Improvements in or Appertaining to Photographic Cameras.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 20th May, 1889-Accepted, 27th July, 1889
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or Appertaining to Photographic Cameras.
1, WILLIAM SANDERS of 91 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool in the County of Lancaster,
Boot Manufacturer, 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 :-
The invention has for its object a photographic camera formed with two parallel
tubes similar to the tubes of a binocular, and either with or without the external
appearance of the same. It is applicable for the use of detectives, and owing to its
external appearance can be directed towards a scene or object for the purpose of pro-
ducing a photographic picture thereof, without suspicion being aroused as regards the
real purpose which the operator has in view. The apparatus being of very compact
form and easily portable, is also applicable for tourists, surveyors, civil engineers and
others. In the examples I am about to describe, a pair of telescopic tubes, having
parallel and simultaneous adjustment, are employed as in an opera or other like
binocular glass, one of which is adapted for focussing, and the other for receiving
the sensitized surface or plate which is exposed to the actinic action of light.
The apparatus is so arranged that when an object is focussed by the one tube,
the sensitized surface in the other tube is in the proper focus to receive the image of
such object.
In the examples illustrated in Figures 1 to 13 inclusive, of the accompanying
drawings, certain portions of an opera glass or the like are utilized, so as to avoid
having to make new patterns, models, etcetera, or else their shape or contour is closely
copied. In figures 13 to 17 inclusive a camera is shown, all the parts of which are
made specially for the purpose, and have an external appearance somewhat resembling
an opera glass.
Referring first to sheet I.
Figure is an elevation of a photographic camera applicable for taking paper
negatives, in which a tube a, sliding telescopically within a tube A, is employed for
focussing, and is provided with lenses similar to those used in opera glasses, the
apparatus being reversed after focussing, so that the smaller end is directed towards
the object, when it is desired to admit a ray of light from the object to the sensitized
surface in the interior.
Figure 2 a plan of the lower part of tube A', Figure 1, showing the device for
carrying the sensitized paper.
Figure 3 a cross section on line A B, Figure 2.
Figure 4 an enlarged section of the paper carrying spindle and frame, showing the
means employed for detaching the former.
Figure a plan of the shutter.
Figure 6 is a sectional elevation of a photographic camera which is not reversed
after focussing, as in the previous example, but can be directed towards the object
focussed, and the photographic negative produced, without removing it from the
eyes.
Figure 7 a section on line a b Figure 6, showing the exposing shutter in
plan.
Figure 8 a section on the line CD, Figure 7.
Figure 9 an elevation partly in section of a portion of the tubular frame shown in
section on Figure 6, showing the means employed for attaching the sensitized paper
roll frame and the cover to the tubular frame aforesaid. The plane of section of
this Figure is at right angles to that of Figure 6.
Figure 10 a plan of the paper rolls, cam grooved roller, etcetera, shown in end
elevation in Figure 6.

page_text: In sheet 2.
Figure 11 a plan of the lens holder P and P¹ in which is mounted the lenses,
having a diaphragm 72 interposed between them, and applicable for regulating the
quantity of light passing through the lens or for closing the lens altogether.
Figure 12 is an elevation, partly in section, of a camera in which photographic
pictures are produced upon glass instead of paper, and which is reversed after
focussing to obtain the photographic image.
Figure 13 an inverted plan of a portion of Figure 12 showing the dark slide or
plate holder.
Figure 14 is an elevation partly in section of a camera, all the parts of which are
made specially for the purpose and to bear some resemblance to an opera glass or the
like. The apparatus is adapted for producing paper negatives.
Figure 15 a plan of the exposing shutter shown in section in the preceding
Figure.
Figure 16 a front elevation of the eye piece or eye rest.
Figure 17 a sectional elevation of a portion of the paper roll frame, and the means
of attaching it to the tubular frame O, Figure 14.
