IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF SURFACES FOR PRINTING STAMPING OR EMBOSSING
Year: 1881

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME We JOSEPH
JULIUS SACHS of the City of Manchester and GABRIEL RAPHAEL HUGON of
8 Union Court Old Broad Street in the City of London Merchant Send Greeting
WHEREAS Her Most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria by Her Royal Letters
Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain and Ireland bearing date at
Westminster the twenty first day of January in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and eighty one in the forty fourth year of Her reign did for Herself
Her heirs and successors give and grant unto me the said Joseph Julius Sachs my
executors administrators or assigns her Special License full power sole privilege and
authority that I the said Joseph Julius Sachs my executors administrators or
assigns or such others as I the said Joseph Julius Sachs my executors administrators
or assigns should at any time agree with and no others from time to time and at all
times thereafter during the term therein expressed should and lawfully might make
use exercise and vend within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
the Channel Islands and Isle of Man an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
PRODUCTION OF SURFACES FOR PRINTING STAMPING OR EMBOSSING" for and during
the term of fourteen years thence next ensuing AND WHEREAS in pursuance
and performance of a proviso in the said Letters Patent contained I the said Joseph
Julius Sachs did within six calendar months next after the date of the said Letters
Patent namely on the twentieth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and eighty one cause a Specification in writing under my hand and
seal purporting to particularly describe the nature of the said Invention and in
what manner the same was to be performed to be duly filed in the Great Seal Patent
Office AND WHEREAS by Indenture bearing date the first day of September
One thousand eight hundred and eighty two I the said Joseph Julius Sachs granted
and assigned to the said Gabriel Raphael Hugon the said recited Letters Patent upon
certain trusts therein mentioned or referred to AND WHEREAS since the filing
of the said Specification we have been advised that the third claiming Clause in
the said Specification contained might be held to cover matter which was not new
at the date of the said Letters Patent and we are therefore desirous of disclaiming

page_text: the said third claiming clause and of otherwise amending the said Specification in
manner hereinafter more fully appearing NOW KNOW YE that we the said
Joseph Julius Sachs and Gabriel Raphael Hugon by and with the leave of Her
Majesty's Solicitor General and for the reason aforesaid do amend the said
Specification in manner following that is to say :-
We strike out the two paragraphs commencing with the words "In order to
obtain a pin Engraving" which occur at line 43 of page 8 of the Queen's Printer's
Copy of the said Specification published at the Commissioners of Patents Sale
Department in One thousand eight hundred and eighty one and ending with the
words "etched thereon" which occur at line 56 of the said page 8.
We also strike out the third Claiming Clause which occurs at lines 25. 26.
and 27 of page 9 of the said Copy of the said Specification And in order that the
effect of the said Disclaimer and. Memorandum of Alteration may be clearly.
understood we annex hereto a Copy of the said Specification as it will appear when
so amended the preamble and testing clause being omitted:-
«
My said Invention relates to improved methods of preparing surfaces to be used
for printing stamping or embossing and it consists in producing in the manner
hereinafter described a fac simile either sunk or in relief on the surface to be used
for the above named purposes of any suitable open or closed fabric material design
drawing sketch wood copper steel or other engraving, photograph, or other suitable
object adapted for the purpose.
.
"In carrying out my said Invention I produce a fac simile of the said objects
on paper or other suitable close and flexible material covered with a layer of such
substances as are changed in their properties by the action of light, as for example,
a mixture of gelatine, guin, dextrine, cascine, albumen, isinglass or saccharine
compounds, or the like with the salts of chromic acid or other compounds which
will render the substances before mentioned sensitive to the action of light on
which layer I superpose a layer of asphaltum the latter being either used alone or
mixed with other materials (such for example as wax) which do not prevent the
action of light.
"I produce such facsimile by placing the open or closed fabric or material or the
transparency of any object on the paper or close material containing the layer of
the compounds to be acted upon by the actinic rays of light in close contact with
that. layer and allow the act through the open or closed fabric or material or
through the transparencies mentioned above on the layer consisting for example of
a mixture of gelatine with some chromium compound say chromate of potassium or
ammonia for a sufficient length of time to admit of the fac simile being clearly
developed on the surface of the layer of chrome gelatine or its equivalent.
