Improvements in and relating to Photographic Cameras.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 14th May, 1898
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION:
Improvements in and relating to Photographic Cameras.
I, HENRI BRETON, of 50, Boulevard de la Villette, Paris, in the Republic of
France, Mechanician, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
―:
:-
My invention relates to photographic cameras and is chiefly characterized:
1. By the arrangement of the changing-box in such a manner as to permit the
changing of the plates by means of a rotary device whereby the plate which has
just been exposed is brought to the rear of the apparatus, and
2. By the arrangement of a shutter for enabling the same time of illumination
to be obtained over the whole surface of the sensitised plate this being effected by
means of two shutter-slides uncovering the objective and covering it at an equal
velocity.
To enable me to be well understood, I have shown in the accompanying drawings,
but by way of example only, the arrangement which forms the object of my
invention.
In these drawings:-
Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal section of a photographic apparatus arranged
according to my invention, the sensitised plates occupying the position for the
exposure of the plate in front.
Figure 2 shows the drawer pulled out and the plates during their rotary motion
to bring the exposed plate to the rear of the apparatus.
Figure 3 shows the drawer closed when the exposed plate has been brought
to the rear of the apparatus.
Figure 4 shows the drawer pulled out and retaining the exposed plate, and the
rotary motion of the group of plates to receive this exposed plate at the rear.
Figure 5 shows the drawer closed, the first exposed plate placed at the rear of
the apparatus and the second plate brought into position to be exposed.
Figure 6 is a plan view of the changing-box, the drawer being shown in section
and partly pulled out.
Figure 7 is a transverse section on the line 1-2, Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a transverse section on the line 3-4, Figure 6.
Figure 9 is a transverse section on the line 5-6, Figure 6.
Figure 10 is a plan view of the changing-box, the drawer being shown in
section and closed.
Figure 11 is a transverse section thereof on the line 7-8, Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a transverse section on the line 9-10, Figure 10.
Figure 13 is a transverse section on the line 11-12, Figure 10.
Figure 14 is a plan of the changing-box, the drawer being shown in section and
partly pulled out, showing the position of the rotary frame which carries the
plates, during its revolution.
Figure 15 is a transverse section on the line 13-14, Figure 14.

page_text: Figure 16 is a transverse section on the line 15-16, Figure 14.
Figure 17 is a transverse section on the line 17-18, Figure 14.
Figure 18 is a plan view of the changing-box, the drawer being shown in
section and closed, and showing the position of the rotary frame which carries the
plates during its revolution to bring the exposed plate to the rear of the apparatus.
Figure 19 is a transverse section on the line 19-20, Figure 18.
Figure 20 is a transverse section on the line 21-22, Figure 18.
Figure 21 is a transverse section on the line 23-24, Figure 18.
Figure 22 shows, in front and side view, the arrangement of the pivots or
trunnions fixed on the rotary frame and the cam-slides carried by the drawer,
whereby the said frame is set in motion.
Figure 23 is a front view of the shutter-mechanism in its position of rest.
Figure 24 shows the said shutter-mechanism in its cocked or set" position with-
out uncovering the objective.
Figure 25 shows the shutter uncovering the objective during the exposure.
Figure 26 is a vertical transverse section on the line 25-26, Figure 24.
Figure 27 is a vertical transverse section on the line 27-28, Figure 24.
Figure 28 is an end view corresponding to Figure 23.
Figure 29 is an end view corresponding to Figure 25.
Figure 30 is a vertical transverse section on the line 29-30, Figure 25.
In these several figures, like letters of reference indicate the same parts.
As shown in the drawings, my improved changing-apparatus consists essentially
of a rotary frame a for receiving the plates which are retained therein by retain-
ing springs c, the said plates being preferably enclosed in suitable sheaths.
This frame a, which is mounted on trunnions d in the changing-box or camera,
receives a rotary motion by means of pins or rollers on its sides engaging with
cam-slides e secured to a drawer for a telescopic or sliding end of the changing
box or camera which is capable of being pulled out so as to bring the exposed
plate to the rear of the apparatus after turning the frame through a half-revolution.
