Improvements relating to Photographic Apparatus.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 7th June, 1892
Complete Specification Left, 7th Mar., 1893-Accepted, 13th May, 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to Photographic Apparatus.
I, HERMANN MACKENSTEIN, of 6 Rue du Havre Paris, in the Republic of
France, Manufacturer of Photographic Apparatus do hereby declare the nature of
this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to an improved mode of constructing photographic frames
with rollers, in which the sensitive material (pellicle, paper, fabric and the like)
form a continuous strip of any length previously wound upon a cylinder from
which it is unwound to a suitable length for winding upon a second cylinder when
it is necessary to bring in front of the aperture of the frame another part of the
strip in order to make a new plate.
All the parts of my improved frame have been carefully thought out and are
combined in such a manner that, while reducing as much as practicable the size of
the frame, I ensure the regular operation of the system, prevent the light from
deteriorating in any case the roll of sensitive material, and render the use of the
frame as convenient as possible.
The said frame is also provided with an automatic counter which indicates to the
operator the number of exposures he has already given and consequently enables
him to ascertain how many he can still give without having to renew the roll. It
moreover at the same time marks this number on the plate by means of the
luminous impression. A numbering device which I will term a series numbering
device is also arranged which provides the plate with a simple or multiple number
or sign to indicate whether he has obtained the impression from the first roll put
in the frame since the commencement of the operations or with the second, third
and so on, this series numbering device is operated by hand for causing it to
advance through one division each time when the roll is renewed. The details
regarding the arrangement of this device as hereinafter given will show that
an excursion to obtain a great
it enables the operator for instance when on
many series numbers which multiplied by the number of exposures in each series
(that is to say for each roll employed) gives hundreds of distinctive numbers which
permits the excursionist to establish the relation between all the plates which
he has been able to make and the indications in his memorandum book in
which he has poted the subject of each of them. This series numbering device can
however be dispensed with by putting a sufficient number of discs in the device for
counting the exposures for enabling it to number in succession all the plates which
may be made in one excursion.
In carrying my invention into practice the pellicle or other sensitive material
which is wound upon an upper delivery roller passes from the latter over an upper
guide roller which also serves, as hereinafter explained, for marking the line of
separation of the plates and for actuating the device for counting the exposures the
upon
material then passes over a lower guide roller to the receiving roller
it is wound to the desired extent after each exposure so as to replace by a fresh
which

page_text: part of the strip or band the part which has just-been-used. If desired the lower
guide roller can be replaced by a fixed circular guide.
Behind the part stretched between the guide rollers is arranged a plate preferably
made of aluminium and fixed upon the front of the roller-carrying frame. The
said frame is situated entirely in a box or case wherein it is held by a full sliding
cover the box is moreover provided with a blind and with grooves for enabling it
to be fixed to any photographic chamber.
The displacement of the sensitive strip or band after each exposure is obtained
by turning the receiving rollers through the medium of a key which as hereinafter
set forth, is arranged that it can never be detached from the box or case while it 1
may be either attached to the axis of the cylinder for enabling it to be turned, or
rendered independent of the same in order to permit the removal of the roller.
carrying frame, for the purpose of again providing it with a strip or band.
The delivery roller is provided with a brake which prevents it from turning
easily and which consists of a disc which is bent or twisted a little and pressed
against the side of the frame by a disc screwed upon the axis, the action of this
brake is regulated in such a manner as to give the strip or band the proper degree
of tension. Besides having the effect of exposing a very plane surface to the
action of the light this tension also causes the upper guide roller to be moved by
the strip or band without any sliding so that the unwinding of a given length of
the said strip necessary for a plate of a definite size always corresponds to an
invariable number of revolutions of this roller, which number will of course be
different according to larger or smaller diameter of the roller and the length of
strip to be wound off.
Now I utilize this rotary movement of the said upper guide roller firstly for
causing it to mark upon the strip or band the line where it must be cut for
separating the plate which has just been wound up from that which is about to
be made and secondly for actuating the device for counting the exposures.
For obtaining the first of these two results 1 fix upon the axis of the upper guide
roller a pinion which turns a toothed wheel keyed upon a transverse shaft and I
provide this shaft with two cams which when it has made one revolution will push
back a bar arranged in this cylinder and provided with points after the manner of
a comb which then project to the outside and perforate the strip or band the
extremities of the said bar pass beyond those of the cylinder for permitting this
action of the cams. Spiral or other springs cause the said bar to move back with
its points into the cylinder as soon as the cams escape from its extremities.
