Improvements in the Method of and Apparatus for Giving the Appearance of Objects in Motion.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Jan., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 13th June, 1896-Accepted, 5th Sept., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Method of and Apparatus for Giving the
Appearance of Objects in Motion.
I, THOMAS ARMAT, a citizen of the United States, and residing at 1313 F Street,
N.W., in the City of Washington, in the District of Columbia, U.S.A., Real Estate
Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to apparatus for exhibiting pictures so as to produce the
appearance of objects in motion; and the primary object of the invention is to
provide efficient means whereby a scries of photographic or other pictures, showing
successively the different positions or attitudes assumed by a person or object in
motion, may be displayed in such manner as to reproduce to the eye the appearance
of the moving object through all the phases of such movement with a life-like and
unblurred effect.
A further object is to provide means for effecting the displacement of a picture
and the substitution of another in its stead in an interval of time less than the
interval of illumination and exposure of the picture, so as to cause the interval of
illumination to predominate and render the act or effect of a change imperceptible
to the eye.
Another object is to provide means for accomplishing the results stated without
using a shutter or equivalent device, such as has heretofore been necessary in
apparatuses of a similar character, so as to utilize continuously and to the best
advantage the light afforded by the illuminator and to avoid casting shadows or
cloud effects produced by the passage of the shutter across the light.
The invention will now be more particularly described with reference to the
accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification.
In the drawings,
Figure 1 represents a side elevation of an apparatus or combination of devices
which may be employed in practising the invention;
Figure 2 is a detail side view on a slightly enlarged scale, of the drum and
mutilated gearing for intermittingly moving the tape-like film or other surface
carrying the pictures to be exhibited.
Figure 3 is a plan view of the drum and larger mutilated gear shown in
Figure 2;
Figure 4 represents in side elevation a modified form of a device embodying the
invention;
Figures 5 and 6 represent, respectively, a detail side view and a rear view of a
tension device for yieldingly holding the film or picture-carrying surface;
Figure 7 is a side elevation of another modification of the invention;
Figure 8 is a detail front view of the tension device shown in Figure 7, and
Figure 9 a sectional view on the line IX-IX of Figure 8.
In devices or apparatuses such as have heretofore been devised for exhibiting
life-like pictures or producing the appearance of motion it has been considered
a disk, tape or
most feasible to keep the series of similar pictures (whether on
other surface) constantly moving at a regulated speed corresponding with the
speed at which the pictures were taken, and by means of a shutter or light
obstructing surface to alternately cover and expese the pictures successively in a
manuer quite similar to the method of exposing the sensitive film or substance in
taking the photographs, so as to bring the opening through the shutter centrally

page_text: over a picture at intervals practically equal to the intervals between exposure in
taking the pictures, so that each picture may be seen only when it is in such a position
that it will be exactly superposed upon the image not yet (owing to the persistence
of vision) faded from the eye. The openings in such shutters, which are ordinarily
in the form of revolving disks having openings near their circumferences, usually
cover but a fractional part of the circumference of the disk, so that a view of the
picture is afforded through an interval of time much less than the period of
interruption; and as the illuminated pictures and the cloud effect, or darkness of
interruption caused by the passage of the shutter across the light, are blended or
mixed together in the eye of the observer, the darkness continues to impress upon
the retina so much longer than the light that the value of the illumination is very
greatly diminished and the picture appears to be poorly lighted or blurred.
In the case of my invention the conditions are quite different, and the results
produced are therefore more satisfactory than and superior to anything of the kind
heretofore obtained, for the reason that the picture is held a much longer time than
is required to remove it and substitute another in its stead, thus prolonging the
period of illumination very greatly as compared with the period of interruption or
change; and there is no obstruction of the light by the interposition of a shutter
or opaque substance across its path; so that the impression of the picture on the
eye is so much longer and permanent than the distortion or shadow effect incident
to its movement, and the interval of change or interruption is so infinitesimal that
the image of the picture is readily retained until displacement and substitution
takes effect, and owing to the inability of the eye to receive an impression from
every phase of motion the interruption or change is wholly imperceptible, and the
result is a most vivid appearance of an object in motion, otherwise unchanging,
clearly exhibiting all the phases of such motion with life-like effect.
In the arrangement illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings A may denote an
illuminator consisting preferably of an electric light and a condensing lens, whereby
the rays of light are concentrated upon a picture located in the focus of an
objective lens B. C denotes a film or strip composed of any suitable transparent
or translucent flexible substance adapted to provide a surface for carrying pictures
produced thereon by photographic or other means; the several pictures in the
series representing successively different positions of a moving object, so that the
exhibition of the entire series of pictures in the order in which they were made or
taken may result in the reproduction of the appearance of the moving object in
every phase of its motion. This film may be wound or coiled upon a reel or spool D
from which one of its ends may pass over the surface of a drum E; said spool and
drum being suitably journaled in standards or supports to permit the film to be
wound upon one as it is unwound from the other and so arranged that as the film is
moved the pictures thereon will be brought successively into the focus of the
object-lens.
