Abstract: A linear motor driven film gate for a motion picture telecine and methods for operation. A housing associated with a telecine optical block is operative to support and transport a single film frame in a precisely controlled linear motion past a telecine scanning aperture for scanning. An entry guide sprocket on the telecine receives the film from a feed spool, stabilizes the film, and directs the film across the aperture. A pin assembly carrying precision milled registration pins on a film transport carriage engages with the film sprocket holes in a path perpendicular to the film plane. After the registration pins are engaged with the sprocket perforations, a precision linear motor with integrated optical position encoder pulls a single frame across the scanning aperture. When a single frame has passed by the aperture, the linear motor stops, and the registration pins are removed from engagement with the film. The linear motor then returns to an initial position to engage a subsequent frame of film.

Abstract: An improved film gate for a continuous motion or real-time motion picture telecine. A housing supports and transports a film in continuous motion past a frame aperture. A precision milled entry guide roller receives the film from a feed spool, edge-stabilizes the film, and directs the film to a precision milled first entry sprocket. The entry sprocket is positioned prior to the frame aperture, pin registers the film, and directs the film across the frame aperture. A precision milled exit sprocket positioned subsequent to the frame aperture receives the film after it passes across the frame aperture and pin registers the film. A precision milled exit guide roller receives the film from the exit sprocket, edge stabilizes the film, and guides the film to a drive capstan and take up reel. The precision sprockets and rollers serve as film stabilizing means. A floating guide means positioned at the frame aperture provides additional edge stabilization of the film as it is guided past the frame aperture.