Abstract: A motion picture camera having an in-camera supplemental exposure system in which a light source within the camera is energized in synchronization with the shutter opening to provide a low-level, non-image forming exposure of the film substantially simultaneously with the image-forming exposure. The supplemental exposure light is directed to the side of the film's emulsion layer opposite from the side exposed to the image-forming light. The camera also includes an arrangement permitting adjustment of the length of time that the supplemental light remains energized, and the intensity of the supplemental light. In one embodiment selection of the wavelength of the supplemental light is also provided.

Abstract: A hand held motion picture viewer includes a housing having a recess formed in one end of the housing for carrying a film cartridge, and a viewing aperture in the opposite end of the housing through which the images on the film in the cartridge may be viewed. The housing carries a film driving mechanism for engaging and advancing the film within the cartridge past the viewing aperture. The film driving mechanism includes a battery operated motor, a claw journaled for rotation within the housing and positioned to engage sprocket holes in the film when the cartridge is carried within the recess of the viewer, and a gear transmission means connected between the motor and the claw for rotating the claw in discrete arcuate steps when the motor is energized to produce intermittent film advance. An actuating lever and movable contact means are provided for selective electrical connection of the motor with the battery for selective energization of the motor and film advance.

Abstract: A multipurpose audio/visual film cassette including supply and takeup spools in which opposite ends of a film strip are coupled for alternate winding and unwinding during passage through a first path for film exposing, processing and projecting operations with an audio tape also coupled at least on one end with the supply spool and interwound with the film strip to pass through a separate path, and a separating web is coupled at least on one end to the supply spool and preferably extending directly to the takeup spool in a third path. The separating web is arranged to overlie the side of the film strip on which processing fluid is deposited so as to be wound in convolutions between such side and the sound tape in order to prevent adherence of the sound tape to the film strip as a result of being interwound therewith before the processing fluid has dried.

Abstract: A film gate for being received in a cassette which holds a film strip for projection therefrom; the gate provides stationary tapered guides against which a strip not lying precisely in a preselected focal plane, is cammed toward the preselected focal plane by the tapered guide fingers; an opposed movable guide on a movable portion of the film gate opposite to the stationary guide is provided with arcuate guide fingers to prevent the cammed film strip from moving away from the preselected focal plane.

Abstract: A yieldably resilient shock absorber is provided, which is disposed in driving relationship between a pair of gears in a photographic apparatus drive system. The yieldably resistant shock absorber is confined within an annular chamber or channel defined by complementary structure of the two gears and is adapted to absorb forces due to sudden stoppage of the film strip or to resistance to movement of the film strip by compressing the resilient shock absorber member within the confining channel. Upon cessation of the forces imposed upon the yieldable resilient shock absorber, frictional engagement between the outer surfaces of the deformed shock absorber member and the confining walls defining the channel result in a controlled release of the absorbed energy.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the InventionThis invention relates to photographic apparatus and, more particularly, to an improved drive system for advancing and rewinding film in a film cassette inserted into the photographic apparatus.2.

Abstract: A sound cine camera with a cassette-receiving compartment, in which a pinch roller is movable toward a continuously rotating capstan to drive a motion-picture film, is provided with a manually operable control member whose displacement into an off-normal position, against the force of a restoring spring, prepared or completes an energizing circuit for the film drive. The control member is linked with a pinch-roller support through a releasable coupling which remains effective only as long as the compartment cover or a latch thereof is in a closure position. Clamping pressure is exerted upon the pinch roller by a biasing spring engaging its support and acting upon the control member through a camming or toggle mechanism which reduces the holding force required to maintain that pressure when the control member is in its off-normal position.

Abstract: For trick cinematography, a motion-picture camera is equipped with a pushbutton which upon actuation blocks or retards the windup of a film in a cassette while the film transport past an image gate continues. The advancing film, with or without exposure according to the desired effect (cross-fading or reverse filming), is deflected from an exposure gap in the cassette, either at the image gate or at a sound-recording head, into a loop received in an adjacent storage chamber from which it is subsequently withdrawn by reverse transportation under the control of a counter which registers the number of frames in the loop. The deflection of the film during the loop-forming phase may be effected by a baffle or by a perforation-engaging detent.