My invention depends for its successful operation both upon the inability of the
eye to receive impression of movement exceeding a certain rapidity, and upon that
faculty of the eye which enables it to retain an impression after the source of light
has vanished the persistence of vision-which enables me to change the pictures,
one for another, imperceptibly. This I accomplish by moving the film or other
picture-carrying surface intermittingly in such manner that the interval of exposure
and illumination of the picture shall exceed the interval of time required to effect
a change sufficient to enable the eye to form a perfect impression or image at each
exposure and to retain it through the interval of change or until another picture
has been superimposed, as it were, upon the oue displaced, thus rendering the act or
effect of displacement and substitution of pictures wholly imperceptible. Various
contrivances and forms of mechanisins may be employed for effecting the inter-
mittent movement, the requirement being that the film or other surface shall be
moved quickly between successive pauses far enough to expose the next succeeding
picture in the series. In the forms shown in Figures 1 and 21 have affixed to one
side of the drum E a peripherally notched or toothed gear wheel I which is driven

page_text: A
by a smaller gear wheel or disk G having single tooth g which is adapted to
engage one of the notches in the wheel Fat every revolution and move the latter
a part of a revolution proportional to the relative diameters of the two gears; such
part revolutions of the gear E being adapted to bring the several pictures
successively into the focus of the object-lens. The periphery of the wheel F
between each pair of notches f, is formed with a concave or semicircular depression¹
which is adapted to form a seat for the toothless peripheral portion o' of the gear G,
whereby when the tooth has escaped from a notch the larger gear may be locked
and held in a stationary position by said toothless portion of the gear Gengaging
and moving in sliding contact with one of the depressions f¹, until the smaller gear
has made a complete revolution, whereupon the operation of moving the larger
gear a part revolution and again locking it coincidently with the exposure of
the picture on the picture-carrying surface will again be repeated and so on
indefinitely.
Any suitable motor may be employed for imparting motion to the driving gear G.
The letter H in Figure 1 denotes a motor for this purpose, connected by a belt h
with the shaft of the gear G. If desired a recl may receive the film or tape C as it
is payed out by the drum E and may be rotated by the motor H by means of a
belt i, connecting the shaft of the reel with the driving shaft of the gear G. or in
auy suitable manner. Every time the gear F is moved a part revolution the film C
should be moved just far enough to displace the exposed picture and substitute another
in its stead, and it is also desirable that the film should be held quite taut in passing
behind the lenses and maintained against flexure or bending at the point of exposure
of the picture, and to this end it is preferably provided with a series of perforations
along its edges, as at e, c, to engage teats or pins e, e, on the drum E to prevent
slipping, and is yieldingly clasped by a tension device K between the members of
which it passes on its way from the spool D to the drum E; said tension device
being suitably supported and in such position as to adapt it to prevent flexure of
the film at the point of exposure of the picture and to aid in keeping the film tant.
This tension device may consist of a fixed member or plate (Figure 5) placed in
front of the film and a forked member (Figures 5 and 6) of spring metal bearing
on the opposite side of the film so as to hold it with a yielding pressure against the
plate; the latter having an opening therethrough arranged opposite the fork of the
spring which straddles the picture-surface, so that the view of the picture may
be unobstructed. By means of a set screw bearing upon the shank of the
spring the pressure of the latter upon the film may be varied at will. This
tension device inay be used either with or without a film tightener L (Figure 1) located
nearer the reel D, though either or both of these devices may be dispensed with in
some cases. The tightener L consists simply of a spring fixed at one end and having
its free end padded and arranged to press the film yieldingly against a roller
journaled below the spool D.
In the modification shown in Figure 4, a series of similar pictures are arranged
in a circle upon the upper surface of a circular plate or disk M, the periphery of
which is formed with alternate notches and semicircular depressions the same as the
gear wheel F in the other figures, and adapted to be driven in the sime manner by
a smaller gear N; the pictures thereon being viewed through a magnifying glass
which may be held in the hand. This picture-carrying surface or disk may be
arranged to rotate in a horizontal plane or otherwise. In the horizontal position
the pictures upon the plate are illuminated by light froin above, in case the plate
is opaque, or from beneath if it be transparent. In the latter case the plate M may
be made to revolve with its axis parallel with the axis of the object-lens of a
microscopic or an ordinary projecting lantern, with the pictures in the focus of the
objective, so that the pictures may be projected upon a screen the same as ordinary
transparencies are, except that the picture upon the screen will possess the saine
life-like effect which is observed through the magnifying glass when the latter is
used. This plate may take the place of an ordinary lautern slide of a magic
lantern, the lantern being otherwise the same as ordinarily used.

