IMPROVED MEANS OF OBTAINING BIRD'S-EYE VIEWS
Year: 1885

page_text: I, CHARLES WELLS, of 18, Walker Terrace, Plymouth, in the County of Devon,
Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for "IMPROVED MEANS
OF OBTAINING BIRD'S-EYE VIEWS," 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 a method of constructing photographic cameras, com-
bining them with some apparatus capable of elevating them in the air to a
desired altitude, when on uncovering the lens, an instantaneous photograph of the
underlying scene would be obtained, and brought back by the falling camera to the
operator.
The complete apparatus consists, therefore, of the following essential parts:,
1st, the elevating agency; 2nd, the camera; and 3rd, the device regulating the
return of the camera.
In selecting a suitable agency for raising the camera to the desired altitude, I do
not confine myself to any definite device, inasmuch as the special circumstances of
the case or the resources at the command of the operator, will, or may have, inuch
to do with the selection. Balloons, kites or rockets may be used in carrying my
invention into effect, although I wish it to be distinctly understood, that I do not
confine myself to either of the above agencies, inasmuch as any one capable of
carrying the camera to the desired height and of allowing the safe return of the
same, may be made use of.
The camera is fitted with as many lenses as may be desired, each one focussing
the scene below it at a different angle, or it may have only one lense mounted so
as to be capable of an angular adjustment with the operator's horizon.
Each lens
is fitted with what is known as an instantaneous shutter, and acts upon a plate of
suitable sensitiveness. It follows, as a matter of course, that where several lenses,
each set at an angle with the vertical axis of the whole apparatus, as well as with
each other, a comprehensive set of photographic views will be obtained, while if
only one lens be used, a correspondingly partial view will be taken.
The camera has the sensitised plates inserted before being raised, the instan-
taneous shutters being of course closed.
A suitable device is made use of for operating the shutter or shutters at the
proper moment.
When a captive balloon is used for raising and bringing the camera back, a small
electro magnet attached to the camera and actuated by a current passed along the
retaining rope, may advantageously be employed for the purpose.

page_text: -
If a rocket be used as the elevating, power, the shutter, or shutters, may be
operated by clock-work or by gearing actuated by a screw, which, being revolved
by being dragged through the air, releases a trigger at the right moment so
bringing about the desired exposure for an instant, and the subsequent closure, as
quickly.
When using a kite or, in fact, a balloon, either clock-work agency carried by the
rising camera or the mechanical effect of one or more electro magnets (one to cach
abutter) operated from the ground, may be used for the purpose of effecting the
necessary exposure at the right moment: To prevent the unchecked return of my
apparatus to earth shattering it and the photographs taken, I fit it, when required,
with a parachute of the well-known construction, which will open as soon as the
apparatus begins its descent, and, by presenting a considerable area to atmospheric
resistance, prevent such descent being so precipitate as to endanger the safety of
either the apparatus or the photographs.
In order that my invention, and the means by which it may be put into
successful operation, may be thoroughly understood, I will proceed to describe the
same in detail, referring in so doing to the accompanying figures, which are to be
taken as part of this specification and read therewith. Like parts are marked
throughout the figures in which they occur with the same reference letter.
Fig 1 shows the use of a captive balloon A, B being the parachute, and A', the
retaining rope. C is the camera.
Fig 2 is a plan of the underside of the camera. C¹, C¹, are the faces, and C³, C³,
the lenses.
↓
1
It is to be distinctly understood that I do not confine myself to the exact details
illustrated as it is evident (as has been expressly pointed out) that these are capable
of-variation and modification without departing from the essence or scope of my
invention.
My apparatus will be of the greatest use to explorers in obtaining advance,
information as to the physical characteristics of the country before them, or of any
change which may have taken place in the district. they liavo, recently crossed, or
passed on either hand, as well as to military or "naval commanders in procuring
accurate representations of the nature of the enemy's fortifications, systems of
defence, ambushes, concealed reserves, and the like.
:
'
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
The combination of a camera, C, having one or several lenses, C2, and the like
number of instantaneous shutters and sensitive plates, an elevating agency (with
or without a positive return device such as a rope, A'); and a check return
device e. g., a parachute B; substantially as described and taking the accompanying
drawings as illustrating one application of said invention.
www on day on 100D.
PHILLIPS & LEIGH,
Patent Agents,
22, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.