Improvements in Means or Apparatus for Separating and Manipu- lating Glass Plates or Flexible Films in Photographio Cameras or Changing Boxes for same.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 21st Apr., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 26th Nov., 1894-Accepted, 29th Dec., 1894
4
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Means or Apparatus for Separating and Manipu-
lating Glass Plates or Flexible Films in Photographio Cameras
or Changing Boxes for same.
I, WILLIAM CUTHBERTSON, of 2 Ashgrove Terrace, Partickhill, Glasgow in
the County of Lanark, Draughtsman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows
*-
My invention has for its object to provide means whereby plates or films of the
ordinary make without special preparation or cutting can be separated one after the
other or in pairs from a series of such plates or films for exposure in the camera, and
afterwards deposited at the back of the original series of plates or films, or in a separate
light-tight box arranged for their reception. This improvement in the means and
apparatus for separating plates or films is applicable to either self contained cameras
or to changing boxes used with ordinary bellows cameras. I will describe it as
applied to a changing box for an ordinary bellows camera which will also show its
adaptability for separating and manipulating films or plates in a self contained
camera. According to my invention the plates or films are placed in a box one
on the top of the other. The box is made of such dimensions internally as to
admit of the plates or films being slightly turned to the left and to the right
alternately as they are deposited in the box-the centre axis of the plates being the
same. The box is so constructed as to retain the plates or films in the slightly
turned position in which they are deposited in the box. The box is fitted to a
frame, the inside dimensions of which frame are large enough to admit of the plates
or films dropping freely through. The box is fitted to the frame in such a manner
as to permit its being turned to the left and right on its centre axis to the same
extent as the plates or films are turned when deposited in the box, and the action
of turning the box to the right or left in relation to the frame has the effect of
dropping a plate or film for each separate motion. Springs are arranged so as to
press forward the unexposed plates or films as they are removed but not to
interfere with the space left for the reception of the exposed plates or films.
The box and the frame are both fitted with a light-tight sliding door for the
purpose of allowing the plates or films to be deposited in and removed from the
box.
The box and frame also have the necessary fittings for attaching to each
of them a dark. slide. This dark slide is fitted with two sliding doors similar to
those in ordinary use, but one door is made sufficiently large to admit of a plate or
film dropping through into the slide when opened, and is fitted with a spring to
press on the back of the plate or film after it has dropped for the purpose of
keeping it in position. In working this apparatus the dark slide need not necessarily
be removed from the camera but each side of the box and frame containing the
unexposed plates or films may be attached to it alternately and a plate or film
deposited in or removed from it the camera being held with the lens pointing
downwards when the plate or film is being deposited and pointing directly upwards
when the plate or film is being removed. This dark slide can also be made to take

page_text: two plates or films by a special attachment being fitted to the sliding door through
which they are dropped to prevent their falling out when this door is opened for
the purpose of exposing one of them in the camera.
An alternative arrangement to the box and frame described above for the
separation of the plates or films is to have the box of a circular shape and fitted
so as to make a complete revolution in the frame. The plates or films in this case
are deposited in the box on the top of each other as in the first case but instead
of being slightly turned on their centre axis to the right and left alternately they
are all slightly turned on their centre axis in one direction and the box is so
constructed as to retain them in this position. In this arrangement the plates or
films are dropped by turning the box through a certain part of a circle according
to the amount the plates or films are turned in relation to one another, stops being
arranged so as to hold it in position after it has travelled the necessary distance for
dropping a plate or film.
Dated this 20th day of April 1894.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Means or Apparatus for Separating and Manipu-
lating Glass Plates or Flexible Films in Photographic Cameras
or Changing Boxes for same.
I, WILLIAM CUTHBERTSON of 2 Ashgrove Terrace, Partickhill, Glasgow, in
the County of Lanark, Draughtsman do hereby declare the nature of my invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement in writing :-
My invention has for its object to provide means whereby sensitive plates or films
of the ordinary make without special preparation or cutting can be separated one
after the other or in pairs from a series of such plates or films for exposure in the
camera, and afterwards deposited at the back of the original series of plates or
films, or in a separate light-tight box arranged for their reception.
These improvements in the means and apparatus for separating plates or films,
for exposure in the camera are applicable either to self-contained cameras or to
changing boxes for use with ordinary bellows cameras
I will describe one arrange-
ment of my invention as applied to a changing box for separating and manipulating
sensitive plates for use with an ordinary bellows camera, the operations for films or
plates being exactly similar. According to my invention the plates are placed in a
box (hereinafter referred to as the receiving box) one on the top of the other.