page_text: The series of pictures in the form shown in Figure 4 are arranged in a circle as
ato,o, near the periphery of the disk, but various modifications of this arrangement will
readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, such as a spiral or serpentine
arrangement which will permit a larger number of pictures to be arranged spirally
on the surface of the revolving disk."
It will be understood, of course, that the results hereinbefore described may be
produced by other means than intermittent gearing, and I do not desire to be
limited to the use of intermittent gearing, as other means may he employed for
causing the light on the screen to exceed in duration the interval of change, that
is, the time required to effect the removal of one picture and the substitution of
another in its stead, which is essential to success. I do not claim novelty in the
pictures, but I am not aware that prior to my invention any instrument or apparatus
has been devised by which life-like pictures may be given a very long illumination,
compared with the time necessary for effecting a change, and the fact that no
feasible method has heretofore been devised to accomplish this result accounts for
the very poor results so far attained in lantern work.
Instead of the construction and arrangement of parts shown in Figure 1 with
the spool D, drum E, and the mutilated gearing for intermittingly moving the
film, I may employ a pair of drums, or spools E, E, Figure 7, around which the
filin C may pass, as shown, from a suitable spool or holder over and under
the drum E, thence through the tension device K, and over and under the
drum E, in the direction shown by the arrows. The film is preferably gently
pressed in its passage over the drum E by a roller e resting thereon; said roller
being journaled in a bracket es, which is adjustably mounted upon a standard e',
rising above the drum E2. Below the drum E is also preferably placed a spring-
pressed roller which bears underneath the film and presses it gently against the
periphery of the drum. From the latter point the film C (which has sufficient
body or rigidity to cause it to move or be carried upwardly or outwardly a short
distance away from the drum aud its point of contact with the roller e) is carried
slightly upward or ontward from the drum and with a return bend passes in a
straight line between the two members of the tension device K, and thence to the
drum E as described.
For the purpose of intermittingly moving or feeding the film or picture-carrying
surface, in such manner as to cause the series of pictures thereon to be brought
successively into the illuminated field and retained therein for an interval of time
exceeding the time required to effect the displacement of any one picture and the
substitution of another in its stead, I may employ, in the arrangement shown in
Figure 7 a rotating disk O, driven by suitable power, and having thereun a stud or
pino (preferably a friction roller journaled on said pin) adapted to impinge against
the film and advance the same a predetermined distance at each revolution of the
disk. The di-k O may be journaled in a suitable frame-piece or standard Pin
such position that the stud or roller thereon may press downwardly upon the
film, at a point between the tension device K' and drum E', so as to cause the
film to be moved or drawn downward the required distance at each revolution of
the disk.
The tension device shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9, consists of two members of a
form somewhat different from that shown in Figures 1, 5 and 6. The stationary
member has a pin projecting therefrom through the yielding or spring-backed
nember 3, and provided with a nut at its outer end, between which aud
the member is placed a cuiled or other suitable spring , by which the movable
member is held with a yielding force in proper relation to the stationary member,
so as to gently clasp the film between the two parts and sustain it in a fixed
position during the period of exposure of the picture through openings at 4", with
which the two members are provided. To cushion or provide a smooth surface
for the film between the two plates or members A, A, of the tension device, a
strip of leather or other soft material may be cemented or otherwise secured on
the inner surfaces of said plates surrounding the openings &, as shown at .

page_text: I also preferably provide a brush to keep the surface of the film clean; such
brush being held between the leaf springs q which are adjustably mounted on a
socket-piece R secured to the tension device or other support.
The film C is preferably endless and bears or carries a series of pictures
throughout its length, which are brought successively into the illuminated field and
projected or exposed to view in the order of their succession.
I may further provide in connection with one or both of the feed drums E', E³, a
pressure device, spring or springs S adapted to press the film yieldingly against the
smooth face or periphery of the drum, between the rows of teeth thereon, so as to
hold the film in place.
The film being supported and actuated as described and shown, is permitted to
bave sufficient slack at the beud thereof above the tension device to permit a rapid
movement of a given length sufficient to displace any one of the pictures in the
series and bring another into the field of illumination, and as soon as the stul or
roller o releases the film the slack at that point is taken up by the drum E', thus
keeping the film at the proper tension.
The feed drums E and E should be geared together or otherwise actuated so as
to run at a regulated speed, and revolve in unison with each other, each making
a complete revolution in the same instant of time, and the disk O should also
be geared to the drum E or otherwise actuated so that it may revolve a given
number of times at each revolution of the drum, thereby advancing the film the
same distance for every revolution.
