Year: 1887

page_text: We, EDWARD VALENTINE SWINDEN, of 81 Merton Road, Bootle, in the County of
Lancastor, Accountant, and JOSEPH EARP, of 50 Falkland Road, Egremont in the
County of Chester, Accountant do hereby declare the nature of our said invention
to be as follows:-
Our Invention relates to Photographic Cameras, or sensitised plate boxes in which
a number of sensitised plates are carried one behind the other for taking a
succession of photographic pictures, and consists of a method of removing the plates
and stowing them after the pictures have been taken and in the means of feeding up
the plates, plate by plate.
The Camera, or Plate box is constructed to receive a number of prepared plates, or
films. According to our Invention as each plate is used we remove it by causing it to
fall forward out of the field of the following plate, and as each plate is so removed we
feed up another plate to take its place.
We construct the plate box-which may form part of the camera, or be attached
thereto of such form and size as to allow a number of plates to be stowed and
operated as described. The plates are fed up by springs, or like means and are
released, guided and caused to fall forward by moveable pushes, bolts, or stops and
guides, as they are used.
j
By removing the plates by causing them to fall forward onto the bottom of the
camera, a very simple and convenient means is obtained of stowing the plate after
the picture has been taken and the camera is enabled to be kept of small dimensions
also very simple and inexpensive mechanism is required, namely a spring, or springs
to feed the plates forward and a catch, or catches to hold and release the plate and
allow it to fall forward preferably face down onto the bottom of the camera, or onto
the back of the preceding plate as the case may be.
To cause the plates to fall in order and only one at a time we provide the top of the
camera with a groove of size to suit the thickness of the plate and we provide the

page_text: part of the camera on which the plates rest with a ledge preferably having an inclined
face. At the back of this ledge, we provide a bolt by raising which the top edge of
the front plate is raised into the groove, the pressure from the back plates causing the
front plate to pass over the ledge; then by pressing down a bolt which is provided in
the groove and by canting the camera, the plate falls down and then forward face down
out of the field of the next plate.
The plates are withdrawn from the camera through a door which is formed in the
camera for that purpose.
For the purpose of isolating the plate box from the lens of the camera, we provide
a shutter which is so pivotted in the camera or plate box that it can, when required, be
caused to shield the front plate.
Dated L 1071
EDWARD VALENTINE SWINDEN.
JOSEPH EARP

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or Connected with Photographic Cameras.
We, EDWARD VALENTINE SWINDEN, of 81 Merton Road, Bootle in the County of
Lancaster, Accountant, and JOSEPH FARP, of 50 Falkland Road, Egremont, in the
County of Chester, Accountant, do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
Our Invention relates to Photographic Cameras, or sensitised plate boxes, in which
a number of sensitised plates are carried one behind the other for taking a succession
of photographic pictures, and consists mainly of a method of removing the plates
and stowing them after the pictures have been taken, and in the means of feeding up
the plates, plate by plate.
The Camera or plate box is constructed to receive a number of prepared plates, or
films, and according to our invention as each plate is used we remove it by causing it
to fall forward out of the field of the following plate, and as each plate is so removed
we feed up another plate to take its place.
We construct the plate box-which may form part of the Camera, or be attached
thereto of such form and size as to allow a number of plates to be stowed and
operated as described. The plates are fed up by springs, or like means, and are
released, guided and caused to fall forward by moveable pushes, bolts, or stops and
guides, as they are used.
By removing the plates by causing them to fall forward on to the bottom of the
Camera, a very simple and convenient means is obtained of stowing the plate after
the picture has been taken, and the Camera is enabled to be kept of small dimensions ;
also very simple and inexpensive mechanism is required, namely a spring, or springs
to feed the plates forward, and a catch or catches to hold and release the plate and
allow it to fall forward, preferably face down, on to the bottom of the Camera, or on
to the back of the preceding plate as the case may be.
To cause the plates to fall in order, and only one at a time, we provide the top of
the Camera with a groove of size to suit the thickness of the plate, and we provide
the part of the Camera on which the plates rest with a ledge, preferably having an
inclined face. At the back of this ledge, we provide a bolt, by raising which the top
edge of the front plate is raised into the groove, the pressure from the back plates
causing the front plate to pass over the ledge; then by pressing down a bolt which is
provided in the groove, and by canting the Camera, the plate falls down and then
forward face down out of the field of the next plate.