On the other hand, in order to utilize the upper guide roller for actuating the
device for counting the exposures I place at the end of the shaft outside the frame
a small crank which in every revolution turns through a distance of one tooth, a
front star wheel bearing numbers corresponding to that of its teeth so that each
time when a fresh length of the strip or band is wound off a fresh number appears
at an aperture provided in the box. The star wheel engages with a similar lateral
wheel which is at right angles to it, and upon the axis of which is fixed a disc
bearing the same numbers as the front star wheel this disc is in front of the
sensitive strip or band and behind the frame which is pierced with an aperture
small enough so as not to uncover more than one number at a time. It will now.be
understood that the numbers on the disc being cut out to form an opening upon an
opaque bottom or being opaque upon a transparent bottom, at the moment when it
is exposed to the light, the latter will produce upon the sensitive strip or band the
image of the number behind the aperture which is the same as that which is visible
through the aperture.
"
As a roll of sensitive material generally provides for more exposures than the
numbers which the star wheel and the corresponding disc bears, I provide a second
disc fixed upon the axis of a lateral star wheel which turns one tooth in every
revolution of the lateral wheel above it and which then also turns through a
distance of one tooth a perpendicular front wheel with which it gears; this
periodical movement is obtained by placing the lateral wheels sufficiently far away

page_text: from each other so as not to touch, except at the time of the passage of one of the
teeth of the latter which is longer than all the others. A second aperture is
pierced in the frame for uncovering one of the numbers of the second disc in like
manner a second aperture is formed on the side of the box by the side of the first
for showing a number of the lower front star wheel. With this arrangement and
by giving to each disc twelve numbers the upper disc will print upon the first
twelve plates one of the numbers from 1 to 12 respectively while the lower disc
will print upon all the number 1 the following twelve plates will be marked 1 to 12
and 2 the third dozen will be marked 1, to 12 and 3, and so on, thus altogether I
obtain for 144 plates (12 x 12) a distinctive mark consisting of a double number.
In case of necessity it is clear that I could add one or more discs with corre-
sponding wheels, in which case I may also add apertures in the frame and in
the box.
The numbers could evidently be replaced by letters or other signs on all the
discs or on one or more of them.
In order that the operator may ascertain very easily and with exactitude when
he has wound from the delivery roller and wound upon the receiving roller the
length of sensitive material corresponding to an exposure I have placed upon the
side of the box of the frame an index which makes one revolution while this length
is developed, so that it is necessary to discontinue turning the key when this index
has returned to the point whence it left. The movement of the index is obtained
by means of a toothed wheel keyed upon its axis and which is actuated by a pinion
mounted upon the extremity of the axis of the upper guide roller.
It is sometimes an advantage to be able to impart to the index a rotary move-
ment independent of the toothed wheel in order to bring this index exactly opposite
the point marked upon the box if it should not be in that position after the roller
carrying frame has been removed and put back into its place. This may be
obtained by various means; the simplest which I preferably employ consists in
mounting the toothed wheel upon a shaft in such a manner that it can slide along
the latter in order to be engaged with the pinion or to be disengaged therefrom,
and to subject it to the action of a spiral or other spring, taking its point of
support upon the interior face of the box and which engages it as soon as a pressure
tending to draw it to the outside is released. A knob is fixed at the end of the
socket to which the toothed wheel is fixed, this knob enabling the wheel to be
easily drawn to the outside for disengaging the same.
may if desired dispense with the index and also with the mechanism belonging
thereto, and in lieu of this employ a ratchet device which at the proper moment
will automatically prevent the continuation of the movement for winding up the
sensitive material, this ratchet device being actuated by the winding up mechanism
itself. After the system has thus been fixed it will be sufficient for releasing it to
move the ratchet device by hand back to its original position.
The series or mark number which the light produces upon each plate at the same
time as the number of the exposure, is obtained in a similar manner to the latter
by combining, every time when this may appear useful, two alphabets or two series
of figures or signs, so that each letter of one of the alphabets may serve for
marking a great number of plates, by employing it alone first and then with each
of the letters of the other alphabet successively. Thus for example the frame
may be provided at the upper or lower part with a rule bearing the letters from A
to Q all the plates of the first series, that is to say obtained with a first roll of
material may be marked simply with A at the top; those of the second series may
be marked with A at the top and with A below those of the third, fourth, fifth sixth
and further series may always bear A at the upper part but B, C, D, E and so on
respectively at the lower part, there are therefore 18 series of plates marked with A
at the top. I replace the A by B at the upper part for the following 18 series
with the different letters from A to Q successively at the lower part, then I replace
the B by C and so on so that altogether, as there are upon each of the rules
17 letters I have a means of marking different signs 18 times 17 series, that is

page_text: 306 series each comprising as many plates as are contained in one roll which
evidently exceeds the requirements even in the case of explorations or in any
other particular cases. It is understood that I may diminish the number of the
letters, figures or signs employed, and I may also if desired augment it in. like
manner.
In order that the plates obtained with one frame shall not be confounded with
those made in another which would render the above stated precautions useless, the
number of the frame is likewise marked upon the plate at the moment of the
impression, thus the plate indicates a number 1 cut out in the lower left hand
corner of the frame; the place might manifestly vary, and also the mode of
producing the number or the letter or other sign which is to designate the frame.
