LMPROVEMENTS IN " APPARATUS FOR APPLYING PHOTOGRAPHIC EMULSION TO PHOTOGRAPHIC PLATES
Year: 1885

page_text: I ALFRED JULIUS BOULT of 323 High Holborn in the county of Middlesex,'
Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention for "LMPROVEMENTS IN
"
APPARATUS FOR APPLYING PHOTOGRAPHIC EMULSION TO PHOTOGRAPHIC PLATES
(A communication from Eli John Palmer, of Toronto, Canada, Manufacturer)
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
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The object of the invention is to ensure an even and regular distribution of
emulsion over the face of the plate; and it consists essentially of a narrow vessel
made substantially the length to correspond with the width of the plate on which
the emulsion is to be applied, but provided with a porous apron or its equivalent
designed to receive the emulsion and distribute it on the plate substantially as
hereinafter more particularly explained.
Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the photographic plates arranged on an
endless apron designed to carry them under the distributing vessel which is also
shown connected to the urn from which the emulsion is obtained.
Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional elevation of the urn and emulsion reservoir
from which the main supply of emulsion is fed to the distributing vessel.
Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional detail showing the form of connection between
the flexible tube leading to the distributing vessel and the interior of the emulsion
reservoir.
'
Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the distributing vessel and its
operating mechanism.
Figures 5. 6 and 7 are details of alternative forms of distributing vessel when
designed to be operated by hand.
Figure 8 is a sectional end view of the distributing vessel shown in Figures 1. 4
and 7.
Figure 9 is a sectional end view of the distributing vessel shown in Figures 5
and 6.
t..
Figure 10 is an elevation of endless belt and rack for receiving the plates,
[Price Bd1

page_text: As the object of this invention is to ensure an even and regular distribution of
emulsion over the face of the plates it will be seen that this object will be attained
by the distributing vessel such as I shall hereinafter describe, whether made in the
form shown in Figures 1 and 4 or in the form shown in Figures 5. 6 and 7.
A represents the plates on which the emulsion is to be applied. These plates
are arranged as shown in Figure 1 on an endless belt when it is intended to operate
the distributing vessel automatically. The endless belt B is intended to be of
sufficient length to carry the plates after receiving the emulsion through a
refrigerator and a drying room within which they may be automatically discharged
onto a rack arranged to receive them as hereinafter specified.
C is the emulsion reservoir contained within an urn D. The bottom of this
reservoir C is open but is plugged and connected to the flexible tube E in the
following manner. The body of the reservoir C is made preferably of glass and its
open bottom fits over a soft rubber plug made to fit tightly into a hole made in
the bottom of the urn D. As shown in detail in Figure 3 a hole is pierced through
the plug and a hard rubber tapered ferrule a is fitted into the said hole.
b is another tapered ferrule designed to fit in the side of the mouth of the flexible
tube E so as to expand it and form a bell-mouthed opening from the reservoir C
into the tube. When the end of the tube E is inserted into the ferrule a and the
ferrule b within the mouth of the tube is driven down into the ferrule a a tight
and solid joint is formed at the bottom of the reservoir C and the tube E is at the
same time thus rigidly connected to the said reservoir. A piece of sponge r is
inserted in the hole over the ferrules a and b to form a filter for the emulsion.
It will be noticed that the tube E is covered with a thick outer covering after
it leaves the bottom of the urn D. This covering is intended to protect the flexible
tube E and prevent the emulsion cooling as it passes from the reservoir C to the
distributing vessel F.
I should here mention that the urn D is intended to contain hot water of
sufficient high temperature to keep the emulsion within the reservoir C thin enough
to flow freely through the tube E.
Z is a flexible tube used to withdraw the water from the urn which is done by
dropping the tube from the position it is shown in in Figure 1.
As shown in Figures 1, 4, and 8, the distributing vessel consists of an open
boat-shaped vessel having a longitudinal slot made in its bottom and covered with
an apron, c, made of flannel or some other porous material.
G, represents a pair of spring pinchers made to grip the end of the tube, E,
which projects into the distributing vessel, F. The spring in the pinchers, G, is
sufficiently strong to tightly close the end of the tube, E, and prevent the emulsion
from escaping from the tube into the vessel, F.
H, is a lever pivoted on the base-board, I, and having a friction-roller, d, on one
end which projects over the belt, B. The other end of the lever is connected to
one of the legs of the pinchers, G, by the cord or chain, e, which cord or chain
passes over a friction-pulley, f, so that the downward motion of that end of the
lever, H, will impart a horizontal movement to the end of the pinchers, G, to which
the cord or chain, e, is attached. This horizontal movement will, it will be seen,
cause the end of the pinchers, G, which grip the tube, E, to open, and consequently
the emulsion within the tube, E, is permitted to flow into the vessel, F, during the
period that the said pinchers may be held open. The vessel, F, is journalled or
pivoted on the rod, g, which extends beyond the end of the pinchers, G, as shown.
The vessel, F, has also an arm, h, so arranged that as the belt, B, is moved the
said arm will come in contact with the elevating bridge, i, attached to the belt, B,
which action causes the vessel, F, to rock upon the rod, g, and be held clear of the
belt, B, during the passage of the arm, h, over the said elevating bridge, i.
A bridge, j, is also attached to the belt, B, so that it will come in contact with
the friction-roller, d, in order to impart an upward rocking movement to that end
of the lever, H, and a consequent downward movement to its other end for the

