Improvements in the Production and Representation of Instan- taneous Photographic Pictures.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 15th Aug., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 14th May, 1890-Accepted, 15th Nov., 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Production and Representation of Instan-
taneous Photographic Pictures.
We, WORDSWORTH DONISTHORPE, of 32, Pembridge Villas, Bayswater, in the
County of Middlesex, Barrister-at-Law, and WILLIAM CARR CROFTS, of Westminster
Chambers, 7, Victoria Street, in the City of Westminster, Gentleman, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention has for its object improvements in the production and representation
of instantaneous photographic pictures.
The pictures are produced upon a sensitive film or surface carried by a long roll
of paper or other material.
The roll is continuously unwound from one drum and wound upon another and in
its passage a series of images are successively thrown upon it by a photographie
lens. A screen is provided between the lens and the exposed sensitive surface.
This screen travels out of the way to permit the image to fall on the sensitive surface
and covers the lens again as soon as the exposure is complete. These operations
take place with regularity, and, usually, great rapidity so that several pictures are
taken in each second during the time that the apparatus remains at work, which will
be for many successive seconds, indeed for any length of time which may be desired.
The scene selected for photographic presentation will be one of constant movement,
for example, a street scene, so that each picture will differ slightly from the preceding
and succeeding pictures.
The camera may be arranged in the following manner: In the fore part is the
lens and immediately behind the lens the screen which regulates the instantaneous
exposures. This screen may be an endless band passing around pulleys and travelling
at high velocity. In the band there are two perforations or apertures, and twice in
each rotation of the band these perforations coincide and the light is then able to
pass from the lens through the perforations onto the sensitive surface. The lens
forms the scene upon the sensitive surface. The focus is accurately adjusted before
commencing the operation by the aid of a slide on which there is a focussing
glass and guide rollers over which the continuous sensitive paper or material
passes.
The screen and the winding apparatus are so geared together that the sensitive
surface travels the distance necessary to separate the pictures between one
exposure and another. In place of the travelling perforated belt a disc perforated
with a narrow slit and driven by bevil-wheels may serve the purpose. After the
pictures have been taken the roll is removed from the camera and the pictures upon
it are developed in the ordinary manner. From this continuous band of negative
pictures a similar band of positive pictures is produced and rendered transparent
by the application of vaseline or vaseline oil or by any other suitable process.
For the exhibition of the pictures a lanthorn similar to the ordinary magic lanthorn
(or if a non-transparent positive band is used, than a lanthorn similar to the opaque
magic lanthorn) is employed in which a brilliant intermittent electric light is
provided. The lanthorn is provided with condensing and focusing lenses by the aid
of which the light after having passed through the transparent positive picture is
focused upon a screen. Each picture is thus exhibited only by one flash of the
intermittent light for the band of pictures travels on and by the time the next flash
occurs another picture is in place. Thus several pictures are exhibited upon the screen
in each second of time throughout the whole period of exhibition which will usually
be approximately the same as that occupied in taking the pictures. The change
from picture to picture and the flashing of the light is so rapid (about seven flashes

page_text: per second) as not to be discerned by the eye and the appearance on the screen is
that of a picture in which the animate and other objects exhibited are in movement.
In order that the flash may synchronize accurately with the picture in position
contact pieces are provided upon the travelling band and by the passage of these the
flashes are determined. Or à continuous light, electric or other, may be used and
the recurring flashes obtained by a perforated screen travelling at high velocity as
in the camera above described, the coincidence of the flashes with the centre of each
successive picture being insured by increasing or diminishing the speed of the
travelling band of pictures by an arrangement for the insertion or withdrawal of a
tapering driving drum or other appropriate means.
Dated this 14th day of August 1889
Improvements in the Production and Representation of Instan-
taneous Photographic Pictures.
We, WORDSWORTH DONISTHORPE, of 32, Pembridge Villas, Bayswater, in the
County of Middlesex, Barrister-at-Law, and WILLIAM CARR CROFTS, of Westminster
Chambers, 7, Victoria Street, in the City of Westminster, Gentleman, 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:-
Our object is to project photographic pictures on a screen reproducing all motions
as in nature.