Abstract: In a sound recording portion of a sound motion picture camera, a film strip is continuously advanced by a capstan and a pinch roller. The pinch roller is movable between its retracted position where it is spaced apart from the capstan and its operative position where it is pressed against the capstan to pinch the film strip therebetween. The pinch roller is supported on a pivotable member which is capable of pivoting from a first position in which it holds the pinch roller in the retracted position to a second position in which it holds the pinch roller in the operative position. The pivotable member is moved between the two positions driven by a reciprocating plate member which is moved back and forth in translational movement by an electric motor through a cam mechanism. The electric motor is energized in response to depression of the shutter button of the camera and deenergized when the pivotable member is pivoted to its second position.

Abstract: A motion-picture camera optionally loadable with silent-film and sound-film cassettes has a reversible film-feeding mechanism including a reciprocable transport claw and a catch engageable with a takeup reel through a coupling within the cassette including a rewind stop. A spring-loaded stud close to the catch enables the rewind stop to be disengaged in a sound-film camera whereby the film can be transported backward for trick cinematography such as superposition of scenes. During the first run of such a double exposure, a step-down transmission can be activated to slow the windup of the film within its cassette if the latter is of the silent-film type, thereby creating a reserve length of film that can be rewound on the supply reel. In the presence of a sound-film cassette, as determined by a sensor which could be the aforementioned stud, this stepdown transmission is disabled inasmuch as the disengagement of the rewind stop allows the film to be reverse-driven without such reserve length.

Abstract: A film projector system including a sealed film cassette removeably mounted ithin an aperture in the projector and driving means in said projector mechanically engaging coupling means extending through said cassette for driving the sealed film between hubs sealed in said cassette intermittently past a film projection location in said cassette and continuously past a sound detection location therein, with the projection plane of the film at said projector locations being disposed normal to the projector optical projection optical sound beams and twisted ninety degrees with respect to the plane of that portion of the film wound on said hubs so that the projector beams do not pass between the film hubs.

Abstract: The housing of a motion-picture camera has a cassette-receiving space into which at least one feeler projects to detect the insertion of a sound-film cassette differing in shape from a silent-film cassette. With both types of cassettes the film is intermittently transported past an image gate by a traction claw; in the case of a sound-film cassette a portion of the film downstream of the image window is accessible for engagement by a constant-speed feeder in the vicinity of a sound-recording head. The feed rate of the traction claw is stabilized by a centrifugal governor in the presence of a silent-film cassette; upon sensing a sound-film cassette, the feeler deactivates the governor and synchronizes the claw drive with the constant-speed feeder under the control of a mechanism, such as a loop detector, which measures the length of film between the image gate and the recording head.

Abstract: A film cassette sensing and retaining unit for film handling apparatus. The unit is responsive to completed insertion of a cassette into the film handling apparatus to mechanically latch the cassette in position and to electrically condition and actuate the film handling apparatus. Upon termination of operation of the film handling apparatus, the unit is effective to unlatch and eject the cassette and thereby deactuate the film handling apparatus. A disabling mechanism is provided to prevent premature unlatching and ejection of the cassette in a particular circumstance.

Abstract: An aperture assembly is described for use in a motion picture camera, parularly a camera using film cartridges and requiring an aperture assembly with a very thin profile. The aperture assembly includes a thin metal base plate to provide strength for the assembly and for alignment of aperture components thereon. The aperture components include a thin molded aperture piece and a pair of thin molded cartridge alignment shoulders, all mounted on one side of the base plate. The base plate and the aperture piece both have aligned exposure windows through which the film is exposed and aligned slits for receiving a shuttle tooth for advancing the film. Each of the cartridge alignment shoulders has an internal groove communicating with a slit in the base plate for receiving a shuttle foot. A shuttle and a side tension member for use with the aperture assembly are also described.

Abstract: A backup support arrangement is provided against which a film strip, carrying a magnetic sound track adjacent one edge, is biased by a sound recording/playback transducer in a multipurpose photographic film cassette having a sound capability. The support arrangement engages the side of the film strip opposite the side carrying the magnetic sound track and is resiliently mounted in a manner such that the force imparted upon the backside of the film strip is distributed so that a significantly greater biasing force is imparted upon the backside of the film strip adjacent the edge carrying the magnetic sound track than upon the remainder of the film strip.