"Or I take an optical lens or arrangement of lenses fixed or moveable capable
of producing an image and place the same between the paper or material bearing
the sensitive layer and the objects which are kept at such distances that a
fac simile of diminished or enlarged or unaltered size of the above named objects
appears on the sensitive layer The Photographer's camera obsura, [sic] for example,
may serve for that purpose and is used for it but other optical apparatus, such for
example, as photographic enlarging or reducing apparatus both for opaque and
transparent objects and such optical apparatus as produce facsimiles of objects may
be employed
"The sensitive layer is exposed to the light coming from the object through the
lens or arrangement of lenses, fixed or moveable, for a sufficient length of time for
the fac simile to be fixed to it, after which the paper or materials bearing the
sensitive layer is separated from the open or closed work or the transparencies and
is covered on the side of the sensitive layer with a solution of substances capable
of adhering to metallic or other surfaces and of resisting the action of an etching
bath in volatile solvents, such for example, as wax and asphaltum dissolved in
turpentine or benzine and the like; after evaporation of the solvents the paper or
other materials is introduced into a bath of cold or tepid water by preference
containing a little ammonia or alkali for a sufficient length of time to cause the

page_text: parts of the sensitive layer not acted upon by light to swell so as to become more
elevated than the other parts. I then remove by means of sponge or otherwise
these portions of the resisting substance which are on the surface of the swollen or
elevated part of the sensitive. layer thus exposing the raised design whilst the
interstices remain filled with the resisting substance. It will be obvious that the
order of manipulation may be somewhat varied as for example, the paper or
material may be covered with both the sensitive layer and the resist before
exposure or the paper or material with the sensitive layer may be immersed in the
cold or tepid water directly after exposure and when the design is raised and when
free from superfluous moisture on the surface of the sensitive layer it may be
covered with the solution of resist after which the solvent is evaporated and the
raised parts of the layer are then freed from the resist by the aid of a sponge or
otherwise.
I next remove the surplus moisture from the surface of the layer and place the
paper or material with the layer and resist on the surface of a roller or other body
with the layer and resist next thereto and cause it to adhere by applying pressure
or by some adhesive substance, as for example, Gelatine Starch and the like which
does not impede the action of the Etching solution
I then place the roller or body together with the paper containing the sensitive
layer and resist and adhering to the surface into a suitable etching. bath by
preference into one containing perchloride of iron with or without being
connected with a continuous or alternating current of electricity whereby the
roller or other surface is etched the etching solution acting through the paper or
material bearing the sensitive layer and resist.
The facsimile thus appears on the back side of the material quite distinct, and
the etching can be seen and watched without removing the material until the
etching is sufficiently deep. When the roller or other surface is etched to the
required depth it is withdrawn from the Etching bath and the paper or material
bearing the design and resist is removed from the roller or other surface which is
next washed cleaned and polished and is then ready for use.
through
A
In lieu of Etching the paper or material bearing the sensitive layer and
resist the paper or material may be removed before etching or during the
operation.
It is obvious that by reversing the character of the object a positive or negative
facsimile will be produced and thus an Etching may be produced at will which
shows the design or pattern in intaglio or in relief.
Thus, for example, a white open work say, for instance, lace, will produce a
positive facsimile where the light passes through its interstices on to the surfaces
of the sensitive layer and thus an intaglio print of it will be obtained. If the
rays of light are reflected from it to the surface of the sensitive layer which would
be the case if it were placed before a dark background and its image drawn by a
lens on the sensitive layer then a reversed or negative facsimile is produced by
which subsequently an Etching is obtained which shows the pattern raised on the
surface and the interstices sunk.
In a similar manner I may operate with other positive or negative transparencies
and other objects.
These processes may be applied to any surface capable of being attached by
suitable Etching solutions the latter being chosen according to the material of the
surfaces to be etched. For example, dilute acids, such for instance, as hydrochloric
acid for lithographic stones fluoric acid for surfaces on Glass and other silicious
compounds, nitric acid in a dilute state for metals, as for example lead silver and
the like
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original

page_text: and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the hereinbefore in part
recited Letters Patent is :-
First. The process for the production of surfaces for printing stamping or
embossing in which a facsimile of an object is produced by the action of light on
paper or other suitable close or flexible material covered with a sensitive layer and
resist and in which the sensitive layer and resist bearing the facsimile of the
object are treated in the manner herein set forth and then applied to the surface
of a roller or other body which is finally etched in an etching solution substantially
as hereinbefore described
Second. In the process for the production of surfaces for printing stamping or
embossing in which a facsimile of an object is produced by the action of light on
paper or other suitable close or flexible material covered with a sensitive layer and
resist or with a resisting sensitive layer and treated and applied to the surface of
a roller or other body as herein set forth etching the surface of the said roller or
other body through the paper or other material bearing the said layer substantially
as hereinbefore described."