The receiving box is made of such dimensions and shape internally as to admit of
the plates being slightly turned to the left and to the right alternately as they are
deposited in it, and is also so constructed as to retain the plates in the slightly
turned position in which they are deposited, one side of the receiving box is fitted
to a frame in such a manner as to permit its being slightly oscillated on the frame,
to the same extent as the plates are turned when deposited in the box. The frame
is made of such inside dimensions as to allow of the plates dropping freely through
and the action of oscillating and moving the receiving box on the frame enables a
plate to be dropped through the frame for each separate motion. The top part of
the receiving box is made removable for the purpose of filling it with unexposed
sensitive plates. The receiving box and frame are each fitted with a light-tight
sliding door for the purpose of allowing the exposed plates to be deposited in or
removed from the receiving box. The removable part of the receiving box is fitted
with springs to press forward the unexposed plates as they are being removed from
it. The receiving box and frame are also. fitted with the necessary catches for

page_text: attaching to either of them a dark slide. This dark slide is fitted with two light-
tight sliding doors similar to those in an ordinary double back but one door is made
sufficiently large to permit of a plate dropping into the dark slide when opened,
and is fitted with springs to press on the back of the plate after it has dropped into
the dark slide for the purpose of keeping it in position.
In working this apparatus the dark slide is fixed to the frame of the receiving
box and the two sliding doors which come together are drawn. The receiving box
is then slightly oscillated on the frame by the movement of a suitable lever which
motion releases a plate and allows it to drop into the dark slide. The sliding doors
are then close.l and the dark slide removed for the purpose of exposing the plate
in the camera. After the dark slide with the exposed plate has been removed
from the camera it is attached to the opposite side of the receiving box and the
two sliding doors coming together are drawn which allows the exposed plate from
the dark slide to drop into the receiving box on the top of the unexposed plates
already in it. This operation is continued until all the plates in the receiving box
have been exposed and returned again to the receiving box or if desired any
number of the plates which have been exposed can be removed for development.
If desired the dark slide can be permanently fitted to the camera and each side
of the receiving box attached to it alternately for depositing a plate in the dark
slide and returning it to the receiver. In this case the dark slide need only have
one sliding door and the plate in it will be always kept from the light so long as
the lens of the camera is covered. The dark slide can also be made to take two
plates from the receiver and expose them one after the other in the camera by
having a special frame fitted to the sliding door through which the plates are
dropped into and removed from it. The frame and sliding door being both drawn
together when the plates are being dropped into or removed from it and the door
In this
only being drawn when the plate next to it is being exposed in the camera.
case each pair of plates or films are inserted in the receiving box back to back on
the top of one another with a piece of opaque cardboard or other material between
them so that they drop together into the dark slide and the special frame is fitted
with springs to press on the sides of the plate next to it to keep it in position.
In using this slide with plates a thin piece of cardboard is placed between them
and when using it with films a thick piece is placed between them so as to keep
them sensitive surface in the same relative position.
An alternative arrangement to the receiving box and frame already described
for the separation of sensitive plates is to have the box of a circular shape and fitted
80 as to make a complete revolution on the frame. The plates in this case are
deposited in the receiving box on the top of each other as in the first case but
instead of being slightly turned on their centre axis to the right or left alternately
tbey are all slightly turned on their centre axis in one direction and the box is of
such inside dimensions and shape as to retain them in their position and the plates
are dropped by turning the box in the one direction through a certain part of a
circle, according to the amount the plates are turned in relation to one another
stops being arranged so as to hold it in position after it has travelled the necessary
distance for dropping a plate and numbers marked round the outside of the
receiving box with a pointer attached to the frame serves as an indicator to the
number of the plates removed from it. Having thus outlined the arrangements
and mode of using the apparatus; I will in order that my invention may be fully
and clearly understood, describe the details of the improved changing box with
reference to the appended two sheets of drawings in which identical or corresponding
parts are indicated throughout in each sheet by the sanie numerals in all the figures
where shown.
Fignres 1 to 8 Sheet Number 1 show the changing box as first described with
the receiving box of a rectangular shape oscillating in a frame and used with a
dark slide holding only one sensitive plate. Figures 9 to 13 Sheet Number 2 show
the alternative arrangement with the receiving box of a circular shape and revolving
in a frame and used with a dark slide bolding two sensitive plates it being

page_text: understood that the double or single dark slide can be used equally well with either
arrangement of changing box.