The plates are withdrawn from the Camera through a door which is formed in the
Camera for that purpose.
For the purpose of isolating the plate box from the lens of the Camera, we provide
a shutter which is so pivoited in the Camera or plate box that it can when required be
caused to shield the front plate.

page_text: In the foregoing description we have set forth generally the nature, object or objects
and effects of our invention, but in order to make it more fully and exactly understood
we will now proceed to describe the same by the aid of the drawings hereto annexed
and forming a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate a camera
apparatus specially designed to carry out the improvements, the nature of which has
been above explained.
or
Figure 1 is a top view partly in section and with portions of the cover removed in
geometric perspective of the camera.
Figure 2 is a detail showing the apparatus partly in cross section at the line XX
Figure 4.
Figure 3 is a plan of the apparatus.
Figure 4 shows the apparatus in longitudinal section.
Figure 5 is an outside elevation of the apparatus.
Figure 6 shows a plate provided with a protective backing according to our
invention.
Figure 7 shows a modified construction of camera case.
The camera is divided into three portions, one is the plate chamber which is at the
rear of the apparatus, the second is the depository chamber for the plates after
exposure, and lies in the middlo, and the third is that in and by which the lens is
placed or carried, all three portions being within a wooden case A; or this case may
be made of any other suitable material. The first chamber is that in which the "dry"
plates or equivalent sensitive media are stored ready for operating, and the parts
within it consist mainly of a hinged door B for gaining access to the chamber, a
sliding follower C, a table or platform D upon which the plates are supported, a
frame E having plate elevating toes e¹, and depressing finger e², and an inclined
curb F for passing the plates Z from the plate chamber and delivering them to the
depository chamber. The frame E is kept in its place by the metallic strips HH',
which are secured to the wood lining strips or pieces G, which are provided upon the
inner surface of the case A, and it is moved up and down between these liners by a
thumb plate e, which is formed upon it and is located in a recess provided in the
bottom of the case A.
When sensitive films or media other than glass plates, such as described, are used,
such media must in all cases be sufficiently stiff, or made sufficiently stiff to render
them applicable for use in apparatus operating according to our invention.
The plates Z are kept in place by metallic stops H, secured to the top bar of the
liner G, and by the curb F, the upper surface or edge of which is raised above the
level of the surface of the table D; the follower C keeps the plates up to the two
devices as will be presently explained.
The depository chamber lies directly in front of the frame E, and is of sufficient
length to take the plates easily, when lying in the horizontal plane, as shewn, and it is
divided from the front portion of the Camera by a partition I. This partition has an
aperture in it admitting the light from the lens L to the front plate of the lot in the
plate chamber. A shutter K is provided on the partition I in order to exclude the
light whenever required, and also if desired to be used as a substitute for the ordinary
lens cap in making exposures, and it is operated by a lever ¹ placed outside the
case A.
Access to the bottom of the depository chamber is had by a sliding door T, and
through the aperture over which the door slides, the plates can be removed from the
chamber at will.
The function of the follower C is to feed the plates forward as they are passed one
by one to the depository chamber, and its movement effected by two rubber straps
or bands M, under tension, arranged one on each side of the camera. The bands are
held by lugs N and pass behind the frame E to the back of the follower C where they
are secured by hooks O. Between the lugs N and the back of the follower C they lie

page_text: in grooves N¹ formed in the liners G, and in passing over the edges of the follower C
they take over forked guides N2. It will now be plainly seen that as the plates are
removed from the plate chamber to the depository chamber, the tension on the bands M
moves the remaining plate or plates as the case may be up to the front stop H and
curb F. To allow the follower C to be removed in order to introduce fresh plates
or other objects, the bands M are first taken off the hooks O by the finger and thumb,
and then placed over the end of the strips G which lie between the grooves N¹ N¹, the
metallic pieces N³ projecting a little beyond the liners G to keep them from slipping
off. When this is done the follower can be withdrawn, the door B of course being
open.
Our invention further consists in providing the back of the plates of the kind herein
specified with paper or other suitable material a, of a colour which would render the
light passed through them non-actinic, or obviously black paper or other like material
may be used instead of the coloured material. In this way, if a number of plates be
used and placed together and one of such a set be exposed to the light, the backing of
the exposed plate would preserve the next plate against injury by light. The
material is preferably lapped over the top and bottom edges of the plate about of
an inch (see Figure 6), as by this means these overlapped ends of material constitute
distance slips or pieces, or a means of separation when a number of plates are stowed
together, as in the apparatus herein set forth, whereby they would be prevented from
scratching each other. The paper or other material is by preference made to adhere
lightly to the plates, so that it comes away freely, or may be easily removed in the
developing bath.