In witness whereof we the said Joseph Julius Sachs and Gabriel Raphael
Hugon have hereunto set our hands and Seals this twentieth day of November
One thousand eight hundred and eighty three.
To the Commissioners of Patents for Inventions.
Notice of the application for leave to file this Disclaimer and Memorandum of
Alteration, having been advertized in accordance with my directions :-
I hereby grant my Fiat giving leave to the above named Joseph Julius Sachs
and Gabriel Raphael Hugon to file in the Office of the Commissioners of Patents
with the Specification to which the same relates the above written Disclaimer and
Memorandum of Alteration.
* Dated this twentieth day of December 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Joseph Julius Sachs, of the City of Manchester, for an
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF SURFACES FOR
PRINTING, STAMPING, OR EMBOSSING."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Julius Sachs at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st January 1881.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
JOSEPH JULIUS SACHS, of the City of Manchester.
PRODUCTION OF SURFACES FOR PRINTING, STAMPING, OR EMBOSSING."
My Invention relates to improved methods of preparing surfaces to be used for
printing, stamping, or embossing, and it consists in producing in the manner herein-
after described a facsimile, either sunk or in relief, on the surface, to be used for
the above named purposes of any suitable, open, or closed fabric, material, design,
drawing, sketch, wood, copper, steel, or other engraving, photograph, or other
suitable objects adapted for the purpose.
According to one mode of carrying out my Invention I produce a facsimile of
the said objects on paper or other suitable, close, and flexible material, covered with
a layer of such compounds as are changed in their properties by the action of light
containing actinic rays, as, for example, a mixture of gelatine, or gum, or dextrine,
cascine, albumen, isinglass, saccharine compounds, and such like, with the salts of
chromic acid or other suitable chrome compounds, and other compounds of similar
action, or asphaltum, and such like, the latter either used alone or mixed with
other materials which do not prevent or hinder the action of light on asphaltum
and its equivalents.
I produce such facsimile by placing the open or closed fabric or material, or the
transparency of any object, on the paper or close material containing the layer of
the compounds to be acted upon by the actinic rays of light in close contact with
that layer, and allow the light to act through the open or closed fabric or material,
or through the transparencies mentioned above, on the layer, consisting, for example,
of a machine of gelatine with chrome-salts, say, chomate of potassium or ammonia,
or on asphaltum or its equivalent, for a sufficient length of time to admit of the
facsimile being clearly developed on the surface of the layer of chrome gelatine or
Price 6d1

page_text: ts equivalent, or of the asphaltum being rendered insoluble in benzine, turpentine,
and the like, in the parts upon which the light had acted.
According to another modification I place an optical lens capable of photographic
action between the paper or material with the sensitive layer and the object, which
are kept at such distances that a facsimile of diminished, or enlarged, or unaltered
size of the above named objects appears on the sensitive layer; the photographer's
camera obscura, for example, may serve for that purpose and is used for it; but
also other optical apparatus, as photographic enlarging or reducing apparatus, with
oxy-hydrogen or oxygen and coal gas light, or the sun microscope, the magic
lantern, both for opaque and transparent objects, and such optical apparatus as
produce facsimiles of objects on the principle of the above-named.
The sensitive layer is exposed to the light coming from the object through the
lense for a sufficient length of time, in case of its being a chrome compound, for the
facsimile to be fixed to it, or in case of asphaltum with or without admixture,
that part of the asphaltum is insoluble in benzine on which the light had acted
the most.