Instead of the disk O, an eccentric, or an arm bearing a stud or roller, or a pair
of arms each bearing a stud or roller, so as to move the film twice instead of once
at each revolution of the shaft carrying such eccentric, arm or arms, might be
employed.
In order to prevent heating the front plate of the tension device and through it
the film, I provide a shield which may consist of a plate T, of brass, asbestos, or
other suitable material, placed in front of the plate k, but slightly separated
therefrom, so as to provide an intervening air space, to permit the air to circulate
and keep the tension plate cool. The shield is adapted to prevent the rays of light and
heat from the condensing lens from falling onto and heating the said tension plate,
and is itself partially cooled by the circulation of air in the intervening air space.
Dated this 6th day of January 1896.
T
1.
W. LLOYD WISE,
46 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Chartered Patent Agent.
Improvements in the Method of and Apparatus for Giving the
Appearance of Objects in Motion.
I, THOMAS ARMAT, a citizen of the United States, residing at 1313 F Street,
N.W., Washington, in the District of Columbia, U.S.A., Real Estate Agent,
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 apparatus for exhibiting pictures so as to produce
the appearance of objects in motion; and the primary object of the invention is
to provide efficient means whereby a series of photographic or other pictures,
showing successively the different positions or attitudes assumed by a person or
object in motion, may be displayed in such manner as to reproduce to the eye the
appearance of the moving object through all the phases of such movement with
a life-like and unblurred effect.

page_text: A further object is to provide means for effecting the displacement of a picture
and the substitution of another in its stead in an interval of time less than the
interval of illumination and exposure of the picture, so as to cause the interval of
illumination to predominate and render the act or effect of a change imperceptible
to the eye.
Another object is to provide means for accomplishing the results stated without
using a shutter or equivalent device, such as has heretofore been necessary in
apparatuses of a similar character, so as to utilize continuously and to the best
advantage the light afforded by the illuminator and to avoid casting shadows or
cloud effects produced by the passage of the shutter across the light.
The invention will first be hereinafter more particularly described with reference
to the drawings filed with my Provisional Specification, and then pointed ont in the
claims at the end of the description.
In the drawings,
Figure 1 represents a side elevation of an apparatus or combination of devices
which may be employed in practising the invention.
Figure 2 is a detail side view on a slightly enlarged scale, of the drum and
mutilated gearing for intermittingly moving the tape-like film or other surface
carrying the pictures to be exhibited.
Figure 3 is a plan view of the drum and larger mutilated gear shown in
Figure 2.
Figure 4 represents in side elevation a modified form of a device embodying the
invention.
Figures 5 and 6 represent, respectively, a detail side view and a rear view of a
tension device for yieldingly holding the film or picture-carrying surface.
Figure 7 is a side elevation of another modification of the invention.
Figure 8 is a detail front view of the tension device shown in Figure 7, and
Figure 9 a sectional view on the line IX-IX of Figure 8.
In devices or apparatuses such as have heretofore been devised for exhibiting
life-like pictures or producing the appearance of motion it has been considered
most feasible to keep the series of similar pictures (whether on a disk, tape or
other surface) constantly moving at a regulated speed corresponding with the
speed at which the pictures were taken, and by means of a shutter or light
obstructing surface to alternately cover and expose the pictures successively in a
manner quite similar to the method of exposing the sensitive film or substance in
taking the photographs, so as to bring the opening through the shutter centrally
over a picture at intervals practically equal to the intervals between exposure in
taking the pictures, so that each picture may be seen only when it is in such a
position that it will he exactly superposed upon the image not yet (owing to the
persistence of vision) faded from the eye. The openings in such shutters, which
are ordinarily in the form of revolving disks having openings near their circum-
ferences, usually cover but a fractional part of the circumference of the disk, so
that a view of the picture is afforded through an interval of time much less than
the period of interruption; and as the illuminated pictures and the cloud effect, or
darkness of interruption caused by the passage of the shutter across the light, are
blended or mixed together in the eye of the observer, the darkness continues to
impress upon the retina so much longer than the light that the value of the
illumination is very greatly diminished and the picture appears to be poorly
lighted or blurred.
In the case of my invention the conditions are quite different, and the results
produced are therefore more satisfactory than and superior to anything of the kind
heretofore obtained, for the reason that the picture is held a much longer time
than is required to remove it and substitute another in its stead, thus prolonging
the period of illumination very greatly as compared with the period of interruption
or change; and there is no obstruction of the light by the interposition of a
shutter or opaque substance across its path; so that the impression of the picture
on the eye is so much longer and permanent than the distortion or shadow effect

page_text: incident to its movement, and the interval of change or interruption is so infinitesimal
that the image of the picture is readily retained until displacement and substitution
takes effect, and owing to the inability of the eye to receive an impression from
every phase of motion the interruption or change is wholly imperceptible, and the
result is a most vivid appearance of an object in motion, otherwise unchanging,
clearly exhibiting all the phases of such motion with life-like effect.
