Improvements in Photographic Cameras.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Aug., 1894-Accepted, 20th Oct., 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Photographic Cameras.
I, JOHN TASCHER, Physician, of 518, West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, in the
County of Cook and State of Illinois, one of the United States of America, 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 relates to a photographic camera having an exposing chamber, a
lens tube and a focussing screen, and the object of the invention is to obtain, in
a camera of the kind named, means whereby sensitized plates can be stored
both before and after exposure, and means for removing such plates from a
storage chamber to the exposing chamber, exposing such plate, and then removing
it from the exposing chamber into a suitable storage chamber wherein it can be
retained an indefinite time; it being understood that the storage chambers are
dark chambers.
Another object of the invention is to obtain a photographic camera adapted
to be used as stated and whereof the plate receptacles are removable from the
camera; whereby such plate receptacles can be used to contain sensitized plates
both before and after exposure thereof in the camera; means being provided for
removing and replacing, (while in the camera) the cover of such receptacles.
In the drawings referred to as forming a part of this Specification Fig. 1 is a
perspective view of a storage receptacle for sensitized plates; Fig. 2, a horizontal
sectional view of a camera embodying the invention; Fig. 3, a vertical sectional
view thereof; Fig. 4, a sectional view of a focussing screen and of the cover
thereof; Fig. 5, a top plan view of a camera having a modified construction of a
part thereof; Fig. 6, a horizontal sectional view of such modified construction
Fig. 7, a vertical sectional view thereof; and Fig. 8, a vertical sectional view of a
slide forming a part of such modified construction; Fig. 9, is a movable frame ;
and Fig. 10, a sensitized plate receptacle attachable. to and detachable from the
movable frame illustrated in Fig. 9, and in combination with such movable frame
constituting a modification of the storage receptacle illustrated in Fig. 1.
Fig. 11, is a perspective view of the back of a sensitized plate having a ribbon
or tape secured thereto, as by glue, paste, or cement, and Fig. 12, is a modification
of the expansible bellows forming an element in the construction illustrated in
Figs. 2 and 3, by means of which the plate illustrated in Fig. 11 can be grasped.
Fig. 13, is a top plan view of a still different construction of a camera embodying
the invention; Fig. 14, a horizontal vertical view of the camera illustrated in
Fig. 13; Fig. 15, a vertical sectional view thereof, and Fig. 16, an end elevation
of a carrier constituting an element in the construction illustrated in Figs. 13, 14
and 15.
In all the constructions means are provided for grasping a sensitized plate
contained in a storage receptacle, removing it therefroin, placing it in position and
exposing it in the exposing chamber, and again grasping it and returning it to a
second storage chamber.
In the constructions illustrated in Figs. 1 to 12, all inclusive, the plate receptacle,
forming when closed a storage receptacle, is movable and can be turned into the
exposing chamber, after which the plate grasping mechanism can be moved to the
plate receptacle and a sensitized plate taken therefrom or placed therein; while
in the construction illustrated in Figs. 13 to 16 the storage chamber is
immovable, being separated therefrom by a movable slide, upon the withdrawal
of which the plate grasping mechanism can be moved into the chamber and a

page_text: plate taken therefrom or placed therein. In Figs. 5, 6 and 7, there is shown a
construction of the mechanism for moving the plate grasping device differing from
the construction thereof illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3; and in Figs. 11 and 12, a
different grasping mechanism from that illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, 6, 7, 14 and 15 is
shown.
The same letter of reference is applied to a given part throughout the
several figures of the drawings, where more than one illustration of said part
appears.
A is a camera box; a, a¹ are slides therein. B is a lens tube, and a slide in
the camera box in front of the tube. C, C are clasps adapted to hold a sensitized
photographic plate in position for exposure in the exposing chamber D, and also to
hold a focussing screen in position for use. D is a focussing screen, preferably
consisting of a ground glass plate. d is a receptacle in the bottom of camera
.box A, used to hold focussing screen D' when such screen is not in use for focussing
the lens of the camera. dis a cover to focussing screen D'. Cover d¹ prevents
light being reflected from the focussing screen during an exposure of a sensitized
plate in exposing chamber D. E is a sensitized plate receptacle and e is a shaft or
axle secured thereto by means of which the plate receptacle is mounted in the
camera. The construction illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10 of the drawings is well
adapted to enable the plate receptacle E to be removed from the camera. In such
construction frame E¹ having shaft e¹ secured thereto is designed to have
receptacle E placed therein and secured thereto by means of projections e² e and
spring catch e fitting into the depressions et ees, respectively, in such receptacle E.
e is a cover to receptacle E. ee (Fig. 1) are flexible holders designed to
maintain the sensitized plates in position in receptacle E. Holders e may well
be constructed of short lengths of rubber tube, or of strips of velvet or bristle
brushes.