The exposed plate is then seized by spring clips 9 arranged on the end of the
drawer as the said drawer is pushed back.
In again pulling out the drawer, it carries with it the exposed plate while the
frame a makes its rotation and, in again pushing-in the drawer, it replaces the
exposed plate in the frame but at the rear of the group of plates, this plate being
retained in the frame a by retaining springs c.
While the exposed plate is seized by the clips on the drawer and during the
rotation of the frame, the group of plates is retained at the rear by a second set of
retaining springs c¹.
During this operation, the rotary-frame a is secured by a retaining-catch h in
which engages a pin or projection mounted on the said frame.
The disengagement of this catch his effected by a groove k preferably formed
on one of the cam-slides on the said drawer, and in which slides the end of a
lever connected to the said catch by linkwork, when the drawer carrying the
cam-slides €, is pulled out.
The drawer carries spring-blades m which act alternately on the first set of
retaining springs c on the rotary frame a to release the exposed plate, to retain
the others during the rotation of the frame and to again seize this exposed plate
when it has been brought to the rear of the apparatus by the rotation of the frame.
The shutter consists of two shutter-slides n, o controlled by springs n¹, o¹.
One of the said shutter-slides n is provided with an aperture na and a stop n³
in which engages a catch p carried by a lever p¹.
The other shutter-slide o is provided with a double stop o³ in one part of which
engages a catch q carried by an arbor r when the shutter is cocked or
« set," and
in the other part of the stop engages a catch carried by a lever s¹ when it is
desired to make an exposure. The arbor 7 carries at its other end a lever t which
effects the disengagement of the shutter-slide o when a pin u carried by the rod v

page_text: of a brake-carriage x comes into contact with the said lever t. The brake-carriage
is moved by a spring y.
The disengagement of the said brake-carriage is effected by operating a lever 7
which disengages itself from a stop u.
The brake z rests continuously on the brake-carriage with greater or less pres-
sure according to the action of a spring 1 mounted on the end of an arbor 2 which
carries a lever 21 in contact with a movable cam 3.
This cam 3 is cut-away at a part of one of its faces in order to render the said
levers immovable during the instantaneous exposure or to release it so that it
can hold the shutter-slide o during the exposure.
To set the shutter, it is only necessary to pull out a rod 4 which is adapted to
simultaneously return the two shutter-slides 'n and o into engagement with their
catches.
The release of the shutter can be effected by a press-button 5 which acts on a
controlling-lever 6 or by an india-rubber pear which acts on a plate 61 on this
controlling lever 6.
The shutter-slides n and o being moved at the same velocity, in passing one after
the other before the objective, illuminate the sensitised plate equally over the
whole of its surface. In this manner, the edges of the plate are lighted for the
same time as the centre.
The regulation of the speed of the shutter is effected by turning the cam 3 in
one direction or the other.
From what has been said above, it will be easily understood that the plates to
be exposed, having been placed in the rotary frame, and the drawer pulled out
after the exposure of the first plate, the frame will make a half-revolution to
bring the exposed plates to the rear, which plate will be seized by the clips of the
drawer when the said drawer is pressed back.
In again pulling out the drawer, the frame will make its second half-revolution
to present the next plate for exposure before the objective and as soon as the drawer
is pushed back, the exposed plate will be released by the clips on the drawer and
scized by the retaining springs on the frame, which will thus retain it against the
plates to be exposed, the sensitised face of this plate being turned towards the
end of the apparatus.
In this manner, whatever be the number of plates in the rotary frame, after their
successive exposure, they will be always turned in an opposite direction to the
objective so that no plate can be exposed twice.
It is obvious that the apparatus which I have just described can be provided with
a charging device which consists, for example, of a box which is applied to the
drawer, thus permitting charging and discharging of the apparatus to take place
in broad daylight.
I can also vary the dimensions, details and materials employed in the con-
struction of my apparatus without in any way departing from the nature of my said
invention.