In a general manner, that is to say in such a manner as may be conveniently
used for the number of the frame as well as for the exposure numbers and the
series numbers I may mark these numbers upon the plate either in white or in
black. Accordingly they may be formed by cutting them out from an opaque piece
(thin metal, natural or artificial parchment or the like) or, without being cut out
they may be left transparent upon a piece of glass, mica, enamel or imitation
enamel, celluloid or the like, the remainder of whose surface may be opaque, or on
the contrary they may be opaque upon a transparent bottom or cut out full with a
space around.
When the letters or signs intended to indicate the series are carried by rules
each rule may be actuated by means of a rod passing out of the side of the box
and graduated so that the operator may see upon this rod what letters are exposed
at the apertures in the frame.
This arrangement may be replaced by a modified arrangement which. consists in
fixing upon the edge of the box a small plate in which is arranged a disc bearing
the desired letters or numbers, and which is turned through a division in each
change of series so as to move to the upper part the characters which are suitable
these characters being then exposed at an aperture pierced in the frame projects
its image upon the plate at the moment when the light acts. The disc may be
pivoted to a screw which serves as an axis for the same, or may simply be held in
its place by being fitted in the plate, the said disc being milled at its circumference
for enabling it to be easily turned.
In order to be able to number a greater number of series of plates I may use
several discs of this kind, in the same manner as I have just indicated the employ-
ment of several numbering rules.
I may if desired dispense with what I have termed the series numbering device,
that is to say rules or the discs and retain only the exposure numbering device by
augmenting the number of the discs, the numbered wheels and the apertures and
also the actuating wheels as much as may be necessary.
On the other hand, instead of using wheels with twelve teeth and putting twelve
numbers upon the discs and upon the wheels behind the apertures in the box,
1 may provide these discs and wheels with the figures from 0 to 9 and employ
wheels having only 10 teeth, so that the first disc marks the units, the second the
tens, the third the hundreds, the fourth the thousands and so on and in the same
.manner for the wheels placed behind the apertures. Each plate will then be
designated only by a single number indicating its order in the plates made since
.the commencement of the excursion and by the invariable number of the frame.
I will now proceed to describe the special construction of the delivery, and
receiving cylinders upon which is wound the pellicle or other sensitive material.
Each cylinder is made of two parts connected by a longitudinal binge after
opening the oylinder I introduce into it the extremity of the strip then 1 close it
again, pinching the latter between the two parts one of which is provided with a
row of points for preventing the strip from escaping. Each cylinder has at one
of its extremities a central hole into which is inserted a journal forming the pro-
longation of the delivery roller axis and its nut which carries the brake disc or a
journal prolonging the receiving roller axis which receives the key each of these

page_text: axes terminates in a small disc provided with the central journal and with two pins
and these three projections enter holes formed in a disc and in the cylinder which
is thus obliged to turn with the axis. The disc which is applied against the
extremity of the cylinder prevents the light from passing through the spires of the
roll of sensitive material and from deteriorating it when it is necessary to recharge
the frame outside the laboratory.
At the other extremity of each of the rollers is also a protecting jaw or dise
which is simply pierced with a hole at the centre, into which hole is inserted a
journal fixed to the extremity of a spring strip the other extremity of which is
secured to the side of the frame. A similar spring strip may if desired carry the
above mentioned journal. It would then be fixed upon the frame by its centre.
It will be understood that for enabling the rollers to be removed it is sufficient
to pull the strips so as to disengage the journals from the holes of these rollers and
that on the other hand when the cylinders have been put back into their place it is
only necessary to let these strips pass back into their original positions for holding
them therein.
The axis of the receiving roller carries a ratchet with which is engaged a
spring pawl carried by one side of the frame and which prevents the rear
movement.
The frame which composed of two cheeks of metal connected at the front part
by the plate of aluminium or other material, which serves as a support for the
stretched sensitive material. This frame carries the rollers and the whole
mechanism except the parts carried by one of the sides of the box and except
the series numbering devices which are carried by the lateral frame fixed to
the box.
It now only remains to describe the arrangement which I use for enabling the
key to always remain attached to the box of the frame, while enabling it to be
detached at will from the axis for permitting the removal of the roller-carrying
frame or enabling it to be fixed for permitting the turning of the receiving rollers
in order to give a movement of translation to the strip or band of material.
This arrangement consists in providing the rod of the key, with a shoulder
where it passes through the centre of a small cylinder against which shoulder acts
a spring which tends to push it back to the outside, but prevents its complete
removal by means of a screw or other stop on the other hand the extremity
of the rod of this key is screw threaded and it is sufficient to turn it by pressing
above so as to overcome the resistance of the spring for enabling it to be screwed
upon the axis and unite it therewith without danger that it will turn the axis the
wrong way because if turned to the left it would be unscrewed.
