Abstract: An automatic focus adjusting device for use with an optical instrument hag a focusable objective lens which is adjusted by optical and electronic components of the instrument, such components determining the distance of an object by comparing images of separate scanning and reference optical systems. The device of the present invention has a low-reduction filter screen placed across part of each light path of the two optical systems. The filters provide an overriding apparent contrast to low-contrast object fields to cause the system to adopt a pre-set focus distance, but do not interfere with normal automatic focusing where object field contrast is adequate for normal system operation. Manual adjustment of the filter spacing varies the pre-set, low-contrast focus to any desired object distance setting. Five to ten percent light reduction in the screened part of each filter is adequate.

Abstract: A rangefinder mechanism is shown in which the scanning mirror has been replaced with a movable scanning optic. The automatic rangefinder system includes a pair of optical paths, one a reference path and the other a scanned path, which are lead to impinge upon a photosensitive surface for comparison purposes. The output of the photosensitive surface is used to adjust the main lens of the camera. The range of the movable optic is coordinated with the position of the main lens of the camera as feedback and adjustment of the rangefinder.

Abstract: A printer control unit utilizes a microprocessor and a random-access memory for storing color and cuing information in order to eliminate the need for continuously reading a tape during the printing operation. The printer control unit utilizes a single tape reader and the microprocessor is programmed to permit color tapes, cuing tapes or composite tapes to be read by the single tape reader.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically focusing a camera is described in which the camera has a stationary optical path and a scanning optical path for developing focusing signals. The scanning optical path is caused to undergo a range-finding reciprocation in which it reciprocates between first and second limit positions, as between the minimum lens focusing position and the infinite lens focusing position. Two focusing signals are generated during the range-finding reciprocation and the interval between the focusing signals is used to derive the distance to the subject. The lens is then positioned in accordance with the derived distance to the subject.

Abstract: A device for transporting slides in a horizontal plane to be projected by a slide projector. More particularly, a retaining means adapted to tolerate bowed slides by having clearance grooves for receiving the bowed slides and for permitting same to set level thereupon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reflex rangefinder system for a camera having a pair of li reflecting members mounted to reflect light rays from the scene in the viewfinder system. The members are dichroically coated with different complementary colors such that the dual image formed when the objective lens is out of focus have different colors to enhance the distinction for easy focusing.

Abstract: For motion picture film projectors generally of the type having a projection slot on the housing thereof, the improvement comprising an inwardly sloped dynamic frusto-conical film guide surface on the film guide roller, the frusto-conical film guide surface having an axis of rotation congruent with that of the film guide roller and disposed at the free end thereof and sloping toward the journaled end thereof to form an inwardly sloped dynamic film guide surface; and an outwardly sloped dynamic frusto-conical film guide surface disposed on each film threading roller, each such outwardly sloped dynamic frusto-conical film guide surface being disposed to slope away from the journaled end of the film threading roller, whereby upon introduction of the film onto the outwardly sloped dynamic frusto-conical film threading surface, the film will tend to climb the surface in a direction toward the journaled end of the film threading roller to bias the film into the projection slot and to maintain the film therein durin

Abstract: A technique is shown for automatically adjusting the sensitivity of an auto focus device in accordance with the level of light intensity of the subject. Sensitivity correction is required because the timing of the automatic focus signal is directly related to the intensity of the light from the subject. In systems where the timing of the automatic focus signal is used to determine the distance of the subject from the camera signal, correction is absolutely essential. A supplementary photo cell is used to measure the light coming from the subject and set the sensitivity of the automatic focus system.

Abstract: A film loop size control is described for use in a camera in which the film s advanced intermittently past an image recording station by a first drive means and advanced continuously past a sound recording station by a second drive means. A detector which senses the size of the film loop between the image recording station and the sound recording station causes a control means to actuate only the second drive means whenever the detector senses a slack film loop when the film is stationary. The second drive means then advances the film past the sound recording station to remove the slack from the film loop. When the detector senses an absence of slack in the film, the control means de-actuates the second drive means. A switch is included which is adapted to be actuated when the film slack has been reduced for actuating both the first and the second drive means for advancing the film past the image recording station and the sound recording station.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in an automatic focusing system for use with an optical instrument having a focusable objective which is adjustable in response to optical and electronic components of the system for determining object distance of a remote subject by comparing images of scanning and reference optical systems. The scanner of the optical system is driven oscillatably across an angle to detect a subject between infinity and the minimum focus condition of the objective lens. The scanner is adjustable in response to the focus condition of the lens for alignment of the angle scanned with the subject when the lens is in perfect focus by means of an electronic and mechanical interconnecting feedback between the lens focusing ring and the aiming device for the scanning system.The present invention relates to improvements in an automatic focusing system's for use with an optical instrument having a focusable objective.