page_text: manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:-
My invention relates to photographic cameras and is chiefly characterized:
1. By the arrangement of the changing-box in such a manner as to permit the
changing of the plates by means of a rotary device whereby the plate which has
just been exposed is brought to the rear of the apparatus, and
2. By the arrangement of a shutter for enabling the same time of illumination
to be obtained over the whole surface of the sensitized plate this being effected by
means of two shutter-slides uncovering the objective and covering it at an equal
velocity.
To enable my said invention to be readily understood I have shown in Figures 1
to 22 and Figures 31 to 38 (inclusive) of the accompanying drawings and in
Figures 23 to 30 (inclusive) of the drawings accompanying my Provisional Specifi-
cation, but by way of example only, the arrangement which forms the object of
my invention."
In these drawings:-
Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal section of a photographic apparatus arranged
according to my invention, the sensitised plates occupying the position for the
exposure of the plate in front.
Figure 2 shows the drawer pulled out and the plates during their rotary motion
to bring the exposed plate to the rear of the apparatus.
Figure 3 shows the drawer closed when the exposed plate has been brought
to the rear of the apparatus.
Figure 4 shows the drawer pulled out and retaining the exposed plate and the
rotary motion of the group of plates to receive this exposed plate at the rear.
Figure 5 shows the drawer closed, the first exposed plate placed at the rear of
the apparatus and the second plate brought into position to be exposed.
Figure 6 is a plan view of the changing-box, the drawer being shown in section
and partly pulled out.
Figure 7 is a transverse section on the line 1-2, Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a transverse section on the line 3-4, Figure 6.
Figure 9 is a transverse section on the line 5-6, Figure 6.
Figure 10 is a plan view of the changing-box, the drawer being shown in
section and closed.
Figure 11 is a transverse section thereof on the line 7-8, Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a transverse section on the line 9-10, Figure 10.
Figure 13 is a transverse section on the line 11-12, Figure 10.
Figure 14 is a plan of the changing-box, the drawer being shown in section and
partly pulled out showing the position of the rotary frame which carries the plates
during its revolution.
Figure 15 is a transverse section on the line 13-14, Figure 14.
Figure 16 is a transverse section on the line 15-16, Figure 14.
Figure 17 is a transverse section on the line 17-18, Figure 14.
Figure 18 is a plan view of the changing-box, the drawer being shown in
section and closed, and showing the position of the rotary frame which carries the
plates during its revolution to bring the exposed plate to the rear of the apparatus.
Figure 19 is a transverse section on the line 19-20, Figure 18.
Figure 20 is a transverse section on the line 21-22, Figure 18.
Figure 21 is a transverse section on the line 23-24, Figure 18.
Figure 22 shows, in front and side view, the arrangement of the pivots or
trunnions fixed on the rotary frame and the cam-slides carried by the drawer,
whereby the said frame is set in motion.
Figure 23 is a front view of the shutter-mechanism in its position of rest.
Figure 24 shows the said shutter mechanism in its cocked or
out uncovering the objective.
set" position with-
Figure 25 shows the shutter uncovering the objective during the exposure.
Figure 26 is a vertical transverse section on the line 25-26. Figure 24

page_text: Figure 27 is a vertical transverse section on the line 27-28, Figure 24.
Figure 28 is an end view corresponding to Figure 23.
Figure 29 is an end view corresponding to Figure 25.
Figure 30 is a vertical transverse section on the line 29-30, Figure 25.
Figure 31 is a front view with parts removed showing a modification of my
improved shutter in its position of rest.
Figure 32 shows this same shutter in its "set" position, the objective being
covered.
Figure 33 shows the shutter uncovering the objective during the exposure.
Figure 34 is a vertical transverse section on the line 31-32, Figure 31.
Figure 35 is a vertical transverse section on the line 33-34, Figure 32.
Figure 36 is an end view corresponding to Figure 31.
Figure 37 is a vertical transverse section on the line 35-36, Figure 32.
