Improvements in Photographic Cameras and their Accessories.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Mar., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 18th Dec., 1893-Accepted, 20th Jan., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Photographic Cameras and their Accessories.
1, WILLIAM JAMES LANCASTER of Colmore Row, in the City of Birmingham,
Manufacturing Optician, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to detail improvements in photographic cameras, and in
accessories of them, such, for example as dark slides, plate carriers and stand
attachments, and which said invention is an improvement or improvements upon
three several Letters Patent granted to me, and bearing date the First day of May
1885 No. 5364; the First day of February 1887 No. 1533, and the 30th day of
January 1889 No. 1631, as hereinafter described.
My said improvements consist in the first part, in the construction, mounting
and fitting of the front of the camera with means whereby the said front admits
of both vertical and swing adjustments and also admits of taking certain positions
most favourable for folding, without any of the parts employed in the said front
becoming disconnected; in the second part in mounting and fitting the back part
in manner that the same admits of both a vertical and horizontal adjustment,
or otherwise, of a vertical and angular slope adjustment; in the third part, in
the means of connecting the table of the stand to the base board of the camera,
whereby the single connection pin, as commonly employed, is dispensed with, and
a more even distribution of the weight of the camera secured; in the fourth
part, in the construction and production, of dark slides, and in the fifth part, in
plate carriers having closure mouth entrances.
In carrying out the first part of my invention, I mount upon the front part
of the inner tail board, which works telescopically within the outer frame part
forming the edges to the base board, an upright and rocking bracket, pivoted
at its extreme lower part to the extreme outer ends of the inner tail board.
This bracket has upright slotted or branched members disposed at distances apart
from each other equal to the breadth of the front of the camera, which has pins
or fulcra disposed at the two opposite sides of it, a little above the middle so as
to admit of the said front hanging vertically or swinging when hung from the said
pins, which also act as means for clamping the said front in any vertically adjusted
position.
The upright branches of the bracket have upper and lower slots, separated from
each other by solid parts, which carry necks or centres wherein clamping pins
taking through the slots of set-back rocking brackets or arms take. These rocking
brackets are, angularly disposed relative to the first named upright brackets, and
are jointed to an inward front part of the inner tail-board and pass in such a
direction that their axes pass transversely through the pins or necks carried by the
solid parts dividing the slots as aforesaid.
Vertical adjustment is performned by loosening the screws on the axes passing
through the upper slots in the first-named bracket, and then sliding the front to
any desired vertical position.
The lower outside edges of the said front have outstanding pins or studs, which
work within the lower slots of the arms of the front bracket, and which lower slots
have gates or entrances at their upper ends, to admit of the said lower pins or
studs leaving the said lower slots, in order that the front may turn upon the upper
pins as centres of motion for folding.

page_text: Assuming that the parts are in positions for use, and the said parts adjusted to
the desired tilt and elevation, then screw home the clamping means, when the
parts are rigidly held in the desired and adjusted positions.
To fold the front to the plane of the base-board, release the screws, lift the front
to its full extent, and pass the lower pins outwardly through the gates. Then
swing the front upon the upper pins, when the same can be folded, and the whole
of the parts lie flat to the base board, without the removal or detachment of any of
the fittings or parts.
In carrying out the second part of my invention, the back of the camera is
mounted upon a slide or rest bracket, which traverses upon the outer tail-board as
a bed, and which slide carries a clamping device which when released admits of
the front making a swing adjustment, but when screwed home, clamps the back in
any adjusted angular position.
The ends of the slides have horizontal slots formed or cut within upright parts
of them, so as to admit of the said back making a skew adjustment, or in other
words, admitting the said back, when adjusted to any inclination, turning in a plane
at an angle to the plane of itself.
The lower outer ends of the said back carry pins passing through the said slots,
and with milled heads or nuts taking upon the ends of the said pins.
Stay brackets are also fitted to the sides of the said back with the inner ends of
them jointedly connected to the outside edges of the outer tail board and with
clamping pins upon the middle edges of the back frame taking through longitudinal
slots formed in the upper parts of the said brackets.
Assuming the required traverse and angular adjustments have been made by
sliding the said back upon the base-board or outer tail part, then the same are
affixed by the screwing up of their respective screw nuts, and assuming that before
such adjustments have been clamped, the necessary skew adjustment has been
obtained, by turning the said back as it were upon its own vertical axis, then the
whole of the parts are collectively clamped in the desired adjusted position.