In both cases the paper or material with the sensitive layer after having been
exposed to the action of light for a sufficient length of time, and after being
separated in the first case from the open or closed work or transparencies, is covered
in case of the sensitive layer, consisting of chrome compounds with gelatine or its
equivalent on the side of the sensitive layer with a solution of substances capable
of adhering to metallic or other surfaces, and of resisting the action of an etching,
both in volatile solvents, such, for example, as wax and, asphaltum dissolved in
turpentine or benzine, and the like. After evaporation of the solvents the paper
is introduced in a bath of cold or tepid water, by preference containing a little
ammonia or alkali, for a sufficient length of time to cause the parts of the sensitive
layer not acted upon by light to swell so as to become more elevated than the
other parts. I then remove by means of sponge or otherwise those portions
of the resisting substance which are on the surface of the swollen or elevated
parts of the sensitive layer, thus exposing the raised designs, whilst the interstices
remain filled with the resisting substance. It will be obvious that the order
of manipulations may be inverted, and this process can be otherwise variated,
as, for example, the paper or material with the sensitive layer may be immersed
in the cold or tepid water directly after exposure, and when the design is
raised and when freed from superfluous moisture on the surface of the sensitive
layer; it may then be covered with the solution of resist, after which the
solvent is evaporated, and the raised parts of the layer are then freed from
the resist by the aid of a sponge or otherwise. I next remove the surplus
moisture from the surface of the layer by means of blotting paper or other
absorbent material or otherwise, and place the paper or material with the layer
and resist on a roller or other surface with the layer and resist next thereto, and
cause it to adhere by applying pressure. I then place the roller or surface,
together with the paper containing the sensitive layer and resist and adhering to
the surface, into a suitable etching bath, by preference into one containing per-
chloride of iron, with or without being connected with a continuous or alternating
electro galvanic current. If an electro galvanic current is used I connect the
metallic surface with the anode or negative pole, whilst the eathode or positive
pole is connected with the etching liquid or immersed in it without touching the
metallic surface which is to be etched. This arrangement can be reversed or
changed, but to no great advantage.
The roller or other object bearing the surface to be etched should remain in the
etching bath until it is etched to a sufficient depth for the intended purposes, as,
for example, for oil color printing, calico printing, surface printing, milling,
stamping, embossing, or any other use. I also by preference cause the roller or
surface to be etched to move in the etching bath in order to obtain an etching of
equal depth in all the parts; a rotatory motion has been found to answer the best
for that purpose, but other suitable motions may be applied.

page_text: The paper or close material with the sensitive layer after having been caused to
adhere to the roller or other surface may be removed from the surface, leaving
thereon the resisting layer or film; and the roller or surface may be afterwards
immersed in the etching bath, under conditions similar to those before mentioned,
but I find that in so doing the resulting etching is not as distinct and clear as
when the paper or material with the sensitive layer had remained on the surface
in the etching bath, especially so in etching to a considerable depth, and I prefer
to leave the paper or material bearing the sensitive and resisting layers attached to
the surfaces to be etched whilst they remain in the etching bath.
The etching liquid etches through the paper or equivalent, so that the facsimile
appears on the back side of the material quite distinct, and the etching can be
seen and watched without removing the material until the etching is sufficiently
deep.
If the etching is produced sufficiently deep for the purposes for which the etched
surface has to be used, then the roller or object bearing the surface is taken out of
the etching liquid, the paper or material with the sensitive and resisting layer is
removed from the surface; the latter is then cleaned, and after that operation is
ready for use, either directly or indirectly, as, for example, in the case of steel
mills, dies, discs, and matrices, the article will require to be case hardened, if it
has not previously been subjected to that process.
If the sensitive layer on the paper or suitable material consists of asphaltum or
its equivalent I immerse the paper or material after the exposure to the action of
light, as is described above (in order to dissolve all the parts of the layer which
had not been acted upon by light), in a bath, consisting of benzine or turpentine,
or mixtures of the two, or other liquids capable of dissolving asphaltum not
converted by light, and repeat such immersions until all the asphaltum not acted
upon by light is completely dissolved. The facsimile will then appear distinctly
in white or light color on a dark ground, if the paper or material covered with the
asphaltum fayer had been white or light colored. I then attach the paper with
the asphaltum or mixture of asphaltum directly to the surface, which by preference
is slightly warmed with the layer side next to the surface, and apply pressure in
order to render it more adhering to the surface, after which I introduce the object
with the paper or material and the asphaltum or the like layer thereon into the
etching bath, and keep it there under conditions similar to those herein before
described. In some cases I cover the paper or material with the sensitive
asphaltum layer or equivalent (on the side where the layer is not applied) with a
solution of, say, gum, dextrine, gelatine, glue, isinglass, and the like, or of certain
salts, as tartaric acid and the like, or caustic soda and the like, and I then attach
it in a semi-moist state to the slightly warmed surface, and render it more adhering
to it by application of pressure, and etch it with the paper or material and sensitive
layer thereon, as explained above.
It is obvious that by reversing the character of the object a positive or negative
facsimile will be produced, and thus etching may be produced at will, which shews
the design or pattern in intaglio or reversed on the surface.