Abstract: A motion picture camera employs a mounting plate supported within the camera housing by means of sound-insulating connectors. All of the sounds-generating moving parts are supported solely on the mounting plate and all are out of contact with the camera housing. The lens, however, is mounted directly on the camera housing and is out of contact with the support plate and is thus prevented from radiating sound generated within the camera housing. An insulated double door assembly is mounted on the camera housing for access to the interior of the housing. Means accessible exteriorly of the outer door are provided for releasably locking the inner door with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A motion picture camera which can use a cartridge for film having a sound track includes sound recording means and a mechanism which actuates and releases the sound recording means to an operative state and to an inoperative state, respectively, in response to an actuation and a release of a shutter release member. All such parts which are needed to engage a film are arranged in a cartridge chamber defined in the camera housing so that the operator enables to readily insert a cartridge into the chamber so long as the sound recording means are set to their inoperative position.

Abstract: A motor drive arrangement for an exposed film take-up canister spool that permits a continuous take-up tension on the spool and yet permitting partial withdrawal of exposed film from the canister for additional exposure without interruption or reversal of the take-up drive.

Abstract: A motion-picture camera has a housing provided with a chamber having a film compartment. A plate-shaped carrier is detachably mountable in this chamber and can carry one or two film cassettes, so that one cassette is located within and the other cassette is located without the film compartment. A movable cover closes an open side of the chamber.

Abstract: A cassette well structure for viewing apparatus adapted to receive a cassette for processing and projecting a photographic film strip contained in the cassette. The cassette well is defined on one side by a wall surface formed in a chassis support member on which cassette cooperative viewer components are mounted, the wall surface extending between flange formations defining well floor and end walls against which an inclined plate is secured to provide and opened top well enclosure. Cassette insertion causes the bottom wall thereof to upwardly engage biased members which operate to urge the cassette against a downwardly facing lip at the upper edge of the wall surface. Laterally acting spring means supported on the plate member loads the cassette against the same surface. Cassette ejection means moves the upper cassette portion free of the lip for ejection by the upwardly biased members.

Abstract: A programmable viewing system for processing and viewing cassette contained photographic film strips including a chassis defined by a centrally disposed vertical plate-like casting on which all internal viewer components cooperable mechanically and/or optically with the cassette are mounted together with a cassette well by which the cassette may be registered with such viewer components. A programming cam disc is rotatably carried by the casting for controlling both electrical switches for controlling an electronics logic system as well as shiftable viewer component positioning members, one on each side of the casting. The programming cam disc further controls cassette ejection.

Abstract: A latch for positively retaining a cartridge or similar article to a complimentary cartridge utilizing structure. The latch includes a rotatably mounted plate having upstanding latch pins thereon. A tab extends laterally from each latch pin to engage complimentary apertures formed in the cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved pinch roller moving device for a simultaneous image and sound recording cinecamera. The device includes a first lever on which the pinch roller is supported rotatably and transversely movably and a second lever rotatable to rotate the first lever to press the pinch roller against a capstan. A cam is provided to rotate the second lever and a third lever is provided to hold the first lever against rotation. The third lever is rotatable upon rotation of a second cam to release the first lever for rotation. A fourth lever is provided for maintaining the second lever in its rotated position. The device further includes means for transmitting rotation of a capstan driving motor to the cams. This motor is operable upon depression of a release button on the cinecamera.

Abstract: A pinch roller actuating device for a sound motion picture camera including portion connected to a rotatable pinch roller to maintain the roller out of and in engagement with a capstan responsive to a movable camera actuating member having a limiting stop which defines the maximum displacement of the actuating member. A spring member is provided to move the pinch roller into engagement with the capstan after the actuating member is displaced beyond its mid-point. A bracket is arranged to prevent movement by the spring when the stopper engages the connecting portion, and instantly engages the pinch roller with the capstan by being suddenly moved by the spring member when the connection between the stopper and the connecting portion is released.

Abstract: Improved apparatus is provided in a viewer of the type having a film cassette receiving well defined in part by an opening in the viewer and an interior sidewall extending perpendicularly inward of the opening and from which extend outwardly a pair of drive heads. The improved apparatus is provided to guide the edge of the leading end wall of a cassette, as it enters the receiving well, past the pair of drive heads and ultimately into nesting relation adjacent the sidewall with the drive heads engaged to complementary recessed drive couplings in the side of the cassette upon complete insertion of the cassette into the well. The improved apparatus not only accommodates the ready insertion of the cassette within the receiving well, but also accommodates the ready removal of the cassette from the well by resiliently urging the bottom of the cassette to move in a direction outward of the cassette receiving well.