Figure 1 is a sectional view taken on the line Y, Y, Figure 2 showing the
receiving box A filled with plates and having the dark slide D fixed in position for
depositing a plate which has already been exposed in the camera.
Figure 2 is a sectional plan taken on the line X X Figure 1 showing a section
through the receiving box A, and also the mechanism for oscillating it on the
frame B.
Figure 3 is a side elevation showing the receiving box A with the dark slide D
attached in position for receiving an unexposed plate from the receiving box.
This view also shows the indicator mechanism on one side, of the receiving box.
Figure 4 is an end elevation partly in section of the receiving box A with the
dark slide D attached as in Figure 3. This view also shows the mechanism for
oscillating the receiving box A.
Figure 5 is a sectional elevation taken on the line Z Z, Figure 2 showing the
receiving box A filled with plates and the dark slide D detached so as to show the
method of construction and attachment.
Figures 6 and 7 show the marking of the indicator wheels in each of the two
sides of the receiving box for indicating the, number of plates which have been
dropped from it.
Referring to these drawings:
:-
The receiving box A is made preferably of wood, or other light material the
inside proportions and shape being as shown in the sectional plan Figure 2.
In filling this box with plates, the first plate is inserted so that the
corners 1-1, 2-2, rest on the frame B and the next plate is inserted so that
the corners take the positions 3-3, 4-4.
The following plates are inserted alternately in those positions and are supported
by the first plate inserted. The top part C of the receiving box A. is fixed with
catches five and six which may be swivelling hook catches as shown to the
receiving box so that it can be removed for the purpose of filling the receiving
box A with unexposed plates. This top part C is also fitted with a light-
tight sliding door 7 for the purpose of returning the exposed plates to the
receiving box.
The frame B which is shown in Figure 2 is fitted to the receiving box A in
such a manner as to allow the box A to be slightly oscillated or rotated on it and
is fitted with actuating mechanism for this purpose. The inside shape is rectangular
as shown by the corners 3-3, 4-4. It will thus be seen that when the box A is
turned in such a position that the corners 1-1, and 2-2 of the box A coincide or
are exactly above the corners 3-3, 4-4 of the frame B the first plate in the
receiving box A can be dropped through the frame B and the next plate will have
taken up the position of resting on the frame B.
The actuating mechanism for rotating the receiving box A on the frame B
consists of a lever 11 which is pivoted to a plate 12 secured to the frame B. On
this lever is fixed a stud or pin 13 which engages in a slot in the angled
plate 14 which plate is fixed to the receiving box A.
In Figure Two the receiving box A is shown as oscillated downwards at the
left hand side in relation to the frame B and by moving the lever 11 by its nob 15
to the opposite side of the frame where a small hole 16 is shown the receiving
box A is oscillated in the reverse direction on the frame B and every such motion
enables a plate to be dropped from the receiving box A through the frame B and
into the dark slide D. When the nob 15 of the lever 11 is in its extreme positions
denoted by the Figures 15 and 16 it is held in position by a pin or stud attached
to the lever engaging in a small hole or recess in the frame B at those points.
But by using simple stops on the box A and frame B the necessary oscillation
could be effected by hand without the use of the lever mechanism described. The
box A is held to the frame B by four metal corner pieces 20 which enter grooves
in the corners of the receiving box and is fitted to it as shown at 21 Figures 1

page_text: and 5 the box and frame being checked so that the light cannot penetrate to the
plates in the receiving box. The frame B. is also fitted with a light tight sliding
door 10, for the purpose of allowing a plate' to be dropped into the dark slide D.
The frame B and the top part C of the receiving box A are fitted with swivelling
or other catches 17 shown in dotted lines in Figure 2 for engaging with the dark
slide D.
The box A is fitted with indicating mechanism to indicate the number of plates
which have been taken from it. This mechanism consists of two toothed wheels 22
and 23 Figures 3, 6, and 7 one wheel being fitted to each of the two sides of the
box A. One of the toothed wheels is marked with even numbers and the other
with odd numbers and are each covered by guard plates 24 and 25 each guard
plate having a hole through which the numbers indicated by the wheels can
be read."
Each wheel is fitted with spring catches 25 and 26 Figure 3 the spring catch 25
being fixed to the receiving box A. so that when the receiving box is oscillated to
the right the catch 26 fixed to the frame B turns the wheel round one tooth and
the catch 25 slips a tooth and holds the wheel in position. When the receiving
box is turned to the left the catch 25 prevents the wheel from turning and the
catch 26 slips a tooth. Thus the number of plates which have been dropped out
of the receiving box A is shown by the indicator on that side to which the
lever 11 has been turned. The receiving box A is fitted with a movable dividing
partition 27 shown in Figures 1 and 5 and shown in Figure 8 to a reduced scale.
