IMPROVED PHOTO- GRAPHIC APPARATUS
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Melville Clark, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, for the Invention of "IMPROVED PHOTO-
GRAPHIC APPARATUS." A communication from abroad by William Alexander
Brice, of the City, County, and State of New York, United States of
America.
ealed the 23rd June 1876, and dated the 10th March 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexander Melville Clark at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 10th March 1876.
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Mid-
dlesex, Patent Agent.
"IMPROVED PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS."
The object of this Invention is to furnish a neat and compact apparatus for
photographic purposes, that is, intended to enable persons having no knowledge of
photography to succeed at once in reproducing any object, whether for amusement
or for more serious technical and scientific purposes.
The operations of the apparatus are of an entirely mechanical nature, requiring
no dexterity and skill, and dispense with any soiling of hands and staining of
clothes by chemicals. The expensive, cumbersome, and unpleasant dark room or
tent is dispensed with, which adapts the apparatus advantageously for out-door
purposes, especially as the compact shape and easy opening and closing of the
apparatus admits of its being easily carried from place to place, and then readily
manipulated for use.
The photographic apparatus consists of a central casing, which is provided at the
front side in the customary manner with a lens and detachable cap, and at the rear
side with a removable shutter that is provided at the lower part with a hinged lid
for inserting the water tray. The bottom of central casing extends at both sides of
the same, and has side cases hinged to its edges. The bottom forms the base of the
instrument when placed on a table or other support, and has a central hole to be
attached to a movable stand if desired.
The side cases fold up against the main or central casing, and are securely attached
to the same by hook and eye or other fastening devices at the top, the different
operating parts being then enclosed safely within the interior of the cases, and the
whole readily carried by a hinged top handle, being thus brought within very con-
venient and compact shape.

page_text: The side cases may be let down into a horizontal position to a level with the
bottom of the middle casing, they being retained in this position by springs, chains,
or other suspension devices. The sides of the central casing are open at the lower
part to some distance from the bottom, so that the trays with the sensitizing and
developing solutions may pass readily through these openings from the side casings
into the central casing. To the lower edge of the side walls of the central casing
are hinged boxes of such a size as to entirely enclose the trays when the boxes are
brought down to rest on the side casings. In this position they form with the
central casing the dark room for taking and fixing the picture on the sensitized
glass plate. When the apparatus is folded up the boxes are thrown up so that they
rest against the side walls of the central casing.
The trays are preferably made of sheet zinc, and controlled from both sides of the
apparatus by differently marked springs, so that they may be moved from the side
casings into the central casing, and back again as required. The strings run in
longitudinal grooves of side and central casings, and pass through perforations to
the outside, being prevented by knots or buttons from slipping through to the
inside. The strings are attached to both sides of the trays, one string being attached
to one side, and passing out at the end of the side casing, the other string being
attached to the other side of the tray, and passed along the bottom of the central
and side casings to the outside through the hole at the end wall of the opposite side
casing.
The focussing frame slides by means of a dovetailed piece in guide strips at the
inside of the top part of the central casing, the slide piece being graduated at the
top or side.
To admit the exact reading off of the distance it is drawn out, and
allow the resetting of the same into the same position for taking the picture, a
loop, ring, or other device serves to move the focussing frame in the required
position.
Inside of the focussing frame at the lower part of the same is pivoted a swinging
frame, which supports on projecting wire arms with bent or hook ends the ground
glass or sensitized plate. The pivoted frame is secured by a suitable catch device
to the outer frame, and the catch released by a string passing in a groove of the
slide piece to the rear part of the apparatus. A second longer string runs to the
outside in the same groove, and slowly lowers and raises the pivoted frame with the
sensitized glass into or from the different solutions in the trays. The upward
motion of the pivoted frame is continued until the catch locks it again to the outer
Jain frame.