In carrying out the third part of my invention, the connection of the base board
with the table of the stand is effected by a means consisting of the one part of
a flat ring, having headed studs which stand up from its top side or face, and
which are adapted to take through enlarged ended holes formed at one of the
terminations of the slots of a second part or plate, affixed to the base board.
"
Thus the base board carries a ring having enlarged ended slots whilst the table
stand, or the ring of the table stand has an upright flange of an outside diameter
equal to the inside diameter of the base board ring, which forms a lead for the
placing of the base board of the stand which is supported and carried by legs as
usual.
In connecting or placing the camera to or upon the stand, bring the enlarged
ends of the plate of the base board coincident with the studs, then place the said
enlarged ends vertically over the heads of them, until the opposed faces of the two
parts to be connected, come together. Then slightly rotate the camera, and turn a
clamping lever, which draws and clamps the two plates together in any position as
may be desired, other than at points where enlarged ends are.
In carrying out the fourth part of my invention, the dark slide consists of an
open topped rectangular shaped frame made from moulding drawn from sheet
metal, and which open top is closed by a hinged top, with the joint end cranked,
and the other end fitted with a catch fastener. The moulding constituting the
framing is provided with grooves or guides adjacent to the two opposite edges,
wherein sheet metal or other slides slip, and are made light-tight by the walls
of the said grooves falling slightly to the boundary edges of the slides embraced.
The upper ends of the slides extend beyond the top edges of the framing, and
are provided with thumb-pull pieces, made lip form, which when in position in
the frame, come non-coincident.
The closure top is like unto a bar coming between the upper parts of the slides,
and is made taper and fitted with velvet or other light-tighting material which

page_text: closes the seams or opposed edges, and prevents the ingress of light to the plates
which slide within a central groove or grooves formed between the slides of the
grooves.
The moulding is made from thin sheet metal drawn with border grooves or
channels, or with grooves or channels disposed adjacent to the two opposite edges
of the section moulding, and with a broader and shallower groove or channel.
coming between the edge grooves. Thus the inside section of the said moulding is
that of three grooves, the outer ones for receiving the slides, and the inner one for
receiving the plate or plates.
The moulding may be made with two or other number of middle grooves
arranged side by side with the said outer grooves.
The outside section com-
prehends a middle groove located between two outside flanges. This outer groove
fits into the guides in the camera back.
In carrying out the fifth part of my invention, the plate carrier consists of a
rectangular frame of all cross section, with the open part being presented inwards.
The upper end of this frame has a turn down and jointed top, with the ends
extended crank wise downward to the joint, whilst the front of the said turn down
closure top part is open, and when in its closed position, the top edge of it overlaps
the top edge of the cut-way part of the top of the framing. When the hinged
part is turned down, a mouth is presented wherethrough a plate is slipped, after
which the same is retained in the carrier by turning-up and closing the flap or
hinged top, hence a frame enclosed on the whole of the outer sides.
In order to give lightness, the whole of the metallic fittings may be made of
aluminium.
Dated this 17th day of March 1893
WILLIAM JAMES LANCASTER,
By Henry Skerrett,
Agent for Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Photographic Cameras and their Accessories.
I, WILLIAM JAMES LANCASTER, of Colmore Row, in the City of Birmingham,
Manufacturing Optician, 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:
1
This invention relates to detail improvements in photographic cameras, and in
accessories of them, such for example, as dark slides, plate carriers, and stand
attachments, and which said invention as hereinafter described, is an improvement
or improvements upon three several Letters Patent granted to me, and bearing date
the First day of May 1885 No. 5364; the First day of February 1887 No. 1533,
and the 30th day of January 1889 No. 1631.
My invention consists, in the one part, in improvements in the fittings of the
front of the camera, whereby the same is so mounted and provided that certain
adjustments and folding are attainable without employing any loose parts, and
without the said front part being detachable from its fittings; in another part, in
mounting and fitting the back part in mauner that the same admits of both a
vertical and horizontal adjustment, or otherwise, of a vertical and angular slope
adjustment; in a further part, in means of connecting the table or crown of the
stand, to the base-board of the camera; in a still further part, in the construction
and production of dark slides; and in another part, in the construction and making
of plate carriers.