Referring first to Figures 1 to 5 inclusive, A A' are the telescopic tubes of the
apparatus, which can be adjusted simultaneously to the same focus by the milled
headed screw B. The telescopic tube A is preferably constructed in the usual manner
of opera or field glasses, and is provided with the usual lenses forming the eye and
object glasses. The other telescopic tube A.' forms the chamber in which the sensi-
tized paper
is exposed. It comprises a tube a capable of being slid back and forth
telescopically in the tube A', simultaneously with the focussing tube A when the
milled head B is turned, so as to regulate the distance of the sensitized paper from
the lenses. Within the tube a is socketed the tubular piece a² containing an opening D
covered by a shutter D¹. A rubber or other suitable spring d³ looped at each end
over the pins d¹ and in the middle over the pin d³ (see Figure 5) keeps the shutter
over the hole and prevents the passage of light By pressing the projecting pin d,
the shutter is pushed towards the other side, thus bringing a hole d² in the shutter
in correspondence with hole I) so as to admit a ray of light from the object to the
sensitized surface in the interior. When the pressure on the projecting pin d is
released, the shutter flies back, covers the hole D, and shuts off the light.
lens e.
The nipple E (Figure 1) which is screwed or socketted to the tube a² carries the
The lens holder F, which receives the lens f, is screwed or socketted in the
tube a, and abuts against the black cloth washer f¹ bearing upon the face of the
diaphragm f2.
The respective lenses are so ground or adjusted that when an object is focussed by
the tube A, the sensitized surface in the tube A¹ is in the proper focus to receive
the image of such object.
G is a circular case (Figures 1, 2, and 3) having a square or other shaped opening g
at one end. The other end is closed by a plate g¹ which is adapted to receive and
hold, by means of cheeks g² on its inner face, the downward projecting flanges g* of
the paper roll frame g³. H H' are rollers capable of rotation in the downwardly
projecting flange of the frame 93. They are each provided with longitudinal slots h¹
adapted to receive the ends of the sensitized paper, so that the latter will rotate with
and be fed onto or off the rollers aforesaid. The grooves 97 in the arms 9³ enable
the rollers H H1 to be removed by forcibly pressing outward the arm aforesaid.
The sensitized paper h² or other suitable flexible material is laid on the outer flat
face of the frame g³, so that its sensitized surface will be exposed by the opening g
to the action of the light when the shutter D¹ is opened. The paper is passed
beneath the roller H2 and the opposite ends are inserted through the slots / h¹ afore-
said. It is then rolled round the paper roll H¹ and drawn tight so as to present a
smooth flat surface beneath the aperture g. A ratchet wheel h³ on the end of the
roller H, a pawl h*, engaging the teeth thereof, and a spring rivetted to the frame g³
exerting a pressure on the paper roll H', retain the paper drawn tight. The shank

page_text: of the roller His adapted to receive a key by which it can be rotated, and a hole h³
is provided in the side by which the key can be introduced. The spindle of the
roller H2 is provided with a tooth 7 which, in its rotation, periodically strikes the
spring, and momentarily thrusts the stud 8 through a hole in the plate g¹.
The circumference of the roller H2 is approximately equivalent to the length of
the opening g, so that the stud h³ is momentarily thrust out when a length of sensi-
tized paper equivalent to the length of the opening g has been rolled on to the
paper roll. I is an ordinary watch glass or the like, which is provided mainly to
give the apparatus the appearance of an opera glass. The movement of the stud
aforesaid can be observed by the operator through the glass I.
The mode of action is as follows:-
The operator directs the apparatus towards the object and focusses the telescopic
tube A by the milled head B, until distinct vision is obtained. The telescopic tube A¹
is thereby simultaneously adjusted to the same focus. The apparatus
now reversed,
and the small end directed towards the object of which a photographic picture is
desired. The projection d is depressed, uncovering the hole in the shutter D', and
When the
admitting a ray of light from the object to the sensitized paper h².
exposure is completed, and the picture of the object produced, the roller H is rotated
by a key inserted through a hole in the side of the apparatus, thereby rolling the
sensitized paper on to the paper roll H from the roll H', and presenting a fresh
surface beneath the opening ready for the next exposure. The circumference o
the roller H2 being approximately equivalent to the length of opening g and the
stud being momentarily thrust beyond the face of the plate g¹ once in each revolu-
tion of H2, it follows, that the movement of the stud aforesaid (which can be observed
through the glass 1) indicates when a fresh surface of sensitized paper is presented
ready for the next exposure. In this way photographic pictures are successively
produced, and rolled onto the paper roll H. They can afterwards be removed from
the apparatus in a dark room and treated in the ordinary manner.