Besides the trays in the side boxes an additional water tray is required that is
introduced through the lower hinged rear part to the interior of the central part to
finally wash the glass plate. Suitable boxes for the storage of the glass plates and
different bottles with the chemicals complete the apparatus, all the parts of which
are placed in the interior of the central and side cases.
The apparatus is operated as follows: -The side cases are first opened and
lowered into horizontal position being retained by the suspension strings. The
central casing is then opened at the rear part, and the water tray with the solution
bottles stored therein removed. The side boxes are also swung down until they
rest on the opened side cases, and cover the side trays. The lens is then screwed
into the front part of the box, and the cap of the same taken off. The focussing
frame is then drawn out by the slide piece and the ground glass with the unpolished
side next to the lens placed on the silver hooks, care being taken that the inner
pivoted frame is securely held by the catch. The focussing frame is then pushed
until the image of the person or object to be photographed is clearly and distinctly
perceived on the ground glass, after which the figure on the scale of the side piece
that indicates the distance which it extends to the outside of the box, is read off to
enable the operator to replace it afterwards in the same position when ready to take
the picture. One of the side trays is then drawn into the central casing, and filled
with the silver solution from one of the bottles which are constructed for this
purpose. The filled tray is then drawn to the side again, and the tray at the other

page_text: side moved forward by the second string, and filled in similar manner with the
developing solution. The developing tray is then drawn back into its cover or box,
and the focussing frame then moved back for placing the glass plate which has been
first collodionized on the arms of the same into the exact position which the ground
glass or focussing plate occupied before. The focussing frame is then moved back
into the casing, and the centre compartment closed by applying the detachable rear
shutter or wall. The lens is then covered by the glass, the catch of the inner
pivoted frame released, and the plate gradually lowered by the longer string into
the tray with the silver solution, which has been pulled by the proper string into the
central compartment. The collodionized plate is allowed to remain in the silver
bath for about four minutes, being then sensitive to light. The pivoted frame is
then pulled up again until the click of the catch gives notice that it is locked into
position in the focussing frame, which is then moved by the top slide piece into the
exact position occupied before by setting the slide to the figure read off.
The object or person to be photographed is then brought into position, and the
cap taken off to expose the sensitized plate to the action of the light in the customary
manner. The cap is then promptly but gently replaced, and the focussing frame
pushed home. The iron or developing solution is then carried forward by means of
its string, and the plate plunged into the solution in the manner before described, to
remain therein for about 90 seconds, and bring out the picture gradually on the
plate. The glass plate is raised again, the tray carried sideways, and the lower
door at the rear shutter opened to introduce the water tray into the central com-
partment, and let the plate gently into the water bath for fixing the picture and
washing the plate. The glass plate is finally taken out, and treated in the customary
manner for producing the finished picture.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Alexander Melville Clark in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 30th
June 1876.
"
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent.
IMPROVED PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS." A communication from
abroad by William Alexander Brice, of the City, County, and State of New York,
United States of America.
The object of this Invention is to furnish a neat and compact apparatus for
photographic purposes, that is, intended to enable persons having no knowledge of
photography to succeed at once in reproducing any object, whether for amusement
or for more serious technical and scientific purposes.
The operations of the apparatus are of an entirely mechanical nature, requiring
no dexterity and skill, and dispense with any soiling of hands and staining of
clothes by chemicals. The expensive, cumbersome, and unpleasaant dark room or
tent is dispensed with, which adapts the apparatus advantageously for out-door
purposes, especially as the compact shape and easy opening and closing of the
apparatus admits of its being easily carried from place to place, and then readily
manipulated for use.
The Invention consists of a central casing, with lens and sliding focussing frame, to
the larger base part of which are hinged side casings that may be thrown down and
suspended in a horizontal position in suitable manner. The central casing is recessed
at the lower part, and shorter boxes or covers hinged thereto to be swung down on
the outer side parts. Trays for the sensitizing and developing solutions are moved
by means of strings from the side cases into the central casing to plunge the glass
plate, which is supported on holders of a frame pivoted to the sliding focussing
frame, first in the silver bath, and after exposure to light into the developing bath.