Thus, for example, a white open work, say, for example, lace, will produce a
positive facsimile if the light passes through the interstices on to the surface of the
sensitive layer, and thus an intaglio print of it will be obtained. If the rays of
light are reflected from it to the surface of the sensitive layer, which would be the
case if it were placed before a dark back ground, and its picture is drawn by a
lens on the sensitive layer, then a reversed or negative facsimile is produced by
which subsequently an etching is obtained which shews the pattern raised on the
surface and the interstices sunk.
In a similar manner I may operate with other positive or negative transparencies
and other objects.
In order to obtain half shades in pin-engraving shewing the half shades at
distance, I proceed in the following manner :-
After the facsimile of the object, or photograph, or picture, or design, and the

page_text: like, containing half shades, has been obtained on the chrome gelatine layer or its
equivalents, I cover it with the above mentioned solution of the resisting
compound, allow it to dry, and then I immerse the paper or material with the
sensitive and resisting layer in cold or tepid water for such a length of time that
those parts of the sensitive layer not acted upon by light shall be raised to a
sufficient height according to the difference of the quantity of light that had acted on
the different parts of the sensitive layer, thus shewing the light shades less raised
than the dark ones; I then take an instrument similar to a brush with pointed pins
instead of hairs, the ends of which are in true level and operate with the same in
the following manner:-
r:-After the material with raised facsimile while noist
laid down quite level on a level surface, say, of glass, with the raised facsimile on
the top, the brush like instrument whilst in a wet state is very gently pressed all
over against the raised parts of the facsimile, so that the raised parts are punctured
with holes of a size varying according to the height of the elevated portions, as
the deeper the tapered points of the pins can enter the wider the holes will become,
care should be taken that the immersed. parts may not be acted upon by the pin
ends.
't
When the brush like instrument is removed and the material with the sensitive
and resisting layer, the latter containing the pin holes is attached to a surface to
be etched with the resisting layer next thereto, and by application of pressure is
caused to adhere to it; the object bearing the surface is then introduced into the
etching bath and treated as described above; I thus obtain an etching composed of
dots only, such being larger and nearer together in the places of the darker shades
or tones in the original, and smaller and more distant one from another in the
places corresponding to the lighter shades in the original..
A species of mezzotint may also be obtained from objects with half shades by
mixing with the chromegelatine or its equivalent a powder, by preference of a
resisting substance, as, for example, that of resin, before covering the material or
paper. In covering the paper, care should be taken that the layer is of equal
thickness in all places and the powder equally or evenly distributed in the layer.
After the layer is dry I produce a facsimile of the object to be engraved on it by
the action of light; I then cover the layer with a resisting material as mentioned
above, immerse the material with the two layers in cold or tepid water, until the
facsimile is raised sufficiently, and then with a sponge or brush I remove the
resisting layer on the surface of the raised parts, whereby also that part of the
powder mixed among the sensitive layer which lies next the top of the raised parts
is partly removed; I then attach to the surface and etch in the manner above
explained.
In order to obtain a pin engraving from objects consisting of lines and full shades
I first produce a facsimile of dots all over the sensitive layer by the action of light
either by superposition of a transparency consisting of dark dots on white or trans-
parent ground, or with the aid of a lens or otherwise. When this is effected I
produce on the same layer (bearing the facsimile of dots) the facsimile of the object,
consisting of lines and full shades, by the action of light either by superposition of
a transparency of it or with the aid of a lens.
The facsimile of the object on the sensitive layer will then appear to consist only
of dots; and is subsequently covered with the resist raised by immersion in cold or
tepid water, treated with a sponge or brush, and afterwards attached to surfaces and
etched thereon, as before explained; or in case asphaltum or its equivalent had been
used as a sensitive layer, it is treated with benzine or turpentine or its equivalent as
before explained, attached to surface, and etched thereon.
These methods can be modified to a great extent, and I give them only typically
and as examples.
If hollow or intaglio prints are wanted in different colors, I produce as many
facsimiles of the same original on as many sheets of the material with the sensitive
layer as colors are wanted in the manner explained above, coat these facsimiles then
with the resisting layer, raise it by immersion in cold or tepid water, and remove the

page_text: resisting layer from the raised parts by a sponge or brush, all as explained
above.
After having been freed from superfluous moisture on the tops of the resisting and
sensitive layers, I cover with the solution of the resisting compounds by means of a
painting brush or otherwise all the parts of the facsimile except those which are to
be printed in one and the same color.