page_text: purpose of, opening the pinchers, G, during the period that the vessel, F, is supported
clear of the belt, B, as specified.
On reference to Figures 1, and 4, it will be noticed that the plates, A, are held
to the belt, B, between projecting lips, k, and that a distinct space is left between
each plate. The bridges, i, and j, are located at each of these spaces, and are so
shaped that the vessel, F, is raised clear of the belt, B, and just sufficient emulsion
admitted into the vessel, F, during the passage of the said space below the vessel, F,
and the moment that enough emulsion has been admitted into the vessel, F, the
supply is cut off by the closing of the spring pinchers, G, and simultaneously
with this action the vessel, F, is dropped upon the next plate, A, which is then
swept by the apron, c, which conveys to and evenly distributes upon the said plate
the exact quantity of emulsion required to properly coat it.
From this description it will be seen that when this machine is arranged to work
automatically any number of plates, A; can be evenly and quickly coated with the
photographic emulsion without any attention from the operator other than placing
the plates upon the belt, B.
Although it will be preferable to thus arrange this machine to work automatically
Figures 5, 6, and 7, show how it may be operated by hand.
On reference to Figure 7, it will be seen that the spring pinchers, G, grip the
end of the tube, E, exactly in the same manner as already described, but that instead
of automatically opening the pinchers they may be opened by squeezing the hand
which grips them, the required quantity being adinitted into the vessel, F, by the
eye of the operator, who when he has filled the vessel simply draws the apron, c,
over the surface of the plate, A, thereby conveying the exact quantity required to
properly coat the plate, and as the emulsion will flow evenly over the surface of the
apron, c, it is therefore evenly distributed over the whole surface of the plate.
In Figures 5, 6, and 9, is shown an alternative form of this emulsion-distributing
machine when used by hand. In this form the distributing vessel, F, is cylindrical
and a valve, m, is placed between the mouth of the flexible tube, E, and the interior
of the vessel, F. This valve is opened by the lever, n, the operator learning by
experience the right time to hold the valve open for the purpose of filling the
interior of the vessel, F.
A longitudinal slot, o, is made in the bottom of the vessel, F, and an apron, c,
extends from below the said slit so as to close it when the slit rests against it, but
when the cylindrical vessel, F, is raised by pressing laterally against the lever, P,
the slit is opened and permits the escape of the emulsion within the vessel, F, which
flows down the apron, c, to the plate over which the said apron is drawn.
When the emulsion-distributing vessel, F, is made in the form shown in
Figures 5, 6, and 9, it may be gripped as shown in Figure 5. The operator first
pressing on the lever, n, admits sufficient emulsion from the reservoir, C, to which
the vessel, F, should be connected, and after thus filling the vessel the operator
draws the apron over the face of the plate, opening at the same time the slit by
pressing against the lever, p, as herein specified.
The small tubes, q, permit the escape of air and thereby allow the emulsion to
flow freely into the vessel, F.
In Figure 6 it will be noticed that the vessel, F, has a tube, s, made of glass or
any other equivalent material inserted into its longitudinal centre. This tube is
intended to retain in a measure the heat of the emulsion poured into the vessel, as
the air within the tube is self-contained and when heated will contribute to the
cooling emulsion around it a certain amount of warmth. The capacity of the
vessel, F, can also be regulated by the diameter or length of the tube, 8, for by
increasing its diameter the capacity of the vessel, F, will be reduced, or if the
tube, 8, is made shorter than the space within the vessel, F, then the capacity of the
vessel will be correspondingly increased.
Before concluding the description of the vessel, F, it will be well to mention that
although it will be preferable to have the vessel of a length corresponding in width
to the plates to be treated it will of course be understood that different widths of

