Abstract: A rangefinder mechanism is shown in which the scanning mirror has been reced 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 led 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. Disposed in front of the movable optic is another optical movable relative thereto to coordinate with the position of the main lens of the camera as feedback and adjust the rangefinder system.

Abstract: A projector with forward and reverse film drive assemblies and a mode controller assembly for selecting operational modes is provided with a control to selectively stop film transporting when a predetermined film tension occurs. The mode controller assembly is manually shiftable to position the film transport stopping control to reset the control.The control uses a selectively responsive transmitting assembly arranged to transmit a predetermined film tension from a sensor to a reset member when the mode controller assembly is in selected modes as normal forward and reverse. In other modes as fast forward, pause, still and rewind, the selectively responsive assembly is provided with a release locking assembly to prevent transmission of the predetermined film tension condition to the reset member.The selectively responsive assembly has a pivotal release arm that controls the position of the reset member when the predetermined film tension condition occurs.

Abstract: A motion picture projector having a forward and reverse film transporting drive, an assembly for sensing a predetermined film tension condition and a mode controller for selecting various operational modes is provided with a control for selectively actuating a rewind mode of operation at a predetermined film tension condition.The selectively actuated rewind control arrangement includes a controller conditioner mechanism that is responsive to film tension and effective to position the controller from a predetermined projector operating mode such as a normal forward mode to a predetermined operating mode such as still when the predetermined film tension condition is sensed. A rewind mode actuator mechanism responsive to the controller conditioner mechanism is provided to control the film transporting drive in the rewind mode upon the operation of the controller conditioner mechanism.

Abstract: An electro-optic light valve is disclosed which is particularly adapted to be used in an additive color printing system for use on conventional photographic film printers. The additive color system utilizes a plurality of light valves, one for each of the monochromatic light beams, for controlling the color balance and light beam intensity of the printing light beam on the photographic film printer. A programmable, electronic control system is provided for driving the light valves in accordance with programmed color balance and intensity information. Closed loop feedback is provided from the electro-optic light valves to the control system to guarantee accurate execution of the programmed information.

Abstract: A sensitivity control circuit is described for use with a sound movie camera having an automatic sound level control circuit. In one embodiment, the automatic sound level control circuit includes a pair of cascaded amplifiers whose overall gain is controlled by the conduction of an active control element. The active control element has an input terminal which receives a control signal representative of the amplitude of the signal output of the cascaded amplifiers. To desensitize the automatic sound level control circuit to background noise, a voltage source and a variable impedance element are serially coupled to the control terminal of the active control element to provide a control current for selectably varying the conduction of the active control element. The gain of the cascaded amplifiers is thereby selectively controlled and the sensitivity of the automatic sound level control circuit is reduced.

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 high intensity projection arrangement for improved image projection that also provides a projection lamp having a longer operating life. The projector is interconnected to a power supply unit by a multiconductor umbilical cable to supply all voltage and power requirements of the projector.The power supply unit is enabled to supply a high voltage starting pulse to the high intensity projection lamp only upon the occurrence of predetermined conditions to prevent shock hazards. The enabling control of the power supply is accomplished by the use of a standard projector control switch and a housing interlock switch on the projection lamp arrangement. Further, the power supply unit is enabled only when the umbilical cable is properly connected between the projector and the power supply unit by means of a return path continuity detector.

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 method and apparatus are described for generating an electrical signal representative of the blue component of light incident upon an imaging device. The imaging device has rows of horizontally spaced sets of light-sensitive picture elements, each such element generating an electrical output in response to one or more of the red, blue and green components of incident light. To generate a signal indicative of the average intensity of blue light incident upon a selected pair of picture elements in a selected set, the outputs of the selected pair of picture elements as well as the outputs of the other picture elements in the selected set are detected. The outputs of a pair of picture elements in an adjacent set are also detected.

Abstract: A chromatically neutral viewfinder optical system of positive forward and rearward elements and including therebetween a substantially zero power doublet which neutralizes chromatic errors generated by the positive elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to an objective optical sub-system having fewer elements and improved performance specifications as compared to an objective it will replace.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a moving target assembly for use in a target practice range. The moving target assembly includes a target, a target travel guide for guiding the target movement and including a pair of straight sections which are substantially at right angles to one another, and a chain drive running substantially parallel to the straight sections. The target includes selectively operable chain engaging devices so that the target may be selectively guided along one straight section or the other. The assembly also includes structure for returning the target to a home position. Also disclosed is a control for controlling a plurality of such assemblies, including selection of the targets, the speed of target travel, the raising and lowering of the targets, and the actuation of the chain drive motors.

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: To eliminate the recording of undesirable sounds which can occur upon stang a sound motion picture camera in which sound is recorded simultaneously as the picture is recorded, a circuit shorting switch is installed in parallel with the sound recording head, and a film transport motor control switch is arranged to function opposite to the circuit shorting switch but in cooperation with that switch to stabilize the amplifier before film movement begins.

Abstract: A lens system primarily for a copier is a plastic and glass lens design of reflex configuration enabling lower manufacturing cost with a higher degree of optical correction than a comparable all glass straight through design of similar optical characteristics. In the preferred embodiment, the plastic element is formed with aspheric surfaces.

Abstract: A lens system primarily for a copier is a reflex, plastic and glass lens design enabling lower manufacturing costs with a higher degree of optical correction than a comparable all glass straight through design of similar optical characteristics. In the preferred embodiment, selected of the plastic elements is formed with aspheric surfaces.