be reciprocated just behind
and in a parallel plane with the front film when brought up to register, a rocking
finger in front of said grooved ways adapted when rocked in one direction on the
withdrawal of the septum to permit the escape of the foremost of the insertion
pieces from said grooved ways and when rocked in the other direction by the
insertion of the septum adapted to press back the pack of insertion pieces and
films except the front film and thereby permit the introduction of said septum
between the front film and the remainder of the pack, a hook on the front inner
end of the septum to withdraw the exposed film in front of said septum upon
withdrawal of the latter and stripper springs bearing against the upper part
of said septum to remove said film from said septum into the receiving chamber
substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described.
7. In a film-changing photographic camera-the combination of a magazine
chamber adapted to hold a number of rectangular cut films arranged as a pack
therein, movable grooved ways arranged above said chamber and adapted to
receive and hold therein the shaped portion of insertion pieces the lower part
of. which latter enter between the films, these insertion pieces and films being
arranged alternately as a pack, a septum adapted to be reciprocated just behind
and in a parallel plane with the front film when brought up to register, a rocking
finger in front of said grooved ways adapted when rocked in one direction by
the withdrawal of the septum to permit the escape of the foremost of the in-
sertion pieces from said grooved ways and when rocked in the other direction
adapted to press back the pack of insertion pieces and films except the front film
and thereby permit the introduction of said septum between the front film and
the remainder of the pack, a chamber, adapted to receive and hold therein the
insertion pieces as same are released from the pack, a spring trapdoor to said
chamber adapted to open upon the withdrawal of the septum and to be closed by
the insertion of the latter, a curtain mounted on a spring roller inside said camera
said curtain being attached to said septum and adapted to be unrolled by the
withdrawal of the septum so as to guide the falling insertion piece into said
chamber substantially in the manner and for the purposes herein before described.
8. In a film-changing photographic camera-the combination of a magazine
chamber adapted to hold a number of rectangular cut films arranged as a pack
therein, movable grooved way arranged above said chamber and adapted to receive
and hold therein the shaped portion of insertion pieces the lower part of which
latter enter between the films these insertion pieces and films being arranged
alternately as a pack, a septum adapted to be reciprocated just behind and in a
parallel plane with the front film when brought up to register, a rocking finger
in front of said grooved ways adapted when rocked in one direction by the with-
Irawal of the septum to permit the escape of the foremost of the insertion pieces
from said grooved ways and when rocked in the other direction by the insertion
of the septum adapted to press back the pack of insertion pieces and films except
he front film and thereby permit the introduction of said septum between the
front film and the remainder of the pack,, a chamber adapted to receive and hold
herein the insertion pieces as same are released from the pack, a spring trapdoor

page_text: to said chamber adapted to open upon the withdrawal of the septum and to be
closed by the insertion of the latter, a curtain mounted on a spring roller inside
said camera said curtain being attached to said septum and adapted to be un-
rolled by the withdrawal of the septum so as to guide the falling insertion picce
into said chamber substantially in the manner and for the purposes hereinbefore
described.
9. In a film-changing photographic camera-the combination of a magazine
chamber adapted to hold a number of rectangular cut films arranged as a pack
therein, movable grooved ways arranged above said chamber and adapted to
receive and hold therein the shaped portion of insertion pieces the lower part of
which latter enter between the films these insertion pieces and films being
arranged alternately as a pack, a septum adapted to be reciprocated just behind
and in a parallel plane with the front film when brought up to register, a rocking
finger in front of said grooved ways adapted when rocked in one direction by the
withdrawal of the septum to permit the escape of the foremost of the insertion
pieces from said grooved ways and when rocked in the other direction by the
insertion of the septum adapted to press back the pack of insertion pieces and
films except the front film and thereby permit the introduction of said septum
between the front film and the remainder of the pack, a hook on the front inner
end of the septum to withdraw the exposed film in front of said septum upon
withdrawal of the latter, stripper springs bearing against the upper part of said
septum to remove said film from said septum into the receiving chamber, a
chamber adapted to receive and hold therein the insertion pieces as same aro
released from the pack, a spring trapdoor to said chamber adapted to open upon
the withdrawal of the septum and to be closed by the insertion of the latter, a
curtain mounted on a spring roller inside said camera said curtain being attached
to said septum and adapted to be unrolled by the withdrawal of the septum so
as to guide the falling insertion piece into said chamber substantially as and for
the purposes herein before described.
10. The improved arrangement and construction of film-changing photographic
cameras combined and operating substantially in the manner and for the purposes
herein before set forth.
11. Film-changing photographic cameras constructed combined and arranged
to act substantially in the manner and for the purposes hereinbefore set forth
and as illustrated in the drawings hereunto annexed.
Dated this 13th day of September 1898
TONGUE & BIRKBECK,
Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.