The receptacle E is, when closed, a dark chamber, adapted to hold either
unexposed or exposed sensitized plates, and two of such receptacles are placed in
the camera, one for unexposed and the other for exposed plates. Such storage
chambers are lettered, respectively F and G. f is the handle by which the
chamber F is turned and g is the handle by which chamber G is turned. Hare
unexposed sensitized plates in chamber F; H' is a sensitized plate in clasps C C ;
and HH2 are exposed sensitized plates in chamber G. J is an ordinary light
proof expansible bellows, secured at one end to frame K, (such frame K adapted
to fit into an opening corresponding therewith in camera box A), and at the
other end secured to movable panel L, as in Figs. 2 and 3, or to frame L',
Fig. 12. M is an air exhauster and sensitized plate grasping device, consisting
of the concave disk m, having flexible material m' on the inner or concave side
thereof, passage way m² extending from the concave side of flexible covering m¹
tube m³, to which passage way m² is connected and rod or piston m, having
piston head m³ on the end thereof in tube m³ and handle m on the other end
thereof.
The air exhauster and sensitized plate grasping device M may be mounted on
the panel L as in Figs. 2 and 3; upon a movable slide, as 1, in Figs. 5 and 7; or
the concave disk m and flexible cover m¹ may be mounted on a pivotally movable
frame, as in Fig. 14, and the tube m³, and piston m', located at any desired
distance therefrom, as in opening me, Fig. 14, with passage way m² extending
between the tube m³ (the air exhauster) and the concave side of cover m' of disk m
(forming the plate grasping part of the combined air exhauster and plate grasping
device).
So that the plate receptacle E shall be held firmly in position, as the camera is
used in the ordinary way, spring catches N N actuated by the handles f, g,
respectively (Figs. 3 and 5) are set in the camera box A adapted, as about to be
described, to engage with such plate receptacles, (in an opened or closed position).
Spring catch N consists of spring plate n set in depression n' (in the under side of
the top of the camera box A), so as to yieldingly stand in a retracted position,

page_text: and pin n² secured in spring plate n. Pin extends below spring plate na
sufficient distance to engage with hole or depression n³ in receptacle E, when such
spring plate is in an extended position; but not a sufficient distance to engage
therewith when such spring plate is in a retracted position. The pin n also
extends above the spring plate n to a slight distance above the upper (and outer)
side of the top of the camera when such spring plate is retracted, and to about
flush therewith when such spring plate is extended. The handles f, g, respectively,
are constructed of spring metal and when either of such handles is over the
corresponding pin n² it will press such pin downward (against the resilience of
spring plate n) so that such pin will engage with its corresponding hole or
depression n in the receptacle E. It follows that when either of the
receptacles E, E, is to be moved, by raising (springing) the free end of the
handle f, or g the spring plate n corresponding therewith, is permitted to assume
a retracted position and the receptacle is released thereby and can be moved
(opened or closed).
The depressions n³ n³ may extend through the walls of receptacle E forming
holes therethrough, in which case such holes must be covered with some light-
proof material if such receptacle is to contain sensitized plates therein, when it is
exposed to light, (as by taking the receptacle from the camera as provided in the
construction illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10), and hence, in such case at least,
particularly if receptacle E be made of thin material, it will be found advisable to
make, in place of holes, small circular indentations in the walls of the receptacle
for pins n2 n2 to engage with.
The slide I, used in the construction illustrated in Figs. 5, 6 and 7, is composed
of the pieces i, 1, connected together by light-proof hinge, and may be provided
with a handle. Slide I moves in light-proof grooves are strips placed
on the camera to hold slide I in place (see Fig. 8).
In the plate grasping device illustrated in Fig. 12, bellows J is secured to
frame K, frame L' is secured to bellows J, and diaphragm L2 is secured to such
frame L'. The diaphragm L is light-proof and may well be made of thin rubber
cloth so that loop 12 of tape l¹ on sensitized plate H³ (Fig. 11) can be grasped
therethrough. Tape is secured to plate H³ by glue, cement, or paste.