This partition serves to divide the unexposed plates and the exposed plates which
are dropped on the top of them, so as to prevent an unexposed plate being taken
out for an exposed plate if it is required to develope before all the plates in the
receiver have been exposed. The dividing partition is made of such a shape that
when all the unexposed plates have been taken from the receiving box, it engages
with the frame B to the extent of one half its thickness and prevents the box A
being oscillated by the actuating mechanism thus giving sure indication that the
plates unexposed have all been removed from the receiving box, the other half of
its thickness is of such a shape as to prevent it dropping through the frame B and
thereby keeping the already exposed plates from dropping through. This dividing
partition being of the same shape as the interior of the box A or as of two of
the plates as they lie in the box.. Two springs 8 and 9 Figures 1 2 and 5 are fixed
to the under side of the top part of the receiving box and press on the back of
the dividing partition keeping the unexposed plates packed closely together and
pressing them forward as they are dropped from the receiving box.
The dark slide D is fitted with two light tight sliding doors 18 and 19. The
sliding door 18 is for the purpose of allowing a plate to be dropped into the dark
slide from the receiving box and also for returning it after exposure in the camera.
This door is fitted with springs 28 for the purpose of keeping the plate in position
when being exposed. The light tight door 19 is for the purpose of exposing the
plate in the camera but can be dispensed with when the dark slide is permanently
fixed to the camera. The dark slide D is also fitted with two angled plate
catches 29 for the purpose of attaching it to the frames B or the removable part C
It is also fitted with
of the receiving box A by the swivelling catches 17.
rebates 30 for attachment to an ordinary bellows camera similar to the ordinary
double backs at present in use.
Referring to the alternative arrangement as shown on Sheet 2 Figure 9 is a plan
of the receiving box A with the top part C removed.
Figure 10 is a sectional view taken on the line Y, Y, Figure 9 and shows the
receiving box A with the double dark slide Dattached in position for the purpose
of receiving unexposed plates from the receiving box A.
Figure 11 is a sectional view taken on the line Z, Z, Figure 9 and shows the
receiving box A with the double dark slide D attached in position for the purpose
of dropping plates which have been exposed in the camera into the receiving
box A.

page_text: Figure 12 is an end elevation partly in section of the receiving box A with the
double dark slide attached as in Figure 10.
Figure 13 shows the form of the dividing partition.
Referring to these drawings. The receiving box A is made preferably of wood
or other light material the inside proportions and shape being as shown in the plan
Figure 9. In filling this box with plates when used with the double dark slide
two plates are placed back to back with a piece of opaque material between them
and they are then placed in the box as indicated by the corners 1-1, 2-2, the
next pair of plates are placed in the box so as to occupy the position shown by
the corners 5-5, 6-6, and each following pair of plates are put in so that they
occupy the corners adjacent to the pair previously inserted in the box.
The top part C of the receiving box A is fitted with swivelling catches 7 which
engage with pins 8 attached to the receiving box so that it can be removed for the
purpose of filling the receiving box A with unexposed plates. This top part C of
the receiving box A is also fitted with a light tight sliding door 16 for the purpose
of returning the exposed plates to the receiving box.
The frame B is fitted to the receiving box in such a manner as to allow the
box A to make a complete revolution on it. The inside shape is rectangular as
shown by the corners 3-3, 4—4. It will be thus seen that when the box A is
rotated so that the corners 1-1, 2-2 coincide or are exactly above the
corners 3-3, 4-4 of the frane B the first two plates inserted in the receiving
box can be dropped through the frame B, and the next two plates will have taken
up the position previously occupied by the first two plates. The box A has
numbers marked round it, to register the number of plates that have been
removed. The frame B is fitted with a stop catch 10 which has a pin 9 which
engages in small holes or recesses in the box A. and holds it in position when it
is desired to drop two plates from the receiving box the catch 9 is pulled back
and the receiving box turned by the hand till the catch is opposite to the
next hole.
The box A is fitted in a check 11 in the frame B and a metal ring 13 screwed
down to the frame B with the screws 14 rests on the projecting ring 12 of the
box A and holds it to the frame B but does not prevent the one revolving on
the other.
"
The frame B is also fitted with a light tight sliding door 15 for the purpose of
allowing plates to be dropped into the dark slide D. The frame B and the top
part C of the receiving box A are fitted with swivelling or other catches 17 for
the purpose of engaging with the rebates 22 on the dark slide D. The receiving
box A is fitted with a movable dividing partition 24 Figures 10 and 11, and shown
in Figure 13 to a reduced scale.