It will be readily understood that the system herein described may be applied to
frames of any dimensions and any proportious, and that the rollers and axes which
are in this case parallel with the narrow sides might on the contrary be parallel
with the large sides. In either case they may be mounted upon the box itself and
also the whole mechanism and the frame might be dispensed with, which would not
make any material difference in the system.
On the other hand the position of the delivery roller and of the receiving roller
might be reversed that is to say I might place that which is below at the top and
vice versa, this would simply necessitate the placing of the key and of the exposure
numbering devices on the left of the box in lieu of placing them on the right
hand side.
Dated this th 1-
T 1000

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to Photographic Apparatus.
I, HERMANN MACKENSTEIN, of 6 Rue du Havre, Paris, in the Republic of
France, Manufacturer of Photographic Apparatus, 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 :-
This invention relates to an improved mode of constructing photographic frames
with rollers, in which the sensitive material (pellicle, paper, fabric and the like)
forms a continuous strip of any length previously wound upon a cylinder from which
it is unwound to a suitable length for winding upon a second cylinder when it is
necessary to bring in front of the aperture of the frame, another part of the strip in
order to make a new plate..
All the parts of my improved frame have been carefully thought out and are
combined in such a manner that, while reducing as much as practicable the size of
the frame. I ensure the regular operation of the system, prevent the light from
deteriorating the roll of sensitive material, and render the use of the frame' aš
convenient as possible.
The said frame is also provided with an automatic counter which indicates to the
operator the number of exposures he has already given and consequently enables
him to ascertain how many he can still give without having to renew the roll. It
moreover at the same time marks the number on the plate by the action of light.
A numbering device which I will term a series numbering device is also arranged
which provides the plate with a simple or multiple number or sign to indicate
whether he has obtained the impression from the first roll put in the frame since
the commencement of the operations or with the second, third and so on; this
series numbering device is operated by hand for causing it to advance through one
division each time the roll is renewed. The details regarding the arrangement of
this device as hereinafter given will show that it enables the operator for instance
when on an excursion to obtain a great many series numbers which multiplied by
the number of exposures in each series (that is to say for each roll employed) gives
bundreds of distinctive numbers, which permits the excursionist to establish the
relation between the plate, he has produced and the notes in his memorandum book
in which he has entered the subject of each of them. This series numbering
device can however be dispensed with by putting a sufficient number of discs in the
device for counting the exposures in order to enable it to number in succession all
the plates which may be produced in one excursion.
I will proceed to describe my improved frame in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which :-
Figure 1 is an elevation of the front of the frame, the blind being open for
enabling the work to be performed.
Figure 2 is a transverse section of the frame on the line A B C D of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an elevation of one of the lateral faces of the frame, the one which
carries the operative parts and also the index serving to show whether the length
of material necessary for an exposure has been unwound.
Figure 4 is a longitudinal section of the box on the line E-F of Figure 1,
showing in elevation the roll carrying frame with the mechanism adapted thereto.
Figure 5 is a longitudinal section of the frame on the centre line G-H of
Figure 1.
Figure 6 is a transverse section on the line J-K of Figure 1.
:
Figures 7 and 8 are respectively a front view and a section on the line L-M,
(Figure 7) representing a modification of the arrangement of the series numbering
device.
Figures 9 and 10 are respectively a longitudinal section and side elevation of a
modification of my frame.
In carrying my invention into practice the paper or other sensitive material a
"

page_text: which is wound upon an upper delivery roller b passes from the latter as indicated
in full or dotted lines in Figure 5, over an upper guide roller d which also serves,
as hereinafter explained, for marking the line of separation of the plates and for
actuating the device for counting the exposures; the material then passes over a
lower guide roller c to the receiving roller e upon which it is wound to the desired
extent after each exposure so as to replace by a fresh part of the strip or band the
part which has just been used.
If desired the lower guide roller can be replaced by a fixed circular guide. The
position of the rollers c and d may be reversed as in Figure 9. Behind the part
stretched between the guide rollers c and d is arranged a plate preferably made
of aluminium, and fixed upon the front of the roller carrying frame f. The said
frame is contained in a box or case g wherein it is held by a sliding cover y¹; the
box is moreover provided with a blind g;, and with grooves g for enabling it to be
fixed to any photographic chamber.
The movement of the sensitive strip or band after each exposure is obtained by
turning the receiving roller e through the medium of a key h, which, as hereinafter
set forth, is so arranged that it can never be detached from the box or case g,
while it may be either attached to the axis of the cylinder for enabling it to be
turned, or rendered independent of the same in order to permit the removal of
the roller carrying frame, for the purpose of again providing it with a strip
or band.