The camera, illustrated in Figures to 11 inclusive, is provided with a ground
glass screen and magnifying glass for focussing on which an image of the visible
objects falls. The camera is not, in this arrangement, reversed to take a photographic
picture, but is directed towards the object focussed, and the sensitized surface exposed
without reversing the instrument.
The dark shutter J (Figures 6, 7 and 8) which has a hole or opening j, is mounted
and is capable of sliding back and forth on the face of a second shutter J', which is
Sido
itself capable of sliding back and forth in the same directions as the first one.
cheeks are provided so that the shutters aforesaid shall move in parallel lines.
Shutter J is coupled to shutter J¹ by an elastic rubber band or spring, passed round
or looped to the studs on the former and studs on the latter. The said coupling
spring enables both shutters to move synchronously (except when the lower
shutter J is engaged by the tooth K, hereafter described, when the other one alone
can move) and retains the opening; in communication with the opening ³.
The tooth or catch K is caused to engage a depression in the slide J by means of
the spring k, and prevents it being shifted so long as the tooth is in engagement.
By depressing the finger 2, the shutter J is moved on the face of the lower
shutter J, and the opening in the former is placed in connection with opening j
and admits a ray of light through the hole in the base plate to the interior of the
camera. When pressure is removed from the finger aforesaid, the shutter J slides
back to its original position by virtue of the elasticity of spring j thus closing the
opening j¹.
To admit a ray of light momentarily to the interior, the camera is turned round so
that the finger points upwards instead of downwards as shown on Figure 7.
The stud k³ is depressed, thus releasing the tooth K from engagement, and the
shutters J and J¹ drop simultaneously by gravity admitting, for an instant of time, as
they pass the opening j³, a ray of light to the surface of the sensitized paper in the
interior. The tooth K now engages the other depression in the shutter J, and the
finger projects from the camera instead of the finger k³. The operation can be

page_text: repeated in a similar way, the apparatus being turned round, as before, so that the
slides shall drop by gravity when released from the engagement of the tooth K.
The lenses are mounted in the holder or frame P (Figures 6 and 11) whose flange p
receives the flange pl. Between the two lenses is a shutter which is rotatable on
an axis p³, and is adapted to shut off the light altogether or admit a beam or pencil of
light. Openings p and p of different diameters are provided, in the shutter aforesaid.
By rotating the, shutter p by the handle ps, one of the openings aforesaid may be
placed in communication with the lens, so as to admit a beam of light, or the light
may be shut off altogether by placing the shutter in the position illustrated on
Figure 11. A similar frame or holder P' with lenses and shutter is mounted in the
focussing tube A.
The sensitized paper is carried on a roll L and is retained in position by a spring 1,
so as not to unroll accidentally. The paper is then passed round the guide roller L
along the flat surface or face of the paper roll frame M, round the guide roller L³,
beneath the cam grooved roller L³, to the paper roll L. The roll L is provided with
a pinion 12 which engages a circular rack 13 on a spindle . The said spindle is
mounted in suitable bearings and is provided with a rachet wheel and pawl 1, so
that the rack aforesaid can only be rotated in one direction.
To present a fresh, unexposed surface of paper to, the lens, the spindle and rack
are rotated by a key or its equivalent inserted through the eye piece M' on to the
square shank of the spindle, thereby rotating, the pinion in the direction of the
arrow (Figure 6). The paper is rolled on to the roll L and unrolled from the
paper roll L, and rotation is continued until an un-exposed surface of paper is
presented ready for exposure at the opening m. The paper is retained flat and
taut at the opening m by the retaining spring 1, the ratchet wheel '15, and pawl 16.
