Improvements in Photographic Cameras, applicable also for Use as or in connection with Kinetoscopes and Magic Lanterns.
Year: 1897

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Photographic Cameras, applicable also for Use as
or in connection with Kinetoscopes and Magic Lanterns.
I, AUGUSTE RATEAU, of 27, Great Russell Street, London, W.C. Importer 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:-
My invention relates to improvements in chrono-photographic apparatus, and has
for its object to provide an apparatus which can be utilised for taking continuously
successive images of an aniniated scene upon a negative riband, and for printing upon
a sensitised positive riband, and that can be used as a kinetoscope for viewing the
successive images brought before an aperture in continuous succession, or be used for
the purpose of projecting the continuously successive images upon a screen by means
of a lantern.
My invention consists in means whereby the movement of the negative riband,
sensitised positive riband or developed positive riband is produced, and in means for
producing the effective withdrawing and winding of the ribands from the withdrawing
bobbin and upon the winding bobbin, and is defined in the provision of a spring
comb to which motion is communicated from a revolving shaft which effects the >
forward periodic movement of the riband, teeth being provided thereupon at an
inclination so that in their forward movement they engage with a corresponding
series of holes or apertures provided at equal intervals in the riband, and are so
disposed that when moving in that direction they tend to retain the riband but on the
backward movement, without resistance, slide or pass out from the holes or apertures
so that no movement of the riband is then produced. Such an action of the riband
is rendered positive by means of a stationary stop comb which bears slightly
thereupon so that as the series of holes come into coincidence the slight pressure
exerted causes the teeth to enter, and by the forward projection of the teeth
positively preclude the possibility of the further backward movement of the riband
that might be caused by contact of surfaces; and further in the provision of a
tension operating release and brake which allows the withdrawing bobbin to be
operated only when a sufficient predetermined tension is produced on the movement of
the riband, and only allows the rotation of the winding bobbin when the riband is
sufficiently slack to release the brake, so that the riband is always rendered taut and
the winding and withdrawal on quick rotation is positively effected without possibility
of derangement.
My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which,―
Figure 1 is a side sectional elevation of an apparatus in which the riband operating
mechanism is seen, while
Figure 2 is a plan corresponding to Figure 1, having the cover removed and,
Figure 3 is a front elevation of the riband operating slide and,
Figure 4 is a sectional plan thereof.
Figure 5 shows a front detail elevation corresponding to Figure 2.
Figure 6 shows an alternative front detail elevation corresponding to Figure 2.
Figure 7 is a front elevation showing an alternative arrangement for producing the
reciprocation of the operating slide.
In carrying my invention into effect as illustrated in the accompanying drawings
provide a camera casing A in which the riband operating mechanism is mounted,

page_text: and I communicate motion to this mechanism by means of a shaft B mounted upon
the opposite respective sides of the camera casing A, such motion being derived from
a toothed wheel C mounted upon the exterior of the camera casing, which is in
turn operated manually or from any source of motive power. Upon the pinion C¹
which gears with the wheel C I prefer to arrange a band of rubber S which passes
round two rollers c, c, respectively arranged above and below the pinion. The
respective teeth of the wheel C and pinion Cengage with this india-rubber band
interposed, so that the rubber is caused to rotate and motion is communicated
smoothly and noiselessly..
I may however provide the band of rubber S upon the pinion (" as illustrated
in Figure 6 in which case the rollers are dispensed with.
The shaft or spindle B communicates motion to the operating spring comb d by
means of an eccentric E whose throw is capable of being increased or diminished
by providing the eccentric disc with a radial slot e as shown or by any other
equivalent arrangement, so that provision may be made for the employinent of any
length of stroke to suit the width or length of picture it is required to reproduce.