In carrying out the first part of my invention, I mount upon the front or cross
rail part of the tail board or inner sliding frame, which works telescopically within

page_text: the outer frame part forming the edges to the base board, two upright and opposite
rocking brackets, pivoted at their extreme lower parts to the extreme outer end or
cross rail of the said inner part of the tail board. Each of these brackets are all-
through longitudinally slotted at their upper parts and are disposed at distances
apart from each other equal to the breadth of the front of the camera which has in
and out screwing pins (which form fulcra) disposed at the two opposite sides of it, a
little above the middle so as to admit of the said front hanging or swinging when
hung from the said pins, which also act as means for clamping the said front in any
vertically or angularly adjusted position.
These upright brackets have their lower inside parts box-slotted and with the
sides made lignable with the upper and open slots as aforesaid.
These said brackets have upon the middles of their outer sides necks or sleeves,
wherein clamping pins taking through the slots of slotted and set-back rocking
brackets or arms, take. These rocking brackets are angularly disposed relative to
the first named upright brackets, and are jointed to an inward front part of the
inner tail-board.
Vertical adjustment is performed by loosening the screws on the axes passing
through the upper slots in the first-named bracket, and then sliding the front to
any desired vertical position.
The lower outside edges of the said front have outstanding pins or studs, which
work within the boxed slots of the front brackets, and which boxed slots have side
gates or entrances near their upper ends, to admit of the said lower pins or studs
leaving the said boxed slots, in order that the front may turn. upon the upper
pins, which pass through the all-through slots as centres of motion, for folding.
Assuming that the parts are in positions for use, and the said parts adjusted to.
the desired tilt and elevation, then screw home the clamping means, when the parts
are rigidly held in the desired and adjusted positions.
To fold the front to the plane of the base-board, release the screws, lift
the front and pass the keep studs outwardly through the gates. Then swing the
front upon the upper pins, when the same can be folded, and the whole of the
parts laid flat to the base board, without the removal or detachment of any of
the fittings or parts.
In carrying out the second part of my invention, the back of the camera is pivot
mounted upon opposite slide or rest brackets which traverses upon the outer edges.
of the base board as a bed, and which slide carries a clamping device which when
released, admits of the front making a swing adjustment, but when screwed home,
clamps the back in any adjusted angular position.
The ends of the slides have horizontal slots formed or cut within upright parts of
them, so as to admit of the said back making a skew adjustment, or in other words,
admitting the said back, when adjusted to any inclination, turning in a plane at an
angle to the plane of itself.
The lower outer ends of the said back carry pins passing through the said slots,
and with milled heads or nuts taking upon the ends of the said pins.
Stay brackets are also fitted to the sides of the said back with the inner ends of
them jointedly connected to the outside edges of the brackets and with clamping
pins upon the middle edges of the back frame taking through longitudinal slots
formed in the upper parts of the said brackets.
Assuming the required traverse and angular adjustments have been made by
sliding the said back upon the base-board or outer tail part, then the same are
affixed by the screwing up of their respective screw nuts, and assuming that before
such adjustments have been clamped, the necessary, skew adjustment has been
obtained, by turning the said back as it were upon its own vertical axis, then the
whole of the parts are collectively clamped in the desired adjusted position.
In carrying out the third part of my invention, the connection of the base board
with the table of the stand is effected by a means consisting of the one part, of a
flat ring, having headed studs standing up from its top side or face, and which
are adapted to take through enlarged ended holes formed at one of the
.

page_text: terminations of the slots of a second part or plate affixed to the underside of the
base board.
Thus the base board carries a ring having enlarged ended slots whilst the table
stand, or the ring of the table stand, has an upright flange of an outside diameter
equal to the inside diameter of the base board ring, which forms a lead for the
placing of the base board of the stand which is supported and carried by legs as
usual.
In connecting or placing the camera to or upon the stand, bring the enlarged
ends of the plate of the base board coincident with the studs, then place the said
enlarged ends vertically over the heads of them, until the opposed faces of the
two parts to be connected, come together. Then slightly rotate the camera, and
turn a clamping lever, which draws and clamps the two plates together in any
position as may be desired, other than at points where enlarged ends are.
In carrying out the fourth part of my invention, the dark slide consists of an
open topped rectangular shaped frame made from moulding drawn from sheet
metal, and which open top is closed by a hinged top with the joint end cranked
and the other end fitted with a catch fastener. The moulding constituting the
framing is provided with grooves or guides adjacent to the two opposite edges,
wherein sheet metal or other slides slip, and are made light tight by the walls of
the said grooves preferably falling slightly to the boundary edges of the slides
embraced. The upper ends of the slides extend beyond the top edges of the
framing, and are provided with thumb-pull pieces, made lip form, which when in
position in the frame, come non-coincident.