The data we start from are:-
(i) That the eye can receive an instantaneous impression, and that it retains the
impression for about th of a second; (ii) that paper can be chemically prepared,
so as to register instantaneous impressions, focussed upon it through a lens; and
(iii) that such sensitive paper can be made in continuous bands.
We take by a suitable camera at intervals of any duration (usually at equal
intervals recurring from 8 to 6 times in a second) series of as many instantaneous,
consecutive photographs on sensitised paper of moving objects as desired; we exhibit
such series of photographs by transparencies reproduced from them being thrown
through the lens of a suitable lantern upon à screen or other proper surface,
consecutively at a rate not slower than 8 to 6 in a second with a blank interval
between each picture not longer than 1th to 12th of a second. We render the
sensitised surface stationary relatively to the camera lens during each exposure, and
each reproduction of the photographic picture thus obtained we also render stationary,
relatively to the lantern lens, during its exhibition.
Speaking in general terms we effect our object in the following manner:-We
have a photographic lens fitted to a suitable camera, exposed and shut at intervals
(usually at equal intervals recurring from 8 to 6 times in a second) throwing a
succession of instantaneous images of moving objects upon a continuous band of
sensitive paper, unceasingly travelling behind the lens, but while so unceasingly
travelling, the band by a compensating motion is rendered stationary relatively to
the lens during each successive instantaneous exposure, so that each image is
imprinted thereon next to and touching the preceding image, without overlapping
it and from such continuous band of negative pictures duly developed a series
of positive pictures, touching but not overlapping one another, are printed
upon a continuous band of thin or transparent paper; and this positive band is
then made to travel unceasingly behind the lens of a lantern, but while so unceasingly
travelling, the band by a compensating motion is rendered stationary relatively to
the lens during each successive exposure, recurring not less than 8 to 6 times in
each second, so that at each exposure of the lens the interval between two exposures

page_text: Cug
16
12
the centre of the lens; and the image of each picture thus exposed is thrown by the
lens in a magnified form upon a screen or other suitable surface.
In this way we cause the spectators eye to receive therefrom the impression of each
picture, just as the impression of the preceding picture is fading from the retina,
which retains it until replaced in its turn by the impression of the succeeding
picture and so on. Thus the blank intervals between the successive exposures of the
pictures are not appreciated by the eye; and the general impression produced is that
of continuous motion corresponding to the successive positions of the moving objects
in the series of positive pictures.
In order that our said invention may be fully understood and readily carried into
effect we will proceed to describe the drawings hereunto annexed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1 is a side elevation and Figure 2 is a transverse vertical section of the
driving mechanism which we employ to impart movement with the requisite regularity
to the machine camera and to the lanthoru.
A B treadle and cranks and connecting rod resting on cast iron standards B² B³
fixed into cast iron plate 134 turning.
C fly wheel 80 inches in circumference resting on CC standards, with
D governor in connection with fly wheel and consisting of
E wheel cast in halves and held together with countersunk screws passing through
a tongue on the boss of one half, which fits into a groove in the boss of the other
half to which spokes with
E E¹ etc. moveable sheaths and driving tyre are attached these parts resting on
axle by means of a loose ring E2 turning in a groove in the boss, and which revolve
free ou axle between
FF bosses fixed on axle, from which wheel E is kept clear by E3 E revolving
pins run through its boss. Into bosses (F F) fit closely
GGG GGG G G wedge flanges of moveable spoke sheaths (E' E¹ etc.), which
are pressed tightly into the bosses by
HH gutta percha rings (or, if preferred, flat circular spiral springs with a close
fine thread) the elasticity of which is calculated in accordance with the desired
speed (usually one revolution per second) of the fly wheel (C). When the speed of
the fly wheel (C) exceeds the required degree, the spoke sheaths (E E¹ etc.) move
centrifugally along the spokes towards the tire, the gutta percha rings (HH)
expanding lift the wedge flanges (G G etc.) clear from the bosses (F F) thus breaking
connection between the axle and driving tire. As the revolving speed of the free
wheel (E) decreases and the centrifugal force of the spoke sheaths (E E¹ etc.)
thereby diminishes, the gutta percha rings (HH) contract and restore connection
by again pressing home the wedge flanges (G G etc.) into the bosses (F F).
preferred for the gutta percha rings (or circular springs) may be substituted a
spiral steel spring round the unsheathed portion of each spoke, extending from the
outer end of the sheath (E) to the driving tire. Connection as before will be
broken by the centrifugal spoke sheaths (E E¹ etc.) causing compression of the
springs again to be restored by their extension as the centrifugal force diminishes.