This serves to divide the unexposed plates and the exposed plates which are
dropped on the top of them. This dividing partition is made of such a shape that
when all the unexposed plates have been removed from the receiving box A it
engages with the frame B to the extent of one half of its thickness and prevents
the box A being turned further thus giving sure indication that the unexposed
plates have all been removed from the receiving box.
The other half of its thickness is of such a shape as to prevent its dropping
through the frame B therefore keeping the plates which have already been exposed
and returned to the receiving box from dropping through.
Two springs 18, 19 Figure 11 are fixed to the under side of the top part of
the receiving box A and press on the back of the dividing partition keeping the
unexposed plates packed closely together and pressing them forward as they are
dropped from the receiving box these springs may either be of the spiral type as
shown or may be ordinary flat springs.
The dark slide D is fitted with two light tight sliding doors 19 and 20 the
sliding door 19 being fitted with an outer metal sliding frame 21. It is so arranged
that this door can be drawn without drawing the frame or that the door and frame
can be both drawn together by means of the projection shown at 21*, in Figure 10.

page_text: vy nen IL is required to drop two plates into or take two plates out of the dark
slide the door 19 and the sliding frame 21 are both drawn together, but when it is
only desired to expose one of the plates in the camera the door only is drawn.
The other plate is exposed in the camera by drawing the sliding door 20.
The metal frame 21 is fitted with two springs 23 for the purpose of keeping
plates in their correct position in the dark slide.
The dark slide D is fitted with rebates 22 for attaching either side of it to the
camera similar to the ordinary double backs at present in use.
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 :-
First. The construction and general arrangement and combination of the parts
of photographic apparatus consisting of a receiving and changing box for
separating and manipulating sensitive flexible films or glass plates for exposure
in a photographic camera, and after exposure returning them to said receiving
box, fitted and operated, all substantially as herein described, and shown in the
accompanying drawings.
Second. The construction and use as a receiving and changing box for
separating and manipulating sensitive flexible films or glass plates of apparatus
consisting of a box capable of oscillation on a frame, having its inner sides
shaped to receive the films or plates and fitted with a movable partition, all
substantially as herein described and shown in Figure 1 to 8 the accompanying
drawings.
Third. The construction and use as a receiving and changing box for separating
and manipulating sensitive flexible films or glass plates of an apparatus consisting
of a box capable of rotation on a frame, having its inner sides shaped to receive
the films or plates and fitted with a movable partition all substantially as herein
described and shown in Figures 9 to 13 of the accompanying drawings.
Fourth. The construction of receiving and changing boxes for separating and
manipulating sensitive flexible films or glass plates in a photographic camera
secured to a frame in a manner to permit of oscillation or rotation all substantially
as herein described and shown in the accompanying drawings.
Fifth. The construction of a receiving and changing box for separating and
manipulating sensitive flexible films or glass plates for exposure in a photographic
camera oscillating on a frame and actuated by lever mechanism all substantially as
herein described and shown in Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.
Sixth. The construction of a receiving and changing box for separating and
manipulating sensitive flexible films or glass plates for exposure in a photographic
camera rotating on a frame and fitted with stops and registering mechanism all
substantially as herein described and shown in Figures 9 to 12 of the accompanying
drawings.
Seventh. In a photographic apparatus for separating and manipulating sensitive
flexible films or glass plates for exposure in a photographic camera the combination
with a receiving and changing box of an exposing dark slide fitted with catches
for securing it to each side of the receiving box alternately and with a sliding
door with springs to keep the films or plates in position, all substantially as and
for the purposses herein described and shown in the accompanying drawings.
Eighth. In a photographic apparatus for separating and manipulating sensitive
flexible films or glass plates the combination with an oscillating receiving and
changing box of the indicating wheels automatically actuated by spring pawls on
the frame, all substantially as herein described and shown in Figures 2 to 7 of the
accompanying drawings.
Ninth. In combination with a receiving and changing box for separating and
manipulating sensitive flexible films or glass plates for exposure in a photographic
camera the construction and use of a double dark slide having one of its sliding
door fitted with an outer sliding frame all substantially as and for the purposes

page_text: herein described and shown in Figures 10, 11, and 12 of the accompanying
drawings.
Dated the 21st day of November 1894.
W. R. M. THOMSON & Co.,
96, Buchanan Street, Glasgow, Agents.