The closure top is like unto a bar or strip lid covered with velvet and coming
between the upper parts of the shutter-slides, and which velvet prevents the ingress
of light to the plates which slide within a central groove or grooves formed between
the channels of the shutters.
The moulding is made from thin sheet metal drawn with border grooves or
channels, or with grooves or channels disposed adjacent to the two opposite edges
of the section moulding, and with a broader and shallower groove or channel coming
between the edge grooves. Thus the inside section of the said moulding is pre-
ferably that of three grooves, the outer ones for receiving the slides, and the inner
one for receiving the plate or plates.
The moulding may be made with two or other number of middle grooves arranged
side by side with the said outer grooves. The outside section comprehends a middle
groove located between two outside flanges. This outer groove fits into the guides
in the camera back.
In carrying out the fifth part of my invention, the plate carrier consists of a
rectangular frame of a U cross section, with the open part being presented inwards.
The upper end of this frame has a turn down and jointed top, with the ends
extended crankwise downward to the joint, whilst the front of the said turn down
closure top part is open, and when in its closed position, the top edge of it overlaps
the top edge. of the cut-away part of the framing. When the hinged part is
turned down, month is presented, wherethrough a plate is slipped, after which
the same is retained in the carrier by turning up and closing the flap or hinged top,
hence a frame enclosed on the whole of the outer sides.
In order to give lightness, the whole of the metallic fittings may be made of
aluminium.
Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings represents, partly in side elevation and
partly in section, a camera (opened out) constructed, arranged provided and fitted
with improvements made according to my present invention. The parts represented
in section are those relating to the means of connecting the crown of the stand to
the underside of the base board of the camera body framing.
Figure 2 represents, partly in elevation and partly in vertical section, a side of
the front end of the camera, showing the positions of the joints or centres of the
fittings and also the open and boxed slots of the brackets.
Figure 3 represents a front elevation of the front part of Figure 1, with the

page_text: rocking and upright brackets, which primarily carry the said front, in section, and
also the opposite sides, showing, how the combined keep and fulcra screws take
within bearing gaps made out of the sides of the open slots, and how the pins
which take within the slots are freed through the gates or gaps.
Figure 4 represents the said camera Figure 1, with the component parts and
fittings in the positions which they assume when the said camera is being folded.
Figure 5 shows the top side of the base board, with the bellows part of the
camera and its fittings removed, so as to show the stand attachment, and the means
of connecting the same to the underside of the base board. The said view also
represents a horizontal section of the front and back parts of the camera and
their fittings upon the dotted lines A B Figure 1.
Figure 6 represents a vertical section upon the dotted lines C D Figure 3, but
with portions of the front part broken away, in order to exhibit one of the keep
studs (which are upon the lower parts of edges of the said front) and also one of
the fulcrum and adjustment pins.
Figure 7 shows a section of a part of the base-board with a ring or slotted fitting
attached, with which the attachment part or the crown of the stand (shown in
cross section in Figure 8) engages.
Figure 9 represents an edge view of the said attachment or stand crown, whilst
Figure 10 represents a top-side view of Figures 8 and 9, and Figure 11 represents
an underside plan of the slotted ring shown in section in Figure 7.
The same letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in Figures 1 to 11.
In the body of the camera, as in Figures 1, 4 and 5, a is the base board, with
raised marginal edges a³, upon the two opposite sides of the same, and with a
raised rear lift or bar a³, terminating the base board, upon which the back b, or
the bracket of the back (as hereinafter described) slides and is adjustable in longi-
tudinal traverse and swing-wise and skew-wise. c is a tail-board or tail-piece,
consisting of a rectangular shaped frame, open at its middle, and with the opposite
tenoned or tongued side edges c', of the opposite sides c, taking and sliding within
grooves a¹, formed within the walls of the inside edges a, of the sides a². When
the tail board, which works telescopically as it were within the base board, is shut
up or collapsed, then the back edge c³, abuts against the front edge a³, of the lift
or back bar a³. The front part of the framing of the said tail board or piece has
a mounted and rocking cross bar d, with pivot ends d², upon the two opposite sides
of it, working through holes or bearings c, made through the front ends of the
sides c. This rocking and mounted bar d, carries, and has made fast to it, a
frame e, whose opposite sides constitute upright brackets e³, with open and boxed
slots e, e, and designed for the purpose of carrying a swinging, adjustable and
folding front, which has upon the lower part of its two opposite sides f², keep
studs, which take and traverse within the box slots e', which have side gaps or
gates e, leading to them, and through which and by which the said studs f³, pass
into the slots and leave them when the said front is required to be folded, in the
act of which the same is shown in Figure 4.