Abstract: The sound-recording unit of the camera includes a counterpressure roller and a pressure pad. When the sound-recording unit is to be used, the counterpressure roller is to be moved into an operative position in which it presses the motion-picture film against the capstan of the unit, and the pressure pad is to be moved into an operative position in which it presses the motion-picture film against the recording head of the unit. When the sound-recording unit is not to be used, the counterpressure roller and pressure pad are to be moved into inoperative positions, to prevent permanent deformation. The camera is provided with a plurality of independently activatable motion-transmitting mechanisms, each activatable from the exterior of the camera. Each of the motion-transmitting mechanisms can be used to move the counterpressure roller and the pressure pad from their inoperative to their operative positions.

Abstract: A game simulating a sport such as football employs film sequences of plays of an actual game, using cassettes of film of equal length regularly disposed sequences. A sequence selecting apparatus and projector projects a given sequence determined by the selection of cassettes by one player and selection of sequence by another player. The apparatus employs a take-up reel upon which the film is wound before play to align the beginning of a sequence with an optical projection system, and spiral groove control device coupled to the reel for controlling the rotation of the reel to effect the projection of a single sequence. The optical system projects through apertures in the film cassette, and the shutter is operated by a sprocket coupled to the film.

Abstract: A motion picture camera has a plurality of openings where a film cartridge may be selectively mounted, the film passing through the selected opening into engagement with the film drive apparatus of the camera and back to the cartridge. The various openings provide for better balance with various support arrangements for the camera, such as on the shoulder or on a tripod.

Abstract: A motion picture camera is adapted to receive a film magazine containing a roll of sound recordable photographic film. A housing forms a chamber to receive the magazine. A cover opens and closes the chamber. A recording system records sound signals on the film. A setting arrangement engages the recorder system and the film with each other so as to record signals. The setting arrangement is movable into a first position where the film engages the recorder and a second position where the film is disengaged from the recorder so as to be incapable of recording sound signals. A transport device is coupled to the setting arrangement in the first position when the recorder is in the first position. And an interconnecting system responds to closure of the cover for moving the setting arrangement from the second position to the first position so that the camera can be set for sound signal recording in response to the closing of the cover.

Abstract: Photographic apparatus including an aperture plate adapted to cooperate with a pressure plate of a film handling cassette so as to laterally bow an incremental section of photographic film retained within the cassette into a precise location without contacting the usable portion of the emulsion. Additionally, the aperture plate is longitudinally channeled and includes a ramp extending along a portion of one side of the aperture plate channel so as to urge the film strip to its proper location as the film strip is translated traversely of the aperture plate during insertion of the cassette in the apparatus.

Abstract: A cartridge is disclosed in which a hub is rotatable in a housing and has its periphery partly embraced by an endless band that is mounted for travel in the housing. The band is trained about a plurality of guide rollers at least one of which is located outwardly adjacent the hub and is mounted so that it can move towards and away from the hub. Movement away from the hub is opposed by a permanently acting biasing force.

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 sensor, upon detecting the presence of such cassette in a receiving chamber of the casing, causes the pinch roller to move closer to the capstan, either via a mechanical linkage or by deactivating a detent normally blocking a displacement of the pinch roller under spring pressure. This displacement under the control of the sensor may establish a standby position, with the pinch roller still separated from the capstan by a clearance wider than the film thickness, that clearance being subsequently reduced by the operation of a trigger, a mode-selector switch or the like to clamp the film between pinch roller and capstan.

Abstract: A dual film strip projector projects images onto at least one screen from a pair of film strips, each of which is advanced in programmed timing independently of the other. The film strips are contained in a cartridge that is readily insertable in the projector, and the timing of the advance of the frames of each film strip is automatically controlled by control signals recorded on a magnetic tape in another cartridge insertable in the projector. The projector includes dual illumination systems, projection lenses and film strip advancing devices. Operation of the projector is entirely automatic in that the control signals on the magnetic tape operate the pair of film strip advancing devices.

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: The present invention relates to a motion picture camera which includes a color conversion filter for adapting the tungsten type film to the daylight photography, a manual operation means capable of taking the filter out of the photographic optical path and compensating the sensitivity of the exposure meter device in accordance with the removal of the filter so as to adapt the tungsten type film to the tungsten light photography and a detecting means for removing the filter from the photographic optical path by detecting that the film is of the daylight type so that the tungsten type film as well as the daylight film can be used.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a movie camera that is designed for loading with at least two different types of cassettes both of which are designed for accommodation together within the interior of the camera but which are provided with exterior configurations that are characteristic of each type of cassette, while additionally, at least one of the two types of cassettes is provided with a releasable rewind stop for at least one of the two reels of film contained in the cassette as well as being provided with a device for effecting the release of the rewind stop which is controlled by an actuating member supported on the camera.