The front portion of the camera may be of any known construction, and is provided
with adjustable focussing device, shutter, aiming lens and reflectors, of any suitable
known kind in the ordinary way. In the example illustrated in Figure 5 the lens
plate P is secured to an ordinary bellows body and is operated and used in the usual
manner. The cover of the front portion is hinged at Q1, and the end R of the
camera is hinged at R¹, these parts thus forming respectively a lid and a front door,
by which access can be had to the parts within it for any desired object. An aperture S
is formed in the door R to admit the necessary light when taking a photograph, and
over this aperture the shutter-which may be of any known suitable kind is placed
and works in the ordinary way. For slower exposures, that is other than those called
instantaneous, the door R may be let down, and the exposure made in the
ordinary manner by using the ordinary lens cap, or the shutter K.
The operation of the camera is as follows:-
Assuming the plate chamber to be provided with its full complement of plates or
any less number, the doors B, Q and R are closed, the shutter K raised, and the
ordinary exposing shutter, covering the aperture S, that is to say, assuming the camera
be ready for taking a photograph of any object, such object is brought within the
focus of the lens in the usual way, and the shutter is operated, and the front plate of
the pile exposed in the ordinary manner; now to take a second photograph the front
plate must be first removed, and this is effected in the following manner; the thumb
plate e³ being pressed upwards, the toes e¹ which lie directly beneath the front plate,
raise the plate until its lower edge stands above the level of the upper edge of
the curb F; this lower edge will be pressed forward by the follower C, and the plate
then assumes an inclined position, having its lower edge on or over the incline of the
curb F (see Figure 4), and its upper edge held between the plate next behind it and
the stops H, these being inclined forward as shewn to allow the plate to assume an
inclined position. To dislodge the plate from its position, the thumb plate e³ is now
drawn down, by which action the finger e---which lies directly above the upper edge
of the front plate-presses the plate down out of the grip of the stops and the next
plate, and thereby the plate falls on its lower edge to the bottom of the depository
chamber, or on to plates already lying in this chamber, and stands in a nearly vertical
position. The next and final movement consists in inclining the front end of the
camera downwards, whereby the plate falls face downwards on the bottom of the
depository chamber, or on to the plates already discharged, as shewn in the drawings.

page_text: In this manner the whole complement of plates can be removed seriatim from the
plate chamber to the depository chamber.
In cases where it is desired to take photographs upon the plates, films or other
sensitive media, in which the horizontal plane lies across the smallest dimensions of the
plates, or in any case where the camera is placed with one of its sides uppermost,
instead of its normal position, wo provide a rod U running between the front of the
camera where it is provided with a handle U¹, and the depository chamber where it is
provided with a finger U2. Then by turning the handle U₁ the finger U can be
turned down onto the plates lying in the bottom of the chamber, and clamped by any
known suitable device to hold them whilst the camera is turned upon its side, and
during the operation of taking the photograph. When the operation is over, the
camera is turned up to its normal position and the finger U removed, when the plate
operated upon can be passed to the depository chamber as above described.
When our invention is applied to ordinary cameras, or combined detective and
ordinary cameras, we form the camera case A in two parts at or near the
junction of the plate chamber and the depository chamber, and connect them
together by an expanding portion A', as illustrated in Figure 7, in order to
obtain an elevation or depression of the lens and keep the plate in vertical plane,
the necessity for which is well understood. To fix the inclination when obtained
links a and thumb screws a³ are provided, by which they can be clamped and held in
the required position as shown, and as it may be desired to take photographs with the
camera on its side or other position, we provide hinges n on top, bottom and sides,
and pass through one set of these hinges a pin n. The particular set of hinges
through which it is passed will, of course, depend upon the relative positions of the
camera and the object to be taken.
The following, amongst others, are the advantages attending the use of our
invention:
A considerable number of ordinary glass dry plates, or equivalent sensitized films
or like media can be carried in the camera, thereby doing away with the necessity of
dark slides or other like sliding gear as ordinarily used, or heretofore proposed, and
when the camera is charged with its complement, or any less number, of plates the
whole are stored inside and exposed seriatim without once having to open any portion
of the camera, or draw out any slide or sliding gear, or to manipulate them by hand
within the camera, or within a covering connected with it.