The delivery roller bis provided with a brake which prevents it from turning
too easily and which consists of a disc which is bent or twisted a little and
pressed against the side of the frame by a disc screwed upon the axis; the
action of this brake is regulated in such a manner as to give the strip or band the
proper degree of tension. Besides having the effect of exposing a very level
surface to the action of the light, this tension also causes the upper guide roller d
to be moved (which may be fluted in order that the sheet may better adhere
thereto) by the strip or band without any sliding, so that the unwinding of a given
length of the said strip necessary for a plate of a definite size always corresponds
to a certain number of revolutions of this roller d, which number will of course be
different according to the larger or smaller diameter of the roller and the length of
strip to be wound off.
Now I utilize this rotary movement of the said upper guide roller & firstly for
causing it to mark upon the strip or band the line where it must be cut in order to
separate the plate which has just been wound up from that which is about to be
used and secondly for actuating the device for counting the exposures.
For obtaining the first of these two results I fix upon the axis of the upper
guide roller d a pinion d' which turns a toothed wheel keyed upon a transverse
shaft i, and I provide this shaft with two cams, which when it has made one
revolution will push back a bar arranged in this cylinder and provided with
points after the manner of a comb which project on the outside and perforate the
strip or band; the extremities of the said bar d pass beyond those of the cylinder
to allow of the action of the cams. Spiral or other springs cause the said bar d
to move back with its points into the cylinder as soon as the cams are released
from its extremities.
On the other hand, in order to utilize the upper guide roller d for actuating the
device for counting the exposures I place at the end of the shaft i outside the
frame a small crank which every revolution turns, through a distance of one
tooth, a star wheel bearing numbers corresponding to that of its teeth so that
each time a fresh length of the strip or band is wound off, a fresh number appears
at an aperture provided in the box g.
28
The star wheel engages with a similar
wheel which is arranged at right angles to it, and upon the axis of which is fixed
a disc bearing the same numbers as the star wheel ; this disc is in front of the
sensitive strip or band and behind the frame k which is pierced with an aperture k¹
sufficiently small as not to uncover more than one number at a time. It will now
be understood that the numbers on the disc 7 being either cut out so as to show an

page_text: open figure upon an opaque bottom or showing opaque figures upon a transparent
bottom, at the moment when it is exposed to the light, the latter will produce upon
the sensitive strip or band the image of the number behind the aperture k¹ which is
the same as that which is visible through the aperture (see Figures 1 and 2).
As a roll of sensitive material generally provides for more exposures than the
numbers which the star wheel and the corresponding disc 7 show, (upon the
drawing have arranged for twelve numbers) I provide a second disc fixed upon
the axis of a lateral star wheel which turns one tooth in every revolution of the
lateral wheel above it and which itself also turns through a distance of one tooth
a perpendicular front wheel 10 with which it gears; this periodical movement is
obtained by placing the lateral wheels and sufficiently far away from each
other so as not to touch, except at the time of contact of two single teeth of the
latter, which is longer than all the others. A second aperture ³ is pierced in the
frame k for viewing the numbers on the second disc 18; in like manner a second
aperture is formed in the box by the side of the first in order to view the
numbers of the lower front star wheel,10.
The aperture may be sufficiently large for showing at the same time the
numbers of both wheels and 10, as shown in Figures 9 and 10.
In this same arrangement a spring i" carried by a stop piece
engages with the
teeth of the wheels and 10 and acts as a double pawl for keeping these wheels
firmly in their place when they have accomplished their movement. A cover i¹4
fixed to the frame covers these wheels; it is coated with felt or other similar
material in order to form a joint with the box g and prevent any infiltration of
light into this box through the aperture ; of course this cover is pierced with
two holes as shown in Figure 10 for showing through the aperture the numbers
on the wheels * and 10.
With this arrangement of numbering device and by giving to each disc twelve
numbers the upper disc will print upon the first twelve plates one of the numbers
from 1 to 12 respectively, while the lower disc will print upon all the number 1 ;
the following twelve plates will be marked 1 to 12 and 2; the third dozen will be
marked 1 to 12 and 3, and so on, thus altogether I obtain for 144 plates (12 x 12)
a distinctive mark consisting of a double number.
In case of necessity it is clear that 1 could add one or more discs with corre
sponding wheels, in which case I may also add apertures in the frame and in
the box.
The numbers might evidently be replaced by letters or other signs on all the
discs or on one or more of them.
In order that the operator may ascertain very easily and with exactitude when
he has wound from the delivery roller band wound upon the receiving roller e the
length of sensitive material corresponding to an exposure I have placed upon the
side of the box of the frame an index which is designed to indicate the precise
moment when it is necessary to discontinue turning the key h.
For this purpose, as represented in Sheets I and II, this index may be actuated
so as to make just one revolution while the desired length of the sheet is unwound
from the delivery roller so that it is necessary to discontinue turning the key h
when this index has returned to the point whence it left. In this case the move-
ment of the index is obtained by means of a toothed wheel keyed upon its axis
and which is actuated by a pinion d mounted upon the extremity of the axis of the
upper guide roller d.