Abstract: The camera has a picture image recording mechanism to record a picture image on a picture image recording part of the film, a sound recording mechanism to record sound information at the film having sound recording part, a constant speed film feeding mechanism having a capstan and a pinch roller to run the film at a constant speed at a sound recording head part of the sound recording mechanism, and a release member which controls initiation of a camera and is mechanically linked selectively with the sound recording mechanism and the constant speed film feeding mechanism, and which can simultaneously record a picture image and sound at the film within the cartridge when the film cartridge for simultaneous sound recording is loaded.

Abstract: In a film rewinding device for a movie camera which is capable of selective use of both the type A magazine provided with a non-releasable anti-backup mechanism on the exposed film take-up shaft and the type B magazine provided with an externally releasable anti-backup mechanism on the film take-up shaft, the film rewinding device comprises a pin to indicate the type of magazine loaded, and for locking the anti-backup mechanism for the type B magazine, to be released when this type of magazine is loaded; a counting gear to count the film footage of the forward or reverse feed, and a connecting gear. The present device makes it possible to selectively use rewinding patterns possessing the advantages of two types of magazines and to employ special photographing techniques for overlaps, superimposition and reverse shooting, in suitable combination.

Abstract: An improved film handling device or film cartridge designed for permanent mounting on a film strip projector or the like. The device or cartridge includes a base plate pivotally mounted to a sliding carriage and a storage cavity on the top of the base plate. The carriage comprises a tape cassette player and the base plate includes at least a pair of depending arms for slideably mounting a tape cassette. A drive sprocket is mounted on the base plate for engaging and feeding the film through a film gate in the projector. The carriage is movable between a generally forward, film loading position whereat the base plate is pivoted upwardly for easy access and a generally rearward, film feed position which permits the film to be transferred through the film gate. A safety interlock is provided on the cassette to prevent jamming of the film as the carriage is moved between its respective positions.

Abstract: A film counter for use with a portable cine-camera capable of selectively using two types of cartridges, respectively, containing photographic films of different lengths. The film counter comprises a cartridge detection mechanism having a detection lever which is operated only when one of the two types of cartridges is loaded in the camera. A gear train assembly is provided for driving a counter indicator at a speed ratio corresponding to the length of the photographic film. The gear train assembly is switched between first and second speed ratios under control of the detection lever. The detection lever also controls a counter indicator by switching the numbers displayed on the counter indicator to a group of numbers suitable for the film length in the type of cartridge loaded in the camera.

Abstract: A cine camera for taking talking pictures, in which a film is moved intermittently past an image gate by a reciprocating traction claw and continuously past a recording head by a rotating capstan coacting with a pinch roller, includes a latch by which the pinch roller can be held spaced from the capstan in an inactive position. The latching of the pinch roller in this inactive position, against the force of a biasing spring providing the necessary contact pressure during filming, is accomplished upon deactivation of the film drive by the residual kinetic energy of an inertial mass such as a flywheel which is coupled with either the capstan drive or the claw drive. The latch is released upon actuation of a trigger, either directly or through the intermediary of the claw drive. The biasing spring may be part of a toggle mechanism tripped by a presetting member, such as a sensor detecting the presence of a sound-film cassette in the camera.

Abstract: A photographic camera in which a film cartridge, housing a photographing film having a recording belt capable of recording sound signal, can be loaded, wherein for the purpose of effecting the recording of sound signal simultaneously with photographing a sound signal recording head and a constant speed film running mechanism are provided at the sound signal recording part being separated from an intermittent film transport mechanism for running the above mentioned film with a constant speed.

Abstract: A ribbon cartridge comprising a housing, a supply reel containing a supply of ribbon wound thereon, a take-up reel, means for rotatably mounting the supply reel at a first location in the housing, means for rotatably mounting the take-up reel at a second location in the housing, the second location being spaced both vertically and horizontally from the first location, and means for transferring ribbon along a predetermined path from the supply reel onto the take-up reel.

Abstract: A film cartridge for use with cinematographic apparatus or the like comprises a reel adapted to have flexible strip material wound thereon, a cover adapted to receive the reel in a nested position, and a releasable latch effective to retain the reel in the nested position until the cartridge is received by the cinematographic apparatus or the like. At that time, the latch is released by a portion of the apparatus.