In the arrangement illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings A may denote an
illuminator consisting preferably of an electric light and a condensing lens, whereby
the rays of light are concentrated upon a picture located in the focus of an
objective lens B. C denotes a film or strip composed of any suitable transparent
or translucent flexible substance adapted to provide a surface for carrying pictures
produced thereon by photographic or other means; the several pictures in the
series representing successively different positions of a moving object, so that the
exhibition of the entire series of pictures in the order in which they were made
or taken may result in the reproduction of the appearance of the moving object
in every phase of its motion. This filin may be wound or coiled upon a reel or
spool D from which it may pass over the surface of a drum E; said spool and
drum being suitably journaled in standards or supports to permit the film to be
wound upon one as it is unwound from the other and s arranged that as the film
is moved the pictures thereon will be brought successively into the focus of the
object-lens.
My invention depends for its successful operation both upon the inability of the
eye to receive an impression of movement exceeding a certain rapidity, and upon
that faculty of the eye which enables it to retain an impression after the source
of light has vanished-the persistence of vision-which enables me to change the
pictures, one for another, imperceptibly. This I accomplish by moving the film
or other picture-carrying surface intermittingly in such manner that the interval
of exposure and illumination of the picture (the illumination being uninterrupted
by the interposition of a shutter) shall exceed the interval of time required to
effect a change sufficiently to enable the eye to form a perfect impression or image
at each exposure and to retain it through the interval of change or until another
picture has been superimposed, as it were, upou the one displaced, thus rendering
the act or effect of displacement and substitution of pictures wholly imperceptible.
Various contrivances and forms of mechanisms may be employed for effecting the
intermittent movement, the requirement being that the film or other surface shall
be moved quickly between successive pauses far enough to expose the next
succeeding picture in the series. In the forms shown in Figures 1 and 2 I have
affixed to one side of the drum E a peripherally notched or toothed gear wheel F
which is driven by a smaller gear wheel or disk G having a single tooth y which
is adapted to engage one of the notches in the wheel F at every revolution and
move the latter a part of a revolution proportional to the relative diameters of the
two gears; such part revolutions of the gear F being adapted to bring the several
pictures successively into the focus of the object-lens. The periphery of the
wheel F between each pair of notches f is formed with a concave or semi-circular
depression which is adapted to form a seat for the toothless peripheral portion gl
of the gear G, wherehy when the tooth g has escaped from a notch the larger gear
may be locked and held in a stationary position by said toothless portion of the
gear G engaging and moving in sliding contact with one of the depressions,
until the smaller gear has made a complete revolution, whereupon the operation of
moving the larger gear a part revolution and again locking it coincidently with the
exposure of the picture on the picture-carrying surface will again be repeated and
so on indefinitely.
Any suitable motor may be employed for imparting motion to the driving
gear G. The letter H in Figure 1 denotes a motor for this purpose, connected by
a belt with the shaft of the gear G. If desired a reel may receive the film or
tape C as it is payed out by the drum E and may be rotated by the motor H by
means of a belt i, connecting the shaft of the reel with the driving shaft of the.

page_text: gear G, or in any suitable manner. Every time the gear F is moved a part
revolution the film C should be moved just far enough to displace the exposed
picture and substitute another in its stead, and it is also desirable that the film
should be held quite taut in passing behind the lenses and maintained against
flexure or bending at the point of exposure of the picture, and to this end it is
preferably provided with a series of perforations along its edges, as at e, c, to
engage teats or pins e, e, on the drum E to prevent slipping and is yieldingly
clasped by a tension device K between the members of which it passes on its way
from the spool D to the drum E; said tension device being suitably supported in
such position as to adapt it to prevent flexure of the film at the point of exposure
of the picture and to aid in keeping the film taut. This tension device may consist
of a fixed member or plate k (Figure 5) placed in front of the film and a forked
member (Figures 5 and 6) of spring metal bearing on the opposite side of the
film so as to hold it with a yielding pressure against the plate; the latter having an
opening therethrough arranged opposite the fork of the spring which straddles the
picture-surface, so that the view of the picture may be unobstructed. By means
of a set screw bearing upon the shank of the spring the pressure of the latter
upon the film may be varied at will. This tension device may be used either with
or without a film tightener I. (Figure 1) located near the reel D, though either or
both of these devices may be dispensed with in some cases. The tightener L
consists simply of a spring fixed at one end and having its free end padded and
arranged to press the film yieldingly against a roller journaled below the
spool D.