It is sometimes an advantage to be able to impart to the index 1 a rotary
movement independent of the toothed wheel d* in order to bring this index exactly
opposite the point marked upon the box if it should not be in that position after
the roller carrying frame has been removed and put back into its place. This may
be obtained by various means; the simplest, which I preferably employ, consists in
mounting the toothed wheel upon a shaft in such a manner that it can slide with
the latter in order to engage with the pinion d' or to be disengaged therefrom, and
to subject it to the action of a spiral or other spring (having its point of support

page_text: upon the interior face of the box) and which engages it as soon as a pressure
tending to draw it to the outside is discontinued; Figures 1 and 3 show a knob /*
terminating the axis to which the toothed wheel is fixed; this knob enabling the
wheel to be easily drawn to the outside for disengaging the same.
Instead of causing the index to make a complete revolution by a forward
movement of the sheet it may be caused to make only part of a revolution and then
return abruptly to its original position against a tappet under the action of a spring
just at the moment when the sheet ceases to advance; thus an acoustic and optical
indication would be obtained at the same time, I have represented this arrangement
in Figures 9 and 10. As shown in these figures the axis of the index finger 1 is
subjected to the action of a spring which constantly tends to keep the said index
finger applied against a tappet fixed upon the outer face of the box g. A little
before the end of the movement of the sheet the crank is operated by the roller d
encounters a pin fixed upon the axis and thus causes the index to oscillate in
the direction of the arrow (Figure 10); then, immediately before the end of the
movement of the sheet, the crank abandoning the pin the index is pulled back
rapidly by the spring and produces a sound as it strikes against the tappet * at
the same time as its movement furnishes an optical indication.
I may if desired dispense with the index 1, and also with the mechanism belonging
thereto, and in lieu of this employ a ratchet device which at the proper moment
will automatically prevent the continuation of the winding up of the sensitive
material, this ratchet device being actuated by the winding up mechanism itself.
After the system has thus been fixed it will be sufficient in order to release it to
move the ratchet device by hand back to its original position.
The series number which the light produces upon each plate at the same time as
the exposure number, is obtained in a similar manner to the latter by combining
whenever this may appear desirable, two alphabets or two series of figures or signs,
so that each letter of one of the alphabets may serve for marking a great number
of plates, by employing it alone first and then with each of the letters of the other
alphabet successively. Thus for example Figure 1 of the drawing, p, represents
the frame provided at the upper or lower part with a rule bearing the letters
from A to Q; all the plates of the first series, that is to say those obtained with a
first roll of material may be marked simply with A at the top; those of the second
series may be marked with A at the top and with A below; those of the third,
fourth, fifth, sixth and further series may always bear A at the upper part but
B, C, D, E and so on respectively at the lower part; there are therefore 18 series of
plates marked with A. at the top. I replace the A by B at the upper part for the
following 18 series with the different letters from A to Q successively at the lower
part, then I replace the B by C and so on so that altogether, as there are upon
each of the rules 17 letters I have a means of marking different signs 18 times
17 series, that is 306 series, each comprising as many plates as are contained in one,
which evidently exceeds the requirements even in the case of most extensive
explorations.
It is understood that I may diminish the number of the letters, figures or signs
employed, and I may also if desired augment it in like manner.
In order that the plates obtained with one frame shall not be confounded with
those made in another, which would render the above stated precautions useless, the
number of the frame is likewise marked upon the plate at the moment of the
impression, thus the plate indicates a number 1 cut out in the lower left hand
corner of the frame k; the position might manifestly vary, and also the mode of
producing the number, letter, or other sign which is to designate the frame.
In a general way, that is to say, in such a manner as may be conveniently used
for the numbers of the frame as well as for the exposure numbers, and the series
numbers I may mark these numbers upon the plate either in white or in black.
Accordingly they may be formed by cutting them out from an opaque piece (thin
metal, natural or artificial parchment or the like) or, without being cut out they
may be left transparent upon a piece of glass, mica, enamel or imitation enamel,
B

page_text: celluloid or the like, the remainder of whose surface may be opaque; or on the
contrary they may be opaque upon a transparent bottom or cut out full with a
space around.
When the letters or signs intended to indicate the series are carried by rules &S
P
represented in Figures 1 4 and 5 each rule may be actuated by means of a rod p
passing out of the side of the box 9 and graduated so that the operator may see
upon this rod what letters are exposed at the apertures in the frame.
This arrangement may be replaced by a modified arrangement as represented' in
Figures 7 and 8 and which consists in fixing upon the edge of the box g a small
plate o in which is arranged a disc o bearing the desired letters or numbers, and
which is turned through a division in each change of series so as to move to the
upper part the characters which are suitable; these characters being thus exposed
at an aperture pierced in the frame projects its image upon the plate at the
moment when the light acts. The disc o, may be pivoted to a screw which serves
as an axis for the same, or may simply be held in its place by being fitted in the
plate, the said disc being milled at its circumference for enabling it to be easily
turned.