Now the front of the camera, or the front framing part thereof is mounted upon
loose screw pins g, having screwed stems 92, bearing collars g', and heads 9³, and
with the said stems g², taking through opposite screwed holes f, directed through
the opposite sides of the framing of the front f.
The upper slots es, of the upright brackets e, have bearing holes es, for receiving
or wherein the bearing collars 9', of the pivot and keep screws g, pass on the said
screws being turned home, as represented in Figures 1, 3 and 4, and arranged for
the purpose of keeping the said front in a given swinging position when the same
requires to turn under on folding as in Figure 4.
The upright sides or brackets of the said frame e, have located or disposed upon
the middles of the outer sides of them, necks or bosses e7, into which the stems of
opposite set screws es, passing through longitudinal slots ', of opposite and set back
slotted arms or links h, take. These said links h, are pivot jointed at their lower
ends, to the inside edges of the sides e, of the tail board or piece c, so that on

page_text: the said tail board or piece being propelled and repelled or traversed to and fro
upon the base board through pinions upon the axis, (carrying milled heads i,)
engaging with racks, upon the undersides of the sides c, of the tail board, the
whole of the front is bodily traversed.
Assuming that the camera is folded up and that the same is required to be used,
then traverse the tail board, which pulls out the gussetted bellows part j, then raise
the frame e and the cognate parts of it, and then slide the front upwards through
the medium of the pins g, within the upper slots es, until the said pins come up to the
bearing holes e. Then incline the front or bring the lower part forward, when the
keep studs, pass inwards through the gaps or gates e, when by pulling down
the front, the studs take into the boxed slots e, either above or below the gates as
required, and on the vertical adjustment being attained, the same are then clamped
with the front in the same general plane as the bracket arms.
Having thus adjusted the said front vertically, the same is then swung upon the
joint centres d, and the necessary inclination or oblique adjustment obtained, and
then by screwing home the set screws 8, the said frame e, with front, is affixed in
the last named adjusted position.
To refold the camera, loosen the set or clamping screws, when the whole of the
parts also become loosened although still attachedly connected together, and can
then be folded up as represented in Figure 4.
The back of the camera 6, is pivot mounted upon opposite slide or rest brackets k,
which traverse upon slightly overhanging metal strips m, of the sides a², of the base
board a, as a bed, and which slides carry or are fitted with a clamping device n,
consisting of a rod n', taking through the sides ¹, of the brackets k, and with a
loose head, taking upon a screwed end of the said rod, and on the said head being
screwed home, after longitudinal traverse adjustment of the back, the brackets,
which are in other words traversing slides, are drawn towards each other, and into
intimate contact with the opposite sides of the base board. Jointed to the two
opposite fore parts of the slide brackets k, and pivoted at o², are opposite slotted
arms or stay links o, through the slots o', of which, the shanks of set or clamping
screws p, pass and screw within screwed holes made within the two opposite sides b',
of the back b, so that after adjustment of the front in any position as may be desired,
or in any position which the nature of the fittings admit of, the screw pins p, are
then turned home or tightened.
Now the back or the framing constituting the back b, has opposite pivots 3,
directed upon the lower parts of its two opposite sides, and upon these pivots the
said back swings, whilst the bearings of the said pivots in the slide brackets k, arc
elongated and marked k³, whilst middle enlargements of them are marked k³.
By the pivots ², which are screw pins taking into the sides of the frame of the
back, passing outwardly through elongated bearings k³, the said back admits of
making a slight angle, or turning upon a vertical axis as a centre of motion, hence
a skew or turn adjustment.
The heads of these pins or axes 62, have bosses 6³, at their inner ends, which take
as bearing shoulders into the bearings or enlarged holes in the middles of the
slots k², of the slide brackets k, so that when the said pivots are screwed home, the
back turns upon the said bossed collars as centres.
Now assuming that a skew adjustment is required, then the screwed axes, are
loosened, thus admitting of the shanks of them passing in reverse directions into the
slots 3, of the slide brackets k, hence skew adjustment, and this done, then fix the
same by the screwing home of the said screw pivots.