If preferred, the motive power for driving cranks (B) can be obtained from a suit-
able engine with an ordinary governor instead of by the treadle (A), which may then
be dispensed with.
If
Figure 3 is a side elevation of the machine camera, it is shown partly in section
and with the side of the case removed.
Figure 4 is a rear elevation of the camera also partly in section.
(1) Driving pulley 10 inches in circumference driven by
(2) Leather belt from fly wheel C.
(3) Lever and (4) loose pulley for throwing off driving belt from driving
ullas

page_text: (29) Roller pulley 10 inches in circumference fixed on to end of
(30) Roller shaft passing through
(31) Perpendicular slot 14 inches high by inch wide inside of camera (with
(32) Slot shutter resting on roller shaft working perpendicularly between
(33) (33) Angle plates at each side) and side of roller lift (19) and turning
(34) Wooden or metal driving roller 34 inches long and 5 inches in circumference
(the far end of roller shaft fitting into other side of roller lift) which drives by
surface friction.
(35) Wooden or metal drawing off roller 31 long and 4 inch in diameter, the
spindle of which rests in
(36) (36) Perpendicular slots in sides of roller-lift with
(37) Stop and
(38) Milled screw washer for fixing it on to the spindle on which turn
(39) (39) Loose rings round which pass india rubber or gutta percha bands over
(40) (40) Loose rings on pins fixed into each side of roller lift (19) in order to
keep the drawing off roller (35) in contact with the driving roller (34) during the
oscillations of the roller lift (19). As the drawing of roller (35) fills rising in the
perpendicular slots and its momentum increases the bands stretch and exert pro-
portionately growing pressure.
(41) India rubber or gutta percha retaining band stretched flush with surface of
drawing off roller in a groove parallel with its axis, holding one end of a roll of
sensitive paper or gelatine stripping film in a continuous band 31 inches wide
passing up through
(42) (42) Horizontal slots in the top and bottom of
(43) Sliding rectangular lens tube at the back of
(44) Rapid rectilinear fandscape lens of an inch in diameter, covering circular
impression 2 inches in diameter, with the prepared side next the lens and on to
(45) Wooden or metal feeding roller 3 inches long and inches in diameter

page_text: (round which it is wound) with india rubber or gutta percha retaining band similar
to that of drawing off roller holding the other end of the continuous band and with
(46) Stop and
(47) Milled screw washer for fixing it on to spindle fitting into sides of roller lift
into which it is locked by
(48) Hinged clamps at each end with
(49) Swivel fasteners.
(50) Door at end of lens tube.
(51) Focussing ground glass screen 2 inches wide x 2 inches high in wooden
frame, which, when the right focus is obtained by
(52) Rack pinions and milled head working lens tube backwards and forwards
horizontally, is withdrawn through the door, the latter being then closed.
(53) Door in back of camera above lens case with
(54) Ruby glass panel for observing the feeding roller with
(543) Sliding shutter.
(55) Door in back of camera, below the lens case.
When the treadle (A) is set in motion (usually at a speed of one revolution per
second) as the continuous band of paper is wound off feeding roller (45) through
slots (42) (42) in lens tube (43) the lens (44) is exposed and shut alternately by
shutter (14) simultaneously with the oscillations up and down of the roller lift (19)
through a space of 11 inches (or half the diameter of each successive circular
impression thrown on to the travelling band by the lens) during each exposure the
roller lift (19) moving in the opposite direction to and at exactly the same speed as
that of the travelling band, thus rendering the travelling band stationary during each
exposure relatively to lens (44) and imprinting consecutive circular negative
impressions 2 inches in diameter thereon, touching but not overlapping one
another.
After passing down through lens tube (43) the travelling band is wound onto
drawing off roller (35) which as it fills, rises in slots (36) (36) and when full
assumes the position indicated by the dotted lines.
.
Then by a suitable process the negative band after being rendered transparent by
immersion in hot castor oil, or by a preparation of vaseline or vaseline oil is
developed toned fixed and washed and a positive continuous band 3 inches wide is
printed from it with circular impressions each 2 inches in diameter touching but not
overlapping one another on thin pliable gelatine stripping skin or thin diaphanous
paper or paper rendered transparent by soaking in hot castor oil or in vaseline or
vaseline oil or by any other suitable process.