The operation of removing the exposed plate from the field of the lens, and placing
the next in position is accomplished by a simple movement of a small bolt or catch e³
immediately within the body of the camera, by one of the fingers or thumb, and the
movement is effected in a moment's time.
As a detective camera the invention is specially applicable, as the operation may be
effected without attracting attention.
The removal from the camera of any exposed plates required for development can
be effected without disturbing or interfering in any way with the remaining unexposed
plates, and fresh ones may at any time be added if desired, until the full charge is made
up again.
For a given size the camera is compact and very light; for instance, a quarter plate
camera of the detective class charged with a battery of two dozen brass plates
respectively 4 by 3 inches, and fitted with a rapid rectilinear lens of 5 inches
equivalent focus, and space for an instantaneous shutter of any known suitable type, if
used, measures about 10 inches long by 6 inches deep by 54 inches broad.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said Inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is
(1) The improvement herein described in operating cameras or photograph apparatus,
by which a succession of photographs may be taken by the apparatus, which consists
in moving a plurality of sensitive plates, films or equivalent media, arranged within
the apparatus together, successively from the position in which they are placed and

page_text: exposed, after exposure, out of the field of the succeeding plate or equivalent media
without the use of "slides" or their equivalents, or internal hand manipulation ;
substantially as described.
(2) In photographic cameras or apparatus in which a plurality of plates, films or
their equivalents are employed and arranged as described, to take a succession of
photographs, the method herein described of operating said plates, films or their
equivalents, which consists in causing the successive foremost plate, or its equivalent of
the set, to be moved forward out of the field of the next succeeding plate, and become
placed, face downwards, substantially as set forth.
(3) In a photographic camera the combination of a primary chamber adapted to
receive and hold a plurality of sensitive plates, films or other sensitive media, a
mechanism operated by hand, by which said plates are removed seriatim from the
chamber, a second chamber adapted to receive and hold said plates as they aro passed
from said primary chamber after exposure; substantially as set forth.
(4) In a photographic camera the combination of a primary chamber adapted to
receive and hold a plurality of dry sensitive plates Z, a device E for removing the
plates seriatim from said chamber, a follower C kept up to the back of the plates by a
spring or springs for feeding said plates up to the front of the said chamber, and within
range of the action of the said removing device, and a second chamber adapted to
receive and hold the said plates as they are passed from the said primary chamber
after exposure, the floor of the said primary chamber being arranged above the level
of the floor of the said secondary chamber, all substantially as set forth.
(5) In a photographic camera in which the plates after "exposure" are passed in.
succession from one chamber to another as described, the mechanism herein described
for effecting the passage of said plates from the one chamber to the other, said mechanism
consisting of a frame E, having provisions e¹ for raising the said plate, and provision
for pressing down said plate, a curb F, over and down which the plates are moved,
and a spring or springs M for pressing the plates over the said curb, arranged and
operating substantially as set forth.
(6) In a photographic camera of the type herein described, the combination of a
shutter K interposed between the lens of the camera and the set of plates Z, whereby
the light rays from the front portion of the camera are admitted to, or excluded from,
the plate chamber and depository chamber; substantially as and for the purposes set
forth.
(7) In a camera of the type herein described the combination of a flexible portion
interposed between and connecting the plate chamber and the depository chamber
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
(8) The combination with a camera in which a plurality of plates, films or other
equivalent media are used and moved seriatim from one chamber to another as
described, of a device by which the plates in the depository chamber are held
in position when the camera is placed on its side in the act of taking a photograph,
operating substantially as set forth.
(9) The combination with a photographic sensitive plate of a backing of paper,
or other suitable material, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Dated this 12th day of July 1888.
EDWARD VALENTINE SWINDEN.
JOSEPH EARP.
By Cheesbrough & Royston,
15, Water Street, Liverpool,
Patent Agents.
YALENTINE SWINDEN.
JOSEPH EARP.
By Cheesbrough & Royston,
15, Water Street, Liverpool,
Patent Agents.

page_text: This Specification was, upon the 5th day of March 1892, Amended under
Sections 18 to 21 of the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Act, 1883.