That part of my invention relating to means for connecting the camera to the
stand consists primarily of an attachment q, carried by the stand and formed of -
a flat ring or crown q, with a lead collar g', upon its upper side standing from its
inner boundary edge, and upon the top side of the crown or ring part 2, are raised
headed studs q, q, with shanks 4, 4, which are adapted to take within enlarged
ended slots 2, 3, of a base board attachment plate r, secured to the underside of the
said base board by smail screws or by other means. That part of the base-board

page_text: .
lying opposite to the inner boundary edge of the said plate r, is cut away or has a
top clearance to admit of the lead collar 7, passing through the inside, of the
ring r, and slightly into the piercing a', of the base-board, and thereby make the
headed studs 8, 9 come coincident with the slots 3, 3. The base board is also
cut away, or has a clearance left, at the backs of the slots to admit of the studs
passing through the enlarged ends of, and traversing the range of, the said slots.
Thus, assuming that the attachment 7, which is jointedly connected to legs g, by
lugs q upon the underside of it, is required to be connected to the underside of the
camera, then bring the hole a', surrounded by the inner periphery, of the ring r,
over the lead collar g', and with the headed studs 3, 97 opposite the enlarged
ends, of the slots, then by dropping the camera over the lead collar q', the
said heads will pass through the holes, when by a rotatory movement of the
camera, the necks of the studs are taken into the slots 2, 3, with the heads over-
hanging the sides of the said slots.
The stud q, which has a lever q, made fast or attached to it, has a wormed
stem, which screws through a screwed hole q10, made or formed in the ring g', so
that when the necessary connection has been made, and also a rotatory adjustment
effected, (which may be to an extent about equal to the lengths of the slots,) the
lever or arm q, is then turned, when the head of the stud q', is brought into
intimate contact with the metal at the top side or face of the ring r, hence the
clamping of the camera to the crown or attachment surmounting the stand.
It will thus be seen that by employing such means of connection, a more even
distribution of the weight of the camera is secured besides the said camera being
capable of making a part rotatory adjustment.
Although I have described a lever with a screw for clamping the crown of the
stand to the camera yet any known mechanical equivalent may be employed
instead.
Figure 12 represents, in front elevation, a metallic dark slide constructed,
arranged and provided with improvements made according to my invention. The
said figure represents one of the shutters (the slide being provided with two)
raised or partly lifted.
Figure 13 represents a longitudinal vertical section through the middle of the
said dark slide and with one of the shutters shown down and showing how the open
top of the same is closed by a hinged closure or strip shaped lid.
Figure 14 represents a longitudinal cross section of the said dark slide upon the
dotted lines EF Figure 12, showing the plates in position and the section of the
outer frame having three channels for receiving the edges of the plates and the edges
of the shutters, which form, when in position, the front and back sides to the slide.
It also shows the ribs upon the lower and inner faces of the shutters for preventing
the same from being entirely withdrawn.
Figure 15 shows a vertical section of the dark slide broken through its middle,
and with the lid or closure partly opened and when the said lid is thrown back
plates can be introduced into the slide through the said open end.
Figure 16 represents a cross section of Figure 13 (without the plates) upon the
dotted lines G H. It will be seen from this view how the frames are made up
from thin sheet metal mouldings fashioned into shape by a drawing process.
In Figures 12 to 16, the dark slide consists of a rectangular frames, with an open.
tops, and is made from moulding drawn from sheet metal. The said open top,
less the thickness of the metal of the shutters t, t', is closed by a light-tight hinged
top u, jointed at u², at the extremity of a cranked end n', whilst the other and free
end us, has a tongue or tail catch u, with a hole , within it, which takes over a
studs, carried by the top purt of one side of the framing. Adjacent to the said
free end is a stay or ear u, which forms a means of giving rigidity to and bracing
the said lid when closed, as the tongue or free end part u, comes upon one side of
the lid, whilst the stay u, comes upon the other and inner side. The said lid is
preferably covered with velvet to make the said end light tight, and the said velvet
or like material is secured in position by a top plate us fixed by ears u°, of the

page_text: bottom plate taking through holes in the said top plate, and then afterwards being
closed down. The grooves for receiving the shutters are markeds, whilst the
middle channel between them for receiving the plate or plates is marked so, whilst
the ribs in the shutters for preventing the same from being fully withdrawn are
marked t, whilst are thumb pieces. The sides and end of the shutter are formed
from moulding cut up into lengths and then mitred together.