In order to be able to mark a greater number of series of plates I may use
several discs of this kind, in the same manner as I have just indicated the employ-
ment of several numbering rules.
I may if desired dispense with what I have termed the series numbering device,
that is to say rules por the discs o' and retain ouly the exposure numbering device,
by augmenting, the number of the discs, 78, the numbered wheels 10 and the
apertures and so on, and also the actuating wheels as far as may be
necessary.
On the other hand, instead of using wheels with twelve teeth and putting twelve
numbers upon the discs and upon the wheels behind the apertures in the box, I may
provide these discs and wheels with the figures from 0 to 9 and employ wheels
having only ten teeth, so that the first disc marks the units, the second the tens,
the third the hundreds, the fourth the thousands and so on, and in the same manner
for the wheels placed behind the apertures. Each plate will then be designated
only by a single number indicating its order of the plates produced since the
commencement of the excursion and by the invariable number on the frame.
I will now proceed to describe the special construction of the delivery and
receiving cylinders e upon which is wound the suitable sensitive material. Each
cylinder is made of two parts b³ ³ or e² or e³ connected by a longitudinal hinge b
or e; after opening the cylinder I introduce into it the extremity of the strip,
then I close it again, pinching the latter between the two parts one of which is
provided with a row of points 65 or e for preventing the strip from escaping.
As shown in Figures 2 and 6 the roller e is provided at one of its extremities
with a central hole and two diametrically opposite holes into which pass a
journal e and two pins e el carried all three by a disc e. From the exterior face
of this disc the screw-threaded axis e projects which receives the key h;
accordingly this key actuates the roller through the medium of the disc.
The mounting of the roller (Figures 4 and 9) is the same as that of the
roller e, with this difference that the screw-threaded axis 6 instead of having a
key is provided with a tightening nut '; between the nut and the frame fis
interposed a metallic disc 67 slightly twisted or bent in order to be elastic, which
enables the tightening of the nut to be regulated at will and consequently also
the friction, which must be overcome by the roller b in order to turn, this disc thus
acts as a brake.
At the extremity of the roller bore may be placed as shown on Sheets I and II,
a disc bor e which prevents the light infiltrating between the coils of the roll
of pellicle and deteriorating it, when it is necessary to re-charge the frame outside
the laboratory.
At the other extremity of each of the rollers may also be provided a projecting
jaw or disc b¹² e¹ which is pierced with a hole at the centre; into which hole is

page_text: inserted a journal 13 e fixed to the extremity of a spring strip be the other
extremity of which is secured to the side of the frame f. A similar spring strip
may if desired carry the above mentioned journal 613 13. It would then be fixed
upon the frame by its centre. It will be understood that to enable the rollers b
and e to be removed it is sufficient to pull the strips e respectively so as to
disengage the journals from the holes in these rollers and that on the other hand
when the cylinders have been put back into their place it is only necessary to let
these strips pass back into tlieir original positions in order to hold them therein.
The spring strips may be replaced by nuts 18e (Figure 9) which may be turned
with the fingers in order to cause the journals 13 13 to advance or recede, the latter
terminating for this purpose in a screw threaded rod 616 el which can advance or
recede but which cannot turn because it is slit (as shown in Figure 9) and because
into this slit passes a small cross piece 617e" fixed to the guard b18e18 thus preventing
the lateral displacement of the nut 15 els
The axis of the
As shown in the drawings and particularly in Figures 2 and 4.
receiving roller e e carries a ratchet el with which engages a spring pawl e' carried
by one side of the frame and which prevents any rear movement.
The frame which is composed of two cheeks of metal connected at the front
part by the plate f¹ of aluminium or other substance which serves as a support
for the stretched sensitive material. This frame carries the rollers and the whole
mechanism except the parts carried by one of the sides of the box g, and the series
numbering devices which are carried by the lateral frame k fixed to the box.
It now only remains to describe the arrangement which I use for enabling the
key h to always remain attached to the box of the frame, while enabling it to be
detached at will from the axis e for permitting the removal of the roller-carrying
frame, or enabling it to be fixed in order to permit the turning of the receiving-
roller e to give movement to the strip or band of material.
This arrangement consists in providing the rod of the key, with a shoulder
where it passes through the centre of a small cylinder (Figure 6) against which
shoulder acts a spring which tends to push it back to the outside, but prevents
its complete removal by means of a screw or other stop on the other hand the
extremity of the rod of this key is screw threaded and it is sufficient to turn it by
pressing above so as to overcome the resistance of the spring to enable it to be
screwed upon the axis and unite it therewith without danger of its turning the
axis the wrong way because if turned to the left it would be unscrewed.
pin 45 which
A
In Figure 9 I have represented an arrangement of a simpler key which enables
the same result to be obtained, the shaft of the key carries simply a
abutting against the disc fixed to the box 9 prevents the key passing out.
leather washer prevents all infiltration of light.