We, EDWARD VALENTINE SWINDEN, of 81 Merton Road, Bootle, in the County of
Lancaster, Accountant, and JOSEPH EARP, of 50 Falkland Road, Egremont in the
County of Chester, Accountant do hereby declare the nature of our said invention
to be as follows :-
Our Invention relates to Photographic Cameras, or sensitised plate boxes in which
a number of sensitised plates are carried one behind the other for taking a
succession of photographic pictures, and consists of a method of removing the plates
and stowing them after the pictures have been taken and in the means of feeding up
the plates, plate by plate.
The Camera, or Plate box is constructed to receive a number of prepared plates, or
films. According to our Invention as each plate is used we remove it by causing it to
fall forward out of the field of the following plate, and as each plate is so removed we
feed up another plate to take its place.
We construct the plate box-which may form part of the camera, or be attached
thereto of such form and size as to allow a number of plates to be stowed and
operated as described. The plates are fed up by springs, or like means and are
released, guided and caused to fall forward by moveable pushes, bolts, or stops and
guides, as they are used.
By removing the plates by causing them to fall forward onto the bottom of the
camera, a very simple and convenient means is obtained of stowing the plate after
the picture has been taken and the camera is enabled to be kept of small dimensions ;
also very simple and inexpensive mechanism is required, namely a spring, or springs
to feed the plates forward and a catch, or catches to hold and release the plate and
allow it to fall forward preferably face down onto the bottom of the camera, or onto
the back of the preceding plate as the case may be.
To cause the plates to fall in order and only one at a time we provide the top of the
camera with a groove of size to suit the thickness of the plate and we provide the

page_text: part of the camera on which the plates rest with a ledge preferably having an inclined
face. At the back of this ledge, we provide a bolt by raising which the top edge of
the front plate is raised into the groove, the pressure from the back plates causing the
front plate to pass over the ledge; then by pressing down a bolt which is provided in
the groove and by canting the camera, the plate falls down and then forward face down
out of the field of the next plate.
The plates are withdrawn from the camera through a door which is formed in the
camera for that purpose.
For the purpose of isolating the plate box from the lens of the camera, we provide
a shutter which is so pivotted in the camera or plate box that it can, when required, be
caused to shield the front plate.

page_text: Improvements in or Connected
We, EDWARD VALENTINE SWINDEN, of 81 Merton Road, Bootle in the County of
Lancaster, Accountant, and JOSEPH EARP, of 50 Falkland Road, Egremont, in the
County of Chester, Accountant, do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :—
Our Invention relates to Photographic Cameras, or sensitised plate boxes, in which
a number of sensitised plates are carried one behind the other for taking a succession
of photographic pictures, and consists mainly of a method of removing the plates
and stowing them after the pictures have been taken, and in the means of feeding up
the plates, plate by plate.
The Camera or plate box is constructed to receive a number of prepared plates, or
films, and according to our invention as each plate is used we remove it by causing it
to fall forward out of the field of the following plate, and as each plate is so removed
we feed up another plate to take its place.
We construct the plate box-which may form part. of the Camera, or be attached
thereto of such form and size as to allow a number of plates to be stowed and
operated as described. The plates are fed up by springs, or like means, and are
released, guided and caused to fall forward by moveable pushes, bolts, or stops and
guides, as they are used.
By removing the plates by causing them to fall forward on to the bottom of the
Camera, a very simple and convenient means is obtained of stowing the plate after
the picture has been taken, and the Camera is enabled to be kept of small dimensions;
also very simple and inexpensive mechanism is required, namely a spring, or springs
to feed the plates forward, and a catch or catches to hold and release the plate and
allow it to fall forward, preferably face down, on to the bottom of the Camera, or on
to the back of the preceding plate as the case may be.
To cause the plates to fall in order, and only one at a time, we provide the top of
the Camera with a groove of size to suit the thickness of the plate, and we provide
the part of the Camera on which the plates rest with a ledge, preferably having an
inclined face. At the back of this ledge, we provide a bolt, by raising which the top
edge of the front plate is raised into the groove, the pressure from the back plates
causing the front plate to pass over the ledge; then by pressing down a bolt which is
provided in the groove, and by canting the Camera, the plate falls down and then
forward face down out of the field of the next plate.
The plates are withdrawn from the Camera through a door which is formed in the
Camera for that purpose.