This I do with all the facsimiles, each of them representing a separate color. I
next attach each of the facsimiles on to a separate surface, taking great care that all
the facsimiles make register with each other, so that by subsequent printing the
colors come in their right places without running one into another.
This method also may be modified, and I give it only as an example of the
manner in which prints in different colors by my method can be obtained; thus, for
example, the colors may be blocked out in the negative or positive transparency, or
in the original itself, by any suitable means.
In order to obtain surface prints in different colors I first produce by the action of
light as many negative facsimiles showing the design dark on a light ground of the
original, or, say, of the intended etching, as there are colors required on the layer
side of as many different sheets of the material with the sensitive layer. I then
cover all the facsimiles fully with the solution of the resisting substance or com-
pound, allow the solvent to be evaporated, raise the negatives of the facsimile by
immersion in cold or tepid water, free the raised parts from their resisting layer,
free the surfaces of the resisting and sensitive layer from moisture, and attach each
of the negatives of the facsimile (which appears dark on light ground). to a separate
surface with its layer side next thereto, taking great care that all negatives of the
facsimiles make register, so that by subsequent printing the colors may come in their
proper places without running one into another. After the sheets are caused to
adhere to the surface by application of pressure, the objects bearing the surfaces are
introduced into the etching bath for a sufficient length of time to show the
facsimiles of the original raised or in relief on the surfaces. I then cover on each
surface separately all parts of the surface which have to be printed in one color
(each surface representing then one color separate or distinct from that of the others)
with a compound capable of resisting the action of the etching bath, and then intro-
duce the objects bearing the surfaces into the etching bath with or without electric
current, as explained above. The surfaces are next cleaned and ready for use. This
method can also be modified to a great extent. For example, I produce as many
negative transparencies or opaque negatives, by the action of light or otherwise, as
colors are required, and cover all the transparencies and opaque negatives with an
opaque or dark material or substance, except those parts which have to be of one
color in the intended print. This I do with all the transparencies and opaque
negatives, each of them representing one color separate and distinct from that of
all the others. Of these transparencies or opaque negatives thus prepared I produce
facsimiles on the sensitive layers so many sheets of material containing the
sensitive layers as there are colors required, or as there are negative transparencies
or opaque negatives.
These facsimiles are treated according to the material or compound of which the
sensitive layer is composed, are placed on to the surfaces, each of which represents
a distinct color, and are etched in, as explained above.
I also apply my Invention with great advantage in the pentagraph process by
enlarging the figure or design with the camera by the action of light containing
actinic rays directly on to the sensitive layer on the top of some flexible material
until the enlarged design is fixed to the sensitive layer, and visible when taken
away; or, in case of asphaltum or its equivalent having been used as the sensitive
layer, until the parts acted upon by the light are insoluble in benzine, turpentine,
oil, and such solvents as dissolve asphaltum or its equivalent not acted upon by
the light. The flexible material with the sensitive layer is then treated, according
to the material of which the sensitive layer consists, as explained above, attached

page_text: to the pentagraph plate, and the latter is etched in the manner substantially as
herein before described.
I also produce a sketch, drawing, design, by hand or by printing or otherwise,
positive or negative, on paper or other suitable flexible material (with or without a
layer of gum, gelatine, and the like, or impregnated with such materials, or prepared
otherwise, as, for example, with caustic soda, salts, and the like) with a compound
or material capable of resisting the action of the etching bath, such as a mixture
of wax and asphaltum made to a thick paste by addition of a suitable solvent, as
turpentine, benzine, and the like, or lithographic transfer inks, or by such like
means. The material, with the design or print, is then slightly moistened, pre-
ferably on the side which does not bear the design or print, in order to render it
more flexible, and afterwards it is attached to the surface to be etched with the
printed side next thereto, caused to adhere by application of pressure, and the
object bearing the surface with the material and print thereon is introduced into
-the etching bath, so that the etching solution may act through the material or
paper on to the surface.
The object bearing the surface remains in the etching bath connected or not
with an electric current, as described above, until the etching is sufficiently
deep.
By these means the design or print is etched much clearer and much more
distinct than when the paper is removed from the surface.
It is obvious that by this method also prints in different colors can be obtained
by blocking out with the resist or partly removing the resist according to require-
ments, as for example, intaglio or surface print.
