Improvements in Apparatus for Hot-rolling Photographs.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd Mar. 1889
Specification Accepted, 27th Apr.. 1889
Improvements in Apparatus for Hot-rolling Photographs.
I, NEWNHAM BROWNE, of 73, Cheapside, in the City of London, Fellow of the
Institute of Patent Agents, do hereby declare the nature of the said invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR HOT-ROLLING PHOTOGRAPHS "which invention has
been communicated to me from abroad by Hugo Engler, of 34 Prager Str., Dresden, in
the Kingdom of Saxony and Empire of Germany, Photographer to the Royal Court of
Saxony, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement:
Hot-rolling apparatuses as heretofore constructed are defective, inasmuch as the
photographs otherwise ready for delivery, are frequently spoilt when passing through
the apparatus for the purpose of "enamelling or polishing the surface, and this
involves considerable loss to the photographer.
The adjusting-device provided directly under the polishing-bar or plate prevents an
even distribution of the flame, and an even heating of the entire polishing bar or plate,
so that equal polishing or "enamelling" of the entire surface of the photograph is
not possible. The adjusting device usually supports the polishing bar or plate in a
single point only and the whole attention of the operator is therefore directed to the
introduction of the photographs between the polishing bar and the roller at that exact
point, as, otherwise, uneven stretching causes distortion of the picture.
The chief cause for the spoiling of photographs is however the naked heating flame.
The slightest draught causes the flame to flicker so that the picture is scorched or
stained by soot.
The present invention obviates these defects. The improved apparatus is shown in
the accompanying drawings in which
Fig. 1, is partly an elevation, partly longitudinal section, of the apparatus; Fig. 2,
a transverse section Fig. 3, a plan and Figs. 4 to 8 show details.
In this hot-rolling apparatus the polishing-bar a is combined with a double roof-like
heating portion b, the latter carrying the former. The heater is supported on
standards
Under
c, c, and has arms d, d, on one side and an arm d¹ on the other.
each arm a set-screw (e, e and e¹ respectively) is provided on the base plate and these
allow the polishing-bar to be exactly adjusted with reference to the roller w; a pin f

page_text: passes through the screw e¹ and serves partly as a stop for the said screw and also, in
conjunction with a graduated scale on the base plate as an index showing the distance
between the polishing-bar a and, the roller w.
The flames are provided within the heater and through the latter transmit heat
to the polishing-bar. The heater covering the flames protects the pictures against all
contact with the flames as well as with the products of combustion.
To produce the friction required between the back of the photographs and the roller
in order to feed the pictures forward it was heretofore necessary to keep the surface of
the roller roughened by artificial means. To obviate the recurrent labour of roughening
the present invention provides the following means.
Over the surface of the smooth roller w, made of washable material, a movable
cover is provided, this being lined with felt or other absorbent material. When the
apparatus is to be used this lining is moistened with water, which is, in minute
quantities passed to the roller w, when the latter rotates, so that its surface is covered
with a very minute film of water which is partly evaporated by the heat radiating from
the polishing-bar a, and heater b, and as a vapour reaches the card of the photograph
to be rolled. The card thus loses it's rigidity or hardness and becoming more elastic
is botter pressed against the polishing-bar. The dampness of the roller increases it's
adhesion to the pictures and perfectly replaces the roughening hitherto practised.
When the moisture of the lining decreases it is sufficient slightly to depress the
cover to press out the quantity of moisture required for dampening the roller.
To prevent injury to the surface of the polishing bar a, as well as to that of the
roller, guard caps i are provided on the former, upon which the ends of the roller
bear.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondent I declare that what I claim is
(1). In a machine for hot-rolling photographs the combination of the polishing-bar
with a roof-like heater b.
a
(2). In a machine for hot-rolling photographs the adjusting device consisting of the
arms d, d, d', set screws e, e, e¹, and index-pin f, and scale.
(3). In a machine for hot-rolling photographs the arrangement of the flames 9,
within the heater b.
(4). In a machine for hot-rolling photographs the moistening device consisting of
a movable cover h, and the lining of felt or other absorbent material.
(5). In a machine for hot-rolling photographs the guard caps i, i, on the ends of the
polishing-bar.
Dated the 22nd day of March 1889.