Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for use with Photo- graphic Cameras to Facilitate the Changing of the Films or Plates.
Year: 1889

page_text: .
Date of Application, 7th Mar., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 6th Dec., 1889-Accepted, 18th Jan., 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for use with Photo-
graphic Cameras to Facilitate the Changing of the Films or
Plates.
I, ENRICO FERRERO, of Riva Inglemere Road, Forest Hill, in the County
of Kent, Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention relates to photographic apparatus and comprises improved means
whereby a large number of films or glass plates may be successively exposed in a
camera without the necessity for using a dark room in which to change the films or
plates.
The changing-boxes heretofore usually employed are not adapted for use with the
thin films of celluloid or other material now frequently used in photography. By
iny invention, however, I provide in a simple and efficient manner for the changing
of such films without the use of a dark room.
To accomplish this result, I construct a combined dark-slide and changing-box
with a hinged or other suitable lid or cover, and I fit on one end or side of the said
box a bag of woven fabric, leather, india-rubber or other suitable material which will
exclude light.
The said bag is slightly wider and longer than the films or plates and is provided
at its free end with holes into which the thumb and forefinger may be inserted
without any light passing into it whilst the thumb and finger are so inserted. In the
case of large size plates or films, holes for three fingers or a hole for the hand may
be provided. The open end of the bag is fitted to the box around the lid in such a
manner that it can be detached therefrom either wholly or partially for the purpose of
putting films or plates into the box or for removing them therefrom. 1 find it
advantageous to attach pieces of whalebone or other suitable material to the bag.across
its sides so as to keep them extended whilst allowing sufficient play for the fingers
to reach into the box.
The box is made of such dimensions that the films or plates will fit accurately
therein but can slide freely therein in the insertion and withdrawal of the same.
A thin board (herein after termed the pressure-board) of the same length and
width as the films is arranged within the box, and between the said board and the
bottom or back of the box is a spiral or other spring of sufficient strength to press
the said board against the rehate for the slide or shutter. To the centre of this
pressure board and on the side facing the bottom or back of the box, a strong cord
or chain is attached which is passed through a loop or around a pulley fixed in or
attached to the centre of the bottom or back of the box, and is fastened to the lid in
such a manner that, when the lid is opened, the pressure board is pulled back from
its position against the rebate to the bottom or back of the box. In the space then
left between the pressure board and the slide or shutter are placed two other thin
boards or plates (which may be of wood, metal, papier-maché or other suitable
material) of the same dimensions as the pressure board.
The films are placed between these two loose boards and are kept flat, when the lid
is closed, by the pressure board and spring.
When a photograph is to be taken, the thumb and forefinger are inserted into the
holes in the bag and the lid of the box is opened. One of the films is then drawn
from between the two loose boards and placed in front of them, that is to say, between
the upper.or fi ont loose board and the rebate for the slide or shutter. On the
lid being closed, the film is automatically pressed against the back of the rebate in
position for exposure when the slide or shutter-is withdrawn. When it is desired to

page_text: change the film, the lid is again opened, the hox is tilted so that the loose boards
fall to the bottorn or back of the said box and the film is then drawn out of the box.
The box is then tilted so that the two loose boards fall against the back of the
rebate, and the exposed film is inserted between the pressure board and the adjacent
loose board.
By the means above described, a very large number of films can be carried in
the changing-box and manipulated by the photographer without exposing them to the
light except for the purpose of obtaining the photographic image, the bag and the
loose boards very effectually screening the films from the light.
For glass plates a similar changing-box and bag are used. The aforesaid spring,
pressure board and loose boards are, however, dispensed with, and the box is made of
sufficient size to admit a flat magazine or holder for containing six or more plates
and leave a space between the said magazine or holder and the rebate. This part of
the box, not occupied by the magazine or holder, is of about the same length and
width as the plates. To the end of the box opposite the lid-end and a short distance
from the rebate, is hinged a metal plate of the size of the glass plate. The said
metal plate is intended to press the glass plate against the back of the rebate and to
shut out any light from the rest of the box during the exposures in the camera;
the said metal plate can be moved back when a fresh glass plate has to be
inserted.
The following contrivance causes the metal plate to close against the glass plate
automatically when the lid of the box is shut, that is to say :-A wooden or metal
partition is fixed in the box just in front of the magazine or holder. An arm is
hinged to this partition in a suitable position, and a similar arm is hinged to the metal
plate and these two arms are coupled together so as to form a toggle-joint the centre
of which projects from the box when the lid is open and the metal plate moved
back. The lid, on being closed, pushes the arms of the toggle-joint downward and
thus presses the metal plate towards the rebate. A bent spring or a combination
of springs can be substituted for the arms and made to act in the same manner.
For large size plates, two or more sets of such arms are sometimes used. The magazine
or holder is provided at one end with a removable lid or cover and is provided with
grooves along its narrow sides so that the glass plates can be inserted in the said
grooves and will thus be kept from touching each other. When the said magazine
or holder is in position in the box and the lid is removed, the top of the magazine
or holder just touches the lid of the box when the latter is closed. Inside the
magazine or holder and attached to one of its sides, is a small ring or other con-
trivance to which a string can be attached. This string is passed under the plates
and between the last plate and the opposite side of the said imagazine or holder and
extends to the top of the same where it is attached to a handle of suitable shape so
that it will not fall between the plates when one of them is removed, and, at the
same time, will not prevent the closing of the lid.
This string is intended to facilitate the withdrawal of the plates from the box, and
also to separate the exposed plates from the unexposed.
In using the apparatus, one or more of the said magazines or holders are filled
with plates. When required, the changing-bag is removed wholly or partially from
the box, and one of the magazines or holders is inserted in the said box. The bag is
then attached and, by means of the thumb and finger passed through the holes in the
said bag, the lid of the magazine or holder is removed. The box is again closed, the
bag removed and the lid of the magazine or holder taken out. The bag is then fitted
on and one of the plates is lifted from its place with the help of the string and
- placed behind the rebate.
'
When all the plates in the magazine or holder have been exposed, the lid of the said
magazine or holder is again put on, after which the said magazine or holder is removed
and another one substituted therefor.
It is evident that I can, if desired, modify the construction of my apparatus. For
instance I can employ other means than those above described for automatically
actating the aforesaid pressure board or the pivoted metal plate, when the lid of the