page_text: plates may be treated with the same instrument, the only change being necessary is
to reduce or increase the length of the apron and to either so regulate the supply
of the emulsion or to make provision for increasing or decreasing the capacity of the
vessel, F, as suggested by the description of the tube, s. This, as before stated, is
simply making the vessel substantially the same length as the width of the plate to
be treated.
In Figure 10 will be found an illustration of the mechanism employed to discharge
the plates, A, from the belt, B, onto the rack. It might here be mentioned that
before the belt, B, reaches the plate-rack it passes through a refrigerator so that
the emulsion on the plates carried by the belt will be congealed before they reach
the plate-rack, J, onto which they are finally stacked, which plate-rack is of course
located in the drying-room. The plate-rack, J, is held within a vertical frame, K,
so that it may slide vertically within the said frame. The plate-rack, J, rests upon
the elevator, L, which is provided with a ratchet-rack, M.
N, is a ratchet-pawl pivoted on the frame, K, and provided with a spring designed
to hold the pawl, N, into gear with the ratchet-rack, M.
Q', is a corresponding pawl provided with a similar spring, but pivoted on the
lever, P, and extends up to a point close to the belt, B, as indicated. On the side
of the pulley, Q, around which the belt, B, passes, a series of pins, u, are placed
which are designed to come in contact with the lugs V, and W, on the lever P.
The effect of the contact of these pins with the lug is first, that when the pin u
comes in contact with the lug V, the lever, P is pushed over into the position it is
shown in in dotted lines, and as the said pin continues around the said drum it
comes in contact on the opposite side of the lug W, pushing the lever back into the
position it is shown in full lines in the figure. This motion of the lever P produces
two effects; viz, first it carries the plates A, from the belt B, into the plate rack J,
and secondly when pushing the lever P back into the initial position it raises the
plate-rack one shelf ready to receive the next plate. It should here be mentioned
that a conveying table is supported by the lever P, which it should be stated is
duplicated on the other side of the rack..
The pins u, are so set on the pulley Q that they do not move the lever P until
the plate has first being pushed on to the conveying-table R, by the travelling
action of the belt B.
As soon as this is accomplished the pins come into action and the lever conveys
the table, R, into the rack where it drops the plates on to one of the ledges formed
in the rack, and returns for the next plate.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to me
from my foreign correspondent I declare that what I claim is
1. In a device for applying emulsion, a narrow vessel made substantially of a
length to correspond with the width of the plate on which the emulsion is to be
applied and provided with a porous apron or its equivalent designed to receive the
emulsion and distribute it on the plate, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
2. In a device for applying emulsion, a narrow vessel made substantially of a
length to correspond with the width of the plate on which the emulsion is to be
applied and having a longitudinal slit made at or near its bottom to permit the
escape of the emulsion on to a porous apron through which the emulsion is applied
to the plate.
3. A distributing vessel F, journalled on the rod, g, and having an arm, h, attached
to it, in combination with the bridge i, attached to the travelling belt, B, substan-
tially as and for the purpose specified.
4. The distributing vessel, F, journalled or pivotted on the rod, g, and provided
with an arm, h, the spring pinchers, G, arranged to grip the end of the flexible
tube, E, the lever H, for operating the said pincers, in combination with the
bridges i, and i connected to the travelling belt, B, substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
•

page_text: 5. The spring pinchers, G, arranged to grip and close the end of the flexible tube,
and connected as described to the pivoted lever, H, in combination with the bridgej,
connected to the travelling belt B substantially as and for the purpose specified.
6. The distributing vessel F, journalled as described and supplied with emulsion
from a flexible tube E, closed by pinchers G, in combination with a travelling belt, B,
having plates A, held on its surface as described, and bridges i and j, arranged to
operate the vessel, F, and pinchers G, substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
7. An emulsion reservoir C, placed within a hot water urn D, and having a
flexible tube E, connected with the bottom thereof and arranged to convey emulsion
to the distributing vessels F, in combination with the sponge r, inserted in said
reservoir, C, over the mouth of said tube, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
8. A soft rubber plug arranged to close holes in the bottom of the reservoir C,
and urn D, hard rubber tapered ferrule a, inserted in a correspondingly-formed hole
in the said plug, in combination with a flexible tube, E having a hard rubber tapered
ferrule, b, inserted in its mouth and forced into the ferrule a, substantially as and
for the purpose specified.
9. In combination with a device for distributing photographic emulsion on plates,
an endless travelling belt B having projecting lips & and bridges i, i, placed on the
surface, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
10. A horizontal endless travelling belt, B, having projecting lips k, placed on its
surface for holding the plates, A in combination with a travelling shelf placed at
the turning point of the endless apron and arranged substantially on a level with
the top of the belt, to receive the plates A, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
11. An endless apron B, having projecting lips k, to retain in position the plates, A
in combination with a rack K, arranged to hold a series of shelves and automatically
operated so as to bring an empty shelf before each plate, substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
12. In a machine for applying photographic emulsion, the combination of a
distributing vessel as F, refrigerator as A¹, rack K, and a travelling belt B, arranged
to convey the photographic plates under the distributing vessel and from thence
through said refrigerator and deliver them to said rack, substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
13. The combination of an endless travelling belt, moveable plate rack, and a
reciprocating conveyor table situated intermediate of said belt and rack, substantially
as described.
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