Figure 17 represents in front elevation, a plate carrier fitted with an improve-
ment or improvements made according to my invention.
Figure 18 is a longitudinal vertical section of the same; Figure 19 represents a
section of one of the joints of the opening part and Figure 20 is an end view of
the same.
In Figures 17 to 20, the body of the carrier consists of a rectangular shaped
frame r, made from drawn metal and of a U cross section, and with the open troughed
front presented innermost. v¹ is the open top, enclosed by a turn-away and jointed
strip cover, with the ends o³, cranked downwardly and jointed at 4, so that when
turned laterally or aside the same is turned out of the plane of the carrier and
thereby presents an open or thoroughfare mouth wherethrough a plate or plates is
or are slipped and which are confined by the partially enclosed or box sides. In
addition to the joint, the opening and closing cover or closure is retained in its
closed position by indents or studs on each side of the part snapping into like
opposed recesses, on each side, of the other part. This catch may be modified
by cutting out a tongue from the metal and forming.a free end part of it into
a retaining stud.
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:
First. In photographic cameras, fitting and mounting the fronts of cameras upon
a rocking and folding framing having side brackets or end connections each having
open and boxed slots with a gate or entrance thereto, substantially as and for the
purpose as described and set forth in Figures 1 to 6.
Secondly. In photographic cameras fitting and mounting the fronts of the same
upon a rocking and folding frame with the bracket sides of the same each having
open and boxed slots and a gate or entrance thereto, and with each of the said
gates and slots adapted to receive a stud carried upon the lower part of the said
front, so as to make the front become lignable with its supporting brackets for
vertical adjustment, substantially as described and set forth in Figures 1 to 6.
Thirdly. In photographic cameras, the combination with the front and the fittings
thereof having open and boxed or bridged slots and gates or entrances thereto,
and adjustable pivot studs g, taking into the open slots, of guide studs f³,
substantially as described and set forth in Figures 1 to 6.
Fourthly. In the fronts of photographic cameras, the means herein described
for folding-up or opening out the same, whereby the said front and fittings are
rendered non-detachable and loose parts are dispensed with, substantially as described
and set forth in Figures 1 to 6.
Fifthly. In the backs of photographic cameras mounting and providing the
same with fittings as set forth in Figures 1, 4 and 5, by which means both vertical
and horizontal adjustments, or vertical and angular slope or skew adjustments
are obtained, substantially as described and set forth.
Sixthly. The improvements in the general construction, arrangement and
combination of the parts (less the stand attachment) substantially as and for the
purposes as described and set forth in Figures 1 to 6.
Seventhly. In the attachment fittings of cameras and their stands, consisting
essentially of a slotted plate of the one part and a headed or necked stud-
carrying plate of the other part, and with the studs of the one part adapted to
engage with slots or enlarged ended slots of the other part for making the
B

page_text: connection of the camera to the stand and for effecting a swivelling adjustment,
substantially as described and set forth in Figures 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11.
Eighthly. In the attachment fittings of cameras and their stands as the preceeding
claims, clamping the one part to the other part by means of a turn or a screw turn,
substantially as described and set forth in Figures 5, 9 and 10.
Ninthly. In photographic dark slides, consisting of a rectangular frame made
from cut-off lengths of moulding or drawn thin sheet metal moulding, uniting
together by mitreing or otherwise, substantially as described and set forth in
Figures 12 to 16.
Tenthly. In photographic dark slides, making the same from drawn or rolled
sheet metal moulding of treble or quadruple channelled or troughed section,
substantially as described and set forth in Figures 12 to 16.
Eleventhly. In photographic dark slides, providing the same with a light tight
strip cover, coming and locating itself, when closed, between the shutters,
substantially as described and set forth in Figures 13, 14 and 15.
Twelfthly. The improvements in photographic dark slides, and in fitting the
covers or closures of the same with a stay for bracing the sides of the frame and
giving rigidity to the closing end of the cover, substantially as described and set
forth in Figures 12 to 16.
Thirteenthly. In photographic plate carriers, fitting to the open mouth or end or
side of the same, a jointed turn-away strip cover, substantially as described and set
forth in Figures 17 to 20.
Dated
S
of December 1902.
:
LALLE LA LUU
WILLIAM JAMES LANCASTER,
By Henry Skerrett,
6, Livery Street, Birmingham, Agent for Applicant.