In the modification shown in Figure 4, a series of similar pictures are arranged
in a circle upon the upper surface of a circular plate or disk M, the periphery of
which is formed with alternate notches and semi-circular depressions the same as
the gear wheel F in the other figures, and adapted to be driven in the same manner
by a smaller gear N; the pictures thereon being viewed through a magnifying glass
which may be held in the hand. This picture-carrying surface or disk may be
arranged to rotate in a horizontal plane or otherwise. In the horizontal position
the pictures upon the plate are illuminated by light from above, in case the plate is
opaque, or from beneath if it be transparent. In the latter case the plate A may
be made to revolve with its axis parallel with the axis of the object-lens of a
microscopic or an ordinary projecting lantern, with the pictures in the focus of the
objective, so that the pictures may be projected upon a screen the same as ordinary
transparencies are, except that the picture upon the screen will possess the same
life-like effect which is observed through the magnifying glass when the latter is
used. This plate may take the place of an ordinary lantern slide of a magic
lantern, the lantern being otherwise the same as ordinarily used.
The series of pictures in the form shown in Figure 4 are arranged in a circle as
at 0, 0, near the periphery of the disk, but various modifications of this arrangement
will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, such as a spiral or
serpentine arrangement which will permit a larger number of pictures to be
arranged spirally on the surface of the revolving disk.
I do not desire to be limited to the use of intermittent gearing for producing
the results hereinbefore described as other means may be employed for causing the
light on the screen to exceed in duration the interval of change, that is, the time
required to effect the removal of one picture and the substitution of another in its
stead, which is essential to success. do not claim novelty in the pictures, but
I am not aware that prior to my invention any instrument or apparatus has been
devised by which life-like pictures may be given a very long illumination compared
with the time necessary for effecting a change and without interruption of the
light or illumination of the picture, and the fact that no feasible method has
heretofore been devised to accomplish this result accounts for the very poor results
so far attained in lantern work.
Instead of the construction and arrangement of parts shown in Figure 1 with
the spool D, drum E, and the mutilated gearing for intermittingly moving the.

page_text: film, I may employ a pair of drums, or spools E', E, Figure 7, around which the
film C may pass, as shown, preferably from a suitable spool or holder over and
under the drum E, thence through the tension device K, and over and under the
drum E', in the direction shown by the arrows. The film is preferably gently
pressed in its passage over the drum E by a roller resting thereon; said roller
being journaled in a bracket e, which is adjustably mounted upon a standard e',
rising above the drum E². Below the drum E' is also preferably placed a spring-
pressed roller e which bears underneath the film and presses it gently against the
periphery of the drum. From the latter point the film C (which has sufficient
body or rigidity to cause it to move or be carried upwardly or outwardly a short
distance away from the drum and its point of contact with the roller e³) is carried
slightly upward or outward from the drum and with a return bend passes in a
straight line between the two members of the tension device K and thence to the
drum E as described.
For the purpose of intermittingly moving or feeding the film or picture-carrying
surface, in such manner as to cause the series of pictures thereon to be brought
successively into the illuminated field and retained therein for an interval of time
exceeding the time required to effect the displacement of any one picture and the
substitution of another in its stead, I may employ, in the arrangement shown in
Figure 7 a rotating disk, O, driven by suitable power, and having thereon a
stu or pin o (preferably a friction roller journaled on said pin) adapted to
impinge against the film and advance the same a predetermined distance at
each revolution of the disk. The disk O may be journaled in a suitable frame-piece
or standard P in such position that the stud or roller o thereon may press
downwardly upon the film, at a point between the tension device K' and druni E,
so as to cause the film to be moved or drawn downward the required distance at
each revolution of the disk.
The tension device shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9, consists of two members of a
form somewhat different from that shown in Figures 1, 5 and 6. The stationary
member has a pin projecting therefrom through the yielding or spring-backed
member 3, and provided with a nut at its outer end, between which and
the member is placed a coiled or other suitable spring k³, by which the movable
member is held with a yielding force in proper relation to the stationary member,
so as to gently clasp the film between the two parts and sustain it in a fixed position
during the period of exposure of the picture through openings at A, with which
the two members are provided. To cushion or provide a smooth surface for the
film between the two plates or members k³, k, of the tension device, a strip of
leather or other soft material may be cemented or otherwise secured on the inner
surfaces of said plates surrounding the openings ko, as shown at k². I also
preferably provide a brush Q to keep the surface of the film clean; such brush
being held between the leaf springs which are adjustably mounted on a socket-
piece R secured to the tension device or other support.
7
The film C is preferably endless and bears or carries a series of pictures
throughout its length, which are brought successively into the illuminated field
and projected or exposed to view in the order of their succession.
I may further provide in connection with one or both of the feed drums E', E²,
a pressure device or spring S adapted to press the film yieldingly against the
smooth face or periphery of the drum, between the rows of teeth thereon, so as to
hold the film in place.