For the purpose of isolating the plate box from the lens of the Camera, we provide
a shutter which is so pivotted in the Camera or plate box that it can when required be
caused to shield the front plate.

page_text: In the foregoing description we have set forth generally the nature, object or objects
and effects of our invention, but in order to make it more fully and exactly understood
we will now proceed to describe the same by the aid of the drawings hereto annexed
and forming a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate a camera or
apparatus specially designed to carry out the improvements, the nature of which has
been above explained.
Figure 1 is a top view partly in section and with portions of the cover removed in
geometric perspective of the camera.
Figure 2 is a detail showing the apparatus partly in cross section at the line X X
Figure 4.
Figure 3 is a plan of the apparatus.
Figure 4 shows the apparatus in longitudinal section.
Figure 5 is an outside elevation of the apparatus.
Figure 6 shows a plate provided with a protective backing according to our
invention.
Figure 7 shows a modified construction of camera case.
37
The camera is divided into three portions, one is the plate chamber which is at the
rear of the apparatus, the second is the depository chamber for the plates after
exposure, and lies in the middle, and the third is that in and by which the lens is
placed or carried, all three portions being within a wooden case A; or this case may
be made of any other suitable material. The first chamber is that in which the "dry
plates or equivalent sensitive media are stored ready for operating, and the parts
within it consist mainly of a hinged door B for gaining access to the chamber, a
sliding follower C, a table or platform D upon which the plates are supported, a
frame E having plate elevating toes e¹, and depressing finger e³, and an inclined
curb F for passing the plates Z from the plate chamber and delivering them to the
depository chamber. The frame E is kept in its place by the metallic strips H H¹,
which are secured to the wood lining strips or pieces G, which are provided upon the
inner surface of the case A, and it is moved up and down between these liners by a
thumb plate, which is formed upon it and is located in a recess provided in the
bottom of the case A.
When sensitive films or media other than glass plates, such as described, are used,
such media must in all cases be sufficiently stiff, or made sufficiently stiff to render
them applicable for use in apparatus operating according to our invention.
The plates Z are kept in place by metallic stops H, secured to the top bar of the
liner G, and by the curb F, the upper surface or edge of which is raised above the
level of the surface of the table D; the follower keeps the plates up to the two
devices as will be presently explained.
The depository chamber lies directly in front of the frame E, and is of sufficient
length to take the plates easily, when lying in the horizontal plane, as shewn, and it is
divided from the front portion of the Camera by a partition 1. This partition has an
aperture in it admitting the light from the lens L to the front plate of the lot in the
plate chamber.
A shutter K is provided on the partition I in order to exclude the
light whenever required, and also if desired to be used as a substitute for the ordinary
lens cap in making exposures, and it is operated by a lever placed outside the
case A.
Access to the bottom of the depository chamber is had by a sliding door T, and
through the aperture over which the door slides, the plates can be removed from the
chamber at will.
The function of the follower C is to feed the plates forward as they are passed one
by one to the depository chamber, and its movement is effected by two rubber straps
or bands M, under tension, arranged one on each side of the camera.
The bands are
held by lugs N and pass behind the frame E to the back of the follower C where they
are secured by hooks O. Between the lugs N and the back of the follower C they lie

page_text: in grooves N¹ formed in the liners G, and in passing over the edges of the follower C
they take over forked guides N'. It will now be plainly seen that as the plates are
removed from the plate chamber to the depository chamber, the tension on the bands M
moves the remaining plate or plates as the case may be up to the front stop H and
curb F. To allow the follower C to be removed in order to introduce fresh plates
or other objects, the bands M are first taken off the hooks O by the finger and thumb,
and then placed over the end of the strips G which lie between the grooves N¹ N', the
metallic pieces N projecting a little beyond the liners G to keep them from slipping
off. When this is done the follower can be withdrawn, the door B of course being
open.
Our invention further consists in We provide the back of the plates of the kind herein
specified with paper or other suitable material a, of a colour which would render the
light passed through them non-actinic, or obviously black paper or other like material
may be used instead of the coloured material. In this way, if a number of plates be
used and placed together and one of such a set be exposed to the light, the backing of
the exposed plate would preserve the next plate against injury by light. The
material is preferably lapped over the top and bottom edges of the plate about of
an inch (see Figure 6), as by this means these overlapped ends of material constitute
distance slips or pieces, or a means of separation when a number of plates are stowed
together, as in the apparatus herein set forth, whereby they would be prevented from
scratching each other. The paper or other material is by preference made to adhere
lightly to the plates, so that it comes away freely, or may be easily removed in the
developing bath.