It will be readily understood that the system herein described may be applied to
frames of any dimensions and any proportions, and that the rollers and axes which
are in this case parallel with the narrow sides might on the contrary be parallel
with the large sides. In either case they may be mounted upon the box g itself
and also the whole mechanism and the frame might be dispensed with, which
would not make any material difference to the system.
On the other hand the arrangement on Sheets I and II on the one hand and that
on Sheet III on the other hand show that the position of the delivery roller b and
of the receiving roller e may be reversed, this would simply necessitate the placing
of the key and of the exposure numbering devices on the left of the box, in
lieu of placing them on the right hand side.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this said inven-'
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that I am aware
that it has been previously proposed to use visible counters or recording
arrangements with photographic roller slides and I make no general claim to such
counters but what I claim is:-
..First. In a photographic frame with rollers carrying any sensitive material, ar
}

page_text: delivery roller and a receiving roller e made of two parts connected by a hinge
one of which is provided with a line of points, one of the extremities of the said
rollers being mounted upon a turning axis while the other extremity turns simply
upon a fixed adjustable journal carried by a spring strip or an adjusting screw,
substantially as described.
Second. In a photographic frame with rollers, the brake of the delivery roller
formed by a bent or twisted disc which is pressed against a fixed surface,
substantially as described.
Third. In a photographic frame with rollers, a cylinder d which turned by the
action of the strip of sensitive material and which produces a line of perforations
upon the latter when it is unwound the suitable length for an exposure in order to
mark the line along which the plates must be separated; the perforations being
produced by means of a row of points fixed to a bar d placed in the cylinder d and
pushed forward at the desired movement by cams which are mounted upon a
shaft which the shaft of the cylinder d causes to make a revolution while the
sensitive material advances the length of an exposure, which bar d² passes then
into the cylinder under the action of springs, substantially as described.
Fourth. In a photographic frame with rollers, an automatic counting or
numbering device printing by light at the moment of the exposure, a distinctive
number or sign (simple or multiple) upon each plate obtained, and at the same
time exposing to view in one or more apertures the same simple or multiple number
or sign this numbering device being actuated by the perforating cylinder d and
composed of a series of gear wheels some of which carry numbers or signs, and
discs carrying the same numbers or signs and arranged in front of the sensitized
surface, substantially as described.
Fifth. In a photographic frame with rollers, a collective numbering device or
series numbering devices, operated by hand and serving to mark by the action of
light the same number, letter or sign upon a series of plates which receive on the
other hand numbers or signs differing from each other by means of the above
mentioned automatic numbering device, substantially as described.
Sixth. In a photographic frame with rollers, the employment, as a series
numbering device, of one or more sliding rules p one extremity of which passes
through the frame and indicates to the operator one or more numbers letters or signs
which occupy the desired position (opposite one or more openings in the frame) in
order that the light may print them upon the plate, substantially as described.
Seventh. In a photographic frame with rollers, the employment, as a series
numbering device, of one or more discs which are turned by hand and which
present successively in front of one or more apertures in the frame a number letter
or sign which in this position is visible for the operator and at the same time
enables the light to print it upon the plates when the sensitive surface is exposed
to its action, substantially as described.
Eighth. In a photographic frame with rollers the formation upon the frame of a
number, letter or sign in such a manner that it will be printed by the light upon
each plate in order to indicate with what frame this plate has been made, sub-
stantially as described.
Ninth. In a photographic frame with rollers, the box g presenting upon in front
face a frame in which are pierced the openings or apertures necessary for enabling
the light to print upon the plates numbers, letters or signs at the moment of the
operation, this box carrying moreover the key by means of which the strip of
sensitive material is unwound and carrying also the index and the axis and spring
of this index substantially as described.
Tenth. In a photographic frame with rollers, the stop key h serving for the
unwinding of the sensitive material, this key being constructed so as to remain
adherent to the box g while it can at will be separated from the axis of the delivery
roller e or be fixed to this axis substantially as described.
Eleventh. In a photographic frame with rollers the index / serving to indicate
when the desired length of sensitive material is unwound, this index being set in

page_text: motion by the perforating roller either for turning it by means of two toothed
wheels which may be uncoupled from each other at will for enabling the index to
be moved back to its original position or for imparting to it an oscillatory move-
ment by means of the crank 3, a pin and a spring, with the object of obtaining an.
acoustic and optical indication, substantially as described with reference to.
Sheets I and II and to Sheet III of the drawings.
Twelfth. The general arrangement and combination of the photographic frame
with rollers substantially as above described and represented in Sheets I and II and
in Sheet III of the drawings.
Dated this 7th day of March 1893
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.