page_text: box is opened and closed, for the purpose above specified. I can, morcover, use
other devices for facilitating the withdrawal and insertion of the films or plates
and for separating those which have been exposed from the unexposed films or
plates.
box is opened and closed, for the purpose above specified. I can, moreover, use
other devices for facilitating the withdrawal and insertion of the films or plates
and for separating those which have been exposed from the unexposed films or
plates.
The aforesaid magazine or holder can, if desired be used with the films herein before
mentioned.
My invention affords the advantage that the apparatus is self-contained, that
the shine has and the bar is or
box is opened and closed, for the purpose above specified. I can, moreover, use
other devices for facilitating the withdrawal and insertion of the films or plates
and for separating those which have been exposed from the unexposed films or
plates.
The aforesaid magazine or holder can, if desired be used with the films herein before
mentioned.
My invention affords the advantage that the apparatus is self-contained, that
eny the dark slide forms the front of the changing box and the bag is or
may be connected with the said box so that it need not at any time be detached
therefrom.
Dated this Seventh day of March 1889.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for use with Photo-
graphic Cameras to Facilitate the Changing of the Films or
Plates.
1, ENRICO FERRERO, of Riva, Inglemere Road, Forest Hill, in the County of Kent,
Merchant, 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 relates to photographic apparatus and comprises improved means
whereby a large number of films or plates may be successively exposed in a camera
without the necessity for using a dark-room in which to change the said filmis or
plates.
The changing-boxes heretofore usually employed are not adapted for use with the
thin films of celluloid or other material now frequently used in photography. But
by my invention I provide simple and efficient means whereby the changing of such
films may be effected without the use of a dark-room.
In the accompanying drawing I have shown how my said invention may be
conveniently and advantageously carried into practice.
Figure 1 is a rear elevation, partly in vortical section, showing one form of my
improved apparatus.
Figure 2 is a horizontal section on the line x, x, Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a transverse section on the line y, y Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 4 is a similar view to Figure 2, showing the parts in a different position.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawing.
A is a box which is provided with a sliding shutter A' and with a hinged lid or
cover A2, and which serves both as a changing-box and as a dark-slide. B, B are the
films or plates contained therein. O is a bag secured to one side or end of the box A
by means of metal or other plates D, D' as hereinafter described, or by other suitable
means.
The said bag C is constructed of woven fabric, leather, India-rubber or other
material which will completely exclude light, and is formed slightly wider and longer
than the films or plates B. Holes Fare formed in the free end of the bag C in which
are secured tubular pieces or sleeves F. These sleeves extend into the said bag and are
provided at their inner ends with rings F of India-rubber or other suitable elastic
material. Into these sleeves, the thumb and fore-finger may be inserted for the
purpose of changing the films or plates, the said sleeves effectually preventing the
passage of any light into the bag C while the finger and thumb are thus inserted. In
the case of large sized plates or films, holes for the thumb and two or more fingers,.
or a hole. for the entire hand may be provided in the bag C, for the purpose-
above specified.
The box A is made of such dimensions that the films or plates B can slide freely
therein when inserted or withdrawn.