The front portion of the camera may be of any known construction, and is provided
with adjustable focussing device, shutter, aiming lens and reflectors, of any suitable
known kind in the ordinary way. In the example illustrated in Figure 5 the lens
plate P is secured to an ordinary bellows body and is operated and used in the usual
manner. The cover of the front portion is hinged at Q', and the end R of the
camera is hinged at R₁, these parts thus forming respectively a lid and a front door,
by which access can be had to the parts within it for any desired object. An aperture S
is formed in the door R to admit the necessary light when taking a photograph, and
over this aperture the shutter-which may be of any known suitable kind is placed
and works in the ordinary way. For slower exposures, that is other than those called
instantaneous, the door R may be let down, and the exposure made in the
ordinary manner by using the ordinary lens cap, or the shutter K.
The operation of the camera is as follows:-
Assuming the plate chamber to be provided with its full complement of plates or
any less number, the doors B, Q and R are closed, the shutter K raised, and the
ordinary exposing shutter, covering the aperture S, that is to say, assuming the camera
be ready for taking a photograph of any object, such object is brought within the
focus of the lens in the usual way, and the shutter is operated, and the front plate of
the pile exposed in the ordinary manner; now to take a second photograph the front
plate must be first removed, and this is effected in the following manner; the thumb
plate e being pressed upwards, the toes e¹ which lie directly beneath the front plate,
raise the plate until its lower edge stands above the level of the upper edge of
the curb F; this lower edge will be pressed forward by the follower C, and the plate
then assumes an inclined position, having its lower edge on or over the incline of the
curb F (see Figure 4), and its upper edge held between the plate next behind it and
the stops H, these being inclined forward as shewn to allow the plate to assume an
inclined position. To dislodge the plate from its position, the thumb plate is now
drawn down, by which action the finger e-which lies directly above the upper edge
of the front plate-presses the plate down out of the grip of the stops and the next
plate, and thereby the plate falls on its lower edge to the bottom of the depository
chamber, or on to plates already lying in this chamber, and stands in a nearly vertical
position. The next and final movement consists in inclining the front end of the
camera downwards, whereby the plate falls face downwards on, the bottom. of the
depository chamber, or on to the plates already discharged, as shewn in. the drawings.

page_text: In this manner the whole complement of plates can be removed seriatim from the
plate chamber to the depository chamber.
In cases where it is desired to take photographs upon the plates, films or other
sensitive media, in which the horizontal plane lies across the smallest dimensions of the
plates, or in any case where the camera is placed with one of its sides uppermost,
instead of its normal position, we provide a rod U running between the front of the
camera where it is provided with a handle U¹, and the depository chamber where it is
provided with a finger U. Then by turning the handle U₁ the finger U³ can be
turned down onto the plates lying in the bottom of the chamber, and clamped by any
known suitable device to hold them whilst the camera is turned upon its side, and
during the operation of taking the photograph. When the operation is over, the
camera is turned up to its normal position and the finger U' removed, when the plate
operated upon can be passed to the depository chamber as above described.
When our invention is applied to ordinary cameras, or combined detective and
ordinary cameras, we form the camera case A in two parts at or near the
junction of the plate chamber and the depository chamber, and connect them
together by an expanding portion A', as illustrated in Figure 7, in order to
obtain an elevation or depression of the lens and keep the plate in vertical plane,
the necessity for which is well understood. To fix the inclination when obtained
links a² and thumb screws a³ are provided, by which they can be clamped and held in
the required position as shown, and as it may be desired to take photographs with the
camera on its side or other position, we provide hinges n on top, bottom and sides,
and pass through one set of these hinges a pin n¹. The particular set of hinges
through which it is passed will, of course, depend upon the relative positions of the
camera and the object to be taken.
The following, amongst others, are the advantages attending the use of our
invention :-
A considerable number of ordinary glass dry plates, or equivalent sensitized films
or like media can be carried in the camera, thereby doing away with the necessity of
dark slides or other like sliding gear as ordinarily used, or heretofore proposed, and
when the camera is charged with its complement, or any less number, of plates the
whole are stored inside and exposed seriatim without once having to open any portion
of the camera, or draw out any slide or sliding gear, or to manipulate them by hand
within the camera, or within a covering connected with it.