In the construction illustrated in Figs. 13, 14, 15, 16, as hereinbefore stated, the
storage receptacles F and G are immovable. Storage receptacle F is made
light-proof by interposing the movable slide f¹ between it and the exposing-
chamber D and storage chamber G is made light-proof by a like slide
lettered gl.
:
jj, (Fig. 12), are rectangular wire frames which may be inserted in bellows J,
if desired, to maintain the bellows in shape, when used, in case the bellows be
constructed of very flexible material, as rubber-cloth.
To remove a plate from the storage chamber F (Fig. 14), (after having opened
such storage chamber into the exposing chamber D by drawing out the slide f¹),
disk m and flexible covering m¹ are mounted on the pivotally movable frame ¹
comprising arms 00, secured to shaft P, with air passage-way m², preferably
consisting of a rubber pipe, extending from the under side of the covering m' to
tube m. Shaft P extends through the camera box and is the handle secured to
such shaft and by which it is turued so as to bring disk m and covering m³ thereof
into the storage chamber F and in contact with one of the plates H therein. The
air is then exhausted from between the flexible cover m' and the plate with which
it is in contact and arins O, O, disk m, cover m² and the plate turned (by handle p)
back until the plate is deposited in spring catches C₁ C₁ in position for exposure.
P' is a rotatable shaft extending through the top of the camera and having handle p¹
secured thereon. QQ are arms loosely mounted on shaft P¹, and C₁ Care spring
clasps adapted to hold a sensitized photographic plate. RR are arms rigidly secured
to shaft P1, and R' is a cross bar secured to arms R R (as by rivets r r), and
extending in front of arms Q Q. To place a plate held in clasps C¹ C¹ in storage
,

page_text: chamber G (Fig. 14), the exposing chamber is darkened, and shaft P¹ turned by
handle p towards such storage chamber. Arms R R being secured to the shalt
will turn therewith and will push such plate in front thereof and into the chamber G
the arms Q being carried therewith because of the engagement of clasps C¹ C
on such arms with such plate. When the shaft P is turned back to its initial
position cross bar R¹ will push arms QQ back into place to receive in the
clasps C¹ C¹thereon, a sensitized plate for exposure.
a² (Fig. 13), is a door by which access is obtained to storage chambers F and G.
a³ is a lock to door a². 6¹ is a thumb wheel for focussing lens B.
To operate the canera for taking pictures the storage receptacle for unexposed
sensitized plates is opened, and (except the construction illustrated in Figs. 11
and 12), the flexible cover m' of disk m brought in contact with the sensitized
plate adjacent to the exposing chamber, the air exhausted from between such plate
and the flexible cover m' and the plate thereby grasped; after which, the
plate is moved back into the clasps in the exposing chamber, and the storage
chamber closed. In the construction illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12, the tape loop
on the plate is grasped directly by the hands of the operator through the flexible
diaphragm L, and brought back into the clasps.
After exposure of a sensitized plate, the exposing chamber is darkened and the
storage chamber for exposed sensitized plates opened; the plate is then again
grasped and moved into such chamber, and the chamber again closed.
Where the frame E¹ and removable receptacle mounted thereon is used, the
receptacle, with its covered thereon, is placed in the camera, with such cover
adjacent to slide a. The slide a is closed, the receptacle opened into the exposing
chamber D and the cover e taken off the receptacle by means of disk m, after
which the receptacle is closed and the other receptacle opened and the cover
placed thereon. Such receptacle is then taken from the camera and an empty
receptacle put in place thereof.
To use the ground glass D' as a focussing screen parel L and frame K are
removed from the camera and through the aperture thus made glass D' is raised
into clasps C C. Cover d' is then raised (extending it out at the back of the
camera), and the lens is focussed by thumb-wheel 61, in the ordinary way.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is ;-
1. The combination in a camera of a frame removably secured in the camera, an
expansible light-proof bellows secured to the frame, and to a movable panel
extendible into the exposing chamber of the camera, a pivotally movable
storage chamber within the camera, a handle outside the camera connected to
the storage chamber, whereby such storage chamber can be swung inwardly
into the exposing chamber and into a position in back of the movable panel, and
means on such panel for grasping, from outside thereof and without extending the
hand therethrough, a sensitized photographic plate contained in the storage
chamber; substantially as described.