Figure 38 is a vertical transverse section on the line 37-38, Figure 33.
In these several figures, like letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.
As shown in the drawings, my improved changing-apparatus consists essentially
of a rotary frame a for receiving the plates b which are retained therein by sets
of retaining springs c, c¹, c², the said plates being preferably enclosed in suitable
sheaths.
This frame a, which is mounted on trunnions & in the changing-box or camera,
receives a rotary motion by means of pins or rollers on its sides engaging with
cam-slides e secured to a drawer or telescopic or sliding end f of the changing-
box or camera which is capable of being pulled out so as to bring the exposed
plate to the rear of the apparatus after turning the frame through a half-
revolution.
The cam-slides e, situated respectively on opposite sides of the frame a, are pro-
vided with cam surfaces differing in outline (Figure 22). Thus, when the drawer f
is pulled out, one of the said slides operates to cause the frame to revolve to the
position shown in Figure 2 or Figure 4. The other slide, in the reverse move-
ment of the drawer, continues the motion and causes the frame to complete a
half-revolution. It is to be understood that the curved arrows in Figure 22 corre-
spond to the same direction of rotation of the frame, the two sides of the said
frame and of the drawer being shown as turned down in opposite directions in
this figure.
When the said drawer is pushed back the arms g¹ (Figures 6 and 7) travel up the
inclined planes B. During this time the spring clips g are led between the retain-
ing springs c and c and are caused to enter between the first and second plates
by the arms g passing through the notches B', Figure 10. At the same time the
retaining springs c travel up the inclined planes m so as to free the first plate
which thus comes to be supported on the drawer when the latter is pulled out.
While the exposed plate is seized by the clips on the drawer, the group of plates
is retained at the rear by the retaining-springs c¹.
In again pulling out the drawer, it carries with it the exposed plate while the
frame a makes its rotation and, in again pushing-in the drawer, it replaces the
exposed plate in the frame but at the rear of the group of plates.
The drawer f carries inclined planes m which act alternately on the first set
of retaining-springs c on the rotary frame a to release the exposed plate, as above
described, and on the second set of retaining springs to again seize this exposed
plate when the rotary frame has completed one revolution.
Thus the arms g₁ travel up an inclined plane g² releasing the exposed plate,
whilst the retaining springs pass through the notches in the inclined planes m
and seize the said plate which is now at the rear of the group with its face turned
in the opposite direction.
During the exposure of a sensitised plate, the rotary-frame a is secured by a
retaining-catch h which engages a pin or projection i mounted on the said frame.
The disengagement of this catch his effected by a groovek preferably formed
on one of the cam-slides e on the said drawer, and in which slides the end of a

page_text: lever, connected to the said catch by linkwork, when the drawer carrying the
cam-slides e is pulled out.
The shutter consists of two shutter-slides n, o controlled by springs n¹, o¹,
(Figures 23, 24 and 25.)
One of the said shutter-slides n is provided with an aperture n³ and a stop n³ in
which engages a catch p carried by a lever p¹. (Figure 26.)
"
The other shutter-slide o is provided with a double stop one part of which is
engaged by a catch q carried by an arbor r (Figure 27) when the shutter is cocked
or set," and the other part of the stop is engaged by a catch s carried by a lever s
(Figure 28) when it is desired to make a time exposure. The arbor r carries at iis
other end a levert which effects the disengagement of the shutter-slide o when
a pin carried by the rod of a brake-carriage r comes into contact with the said
lever t. The brake-carriage is moved by a spring y.
The disengagement of the said brake-carriage is effected by operating a lever 7
(Figure 30) which disengages itself from a stop u.
The brake z rests continuously on the brake carriage a with greater or less pres-
sure according to the action of a spring 1 mounted on the end of an arbor 2 which
carries a lever 21 in contact with a movable cam 3. (Figure 28.)
The regulation of the speed of the shutter is effected by turning the cam 3 in
one direction or the other.
To set the shutter, it is only necessary to pull out a rod 4 which is adapted to
simultaneously return the two shutter-slides and into engagement with their
catches.
