Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a cradle device which inhibits driving of a pan/tile driving unit in the event of an imaging device being detached from the cradle device, and also receiving a control command of the imaging device from a camera. The cradle device can lock the imaging device in the event that the imaging device is mounted on the cradle device. The cradle device can have a configuration enabling detaching the imaging device, thus facilitating the most appropriate environment for a surveillance system.

Abstract: An operational switch includes a switch member which is moved between an operative position, in which an associated battery circuit is turned ON, and an inoperative position, in which the battery circuit is turned OFF. A switching device operates in accordance with the rotation of the switch member, when the latter is in the operative position.

Abstract: A shoot command entering switch for a video camera or similar movie camera is implemented by a single action switch and provided with a locking mechanism. The switch is allowed to enter a shoot start command and a shoot end command in the camera by a single manipulation. When the locking mechanism is actuated, the switch is held in a position for continuous shooting and therefore operable in the same manner as a double action switch. Such a construction facilitates the manipulations for ordinary or short-time shooting and those for long-time shooting which may be performed as desired.

Abstract: A transport and storage apparatus and method especially adapted for use in an endless loop film projection system. A turntable rotating at a constant speed synchronized with a film projector has mounted thereon a platter having a cam track including a plurality of arcuate sections alternating with an equal plurality of straight sections, the latter constituting chords relative to the axis of rotation. Means are provided for measuring the linear speed of the cam track and for applying incoming film to the platter at speeds cyclically varying from maximum speed during each arcuate section of the cam track to lower speeds during each chord section of the cam track, the applied film being metered in timed relation with the linear speed of the track. Radially extending low friction skid strips may be provided on the upper surface of the turntable to assist the portions of film layers applied during the chord sections of the cam track to move radially inwardly on the platter to form inwardly directed rounded cusps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cine camera with a shutter and a release which can be moved in the manner of a sequence switch from an inoperative position into two different operative positions, the shutter being switched on in the first operative position which follows the inoperative position and a stopping down device being switched on in the second operative position of the release.

Abstract: A cine camera for taking talking pictures comprises a film-feeding mechanism which includes a driven capstan and a pinch roller normally spaced therefrom to facilitate insertion of a section of film therebetween when the camera casing is loaded with a sound-film cassette. A trigger, serving to close a switch for energizing the film drive, becomes effective to move the pinch roller -- mechanically or electromagnetically -- into a working position close to the capstan after a support for this roller has been moved from a retracted position into a standby position by the displacement of an independently operable external actuating member. Continued depression of the trigger may prevent the roller support from returning to its retracted position even if the actuating member is released.

Abstract: A single operating switch replaces the main switch connecting the diaphragm control means to the battery and the release switch activating the film transport. All camera circuits are directly connected to the battery when the main operating switch is closed. An electronic switch is connected in series with the film transport motor and is closed only upon receipt of a control signal. In a first embodiment the control signal is furnished by a timing circuit after a predetermined time interval following the activation of the main operating switch. In a second embodiment the control signal is furnished by a NAND-gate which has a first input which receives a "1" signal while the diaphragm is being adjusted and a second input which receives a "1" signal while the electronic switch is open. The NAND-gate thus furnishes a "1" signal to the electronic switch causing it to be conductive at all times except when the initial adjustment of the diaphragm takes place.

Abstract: In a sound motion picture camera, a pinch roller actuating device for displacing the pinch roller into engagement with a constantly rotating capstan for transporting an elongated web such as sound film. The pinch roller contacting device includes a manually actuatable camera operating trigger member movable into and out of operative engagement with a control member provided with a neutral portion and an active portion which moves the pinch roller into engagement with the capstan. The neutral portion is provided to move the control member slightly, if at all, even if the trigger member is moved significantly after the pinch roller has contacted the capstan through displacement by the active portion.