Abstract: A printing head assembly for exposing raw stock film with a preprint film in a contact film printer including a dual roller gate assembly. The dual roller gate assembly includes a pair of rollers mounted on a roller frame for engaging the preprint film and raw stock film on opposite sides of the printing aperture for wrapping both the preprint and raw stock film about a segment of the printing sprocket of substantially greater length than the printing aperture. An adjustable biasing spring permits regulation of the tension applied through the rollers to the film runs. The dual roller gate assembly includes a selectively operable retraction device to withdraw the rollers away from the printing sprocket for loading and unloading the film printer. In an alternate embodiment, the dual roller gate assembly is pivotally mounted by an offset shaft which permits pivotal movement of the dual roller gate assembly to provide clearance for loading the film printer.

Abstract: A motion picture projector is provided with a manually shiftable mode controller assembly for selecting various operational modes and apparatus for the automatic threading and rewinding of film. The operative mechanical components of the projector are mounted on a unitarily molded housing including molded structures and portions that independently and cooperatively with other control assemblies and interfitting structures provide features and improved operational characteristics. The molded housing interfits with a take-up reel cover, a control assembly cover and a rear cover that rotatably engages a carrying handle. Structure to define a film path, an automatic threading assist structure, a film speed detent structure and a position defining structure for the mode controller assembly are also provided by and integrally molded with the housing.

Abstract: A film tension absorbing mechanism is provided on a motion picture projector for absorbing film tension shock in the film strip. The tension absorbing mechanism includes a first system comprising the combination of a pivotally mounted, biased film exit guide roller for absorbing a portion of the tension and a tension absorbing sprocket drive to permit relative movement between the film strip and the sprocket. The tension absorbing sprocket includes a sprocket wheel and a relatively movable sprocket tooth ring rotatably mounted for generally conjoint rotation. The sprocket tooth ring is biased in a direction opposite the rotation of the sprocket wheel so that film tension shock can be absorbed as the sprocket tooth ring rotates relative to the sprocket wheel in a direction against the biasing force. A second system also is provided and includes a bi-directional tension absorbing drive sprocket for absorbing film tension shock in two directions.

Abstract: A frame count cuer for controlling the operation of a continuous photographic film printer either of the continuous motion or incremental motion type. As the "preprint" film and the overlaying "raw stock" are passed through the printer, a signal is generated corresponding to the quantity and direction of travel of the film drawn across the exposure aperture. A counter is incremented or decremented by the signal and provides an integral footage and frame count of the amount of film passing through the printer. The information from a punched scene length tape is used to set a storage unit to the desired scene length and the setting of the storage unit is compared with the counter by a coincidence detector. Upon coincidence, a cue signal is fed from the coincidence detector to the printer light valve control unit. The light valves are preset with the information obtained from a punched paper tape in accordance with the predetermined preferred light level and the hue for the scene to be printed.

Abstract: A control unit for a photographic film printer for printing motion picture film onto raw stock from a master preprint film. The operation of various functions of the printer such as color changes, fades, and the like, are controlled in accordance with a control tape bearing information for the control of the various components. Various cue signals indicating where the desired controls are to be effective during the printing process are provided by a notch or RF patch system, a separate frame counting system utilizing a separate film address information tape, or an integral frame counting cuing system wherein the film address information is provided on the same control tape with the control information.

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 cartridge designed for permanent mounting on a movie projector having an automatic feed mechanism. The cartridge includes a generally rectangular housing for enclosing the entire film reel. A reciprocating spindle is slidably mounted by a pair of pins to captivate the film reel in an approximately precise orientation to permit the automatic feed mechanism to strip the leading edge from the reel and guide the leading edge into the machine. The reciprocal movement of the spindle is accomplished by a cam slot provided in a sliding cover permitting the insertion and removal of film reels without the expense of a cassette for each reel.

Abstract: A playback preamplifier for use on a recording machine utilizing a magnetic recording medium to provide a substantially flat response between a general range of 200 to 6000 Hz. and having a substantially improved signal-to-noise ratio. The circuit includes a three stage amplifier having an overall DC feedback loop. The magnetic transducer is connected in the feedback loop so that the DC feedback current biases the transducer with the DC feedback current.

Abstract: A motion picture projector having a slot for edgewise loading of the film is provided with a film strip encapsulating and drive system which is operated by a single control lever. Operation of a control lever moves a plurality of film path forming elements to an open position so that edgewise insertion of the film into the projector automatically forms loops on either side of a film gate. Closure of the control lever encapsulates the film strip within film gate drive sprockets and around a sound drum while maintaining free loops on either side of the film gate. The actuator includes a pair of switches to shut down a drive system projection lamp and an audio amplifier when moving between an open or loading position and a closed position to prevent inadvertent damage to the film which could occur if the drive means continued in operation. A second switch connected to the projection lamp and audio amplifier maintains these units in an off position when the actuator is in an open position.

Abstract: A film strip projector which is provided with synchronized audio accompaniment. A film strip is framed with respect to a projection aperture by a selectively operable framing device. Once the film strip is initially framed, the film strip is advanced frame by frame by a Geneva type film advance mechanism. The audio accompaniment is carried on a dual track audio tape, one track of which carries the audio message pertinent to a particular frame and the other track of which carries a control signal for the film drive mechanism. The Geneva type film drive mechanism comprises a pair of cooperating gears the second of which rotates only 90.degree. for every 180.degree. rotation of the first gear. The first gear automatically deenergizes the drive motor after rotation of approximately 180.degree..

Abstract: A programmable exposure control device for use on a photographic film printer for producing special effects in motion pictures such as a fade-in, fade-out, lap dissolve or other numerous special effects requiring variations in printing beam intensity. The exposure control device comprises a mechanical shutter capable of progressively varying the intensity of the printing beam at any predetermined rate. A control system is provided for operating the shutter and includes a memory portion for storing preselected operating curves for a plurality of film exposure characteristics. The control unit is connected to a tape reader for supplying information to the control unit, for example, relating to the length of the particular fade desired. The tape reader also may provide information for controlling the position at which a fade or other special effect is to begin or end.

Abstract: An improvement is provided in an audio visual teaching device which is particularly suitable for teaching the proper and correct pronunciation of words, phrases, etc. The device employs a card handling mechanism for moving an information card across a record/playback transducing head. A dual track magnetic stripe on the card carries information on one track indicating the correct pronunciation of a particular word or group of words which the student can hear through a speaker or preferably a set of headphones. Additionally, the device includes a microphone and record portion so that the student can practice speaking a word which then is simultaneously recorded on a second track on the magnetic stripe so that the student may replay the second track and listen to his own pronunciation and compare it to the model on the first track.