The release of the shutter can be effected by a press-button 5 which acts on a
controlling-lever 6 or by an india-rubber pear which acts on a plate 6¹ on this
controlling lever 6.
The cam 3 (Figure 28) is, moreover, provided with a rim or flange adapted to
engage a projection on the lever s¹ so as to restrain the said lever from motion
when it is desired to obtain an instantaneous exposure. At one part this rim or
flange is cut away to permit the lever s¹ to tilt and bring the catch s into engage-
ment with the stop o on the shutter-slide o when the controlling lever is tilted.
The shutter-slide can thus be held for any length of time and released only by the
return movement of said controlling lever.
The shutter-slides n and o being moved at the same velocity, in passing one after
the other before the objective, illuminate the sensitised plate equally over the
whole of its surface. In this manner, the edges of the plate are lighted for the
same time as the centre.
In the modification shown in Figures 31 to 38, the brake is formed by an india-
ubber bellows z connected by a tube 8 to a cock 9 the plug of which is actuated
by means of a slotted lever 10 and button 11, Figure 38.
When the button 11 is turned, the orifice or passage way of the cock 9 is opened
more or less in order to permit of the air being drawn in by the bellows z when
the shutter is "set" by pulling the rod 4.
The release of the shutter-slides can be effected by a press-button 5 which acts
on the controlling lever 6 or by an india-rubber pear 12 which acts on the plate 61
of the said controlling lever 6.
It will be readily understood that the smaller the opening of the cock, he
slower will be the release of the second shutter-slide o, in proportion to the quantity
of air introduced into the bellows, which will escape more slowly. A cam 91,
(Figure 37) attached to the plug of the cock 9, controls the movement of the
lever in a manner similar to that already described with reference to the cam 3:
the fully-open position of the cock 9 corresponding to the position of the cam 9¹
permitting free movement of the said lever.
When the release of the shutter-slides takes place, the air contained in the
bellows is driven out by the action of the spring arranged in the rod r.
The employment of the bellows which I have just described enables trustworthy
operation to be obtained which could not be effected with a piston, the rapid wear

page_text: of which would lead to leakages which would stop the regular operation of the
shutter.
From what has been said above, it will be easily understood that the plates to
be exposed, having been placed in the rotary frame, and the drawer pulled out
after the exposure of the first plate, the frame will make a half-revolution to bring
the exposed plate to the rear, which plate will be seized by the clips of the
drawer when the said drawer is pressed back.
In again pulling out the drawer, the frame will make its second half-revolution
to present the next plate for exposure before the objective and as soon as the drawer
is pushed back, the exposed plate will be released by the clips on the drawer and
seized by the retaining springs on the frame, which will thus retain it against the
plates to be exposed, the sensitised face of this plate being turned towards the
end of the apparatus.
In this manner, whatever be the number of plates in the rotary frame, after their
successive exposure, they will be always turned in an opposite direction to the
objective so that no plate can be exposed twice.
It is obvious that the apparatus which I have just described can be provided with
a charging device which consists, for example, of a box which is applied to the
drawer, thus permitting charging and discharging of the apparatus to take place
in broad daylight.
I can also vary the dimensions, details and materials employed in the con-
struction of my apparatus without in any way departing from the nature of my said
invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
1. The improved photographic camera provided with a changing-box permitting
the changing of the plates by means of a rotary frame and without risk of damage
to the exposed plates, substantially as described.
2. The improved shutter permitting the same time of illumination or exposure
to be obtained over the whole surface of the sensitized plate by means of two shutter-
slides uncovering and covering the objective at an equal speed, substantially as
described.
3. In a shutter such as is herein before described the application of an air-tight
bellows for controlling the time at which the release of the second shutter-slide
takes place.
4. The improved photographic camera constructed, arranged and combined
substantially as above described with reference to the drawings, for the purposes
specified.
DL LL
1
T
1000
D. YOUNG & Co.,
11 & 12, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.