The movement, of the sensitized paper rotates the roller L³ whose circumference
is approximately equal to the length of, the, opening m. The said roller is provided
with a cam groove 18 (Figure 10) which receives an arm or crank n of a rotatable
spindle n. At the other extremity of the said spindle and in proximity to the eye
piece M¹, so that it can easily be seen by the operator, is an
arm or index
pointer n². When the spindle is rotated, the index hand is also moved in the
are of a circle by virtue of the engagement of the arm n with the cam groove 18
in the roller L³ and by reaching a given point in the said are warns the operator
to cease rotating the spindle, because the part of, the paper which had already
been exposed.. has been moved away from, and a fresh unexposed part presented
to the opening m.
The tubular frame. .O. (carrying, the spindles and n¹, the paper roll frame M
etcetera) is, socketed,, to the tube m², which can be. moved telescopically in the
tube A by the milled, head B so, as to adjust the focal length of the instrument.
The aforesaid frame O is provided, with springy projecting side feet o (Figure 9)
which receive the upward, projecting sides m³ of the paper roll frame M. One of
said sides m³ is provided, with a projecting, pin m, which engages a hole in one of
the feet o.. The other side of the frame is retained in position by friction, but
owing to the springy nature of the side feet aforesaid, the frame M can easily be
removed when desired, so as to take out the photographic pictures or replenish
the rolls with paper. In Figure 9 the rollers L L³ and L etcetera are not shown,
in order. that the mode of construction shall not be obscured. The tubular frame
aforesaid receives a cover. m³ so made that no light, can penetrate to the sensitized
paper except that which is exposed (when the shutters are opened) by the opening m.
The cover is secured by bayonet joints me so that it is easily removable. Between
the cover and the flat face of the paper roll frame M, is sufficient space for the sensitized
paper.
36 I I. 1.
Qis a ground glass, screen mounted at the end of the tube q which is socketed in
the tube a. The latter can be moved telescopically in the tube A, so as to adjust the
focal length of, the ground glass screen Q from the lenses mounted in the lens
holder P. Q is a lens mounted in a suitable position in the tube q, and enables the
operator to see the image on the ground glass screen Q....

page_text: шопе от оperation of the apparatus illustrated in Figures 6 to 11 is as
follows:-
The apparatus is directed towards the object in the ordinary manner of opera
glasses, and the desired photographic field is obtained by adjusting the diaphragm
shutter p in the lens holder P, and the field of vision by adjusting the shutter p' in
the lens holder P¹. The milled head B can now be rotated to adjust the apparatus to
the proper focus, until a distinct image of the object is seen on the ground glass Q by
aid of the magnifying lens Q. The distance of the tubular frame O (carrying the
sensitized paper) from the lenses is adjusted simultaneously with the ground glass
screen Q.
A surface of sensitized paper having been presented to the opening m in the
manner herein before described, the shutter J is operated and the paper is exposed for
any desired period of time to the actinic action of the light. If it is desired to expose
instantaneously the sensitized paper, the shutters J and J are operated as previously
herein set forth. The paper bearing on its face the photographic image is then moved
away from the opening m by rotating the spindle , and a fresh unexposed surface of
paper takes its place. When the operator has completed his work or the supply of
sensitized paper on the roll L is exhausted, the apparatus may be removed to the dark
room where the lens holder P and the frame P³ carrying the shutters aforesaid can be
removed from the tube a³. The removal of these parts enables the tubular frame O to
be taken out. This is, however, facilitated by first unscrewing the said tubular piece a³
on which the sun shade (usually provided in opera glasses) slides. The cover m³ is
now disengaged and taken off, and the paper roll frame M can be forcibly removed
by virtue of the springy nature of the side feet o. The photographic negatives
can then be unrolled and the paper rolls replenished with a fresh supply of sensitized
paper.
Figures 12 and 13 illustrate another example of an opera glass adapted to
serve as a camera, in which a plate of glass is employed instead of
previous examples.