The water bath is finally introduced through the lower hinged door of the rear part
to fix the picture, after which it is removed for printing.

page_text: In the accompanying Drawing Figure 1 represents a vertical longitudinal section
of the improved photographic apparatus on the line c, c, Figure 2, shown folded up
for being carried from place to place; Figure 2 is a vertical transverse section on
the line x, x, Figure 1.
Figure 3, a plan view, partly in horizontal section, showing the apparatus in open
position ready for use; and Figure 4 is a vertical longitudinal section of the opened
apparatus on the line y, y, Figure 3.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.
A represents the central casing of the photographic apparatus, which is provided
at the front side in the customary manner with a lens and detachable cap, and at
the rear side with a removable shutter a, that is provided at the lower part with a
hinged lid b for inserting the water tray. The bottom d of casing A extends at
both sides of the same, and has the side cases B hinged to its edges. The bottom
forms the base of the instrument when placed on a table or other support, and has a
central hole to be attached to a movable stand if desired.
The side cases fold up against the main or. central casing, and are securely
attached to the same by hook and eye or other fastening devices at the top, the
different operating parts being then enclosed safely within the interior of the cases,
and the whole readily carried by a hinged top handle, being thus brought within
very convenient and compact shapo.
The side cases B may be let down into a horizontal position to a level with the
bottom of the middle casing A, they being retained in this position by strings,
chains, or other suspension devices, as shown in Figure 4. The sides of the central
casing A are open at the lower part to some distance from the bottom, so that the
trays with the sensitizing and developing solutions may pass readily through the
openings from the side casings into the central casing. To the lower edge of the
side walls of the central casing are hinged boxes C of such a size as to entirely
enclose the trays D when the boxes are brought down to rest on the side casings B,
as shown in Figure 4. In this position they form with the central casing the dark
room for taking and fixing the picture on the sensitized glass plate. When the
apparatus is folded up the boxes are thrown up so that they rest against the side
walls of the casing A, as indicated in Figure 1.
The trays D are preferably made of sheet zinc, and controlled from both sides of
the apparatus by differently marked strings e, so that they may be moved from the
side casings into the central casing, and back again as required. The strings e run
in longitudinal grooves e¹ of side and central casings, and pass through perforations e
to the outside, being prevented by knots or buttons from slipping through to the
inside. The strings e are attached to both sides of the trays, one string being
attached to one side, and passing out at the end of the side casing, the other string
being attached to the other side of the tray, and passed along the bottom of the
central and side casings to the outside through the hole at the end wall of the
opposite side casing.
The focussing frame E slides by means of a dovetailed piece El and guide strips/
at the inside of the top part of the casing A, the slide piece E being graduated at the
top or side to admit the exact reading off of the distance it is drawn out, and allow
the resetting of the same into the same position for taking the picture. A loop,
ring, or other device fl serves to move the focussing frame into the required
position.
Inside of the focussing frame at the lower part of the same is pivoted a swinging
frame E, which supports on projecting wire arms g, g, with bent or hook ends the
ground glass or sensitized plate. The pivoted frame E2 is secured by a suitable
catch device to the outer frame E, and the catch released by a string h passing in a
groove
of the slide piece E to the rear part of the apparatus. A second longer
string runs to the outside in the same groove, and slowly lowers and raises the
pivoted frame with the sensitized glass into or from the different solutions in the
trays. The upward motion of the pivoted frame is continued until the catch locks
it again to the outer main frame E.

page_text: Besides the trays in the side boxes an additional water tray is required, that is,
introduced through the lower hinged rear part b to the interior of the central part
to finally wash the glass plate. Suitable boxes F for the storage of the glass plates
and different bottles with the chemicals complete the apparatus, all the parts of
which are placed in the interior of the central and side cases, as shown in
Figure 1.
