Patents Represented by Attorney Roger M. Fitz-Gerald
  • Patent number: 4057329
    Abstract: A photographic objective comprises a plurality of lens elements, the outer two of which are adjustable axially by a small amount for fine adjustment of the focal length of the lens system to permit matching mass produced lens systems in pairs so that the focal lengths of every pair of such lenses can be adjusted within very close tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1977
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventor: Andor A. Fleischman
  • Patent number: 4052125
    Abstract: A motion picture camera for simultaneous recording of picture and sound is provided with a starting and stopping device for controlling film transport mechanisms and displacing same into and out of operative orientation with the film as the camera is actuated and deactuated wherein the size of the film loop is maintained substantially constant before or after and during camera operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1977
    Assignee: Nihon Beru-Haueru Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takao Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 4050778
    Abstract: An economical optical system without elements of more exotic optical materials for imaging light rays from an ultra-violet or near ultra-violet light source of an optical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1977
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventor: Andor A. Fleischman
  • Patent number: 4050779
    Abstract: An economical optical system for imaging light rays from a near ultra-violet light source of an optical instrument without elements of special optical materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1977
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventor: Andor A. Fleischman
  • Patent number: 4047136
    Abstract: For driving exposure control vanes in photographic equipment in response to ariations in the quantity of light, a moving magnet type instrument has a magnet which is positioned proximate a fixed field coil wound on a two piece frame. The magnet is formed as a unitary component of magnetic material and plastic material interlocked against separation, and is arranged for displacement in bearings in the frame proximate which a magnet biassing material is arranged to urge the magnet into a position whereby the supported vane is maintained at a relatively constant spacing with respect to a fixed camera component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1977
    Assignee: Nihon Beru-Haueru Kabushiki Kaisha (Bell & Howell Japan, Ltd.)
    Inventor: Seiichi Satto
  • Patent number: 4045136
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1977
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventors: Charles J. Watson, Larry L. Langrehr
  • Patent number: 4043650
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1977
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventor: Kenyon A. Hapke
  • Patent number: 4041538
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1977
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventor: Robert R. Parker
  • Patent number: 4037949
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1977
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventors: Vincent S. Pasturczak, Melvin T. Kerstein
  • Patent number: 4033680
    Abstract: A motion picture projector with a rapid rewind system for returning a projected reel of film from the takeup reel back onto the supply reel at a substantially faster rate than the film is transported during projection. The rapid rewind system includes a drive train engageable with the supply reel to rotate the supply reel in a reverse direction at a substantially faster rate. An actuator is connected to the rapid rewind drive train to disengage the projection drive train and engage the rapid rewind drive train with the supply reel in response to movement of the takeup reel from its generally horizontal project position to a generally vertical rewind position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1977
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventor: Vincent S. Pasturczak
  • Patent number: 4032146
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a target assembly of the type for use in a target practice range. The target assembly includes a base, a motor in the base, a first rotatable member coupled to the motor, a second rotatable member and a pivotable target member coupled to the second rotatable member. The first rotatable member includes an extension which engages a radial slot within the second member during rotation to cause the second rotatable member to rotate for raising and lowering the target member. The first and second rotatable members have cooperating cam surfaces for locking the target member in a vertical and horizontal position and for freeing the rotatable members for rotation during the raising and lowering of the target member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1977
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventor: Raymond W. H. Kim
  • Patent number: 4022526
    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 film strip projector includes a portable model as an alternate embodiment which includes a handle positioned generally above the center of gravity of the projector when in the open position so that it is not necessary to collapse or close the projector in order to move it. The portable model also includes a friction braking device to prevent injury to the screen or the internal components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1977
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventors: Frank C. Badalich, George J. Pawl
  • Patent number: 4015119
    Abstract: To inform the operator of a motion picture camera of under-exposure and the status of a fade operation, an indicator circuit is provided. The indicator circuit is in circuit with an automatic exposure control system which adjusts the diaphragm for correct film exposure under varying light conditions and an electronically controlled fade system which adjusts the diaphragm for a fade-in and fade-out sequence independently of the varying light condition on the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1977
    Assignee: Nihon Beru-Haueru Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Teruhiko Miyake
  • Patent number: 4009959
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1977
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventors: Charles J. Watson, Larry L. Langrehr, John H. Steiner
  • Patent number: 4009952
    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..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1977
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventors: Frank C. Badalich, George J. Pawl
  • Patent number: 4009949
    Abstract: For a sound motion picture projector, an automatic threading and image-sound synchronization system is provided without added moving components. During threading the system establishes for image-sound synchronization the correct image-to-sound spacing of a film having the sound longitudinally spaced along the film from the related image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1977
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventor: Arthur E. Nupnau
  • Patent number: 4007547
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1977
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventors: Glenn A. Butler, George McKinley
  • Patent number: 3992305
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1976
    Assignee: Nihon Beru-Haueru Kabushiki Kaisha (Bell and Howell Japan, Ltd.)
    Inventor: Yukio Katahira
  • Patent number: 3984180
    Abstract: A chassis for a motion picture projector which includes an audio amplifier portion for producing an audio signal related to the images on the film. The chassis mounts the mechanical and electrical components of the projector. The chassis is a unitary casted structure which includes mounting platforms for the amplifier and the transformer, and an air flow directing means for more effectively and efficiently cooling of the electrical components to provide a lower operating temperature for the projector. A plurality of fins are provided on the chassis for conducting heat away from the transformer and a plurality of slots are provided to cause air flow directly across the amplifier section. A pair of depending, toothed flanges are provided on opposite ends of the chassis for introducing air onto the fins and through the slots to the heated electrical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1976
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventor: Theodore M. Hadzimahalis
  • Patent number: 3982826
    Abstract: Disclosed is a motion picture camera adapted to expose silent film and so film and having a control mechanism control the rate of film transport by intermittent and constant transporting devices to maintain a standard film transport speed. A high frequency differential transformer couples a power source and control circuitry including a rectifier circuit so that rectified output voltage of the transformer adjusts the intermittent mechanism responsive to the film loop size as detected by a film loop sensor arranged between the transporting devices. The output voltage varies from zero to some value when the loop sensor actuator is displaced from a position corresponding to an orientation when the film loop is of a standard size to modify the intermittent film transporting device to feed film at a rate to re-establish the film loop at the standard size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1974
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1976
    Assignee: Nihon Beru-Haueru Kabushiki Kaisha (Bell & Howell Japan, Ltd.)
    Inventor: Fumio Saito