Figure 5 is a vertical section of the machine lanthorn by the aid of which the
pictures are exhibited.
Figure 6 is a front elevation partly in section of the same.
Figures 7 and show details.
(41) India rubber or gutta percha retaining band under which is inserted the end
of the positive band nearest to the last impression taken, stretched flush with
surface of
(45) Feeding roller 3 inches long and 3 inches in diameter in a groove parallel
with its axis (on to which the positive band is wound) with
(46) Stop, and
(47) Milled screw washer for fixing it onto spindle fitting into sides of
(19) Roller lift into which it is locked by
(48) Hinged clamps at each end with
(49) Swivel fasteners.
The free end of positive band after passing down through
(42) (42) Slots, with
(42B) (42B) Vertical guide pieces, in
(43) Circular lens tube behind
:
:
(44) Object glass 2 inches in diameter throwing a disc of 10 feet diameter onto a
screen 14 feet distant with
.

page_text: (56) Rack, pinion and milled head for focus adjustment, and in front of
(57) (57) Two plano-convex condensers 34 inches in diameter mounted in
suitable cell, is inserted under
(41) India rubber or gutta percha retaining band (similar to that on feedin
roller) of
(35) Wooden or metal drawing off roller 3 inches long and inches in diamete
driven by surface friction by
(34) Wooden or metal driving roller 34 inches long and 5 inches in circumference
the spindles of drawing off roller resting in
(36) (36) Perpendicular slots in sides of roller lift with
(37) Stop and
(38) Milled screw washer for fixing the roller onto spindle, on which turn
(39) (39) Loose rings, round which pass India rubber or gutta percha bands ove
(40) (40) Loose rings on pins fixed into each side of roller lift (19) in order t
keep the drawing off roller (35) in contact with the driving roller (34) during th
oscillations of the roller lift (19). As the drawing off roller (35) fills, rising in th
perpendicular slots (36) (36) and its momentum increases, the bands stretch an
exert proportionately growing pressure.
The driving mechanism employed is similar to that used with the camera.
A Treadle and B cranks and connecting rod.
C Fly wheel with one revolution per second.
D Governor etc.
If preferred the motive power can be obtained from a suitable engine wit
ordinary governor, as in the camera.
The following parts are similar to parts of the camera already described.
(1) Driving pulley 10 inches in circumference driven by
(2) Leather belt from fly wheel C.
(3) Lever and (4) loose pulley for throwing off driving belt from driving pulley.
(5) Driving shaft which passes through the side into lanthorn.
(6) Crank.
(7) (7) Metal washers and
(8) Connecting rod fitting on to
(9) (9) Cranks, and
(9B) (9) Metal washers, turning
(10) Shutter shaft, onto which are fixed a quarter of a revolution in advance.
(11) (11) Cranks.
(12) (12) Metal washers, and
(13) Connecting rod fitting on to bottom and driving.
(14) Shutter divided into
(14) Open part, and
(14) Closed part, working perpendicularly between
(15) (15) Angle plates at each side.
(16) Crank on driving shaft with
(17) Metal washer, and
(18) Connecting rod fitting on to bottom and driving
(19) Roller lift running perpendicularly with alternate oscillations up and dow
through a space of 14 inches, on
(20) (20) etc. Wheels on
(21) (21) Lines fixed to sides of lanthorn.
(22) Crank fixed onto end of driving shaft at far side of lanthorn with
(23) Connecting rod and
(25) Crank on
(26) Shaft.
In the lanthorn the shaft (26) carries
(27) Cone pulley 3 inches long and 5 inches circumference in the centre with
(28) India rubber or gutta percha helt, driving
(29) Roller cone pulley 3 inches long and 10 inches in circumference in centre

page_text: lanthorn and transparencies or pictures derived from such photographs projecting
images consecutively onto a screen or receiving surface at equal intervals and in
such rapid succession that the transition from picture to picture is inappreciable.
2. Apparatus substantially as described for the production and representation of
instantaneous photographic pictures as herein set forth.
Datod thie 13th dar of Mar 1890
W. DONISTHORPE.
W. C. CROFTS.