An Improved Photographic Camera and Changing Box Combined.
Year: 1888

page_text: [Communicated from abroad by WILLIAM BRICE, of Genova, in the Kingdom
of Italy, Gentleman.]
An Improved Photographic Camera and Changing Box Combined.
I, JOHN TAYLOR, Journalist, Trinity Road Wood Green London N. (acting as
agent for William A. Brice, Genova, Italy) do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
My Invention consists in a photographic camera so constructed as to have two
chambers, in one of which is stocked a pile of sensitive plates sufficient to fill it,
the other being an exposing chamber. These are separated by two thin partitions
capable each of being moved upwards and downwards to a limited extent by means
of sinall knobs or handles on the outside. By the action of these the upper plate
of the pile can be transferred to the empty exposing chamber and dropped to its
rear where it is securely held conjointly by the pressure against one of the partitions
aforementioned and that of a hinged flap, both being operated from the outside.
This hinged flap serves the double purpose of conveying the sensitive plato or film
gently from the upper opening through the empty space of the operating chamber
by acting as an inclined plane whereby the plate, paper, card or other sensitive film
is ultimately conducted into accurate position at the point of focus, and also of
acting as a moveable abutment on one side against which the plate or other sensitive
film is pressed by a spring stud underneath so as to ensure accurate register of
focus. On releasing the plate from pressure after exposure, this plate now impressed
with a latent image may be slidden into and at the bottom of the stock chamber,
the upper one of the series of plates being by like means slidden over the top of
the partition and made to take the place of the one removed at the focussing plano
in the exposing chamber; and so on in rotation.
It is fitted with a finder, and the lens is covered by a shutter which may be
operated either instantaneously or as slowly as may be desired. Suitablo arrange-
ments are provided for focussing.
After the chamber has been filled with sensitivo plates, all the operations of
transferring and exposing them are made without the camera being again opened.
Dated 10th March 1888.

page_text: I, JOHN TAYLOR, Journalist, Trinity Road Wood Green in the County of Middlesex
England 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 consists in a photographic camera so constructed as to have two
chambers in one of which is stocked a pile of sensitive plates sufficient to fill this
compartment the other being an exposing chamber. These are separated by two thin
partitions capable each of being moved upwards or downwards to a limited extent by
means of small knobs and rods from the outside of the box. By the action of these
rods attached to a lozenge shaped piece and corresponding opening as shown in the
drawing (figures F and G) an opening can be effected or closed to allow the upper
plate of the pile when the plates are on end, to be transferred by weight into the
empty exposing chamber and conveyed gently by resting on an inclined moveable
hinged plane to its rear or bottom, where the plate is then securely held conjointly by
the pressure against fixed abutment on one side and a hinged flap of wood on the
other, this flap being operated from the outside by a lever, the said flap serving the
double purpose of acting as a moveable abutment on one side against which the plate
or other sensitive film is pressed by a spring stud underneath so as to ensure accurate
register of focus, after the said flap has served as an inclined plane to convey the
sensitive plate or film gently from the upper opening through the empty space of the
operating chamber by the said flap acting as inclined plane whereby the plate, card,
paper or other sensitive film is ultimately conducted safely into accurate position at
the point of focus. The inclined plane having slidden the plate gently to the bottom
now pushed by a slight spring at back, passes over the edge of the plate and is thus
made to serve as the abutment on one side spoken of, whilst a spring stud at the back
of the plate pushes it against the abutments as described, and whatever the thickness
of the plate, secures perfect accuracy of focus. The exact register of focus can be
ascertained by a.light-tight door placed for the purpose in the bottom of the exposing
chamber.
On releasing the plate from the pressure of the aforementioned spring stud after
exposure, this plate, now impressed with a latent image may be slidden into and at
the bottom of the stock chamber through the opening effected at bottom just as
and by the same means as it was effected at the top, the plate now passes this opening
and by the action of another spring stud having raised the pile so as to clear the
way for it, the plate falls as far as the stem of this spring and turn stud which,
after a second spring and turn stud placed a little below it for a similar purpose
has been also pushed forward and secured by a turn, the upper stud is drawn back
and the plate falls a step farther down, till again arrested by a third spring and
turn stud for like purpose and so till the plate is at the bottom by gravity: the
opening is now closed and the operations can be again repeated till all the plates
have been exposed in rotation.

page_text: The camera is provided with a finder and the principal lens is covered by a shutter
operated either instantaneously, or as slowly as desirable, Suitable arrangements are
provided for focussing, and after the chamber has been filled with plates all the
operations of transferring and exposing them are made without the box being again
opened.
The two spring and turn studs placed in the bottom compartment of the box have a
pin and slot to enable them to be secured. By means of one, the whole pile of plates
is raised at an angle to facilitate the safe entrance of the plate which has been
exposed; the other spring and turn stud contributes to the saine action and further
saves time by assisting the descent of the exposed plate.
The drawings Figures A. B. C. D. E. show the progressive stages of the transferring
of the plate from the stock chamber to the exposed chamber and thence to its place at
the back of the reservoir.
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 :-
1st. A moveable hinged piece serving first as an inclined plano whereby the plate
or other sensitive surface is safely and surely conducted to the point of focus, the said
piece acting likewise as an abutment on one side in conjunction with a fixed abutment
on the other side.
2nd. Spring and turn studs as described and for the purpose set forth.
3rd. The complete apparatus substantially as described, and for the purpose set
forth