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A³, A³ are connecting rods or arms forming a toggle-joint which is coupled at one
end to the box A and at its other end to the lid or cover A2, and which keeps, or
assists in keeping the said lid or cover open whilst the films are being manipulated
as hereinafter described, that is to say, when the lid is opened, the toggle-joint is
straightened as shown in Figure 4 and the lid cannot be closed by the action of the
springs H through the cord 1, until the said toggle-joint is bent or folded by hand.
One of the arms A³ of the toggle-joint is provided with a projection A which, when
the lid is open, bears against the other arm and thus prevents bending or folding of
the toggle-joint in the wrong direction. A is a spring catch which can be with-
drawn or released by means of the projection or handle A. When the lid or cover A²
is closed, the said catch engages in a hole or socket D2 formed in the plate D', and
maintains the said lid or cover firmly locked in its closed position.
G is a board (liereinafter termed the " pressure-board") of the same or
approximately the same length and width as the films or plates, and arranged within
the box A. H, H are spiral springs secured to the bottom or back of the box A and
to the rear face of the said pressure-board. The springs are of sufficient strength to
force the pressure-board towards the rabbet for the sliding shutter A', and thus hold
the film or plate tightly in the required position for exposure. It is obvious that a
flat ribbon spring or any other suitable spring may be employed for this purpose.
I is a gut, cord, or chain attached at I¹ to the centre of the pressure-board G on the
side facing the bottom or back of the box A. This gut, cord, or chain is passed
around a pulley J attached to the centre of the bottom or back of the box A, and is
secured at K to the lid or cover A2. Therefore, when the said lid or cover is opened,
the pressure-board G will be pulled back from its position against the aforesaid rabbet
towards the bottom or back of the box A into the position shown in Figure 4.
Between the pressure-board G and the sliding shutter A' are placed two thin boards
or plates L (which may be of wood, metal, papier maché or other suitable material)
of the same, or approximately the same size as the said pressure-board. The films
or plates are placed between these two loose boards L and are thereby kept flat while
in the box A.
A is a projecting piece or flange provided on three sides of the box A, and C' is a
cord or thickening strip formed on, or inserted into the edge of the bag and fitting
into a groove in the said flange, to facilitate the clamping of the said sides of the
bag C to the box A by means of the plates D.
The plates Dare provided with slots 13 through which are passed the screws E,
which are firmly secured in the flange A*. E', E¹ are thumb-nuts on the said screws
by means of which the said plates D can be clamped firmly upon three of the sides of
the open end or mouth of the bag C, the fourth side being rigidly secured by the
plate D. The said bag C is thus secured firmly in position upon the side or end of
the box A in such a manner that it can be partially detached therefrom for the
purpose of putting films or plates into, or removing them from the box A. The
said bag C encloses the lid or cover A2, so as to exclude light from the changing-
box when the said lid or cover is opened. Moreover the said lid or cover can be
readily opened or closed by the finger and thumb inserted in the holes F in the said
bag C.
When a photograph is to be taken, the operator inserts his thumb and forefinger
into the sleeves in the bag C and opens the lid or cover A² as shown in Figure 4.
One of the films or plates B is then drawn from between the two loose boards Land
placed in front of them, that is to say, between the upper or front loose board L
and the rabbet for the sliding shutter A¹. On the lid or cover A2 being closed, the
filin is automatically pressed by the spring H acting upon the pressure-board G,
against the back of the rabbet in position for exposure; the sliding shutter is then
withdrawn at the proper time to permit the exposure of the film. When it is
desired to change the film, the lid or cover A' is again opened, the box A is tilted so
that the loose boards L with the films between them fall towards the bottom or back
of the said box and rest on the pressure-board G, and the exposed film is then drawn
out of the box into the bag C. The box is then tilted so that the said loose boards L

page_text: with the films between them fall against the back of the rabbet, and the exposed film
is then inserted between the pressure-board and the adjacent loose board L, and
another film is placed in position for exposure.
By the means above described, a very large number of films can be carried in the
changing-box A and manipulated by the photographer without exposing them to the
light except for the purpose of obtaining the photographic image, the bag () and
the loose boards L very effectually screening the films B from the light.
It is evident that I can, if desired, modify the construction of my apparatus. For
instance 1 can employ means other than those above described for actuating the
aforesaid pressure-board, when the lid or cover of the box is opened and closed, for
the purpose above specified. I can, moreover, use other devices for facilitating
the withdrawal and insertion of the films or plates and for separating those which
have been exposed from the unexposed films.
My invention affords the advantage, amongst others, that the apparatus is self-
contained, that is to say, the dark-slide forms the front of the changing-box and the
bag is, or may, be connected with the said box so that it need not at any time be
detached therefrom.
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 1
claim is
First. A combined dark-slide and changing-box provided with a flexible bag having
a hole or holes for permitting the insertion of the hand or the thumb and one or more
fingers, whilst excluding light, for the purpose above specified.
Second. A changing-box provided with a flexible bag having a hole or holes for
permitting the insertion of the band or the thumb and one or more fingers, whilst
excluding light, and with a lid or cover which can be opened and closed within the
said bag, substantially as, and for the purpose, above specified.
Third. The pressure-board provided with means whereby it will be drawn back in
the operation of opening the lid or cover of the changing-box, and will, when the
said lid or cover is closed, press the film or plate against the edges of the exposure-
aperture in the dark-slide, for the purposes above specified.
Fourth. The combination, with the dark-slide, of the changing-box, the pressure-
board and a suitable spring or springs for forcing the said pressure-board and the
plates or films against the back of the dark-slide, substantially as, and for the purposes,
set forth.
Fifth. The changing-box having the spring lid or cover and the jointed or toggle
arms for preventing accidental closing of the said lid or cover, substantially as, and
for the purpose, set forth.
Sixth. The improved apparatus constructed substantially as described with
reference to the accompanying drawing and operating as, and for the purposes,
above specified.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.