The film being supported and actuated as described and shown, is permitted to
have sufficient slack at the bend thereof above the tension device to perimit a rapid
movement of a given length sufficient to displace any one of the pictures in the
series and bring another into the field of illumination, and as soon as the stud or
roller o releases the film the slack at that point is taken up by the drum E', thus
keeping the film at the proper tension.
The feed drums E' and E should be geared together or otherwise actuated so as
B

page_text: to run at a regulated speed, and revolve in unison with each other, each making a
complete revolution in the same instant of time, and the disk O should also be
geared to the drum E or otherwise actuated so that it may revolve a given
number of times at each revolution of the drum, thereby advancing the film the
same distance for every revolution.
Instead of the disk O, an eccentric, or an arm bearing a stud or roller, or a pair
of arms each bearing a stud or roller, so as to move the film twice instead of once
at each revolution of the shaft carrying such eccentric, arm or arms, might be
employed.
In order to prevent heating the front plate of the tension device and through it
the film, I provide a shield which may consist of a plate T, of brass, asbestos, or
other suitable material, placed in front of the plate 3, but slightly separated
therefrom, so as to provide an intervening air space, to permit the air to circulate
and keep the tension plate cool. The shield is adapted to prevent the rays of light
and heat from the condensing lens from falling onto and heating the said tension
plate, and is itself partially cooled by the circulation of air in the intervening air
space.
From the foregoing description it will be seen that the pictures are brought
successively into an illuminated field and that each picture is illuminated without
interruption from the instant it enters such field until displaced by the next picture
in the series, and that the several pictures in the series are successively substituted
one for another with such rapidity that, although the exposed portion of the film or
picture-carrying surface is continuously illuminated, the eye receives an impression
of the picture which so greatly predominates any possible impression that
might be made by the practically instantaneous motion of said film or surface,
in substituting picture for picture, that the predominating impression which the
eye receives, owing to its inability to receive two impressions at one and the same
time, and to the persistence of vision, has the effect of rendering the movement of
the film utterly imperceptible, while the successive impressions of different pictures
are each retained until another picture in the series is superimposed, as it were,
upon the previous impression or picture, thus rendering it possible to produce most
vivid and life-like effects without any interruption whatever in the illumination,
whether the film is moving or stationary, and without interposing a shutter and
thereby causing a shadow or shade effect which reduces the vividness of the
impression.
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 :-
1st. An apparatus for exhibiting pictures so as to give the impression to the
eye of objects in motion, comprising a picture-carrying film or surface adapted to
be given an intermittent step-by-step movement for bringing the pictures or
objects thereon successively into position for exposure in an illuminated field,
means for illuminating pictures or objects exposed in said field, and mechanism
for quickly moving said surface at intervals so as to successively expose the
pictures or objects thereon, the exposed picture or object being uninterruptedly
illuminated during the period of exposure, the construction being such that the
impression made by the illuminated picture while stationary so greatly pre-
dominates any impression liable to be caused by the motion of the film as to render
the latter imperceptible to the eye, owing to the persistence of vision, substantially
as described."
2nd. An apparatus for exhibiting pictures, comprising a movable picture-
carrying surface or film adapted to be given an intermittent step-by-step
movement so as to bring a series of pictures or objects therecon successively into
an illuminated field, means for illuminating the picture or object exposed in said
field, and mechanism for intermittently moving said surface so as to quickly

page_text: substitute one picture for another without interrupting the illumination; the
construction being such that the motion of the film is rendered imperceptible to
the eye by the predominating impression of the picture and the persistence of
vision, substantially as described.
3rd. A sbutter-less picture-exhibiting apparatus for giving the impression to
the eye of objects in motion, comprising a transparent picture-carrying surface,
means for intermittingly moving said surface step-by-step so as to present to view
the pictures thereon in the order of their succession, and means for uninterruptedly
illuminating the picture during the period of exposure; the interval of time
between the exhibition of successive pictures being instantaneous while the
period of illumination is comparatively greatly prolonged, substantially as
described.
4th. In picture-exhibiting apparatus for giving the impression to the eye of
objects in motion, the combination with the picture-carrying film and means for
intermittingly moving said film so as to expose the pictures thereon successively
in an illuminated field for an interval of time exceeding the interval of motion, of
the tension device comprising two members between which the film is adapted to
pass, one member being adapted to yieldingly press the film toward the other so
that it is held taut and prevented from flexing or puckering at the point of
exposure of the picture, substantially as described.
5th. In a picture-exhibiting apparatus for giving the impression to the eye of
objects in motion, the combination with an illuminator and a projecting leus, of a
transparent picture-carrying surface arranged in the focus of the objective of the
projecting lens, means for intermittingly moving the said surface in such manner
that the interval of illumination shall exceed the interval of change, and a tension
device adapted to keep the picture taut and prevent flexing or puckering at the
point of exposure, substantially as described.