The strap of the eccentric E is secured by means of an adjustable connecting rod F
to a pin secured to the comb operating slide D, the movement of which is of
course determined by the throw of the eccentric and preferably corresponds to the
constant distance between the series of holes x, a formed in the riband. The operating
comb d is secured to the operating slide D by means of a bracket, the comb being
mounted upon a small spindle d' about which a spiral spring is provided one end
of which is secured to the-fixed spindle or the fixed bracket by which the comb is
supported, the other end of the spring bearing against the comb and tending to
force the comb slightly in an outward direction to bear upon the riband.
It will be seen that the teeth d² of the comb d are inclined slightly in the direction
of the motion of the riband indicated by the arrows in the several figures so that
the comb teeth may be readily disengaged immediately after the commencement of
the return or ineffective movement of the operating slide. The teeth are of a
number to correspond with the number transversely provided in the riband and
bear in grooves a a of corresponding number so that the teeth may effectively
engage with the holes or apertures of the riband.
An
The operating slide is mounted within a longitudinal slot G' within the carrying
plate G and suitable side pieces d³ are mounted above and below and upon each end
of the slide so that it may be positively mounted therein. The stop comb H is of a
similar form being mounted upon a small fixed spindle d' upon a bracket h fixed to
the carrying plate G and having similarly inclined and projecting teeth which by their
inclination allow the forward movement of the riband but preclude its return.
operating lipis provided at the extremity of the comb H to enable the teeth to be
disengaged when it is required to take out the riband. The riband is guided within
grooves i provided by means of the attachment of plates I I' to the casing, the upper
edge being borne down by means of springs ; so that the successive pictures may be
retained in perfect vertical alignment and coincidence.
It is generally preferred to provide an endless band or backing strip k of hard but
flexible material upon which the teeth of the comb may bear and thereby afford a
projection to the delicate strips and films that may be employed for the various
operations, such band or backing strip being provided with holes or apertures of a
number and of such a position as to correspond with those formed in the riband !,
the riband passing into the grooves i through openings alongside the lens aperture J,
so that the backing strip or riband k may not cause any obstruction when viewing or
projecting the images.
The riband which may be the unexposed negative strip, or the sensitised film and
developed negative strip, or the positive developed strip, may be provided upon a
withdrawal bobbin L loosely mounted upon a vertical spindle M provided upon
a pillar or standard M'. The rirand is passed around a roller m and therefrom to the
vertical extremity of a release arm 0 thence through the grooves i to be taken by
the comb operating mechanism. The arm O acts under the influence of springs 01

page_text: and O2, the former of which is in a spiral form and has its extremity secured to an
eyelet fixed to the interior of the casing while the other O2 is fixed to a bracket M²
upon which the arm is pivotally mounted and forces the extremity 03 of the arm upon
the edge or periphery of the bobbin L, provision being made for the adjustment of
the brake piece 03 and arm O in stops 06 as illustrated.
It will be seen that each of the springs have a brake action upon the bobbin Ļ
which brake action is not released until such time as the tension of the film or riband
in passing through is sufficient to overcome the combined resistance thereof and when
such is attained the rotation of the bobbin is permitted by the continued tension, and
feeding is allowed. The riband then passes through the grooves ii and each separate
part of the riband is brought before the lens aperture. The riband after passing
through the grooves i i is passed around the upwardly projecting extremity of the
brake arm 04, thence around a roller m' to the bobbin which is caused to rotate; a
spring friction collar M is mounted upon the fixed vertical shaft M upon which the
bobbin is placed and bears upon the bobbin and motion is communicated to the bobbin
if no resistance is offered, by means of a pulley secured at the extremity of the
flanged collar upon which the bobbin rests in frictional contact, motion being
derived from the shaft B by means of a cord or band from a pulley b' about which a
leathern cord or band P is passed thence to independent pullies N N' and thence
about the pulley ; the diverting pullies N N¹ acting under the action of the
spring N2 by which the band or cord P is held taut. The pivoting end of the brake
arm is mounted upon a bracket M³ secured to the pillar M³ carrying the vertical
spindle M. A spring brake O³ however is provided which is under the action of a
vertical spring 02, such brake 03 being provided upon a disc of superposed upon the
pivotting end of the brake arm 04 and being under the direct control of the spring 02.