Abstract: A printing head assembly is disclosed for use in a contact film printer for exposing raw stock film with a preprint film or negative. The printing head assembly includes an aperture jaw through which light is projected onto the film strips to transfer the images from the preprint film onto the raw stock. The printing head is adapted to be mounted with the aperture jaw adjacent a drive sprocket for driving the film webs past the aperture in a contact relationship and at a predetermined rate. The edge of the preprint film strip opposite the drive sprocket is supported by a shoulder or idler ring rotatably mounted within the printing head by a stationary support shaft. The support shaft is mounted with its axis extending at a small angle with respect to the horizontal. The rotating shoulder thus rotates in a plane offset from the vertical to permit sufficient clearance for the printing light beam to be projected through the printing aperture.

Abstract: A modular photographic film printer utilizes a direct current servo controlled main drive motor and belt drive to move a master film and raw film stock across printing heads without the use of intermediate sprockets. Film tension is controlled by tension control motors connected to the pay out and take up reels of the printer. The unit is modular in construction, and circuitry is provided for monitoring critical functions of the printer in order to locate malfunctions. Fiber optics are utilized in the sound track printing head to provide cool operation.

Abstract: A closed loop automatic focusing system suitable for use in a camera is disclosed which has a beam producing means producing a narrow beam of light radiation directed toward an object to be focused. Having been reflected by the object, the beam is received by an afocal objective lens group which refracts the beam in collimated form when the object is in focus and refracts the beam in divergent or convergent form when the object is not in focus. The beam is then directed to a double photocell upon which the beam impinges equally when in collimated form and unequally when in divergent or convergent form. If the double photocell senses any divergence or convergence, a servo system is directed to correct the focusing error. Alternatively, the objective lens group refracts the beam in constant divergent or convergent form when the object is in focus and non-constant divergent or convergent form when the object is not in focus.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in an automatic focusing system for use with an optical instrument having a focusable objective which is adjustable in response to optical and electronic components of the system for determining object distance of a remote subject by comparing images of scanning and reference optical systems. The scanner of the optical system is driven oscillatably across an angle to detect a subject between infinity and the minimum focus condition of the objective lens. The present invention relates to improvements in an automatic focusing system for use with an optical instrument having a focusable objective. More particularly, the improvement relates to driving the focusing system to a preset fixed focus setting when the system senses difficult conditions for focus detection as those having low contrast or complex subject matter.A warning device is included to be activated thereby cautioning the operator that the automatic focus system has reached its operational limit.

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: Disclosed is a circuit for automatically intermittently sensing adequate ient light conditions and adjusting a cine camera iris for same. The circuit includes an astable multi-vibrator for intermittent switching of power to a Cds cell. Under low light conditions the resistance of the cell becomes great enough to stop the oscillations of the multi-vibrator.

Abstract: An automatic rangefinding optical system for a camera includes optics conted for movement subject to the operative zooming main lens. The rangefinding system has an automatic focusing device which generates a pulse when separate objective images from two optical system paths coincide. Zooming the rangefinder along the two optical system paths gives more precise automatic focusing of the subject by optically modifying the objective images according to the zoom position of the main lens.

Abstract: The positioning device includes a carrier for an element of an optical system, which is to be positioned very carefully with respect to a certain axis. The device includes first means to move the element in a direction parallel to the axis, second means for tilting the element with respect to the axis, and third means to move the element in planes perpendicular to the axis. The device also includes a locking mechanism to lock the carrier in the selected position determined by the conditions of the first, second and third means.

Abstract: A carrying and storage case for audio visual teaching aids fabricated from three interlocking sheets of corrugated cardboard or the like spaced and folded to resemble a house. One of the cardboard sheets forms the outside structure of the house, including the walls, roof and floor, the second sheet forms a chimney for the house, and the third sheet serves as a carrying handle, dividing wall and reinforcing structure for the carrying case.

Abstract: Disclosed for a sound motion picture camera is an improved shuttle speed trol device including a film loop sensor sensitive to slight variations in the film loop for causing the speed of the shuttle to be changed by a simple brake device utilizing powers of the drive motor whereby less force is required for sensing the size of the film loop to maintain picture-sound synchronization.