"
paper as in the
"
In these Figures, R is a dark slide or plate holder which is secured to the end
face of one of the tubes. The tubular piece is made square on its end face and
is provided with hevelled or rabbeted side and end cheeks. These receivo the dark
slide or plate holder R, which may be held in position by the springy or elastic bar 2
pivotted at to the side cheek aforesaid. The slot in the other end can be caused
to engage the pin on the opposite cheek r¹ and hold the dark slide in position by
virtue of its elasticity. R' is the shutter which can be opened to expose the sensitized
plate, or closed to keep the said plate in darkness.
The operation is as follows:-
The apparatus is directed towards the object, and both tubes A and A¹ are simulta-
neously focussed by the milled head B. The sensitized plate can now be exposed
by drawing out the shutter R¹. If desired, a shutter may be provided similar to that
described in the preceding example. When the exposure is completed, the springy.
bar can be.released and the dark slide can then be removed and replaced by another
one containing a fresh unexposed plate.
Figures 14 to 17 inclusive illustrate a photographic camera constructed so as to
resemble, in external appearance, an opera or field glass.
In these, the tubes a a¹ can be simultaneously adjusted telescopically within the
tubes A A¹ to the proper focus by rotating the milled head B. The eyepieces which
are preferably made in one piece with the tubes a and a¹ are provided with a semi-
circular projection a² (Figures 14 and 16) adapted to rest against the eye brows of the
operator when he directs the apparatus towards the object, and they form rests to
enable him to hold the instrument motionless while adjusting the focus or while taking
a photographic picture.
The tubular frame O (Figures 14 and 17) is provided with two parallel lifts or ribs r
which receive the flange on the projecting arms 72 of the paper roll frame ³, and
holds the frame ³ in position. L³ is the cam grooved roller for operating the pointer
or needle n³, and L*, one of the paper rolls; these are rotatable in the side arms r².

page_text: The cap or cover S is removed
The paper roll frame r³ is now
pressing towards each other the
is the pinion mounted on the paper roll aforesaid which engages the circular rack 13,
and is the spindle for operating the said parts. The construction and operation of
these parts are similar to those described in reference to Figures 6 and 10, and further
description is not therefore needed. The tubular frame O is socketed in the tube a¹
and the focal length is adjusted simultaneously with the tube a by turning the milled
head B. It is guided in its movement by the side projecting pieces. To remove
the photographic negatives or replenish the rolls with a fresh supply of paper, the
screw s¹ is unscrewed and the tubes a a¹ are taken out.
and the tubular frame O can then be drawn out.
detached from the frame by forcibly squeezing or
arms, so as to free the flange from the lip r.
The shutter Q (Figures 14 and 15) is capable of sliding between cheeks q on the
face of the plate q¹. It is limited in its travel by stops q2. T is a lever pivotted on
the plate g and linked or pivotted to the shutter Q. The spindle t and milled head t¹
rotate independently of the milled head B. The said spindle has mounted on its end
When the said arm t2 is rotated in
a crank or arm t² to which it is firmly secured.
the direction indicated by the arrow (by turning the milled head t¹) it strikes in its
passage the lever T, turns it on its pivot, and moves the shutter Q so that the hole t³ is
placed in communication with and admits a ray of light to the interior of the
camera. When the milled head t¹ is released, the shutter flies back by the elasticity
of the spring q³. If an instantaneous exposure is desired, the milled head is rapidly
rotated and the hole in the shutter Q is thereby momentarily brought into communica-
tion with hole t*, but immediately the arm t2 has passed the curved face of the lever T,
the latter is released and the shutter flies back closing the holes and excluding the
light. U is a holder containing the lenses.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is :-
1. A photographic camera formed with two parallel tubes similar to the tubes of a
binocular and either with or without the external appearance of the same, one of said
tubes containing a photographic device capable of being adjusted from the exterior
simultaneously with and in a direction parallel to an adjustable focussing device in the
other tube, and the said devices having such a relative position or arrangement, that,
when an object is focussed by the one tube, the sensitized surface in the other tube is
in the proper focus to receive the image of such object, substantially as set forth.