Abstract: A motion picture sound camera wherein a chamber in the camera housing can receive relatively small containers for regular motion picture film or relatively large containers for sound film. When the chamber receives a large container, the latter deforms a leaf spring which is thereby disengaged from a lever serving to move a component of the sound recording mechanism into engagement with an accessible portion of sound film in the inserted container. The lever can be moved in the opposite direction by a knob which is accessible from without the housing and is turnable by hand between a first and a second position. When moved from the first to the second position, the knob moves the lever and the component to a retracted position while simultaneously stressing a resilient ejector for containers in the chamber, unlocking the door for the chamber and resetting a film frame counter to starting position.

Abstract: Apparatus for facilitating the achievement of locking engagement between the film strip contained in a film cassette of the type in which the film may be exposed, processed and projected without removal from the cassette, and a pull-strip for removing a tear-tab closure initially sealing a supply of processing fluid within the cassette. The supply end of the film strip contains a bottle-shaped aperture through which a tapered latching tongue provided at the free end of the pull-strip passes upon initiation of rewind after exposure. The supply reel hub is provided with a latching tongue receiving surface lying below the film receiving surface of the hub which, upon continued advancement of the film strip, receives and supports the latching tongue to fold it back upon itself.

Abstract: A camera adapted for use with either a silent-film cartridge or a sound-film cartridge of larger size and having sound recording means including a capstan and a pressure roll movable into and out of engagement with the sound film against the capstan with a sensing means actuated by the sound-film cartridge inserted into the camera for permitting the actuation of a release mechanism for movement, through a mechanical linkage, of the pressure roll into engagement with the sound-film against the capstan and for deactivating the release mechanism upon insertion of a silent-film cartridge into the camera to permit disengagement of the pressure roll from the capstan.

Abstract: The invention discloses a cinecamera capable of synchronous recording wherein a swingable arm carrying a pinch roller at one end thereof is operatively coupled to a shutter release locking lever in such a manner that when the lever is placed in the shutter release locking position for preventing shooting, the pinch roller may be moved away from a capstan by a sufficient distance to permit the smooth loading and unloading of a film cartridge, but when the lever is switched to the release position for permitting the shooting the arm may be swung to displace the pinch roller to a position very closely spaced from the capstan. The construction of the cinecamera may be remarkably simplified as compared with the conventional cinecameras wherein the pinch roller arm is operatively coupled to the cover or lid of the camera.

Abstract: A cassette for accommodating a magnetic tape designed for use in a magnetic recording and/or reproducing apparatus includes a protective covering provided at an access opening of the cassette into which access opening a transducer head is adapted to project to contact a portion of the magnetic tape. The protective covering is movable between opened and closed positions and is normally biased to the closed position to shield such portion of the magnetic tape from the outside. When the protective covering is moved to the opened position, such portion of the magnetic tape is exposed to the exterior of the cassette for permitting the transducer head to contact such portion of the magnetic tape. The cassette is further provided with a braking lever which applies a braking force to both of the reels to prevent the magnetic tape from being loosened.

Abstract: An improved video tape cartridge having a main wall, two parallel sidewalls and two L-shaped doors hingedly connected to the main wall to form a rectangularly shaped box like structure for semipermanently enclosing two tape reels journaled therein. The tape reels include spring loaded bearing members that normally engage one of the housing sidewalls to journal the reels in the cartridge, but the bearing members are compressible into a condition disengaged from the sidewalls to release the reels from the cartridge. Guide members are disposed at each end of the cartridge to hold the tape in a position for engagement with a record/reproduce unit, at least one of which guide members is movable from a normal operating condition into a reel removal condition to facilitate removal of both reels from the cartridge.

Abstract: A motion picture camera for use with regular motion picture film or with motion picture film having a sound track and being stored in containers larger than those for the storage of regular film so that, when the chamber in the body of the camera received a small container, such small container leaves unoccupied a portion of the chamber which is occupied when the chamber receives a large container. A properly inserted large container deforms a leaf spring which extends into the aforementioned portion of the chamber whereby the thus deformed leaf spring enables a first lever to permit the pivoting of a second lever under the action of a torsion spring. The second lever moves a roller into engagement with film in a properly inserted large container opposite a rotary element which is adjacent to a sound head of the sound recording mechanism in the camera body.