Improvements in and Connected with Photographic Cameras.
Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Oct., 1883
Complete Specification Left, 11th July, 1889-Accepted, 19th Oct., 1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and Connected with Photographic Cameras.
THOMAS PERCY GRAHAM St. Mary's Bedford Photographer, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The object of my present invention is to improve the appearance of the well known
Photographic camera, and to render it an object of interest to children sitters
obviating the necessity of fixing their attention upon any thing outside the camera
itself.
For this purpose I place in front of the camera an ornamental structure of a
pleasing design, and in which a hole is cut for receiving the lens tube. Above the
hole is an arrangement very similar to the ordinary cuckoo clock, although I do not
confine myself to any particular Bird, Beast or Figure. Sound is emitted by such
figure by a bellows forming part of the arrangement. . In front of the lens are doors
for exposing the plate. These doors or shutters together with the speaking figure are
worked automatically by any approved method but I prefer the pneumatic ball & tube,
a method of rapid exposure well known to Photographers. The movement may also
be given to the several parts by an electric current or by hand...
The action is as follows:-The sitter is placed before the camera in the usual way
and told to look full at the camera face. The design of this face is sufficient to create
an interest, and to produce a natural expression of countenance so desirable in a
portrait. While the attention of the sitter is so fixed, every thing being otherwise
prepared, the pneumatic ball, electric button, or hand connection is actuated,
simultaneously releasing the speaking figure, and opening the lens shutters. The
figure appears. The bellows produce the necessary sound. The shutters open &
expose the plate & the picture is taken.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and Connected with Photographic Cameras.
THOMAS PERCY GRAHAM The Studios St. Marys Bedford Photographer, 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 consists in the Improvement in the appearance of photographic
cameras so as to render same an object of amusement and interest specially to
children when having their photographs taken and dispenses with the necessity of
fixing their attention upon outside objects in order to get the natural expression in
photographs. For this purpose I place the camera behind or in any other suitable
position, an ornamental structure of attractive and interesting design in which is a
door for receiving the lens tube and above this, said door or in any other suitable
position I arrange an interesting device such for instance a cuckoo clock or any other
pleasing toy to which motion or articulation may be given by electrical, mechanical or
pneumatical means.
The object of my invention will be seen from the following directions. The sitter
to be photographed is placed before the camera in the usual way & told to look full at
the camera face the design of which being sufficient to create an interest & retain the
natural expression of countenance. The cuckoo or other device is then set in action
or motion on the camera which of course attracts & retains the attention of the sitter
during which the lens is uncovered and the photograph taken. In the accompanying
drawing Fig. 1 shows an ornamental stand behind which the camera is placed.

page_text: a shows trap door from which appears a cuckoo such as is exhibited in the cuckoo
clock. I do not bind myself to this device I may use any mechanical animal or toy
which would be of interest to children. B shutters behind which lens tube is placed.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion & in what manner the same
is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is
The arrangement & combination of the camera used in photography with an
ornamental structure on which any animal figure or device is made to perform by
either electrical mechanical or pneumatical arrangement connected therewith
substantially as described and for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 11th day of July 1889.
E. EATON,
Agent for Applicant.