The operation of removing the exposed plate from the field of the lens, and placing
the next in position is accomplished by a simple movement of a small bolt or catch e
immediately within the body of the camera, by one of the fingers or thumb, and the
movement is effected in a moment's time.
As a detective camera the invention is specially applicable, as the operation may be
effected without attracting attention.
The removal from the camera of any exposed plates required for development can
be effected without disturbing or interfering in any way with the remaining unexposed
plates, and fresh ones may at any time be added if desired, until the full charge is made
up again.
For a given size the camera is compact and very light; for instance, a quarter plate
camera of the detective class charged with a battery of two dozen glass plates
respectively 4 by 3 inches, and fitted with a rapid rectilinear lens of 5 inches
equivalent focus, and space for an instantaneous shutter of any known suitable type, if
used, measures about 10 inches long by 6 inches deep by 51 inches broad.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said Inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is :-
(1) The improvement herein described in operating cameras or photographic
apparatus, by which a succession of photographs may be taken by the apparatus,
which consists in moving a plurality of sensitive plates, films or equivalent media,
arranged within the apparatus together, successively from the upright or substantially

page_text: upright position in which they are placed and exposed, after exposure, out of the field
of the succeeding plate or equivalent media without the use of "clides" or their
equivalents, or internal hand-manipulation; and causing them to fall or become placed
in a horizontal or substantially horizontal position; substantially as described.
(2) In photographic cameras or apparatus in which a plurality of plates, films or
their equivalents are employed and arranged as described, to take a succession of
photographs, the method herein described of operating said plates, films or their
equivalents, which consists in causing the successive foremost plate, or its equivalent of
the set, to be moved forward out of the field of the next succeeding plate, and become
placed, face downwards, substantially as set forth.
(3) In a photographic camera the combination of a primary chamber adapted to
receive and hold a plurality of sensitive plates, films or other sensitive media in an
upright or substantially upright position, a mechanism operated by hand, by which said
plates are removed seriatim from the said chamber, a second chamber disposed below
the level of the primary chamber and adapted to receive and hold said plates in a
horizontal or substantially horizontal position as they are passed from said primary
chamber after exposure; substantially as set forth.
(4) In a photographic camera the combination of a primary chamber adapted to
receive and hold a plurality of dry sensitive plates Z, e the device E for removing the
plates seriatim from said chamber, a follower C kept up to the back of the plates by a
spring or springs for feeding said plates up to the front of the said chamber, and within
range of the action of the said removing device, and a second chamber in front of the
primary chamber and adapted to receive and hold the said plates as they are passed
from the said primary chamber after exposure, the floor of the said primary chamber
being arranged above the level of the floor of the said secondary chamber, all sub-
stantially as set forth.
(5) In a photographic camera in which the plates after "exposure" are passed in
succession from one chamber to another as described, the mechanism herein described
for effecting the passage of said plates from the one chamber to the other, said mechanism
consisting of a frame E, having provisions e¹ for raising the said plate, and provision
for pressing down said plate, a curb F, over and down which the plates are moved,
and a spring or springs M for pressing the plates over the said curb, arranged and
operating substantially as set forth.
(6) In a photographie camera of the type herein described, the combination of a
shutter K-interposed between the lens of the camera and the set of plates Z, whereby
the light rays from the front portion of the camera are admitted to, or excluded from,
the plate chamber and depository chamber; substantially as and for the purposes set
forth
(7) In a camera of the type herein described the combination of a flexible portion
interposed between and connecting the plate chamber and the depository chamber
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
The combination with a camera in which a plurality of plates, films or other
equivalent media are need and moved seriation-from-one-chamber to another as
described, of a device by which the plates in the depository chamber are held
in position when the camera is placed on its side in the net of taking a photograph,
operating substantially as set forth.
(9) The combination with a photographie sensitive plate of a backing of paper,
or other suitable material, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Dated this 19th dovr of Tul.. 1000
EDWARD VALENTINE SWINDEN.
JOSEPH EARP.
By Cheesbrough & Royston,
15, Water Street, Liverpool,
Patent Agents.
EDWARD VALENTINE SWINDEN.
JOSEPH EARP.
By Cheesbrough & Royston,
15, Water Street, Liverpool,
Patent Agents.