2. In a photographic camera, a continuous strip or belt of sensitized paper or other
like flexible material mounted on and guided by rollers in the interior of the apparatus
which are manipulated from the exterior thereof in such a manner that the inaterial
aforesaid may be intermittently unrolled from one roller and rolled on to another so as
to successively present a fresh portion of the sensitized material for exposure
substantially as described.
3. In a photographic camera in which successive portions of a belt or strip of
sensitized paper or other suitable material are consecutively presented for exposure
without internal hand manipulation, the combination of the rotatable paper carrying
roller H which is prevented from being accidentally unrolled by the retaining
spring the rotatable roller H operated from the exterior of the apparatus and
adapted to roll the paper as desired from the roller H' so that in its passage from one
roller to another consecutive portions of its surface shall be presented for exposure on
the flat surface of a frame such as 9 substantially as described.
4. In a photographic camera having a continuous strip or belt of flexible sensitized
material as described, an indicating device visible from the exterior of the apparatus
and actuated either continuously or intermittently, by or during the movement by the
operator of the said material, substantially as and for the purpose described.
5. In a photographic camera having a continuous flexible strip or belt of sensitized
material as described, the combination with a frame 9 and paper rolls H and H of
a cam roller H³ mounted with its cylindrical periphery touching the surface of the

page_text: sensitized material h² and rotated by and during the passage of such material from
the roll H to the roll H, and of a stud h mounted on a spring plate h' which is
periodically struck by the cam roller aforesaid, and is momentarily thrust through the
plate g' in full view of the operator, susbtantially as and for the purpose described.
6. In a photographic camera having a continuous flexible belt or strip of sensitized
material as described, the combination of the frame M the paper rolls L and L', the
circular rack and spindle for operating said roller L without internal hand
manipulation, the cam grooved roller L³ whose cylindrical periphery touches the
surface of the sensitized paper 2 and is rotated by and during the passage of said
paper from the roll L to the roll LA, the rotatable spindle n' having an arm or crank n,
engaging and operated by said cam grooved roller and an index hand or pointer n
visible from the exterior of the apparatus substantially as and for the purpose
described.
7. In a portable photographic camera of the kind described, a dark shutter or slide
such as D held normally closed by a spring device and adapted to be opened by the
depression of a suitable projection on the exterior of the apparatus the said projection
being so located that it may be readily operated by a finger or thumb without disturbing
the apparatus, substantially as described.
8. In a photographic camera, an appliance for exposing the sensitized surface or
film either momentarily or for a longer period at will consisting in the combination
of the diaphragm with opening the shutter J₁ sliding on said diaphragm and
provided with openings and the sliding shutter J provided with an opening j
and elastically coupled to the shutter J₁ aforesaid, so as to be capable of moving
synchronously therewith and of bringing for an instant of time the holes j and
correspondence with the hole in the diaphragm aforesaid, the spring catch K adapted
to engage the shutter J', and enable the opening ; in shutter J to be placed in
correspondence with the openings or 3 and the opening 18 and means for
instantaneously releasing said spring catch when desired substantially as set forth.
in
9. In a photographic camera of the kind described, the combination with a dark slide
or shutter such as Q, held normally closed by a spring device, of a pivotted lever T
coupled at one end to the said shutter, a rotatable spindle having a milled head t
located on the exterior of the camera for readily operating the spindle by a finger
or thumb, and an arm mounted on said spindle and adapted to move the pivotted
lever T and open the dark shutter or slide when the spindle aforesaid is rotated,
substantially as described.
10. In combination with a photographic camera of the kind described, the improved
eye pieces having seni circular projections a² for bearing against the eye brows of the
operator, and adapted to facilitate the camera being held motionless during the
operation of focussing, and of exposing the sensitized surface, substantially as
described.
D
11
WILLIAM SANDERS.
W. M. P. Thompson & Co.,
Of 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, Patent Agents for the Applicant.