6th. In a picture-exhibiting apparatus, the combination with an illuminator and
a projecting lens, of a picture-carrying strip or film having a portion thereof
arranged in the focus of the objective of the projecting lens, a tension device
adapted to keep said portion of the film taut and prevent flexing or puckering at
the point of exposure, means for intermittently moving said portion so as to
impart a step-by-step movement thereto and successively place the pictures in
position for exposure, mechanism for taking up the film as it is intermittently
moved, and mechanism for feeding the film so as to provide slack therein between
the same and said tension device, whereby that portion of the film between the
feeding and take-up mechanisms may be intermittently moved with great rapidity
without unnecessary strain and wear upon the film, substantially as described.
7th. In a picture-exhibiting apparatus, the combination with a picture-carrying
film, of a tension device therefor adapted to keep the film taut and prevent
flexing or puckering at the point of exposure, mechanism for taking up the film
after leaving the tension device, means located intermediate said tension device
and the take-up mechanism for intermittently moving the film, together with
means for feeding the filin so as to provide slack between the same and said
teusion device, whereby the pictures may be successively placed in position for
exposure with great rapidity without unnecessary strain and wear upon the film,
substantially as described.
Sth. In a
picture-exhibiting apparatus the tension device, comprising a
stationary member and a movable member between which the film may pass,
each having an opening for exposing the pictures on the film, and means for
normally pressing said movable member toward said stationary member with a
yielding force so as to gently clasp the film or picture-carrying surface between
the two members and sustain it in a fixed position during the period of exposure
of the picture, substantially as described.
9th. In a picture-exhibiting apparatus, the combination with a picture-carrying
surface or film and means for intermittingly moving the same so as to expose
successively the pictures or objects thereon, of a tension device comprising two

page_text: members between which said film passes, one member being stationary and the
other movable; said members each having an opening therethrough for exposing
the pictures; a spring arranged to normally press the movable member toward the
stationary member with a yielding force, and means for varying the tension of the
spring, substantially as described.
10th. In a picture-exhibiting apparatus, the combination with a movable tape or
film and a pair of drums over which said film passes, of a tension device comprising
a stationary and a yielding member between which the film passes from one drum
to the other, means for providing slack in the film between the first drum and said
tension device, and means for intermittingly quickly moving the film through the
tension device sufficiently to successively expose the pictures and to take up the
slack and keep the film at the proper tension, substantially as described.
11th. In a picture-exhibiting apparatus, the combination of a pair of drums and
means for driving the same at a uniform speed so that each shall make a complete
revolution in the same interval of time, a picture carrying surface or film arranged
to pass over said drums, a tension device comprising two members, one yielding,
the other stationary, between which said film passes intermediate the two drums,
and means for intermittingly moving the film so as to successively expose the
pictures thereon in the field of illumination, and means for uninterruptedly
illuminating the pictures exposed in said field, substantially as described.
12th. In combination with the movable picture-carrying film and means for
intermittingly moving the same, a tension device comprising two members, one
stationary and the other movable, between which the film passes, said members
being provided with co-incident openings therethrough for exposing the pictures
and the stationary member having a pin projecting therefrom through an opening
in the movable member, a nut adjustably fitted upon said pin, and a spring inter-
posed between the nut and the movable member for varying the tension of the
spring, substantially as described.
13th. The combination with the picture-carrying surface or film, of means for
illuminating the pictures thereon, means for intermittingly moving the film so as to
bring the pictures successively into the field of illumination, the tension device
comprising two plates between which the film passes, each having an opening
therethrough for exposing the pictures, and a shield or plate arranged between the
tension plates and the illuminator and slightly separated therefrom, so as to provide
an intervening air space to permit the air to circulate and keep the tension plates
cool; said shield also having an opening therein co-incident with the openings in
the tension plates, substantially as described.
14th. A picture-exhibiting apparatus comprising a suitable lens, au illuminating
device, a transparent film adapted to travel across the path of light between the
illuminator and lens, a drum over which said film passes in advance of the tension
device, a second drum for receiving the film after it passes the tension device,
means for continuously rotating said drums at a regulated speed, a tension device
comprising a yielding and a stationary member between which the film passes and
is yieldingly held intermediate the two drums, and a continuously revolving disk
having a projection or roller thereon adapted to engage the film once during each
revolution of the disk and intermittingly move the film a certain distance at each
movement so as to take up the slack between the first drum and the tension device
and successively expose the pictures on said film in an illuminated field for an
interval of time exceeding the interval of motion, substantially as described.
Dated this 2nd day of Tuna A D 1900
THOMAS ARMAT.