The apparatus is operated as follows:-The side cases are first opened and lowered
in a horizontal position, being retained by the suspension springs: The central
casing is then opened at the rear part, and the water tray with the solution bottles
stored therein removed. The side boxes are also swung down until they rest on
the opened side cases, and cover the side trays. The lens is then screwed into the
front part of the box, and the cap of the same taken off. The focussing frame is
then drawn out by the slide piece, and the ground glass with the unpolished side
next to the lens placed on the silver hooks, care being taken that the inner pivoted
frame is securely held by the catch. The focussing frame is then pushed home
until the image of the person or object to be photographed is clearly and distinctly
perceived on the ground glass, after which the figure on the scale of the slide piece
that indicates the distance which it extends to the outside of the box is read off to
enable the operator to replace it afterwards in the same position when ready to
take the picture. One of the side trays is then drawn into the central casing, and
filled with the silver solution from one of the bottles which are specially constructed
for this purpose. The filled tray is then drawn to the side again, and the tray at
the other side moved forward by the second string and filled in similar manner
with the developing solution. The developing tray is then drawn back into its
cover or box, and the focussing frame then moved back for placing the glass plate
which has been first collodionized on the arms of the same into the exact position
which the ground glass or focussing plate occupied before. The focussing frame is
then moved back into the casing, and the centre compartment closed by applying
the detachable rear shutter or wall. The lens is then covered by the glass, the
catch of the inner pivoted frame released, and the plate gradually lowered by
the longer string into the tray with the silver solution, which has been pulled by
the proper string into the central compartment. The collodionized plate allowed
to remain in the silver bath for about four minutes, being then sensitive to light.
The pivoted frame is then pulled up again until the click of the catch gives notice
that it is locked in position in the focussing frame, which is then moved by the top
slide piece into the exact position occupied before by setting the slide to the figure
read off.
The object or person to be photographed is then brought into position, and the
cap taken off to expose the sensitized plate to the action of the light in the
customary manner. The cap is then promptly but gently replaced, and the focussing
frame pushed home. The iron or developing solution is then carried forward by
means of its string, and the plate plunged into the solution in the manner before
described, to remain therein for about 90 seconds, and bring out the picture gradually
on the plate. The glass plate is raised again, the tray carried sideways, and the
lower door at the rear shutter opened to introduce the water tray into the central
compartment, and let the plate gently into the water bath for fixing the picture
and washing the plate. The glass plate is finally taken out, and treated in the
customary manner for producing the finished picture.
Having described the nature of the said Invention, and the manner of performing
the same,
I declare that what I claim as the Invention to be protected by the herein-
before in part recited Letters Patent is,―
1st. A photographic apparatus composed of a central casing or compartment with
sliding and pivoted focussing frame, hinged side cases, hinged interior covering
boxes, and adjustable trays for the different solutions, the whole being arranged to
fold and close into portable shape, substantially in the manner and for the purpose
set forth.

page_text: 2nd. The central casing, having lower side openings to admit the entrance of the
trays into the central compartment, substantially as described.
3rd. Themovable solution trays provided at both sides with strings that run in
grooves and perforations of the bottom and side casings to move the same into the
central compartment and back again, substantially as set forth.
4th. The hinged covers or boxes fitting on the opened side cases to enclose the
trays, and produce the dark room with the central compartment, as described.
5th. The central casing having a detachable rear shutter or wall with a hinged
door at the lower part to introduce water tray, as set forth.
6th. The combination of the focussing frame sliding by a top piece on guides of
the central casing, with the inner pivoted frame having catch devices and strings for
lowering, raising, and locking the frame, substantially as specified.
7th. The inner pivoted frame having projecting arms at top and bottom for sup
porting the ground glass or sensitized plate, substantially as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Melville Clark, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of June, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-six.
A. M. CLARK. (L.S.)