A spring however connects the superposed plate of to the brake arm 0* so that a
considerable amount of movement of the vertical extremity of the brake arm is
allowed while effecting but the slight movement necessary to engage the brake 0³
with the periphery of the bobbin L₁ for checking motion. It will therefore be seen
that motion is communicated to the bobbin as the riband is fed forward by the
reciprocating slide and that this may be checked immediately the tension of the
riband exceeds a predetermined limit, the play of the brake arm acting under
the action of the spring 02 tending by its movement to restrain further motion of the
bobbin, and precluding undue tension that might tend to tear the riband.
the extremity of the shaft B upon the exterior of the camera casing but enclosed
within an encasement B2 the rotating opaque dise Q is provided whose extreme edge
is arranged immediately in front of the lens aperture J and in the rotation of the
opaque disc such aperture is exposed at an interval in the rotation of the disc
corresponding to the segment part A' A' which uncovers the aperture and exposes
that picture which for the instant is brought into a stationary position coincident with
the aperture, so that an exposure may be taken upon a negative strip or a positive
imprint made upon a sensitised strip or film or a view taken of the developed positive
strip or projection effected by means of a lantern.
At
When exposing a sensitised negative strip I cover up the aperture upon the inner
side by means of a door J¹ which may be held in position by means of an elastic
band secured to hooks arranged upon either side of the aperture which engages the
handled roller by which it may be manipulated. When exposing a negative strip
a lens may be provided upon the boss B³ of the encasement B2 which at the same
time may serve to receive the lens for viewing the pictures when used as a kinetoscope.
When the camera is used for the purpose of projecting the pictures upon a screen the
door B (see Fig. 2), which is immediately opposite the lens aperture J is removed, so
that the lantern may be fixed to that side of the camera casing.
The operation of the mechanism is as follows-
Upon the rotation of the wheel (in the direction indicated by the arrow, motion
is communicated in the reverse direction to the spindle B and to the disc Q arranged
thereupon as indicated by the arrows in the figures of the drawings. The reciprocation
of the operating slide D is thereby effected and the comb & secured to the reciprocating

page_text: slide D on commencing its forward stroke causes its projecting teeth d² to enter
the corresponding holes or apertures in the backing strip and riband, and on continuing
its forward movement causes the forward motion of the backing strip and riband to a
corresponding extent. Upon reaching the extremity of the stroke the comb teeth d²
are caused to be effectually retained in the apertures or holes within the backing
strip and riband by the engagement of a lateral extension d of the comb d which
comes in contact with a fixed stop 2 fixed to the carrying plate G and capable of
adjustment thereon. This stop g² allows of a slight backward movement of the backing
strip and riband, so that each separate part of the riband may be brought into accurate
register before the lens aperture J by contact with the teeth of the fixed comb H,
the teeth d being brought into contact with the sides of the boles or apertures of
the combined backing strip and riband, and so bring each separate picture into register
or into perfect coincidence and alignment one with the other, so that the representation
of the animated scene is clear and well defined. On reaching the extremity of the
backward movement the teeth d² enter the next series of holes or apertures in the
combined backing strip and riband, ready again to carry forward the riband so as to
bring the next part of the riband before the lens aperture. Upon reaching the end of
the stroke the teeth ds of the fixed comb H engage with the next series of holes in
turn of the combined backing strip and riband, ready for effecting the side register on
the slight backward return movement immediately succeeding.
I do not limit myself to the arrangement hereinbefore described in which a backing
strip is employed as I may dispense with the use of such backing strip and merely
carry the riband which is to be exposed or used in which case I preferably provide
the holes or apertures a upon the extreme sides of the film so that any indentations
that may be produced by the corresponding teeth of the fixed and moving combs may
not operate to impair the pictures.