2. The combination of an expansible bellows secured at one end around an
opening in a camera box and extendible thereinto, a panel attached to the inner end
of the expansible bellows, a concave disk on the inner side of the panel, a flexible
covering to the concave disk, an air passage way from the concave side of the
flexible covering of the disk to outside the exposing chamber of the camera and to
an air exhauster, and an air exhauster; substantially as described.
3. The combination of a pivotally movable frame within a camera, a handle
outside the camera, and a connection between the frame and the handle whereby
the position of the frame is controlled by the handles, with a receptacle for holding
sensitized photographic plates adapted to be removably attached to the frame,
means for securing the receptacle to the frame, and such camera having an aperture
with a removable light proof cover through which aperture the receptacle can be

page_text: passed in attaching it to and removing it from the frame, whereby such receptacle
when mounted on the frame will, in combination therewith constitute a movable
storage chamber for sensitized photographic plates; substantially as described.
4. The combination of a pivotally movable frame within a camera, a rigid
projection lug on the frame, a yielding lug on the frame, a handle outside the
camera connected to the frame, and a receptacle for sensitized photographic plates,
such receptacle having recesses in the outer faces of the sides thereof into which
recesses the several lugs are adapted to fit when the receptacle is placed in the
frame; substantially as described.
5. The combination of a storage chamber for sensitized photographic plates
consisting of a receptacle for such plates pivotally mounted in the camera,
with
strips of flexible material secured to the sides of the receptacle and adapted to come.
in contact with the edge of plates contained in the receptacle, and a handle outside
the camera connected to such storage chamber, whereby it can be turned on its
pivot; substantially as described.
6. The combination of an exposing chamber and storage chambers in a camera,.
such storage chambers consisting respectively of pivotally mounted receptacles for
sensitized photographic plates in the camera, and handles outside the camera
connected to the respective storage chambers, with spring catches in the camera
extending through the top of the camera and respectively adapted when
retracted not to engage with the receptacle of the storage chamber, and when
protracted by the handle outside the camera coming in contact therewith to engage
with and hold the storage receptacles in an open or closed position; substantially
as described.
7. In a photographic camera, the combination of a concave disk inside the
camera, a flexible covering on the concave face of the disk, a handle outside the
camera controlling the position of the disk, a passage way for air extending from
the face of the flexible covering on the concave face of the disk, to outside the
exposing chamber of the camera, and an air exhauster outside the exposing chamber
to which the air passage way extends; substantially as described.
8. The combination in a photographic camera, of an exposing chamber, a dark
chamber, a removable partition between the exposing and the dark chamber, a
concave disk within the exposing chamber, a flexible covering on the concave face
of the disk, mechanism outside the exposing chamber connected to the disk whereby
the position of the disk is controlled, an air passage way extending from the under
side of the flexible covering of the concave disk to outside the exposing chamber,
and means outside of the exposing chamber connecting with the air passage way
for exhausting air from between the flexible covering of the disk and a photo-
graphic sensitized plate when the disk is in contact therewith, and for supplying
air thereto; substantially as described.
9. In a photographic camera the combination of an exposing chamber, dark
chambers, removable partitions between the exposing chamber and the respective
dark chambers, a concave disk within the exposing chamber, a flexible covering on
the face of the disk, mechanism outside the camera connected to the disk whereby
the position of the disk is controlled, clasps within the camera adapted to maintain
therein sensitized photographic plates while an exposure thereof is made, an air
passage-way extending from the concave face of the flexible covering of the disk to
outside the exposing chamber, and means outside the exposing chamber for
exhausting air through the air passage way from between the flexible covering of
the disk and the sensitized plate when the disk is in contact therewith, and for
supplying air thereto; substantially as described.
10. In a photographic camera, the combination of an exposing chamber, dark
chambers, means for separating the respective dark chambers from the exposing
chamber, a concave disk within the exposing chamber, a flexible covering on the
concave face of the disk, a passage way for air from the face of the flexible covering
of the concave disk to outside the exposing chamber, an air exhauster outside the
exposing chamber communicating with the air passage way, mechanism outside the

page_text: camera connected to the disk whereby the position of such disk is controlled, and a
focussing screen adapted to be placed in position for focussing or to be stored in the
exposing chamber; substantially as described.
Dated this 28th day of A noust 1894
H. J. HADDAN,
Of the Firm of Herbert Haddan & Co.,
18, Buckingham Street, Strand, London, W.C.,
Agent for the Applicant.