This method may also be modified to a great extent, as, for example, the drawing,
design, or print may be produced with a colored solution of glue, gum, isinglass,
and the like, then dried, covered with a layer of resist, and dried; the material,
with the drawing and the resist, is then introduced into cold or tepid water, so
that the glue may swell; the resist is then removed from the top of the raised
surface with a brush or sponge, the material is attached to the surface with the
resist layer side next to it, caused to adhere to the surface by application of
pressure, and then the object bearing the surface to be etched with the material,
with the drawing and resist, is introduced into an etching bath, and treated
thereon essentially as explained above. All these methods and their modifi-
cations can be applied to any kind of prints, intaglio or surface, or otherwise, in
one or more colors.
These processes may be applied to any surface capable of being attacked by
suitable etching liquids, which have to be chosen according to the material of the
surfaces, as, for example, diluted acids, such, for example, as hydrochloric acid for
lithographic stones, fluoric acid for surfaces on glass and other silicious compounds,
nitric acid in a diluted state for metals, as, for example, lead, silver, and the
like.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Joseph Julius Sachs in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
20th July 1881.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
JOSEPH JULIUS SACHS, of the City of Manchester.
PRODUCTION OF SURFACES FOR PRINTING, STAMPING, OR EMBOSSING."
My said Invention relates to improved methods of preparing surfaces to be used
for printing, stamping, or embossing, and it consists in producing in the manner
hereinafter described a facsimile, either sunk or in relief on the surface to be used
for the above named purposes, of any suitable open or closed fabric, material,
design, drawing, sketch, wood, copper, steel, or other engraving, photograph, or
other suitable object adapted for the purpose.
In carrying out my said Invention I produce a facsimile of the said objects on
paper or other suitable close and flexible material, covered with a layer of such
substances as are changed in their properties by the action of light, as, for
example, a mixture of gelatine, gum, dextrine, cascine, albumen, isinglass, or
saccharine compounds, or the like, with the salts of chromic acid or other compounds,
which will render the substances before mentioned sensitive to the action of light,
on which layer I superpose a layer of asphaltum, the latter being either used alone
or mixed with other materials (such, for example, as wax) which do not prevent
the action of light.
I produce such facsimile by placing the open or closed fabric or material, or the
transparency of any object, on the paper or close material containing the layer of
the compounds to be acted upon by the actinic rays of light in close contact with
that layer, and allow the light to act through the open or closed fabric or material,
or through the transparencies mentioned above on the layer, consisting, for example,
of a mixture of gelatine with some chromium compound, say, chromate of potassium
or ammonia, for a sufficient length of time to admit of the fac-simile being clearly
developed on the surface of the layer of chrome gelatine or its equivalent.
Or I take an optical lens or arrangement of lenses fixed or moveable capable of
producing an image, and place the same between the paper or material bearing the
sensitive layer, and the objects which are kept at such distances that a fac-simile of
diminished or enlarged or unaltered size of the above named objects appears on the
sensitive layer. The photographer's camera obscura, for example, may serve for
that purpose and is used for it, but other optical apparatus, such, for example, as
photographic enlarging or reducing apparatus, both for opaque and transparent
objects, and such optical apparatus as produce facsimiles of objects may be
employed.
The sensitive layer is exposed to the light coming from the object through the
lens or arrangement of lenses, fixed or moveable, for a sufficient length of time for
the facsimile to be fixed to it, after which the paper or materials bearing the
sensitive layer is separated from the open or closed work or the transparencies, and
is covered on the side of the sensitive layer with a solution of substances capable
of adhering to metallic or other surfaces, and of resisting the action of an etching
bath in volatile solvents, such, for example, as wax and asphaltum dissolved in
turpentine or benzine and the like; after evaporation of the solvents the paper or
other materials is introduced into a bath of cold or tepid water, by preference
containing a little ammonia or alkali, for a sufficient length of time to cause the
parts of the sensitive layer not acted upon by light to swell so as to become more
elevated than the other parts. I then remove by means of sponge or otherwise
these portions of the resisting substance which are on the surface of the swollen or
elevated part of the sensitive layer, thus exposing the raised design whilst the

page_text: interstices remain filled with the resisting substance. It will be obvious that the
order of manipulation may be somewhat varied, as, for example, the paper or
material may be covered with both the sensitive layer and the resist before
exposure, or the paper or material with the sensitive layer may be immersed in the
cold or tepid water directly after exposure and when the design is raised, and when
free from superflous moisture on the surface of the sensitive layer it may be
covered with the solution of resist, after which the solvent is evaporated, and the
raised parts of the layer are then freed from the resist by the aid of a sponge or
otherwise.