I preferably arrange a rotating balance weight R upon the shaft which is capable
of adjustment radially and is carried upon an arm R' for this purpose.
I do not limit myself to the actual arrangement hereinbefore described for the
production of the rotation of the opaque disc Q as this may be produced by any other
equivalent mechanical arrangement, such for instance as a slotted cam provided upon
the shaft B operating a shutter lever, nor do I limit myself to the actual arrangement
hereinhefore described for the production of the reciprocating motion of the comb
operating slide as this may be effected advantageously by providing a slotted cam or
collar, and any periodicity of the respective movements may be arrranged for as may
be required for particular services.
In Figure 7 I show an alternative arrangement of producing the reciprocation of
the comb operating mechanism, a cross shaft W being provided to which motion is
given by skew or other equal gear and upon this shaft is mounted a cam cylinder, W¹,
having a groove W2 of such a shape as to give the necessary periodicity of movement,
a pin fixed upon the slide lying within this groove and communicating motion to
the slide.
When viewing the pictures either directly or by projection upon a screen I may
dispense with the use of the withdrawing and winding bobbins and carry the ribands
through the camera casing at the sides, suitable apertures & being provided normally
closed. The camera casing may be held for exposure in either of two positions
either as illustrated or in a position end on, the riband then passing vertically downward.
Provision may be made for the enlargement by providing the lens aperture J with a
flanged boss J whose interior dimensions give the actual dimensions of the image to
be taken and which on being removed gives a larger aperture which allows an image
of a larger size to be taken. This flanged boss may be secured to the face of the
camera casing by any suitable means.
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
1. In a chrono photographic apparatus for the production of continuous novativen

page_text: images or the exhibition of continuous positive impressions, means for effecting the
periodic movement of the riband consisting of a reciprocating toothed spring comb
which engages with a series of holes or apertures in the riband, the complete back ward
motion thereof being precluded by means of a stationary toothed spring comb which
engages with the successive series of holes or apertures or equivalent provided in or
upon the riband, substantially as described.
2. In a chrono photographic apparatus for the production of continuous negative
images or the exhibition of continuous positive impressions, means for effecting the
periodic movement of the riband consisting of a reciprocating toothed spring comb.
which engages with a series of holes or apertures in the riband, the complete backward
motion thereof being precluded by means of a stationary toothed spring comb which
engages with the successive series of holes or apertures or equivalent provided in or
upon the riband, a slight backward movement being allowed however by the engagement
of the reciprocating comb with a fixed stop which prevents disengagement of the teeth
until after commencement of the return stroke so that the riband may be returned
into close contact with the teeth of the fixed comb so as to produce accurate side
register, substantially as described.
3. In a chrono photographic apparatus for the production of continuous negative.
images or the exhibition of continuous positive impressions, in which a continuous.
riband is periodically fed forward, means for effecting the accurate side register of
each part of the riband before the lens aperture consisting of a fixed stop which is
capable of adjustment and which causes the riband to be slightly returned and then
released substantially as described.
4. In a chrono photographic apparatus for the production of continuous negative.
images or the exhibition of continuous positive impressions, means for withdrawing
and winding the ribands from bobbins consisting respectively of a tension operating
release and a tension operating brake by which the withdrawal and winding are
positively and efficiently effected substantially as described.
5. In a chrono-photographic apparatus for the production of continuous negative
images or the exhibition of continuous positive impressions, means for effecting the
periodic forward motion of the operating comb and non-operative return and accurate
side register substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4
of the accompanying drawings.
5. Improvements in chrono photographic apparatus for the production of continuous
negative images or the exhibition of continuous positive impressions, substantially as
and for the purposes hereinbefore described and illustrated in the accompanying.
drawings.
1007
MARKS & CLERK,
18, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., and
13, Temple Street, Birmingham, Agents.