I next remove the surplus moisture from the surface of the layer and place the
paper or material with the layer and resist on the surface of a roller or other body
with the layer and resist next thereto, and cause it to adhere by applying pressure
or by some adhesive substance, as, for example, gelatine, starch, and the like, which
does not impede the action of the etching solution.
I then place the roller or body, together with the paper containing the sensitive
layer and resist, and adhering to the surface, into a suitable etching bath, by
preference into one containing perchloride of iron, with or without being connected
with a continuous or alternating current of electricity, whereby the roller or other
surface is etched, the etching solution acting through the paper or material bearing
the sensitive layer and resist.
The facsimile thus appears on the backside of the material quite distinct, and
the etching can be seen and watched without removing the material until the
etching is sufficiently deep. When the roller or other surface is etched to the
required depth it is withdrawn from the etching bath, and the paper or material
bearing the design and resist is removed from the roller or other surface which is
next washed, cleaned, and polished, and is then ready for use.
In lieu of etching through the paper or material bearing the sensitive layer and
resist, the paper or material may be removed before etching or during the
operation.
It is obvious that by reversing the character of the object a positive or negative
facsimile will be produced, and thus an etching may be produced at will which
shows the design or pattern in intaglio or in relief.
Thus, for example, a white open work, say, for instance, lace, will produce a
positive facsimile where the light passes through its interstices on to the surfaces
of the sensitive layer, and thus, an intaglio print of it will be obtained. If the
rays of light are reflected from it to the surface of the sensitive layer, which
would be the case if it were placed before a dark background, and its image
drawn by a lens on the sensitive layer, then a reversed or negative facsimile is
produced by which subsequently an etching is obtained, which shows the pattern
raised on the surface and the interstices sunk.
In a similar manner I may operate with other positive or negative transparences
and other objects.
In order to obtain a pin engraving from objects consisting of lines and full
shades, I first produce a facsimile of dots all over the sensitive layer (consisting
for example, of chromo gelatine) by the action of light, either by superposition
of a transparency consisting of dark dots on white or transparent ground, or
with the aid of a lens or otherwise. When this is effected produce on the
same layer bearing the facsimile of dots, the facsimile of the object consisting
of lines and full shades by the action of light, either by superposition of a
transparency of it, or with the aid of a lens or lenses.
The facsimile of the object on the sensitive layer will then appear to consist
only of dots, as is subsequently covered with the resist, raised by immersion in cold
or tepid water, treated with a sponge or brush, and afterwards attached to surfaces
and etched therein, as before explained; or in case asphaltum or its equivalent had
been used as a similar layer, it is treated with benzine or turpentine, or its
equivalent, as before mentioned, attached to surface, and etched thereon.
These processes may be applied to any surface capable of being attached by

page_text: suitable etching solutions, the latter being chosen according to the material of the
surfaces to be etched. For example, dilute acids, such, for instance, as hydrochloric
acid for lithographic stones, fluoric acid for surfaces on glass and other silicious
compounds, nitric acid in a dilute state for metals, as, for example, lead, silver, and
the like.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original, .
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein before in part
recited Letters Patent is,-
First. The process for the production of surfaces for printing, stamping, or
embossing, in which a facsimile of an object is produced by the action of light
on paper, or other suitable close or flexible material, covered with a sensitive layer
and resist, and in which the sensitive layer and resist bearing the facsimile of the
object are treated in the manner herein set forth, and then applied to the surface of
a roller or other body, which is finally etched in an etching solution, substantially
as hereinbefore described.
Second. In the process for the production of surfaces for printing, stamping, or
embossing, in which a facsimile of an object is produced by the action of light on
paper or other suitable close or flexible material covered with a sensitive layer and
resist, or with a resisting sensitive layer, and treated and applied to the surface of
a roller or other body, as herein set forth, etching the surface of the said roller or
other body through the paper or other material bearing the said layer, substantially
as herein before described.
Third. The mode of obtaining a pin engraving from objects consisting of lines
and full shades, or, vice versa, obtaining line engraving from objects consisting of
pin engraving or mezzotint, substantially as hereinbefore described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Joseph Julius Sachs, have to this my Specifi-
cation set my hand and seal, this Ninteenth day of July, One thousand
eight hundred and eighty one.
JOSEPH JULIUS SACHS.
(L.S.