Abstract: The present invention provides a Suspended Wheel Reducer and a suspended wheel crossing-zero multilevel transmission, both of which comprise a front planetary gear train, a rear planetary gear train and a suspended wheel. With different design for the dimension of the gear wheels contained in the front planetary gear train, the rear planetary gear train and the suspended wheel, it's possible to achieve optional different reduction ratios. The Suspended Wheel Reducer and the suspended wheel crossing-zero multilevel transmission have simple configuration, higher reliability, thus overcoming the drawback in prior art, in which a transmission mechanism for multilevel gear shift mechanism is required to achieve greater reduction ratio, reducing its overall dimensions and cost.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the amount of unexposed photographic film remaining in a motion camera film magazine that includes the steps of: providing an unexposed motion picture film containing a support having at least one light sensitive image recording layer and a transparent magnetic recording layer; recording film length data on the transparent magnetic recording layer of the unexposed motion picture film; loading the unexposed motion picture film in a motion picture film magazine; and reading the film length data from the transparent magnetic recording layer as it is removed from the film supply magazine to provide an indication of the amount of unexposed film remaining in the motion picture film magazine. The amount of unexposed film remaining may be displayed in a read-out device associated with the film magazine or camera.

Abstract: In the embodiment of the film canister described in the specification, a motion detector detects rotation of a roller each time film is withdrawn from the canister and supplies a corresponding signal to a microprocessor. Since the same length of film is withdrawn each time film is used by the COM system in which the canister is mounted, the microprocessor can determine the total length of film withdrawn from the number of film motion signals it receives. The microprocessor deducts that length from the original film length in the roll to provide an accurate indication of the current length of film stored in the canister. The canister also includes data entry keys and a display panel for displaying information about the type of film in the canister and the remaining film length. In addition, the microprocessor generates signals corresponding to the rate of film roll rotation as the film is withdrawn from the canister for use with various COM systems.

Abstract: A film transport mechanism for a camera comprises a film take-up spool rotated to advance a filmstrip from a film cartridge onto the take-up spool, and a perforation sensor for detecting a turn-around perforation in a trailing end portion of the filmstrip to initiate return of the filmstrip from the take-up spool to the film cartridge. The perforation sensor is movable to a sensing position against the filmstrip to be able to drop into the turn-around perforation when the turn-around perforation is advanced to the perforation sensor. A film-on-spool sensor is located against an outermost convolution of the filmstrip as the filmstrip accumulates on the take-up spool, and is moved in response to increased accumulation of the filmstrip on the take-up spool to effect movement of the perforation sensor to its sensing position before the turn-around perforation can be advanced to the perforation sensor.

Abstract: A recording apparatus comprising a magazine for storing a recording material, and a sensor for detecting a quantity of the recording material stored in the magazine. The magazine is movable between an inward position for supplying the recording material to a recording station and a position protruding from the apparatus body. A magazine moving device is provided which, in response to the sensor, moves the magazine from the inward position to the position protruding from the apparatus body.

Abstract: A magnetic head is mounted on a camera film platen which is supported for constrained movement relative to the camera body to maintain a precise relationship between an information track recorded on the film and a film edge. The magnetic head is pivotally mounted on the film platen. Means are provided to establish one angular orientation of the head to establish one angular orientation of the head with respect to the film during prewind to read information recorded by the film manufacturer and a second different angular orientation during transport of the film in the opposite direction during film exposure to record information relating to film exposure. This enables a camera to distinguish between information recorded by the manufacturer and information recorded by a camera to determine if mid-roll interrupt occurred and, if so, the location of the last frame exposed.

Abstract: A roll film camera is disclosed which comprises a supply reel for winding the part of a roll of recording medium yet to be used and a takeup reel for winding the part of the recording medium already used for photographing original images. This camera is constructed so as to be loaded with a plurality of types of recording medium which differs in thickness. The length of the part of the recording medium yet to be used is shown in a displaying part, according to the type of recording medium. When the residual amount of the recording medium of a given type decreases below a prescribed length, an alarm is issued which prompts the operator to make preparation for the loading of a new recording medium.

Abstract: A device for automatically metering and displaying the footage of delivered film contained in each of a plurality of interchangeable magazines adapted to be mounted on the body of a cinematographic camera comprises, on each magazine, an assembly of coded identification marks peculiar to each magazine. On the body of the camera, there is provided a device for reading and identifying the various assemblies of coded marks borne by the various magazines. The camera includes a memory with a plurality of zones allocated respectively to the various magazines and permanently containing information relative to the footage of flim consumed in each magazine. The camera also includes a microprocessor receiving signals coming from the device for identifying the magazines, as well as a metering pulse emitted by a pulse generator coupled to the motor driving the film and emitting a pulse for each image.

Abstract: A film magazine is provided adapted for running the film stored therein either forward or backward. A first brake within the film magazine provides a drag torque on the supply hub when the supply hub rotates in the forward direction but not when it is rotating in a backward direction. In addition, a second brake is provided for exerting a drag torque on the take-up reel when the take-up reel is rotating in a backward direction, but not when it is running forward.The brakes and motors within the film magazine are adapted so as to keep tension on the film at all time.

Abstract: A film magazine for a motion picture camera contains apparatus for maintaining the tension in the film strip from the supply reel and in the film strip to the takeup reel, within predetermined limits, to permit start-and-stop operations of the camera while minimizing danger of damage to the film. The supply reel is connected to an eddy current brake, and a takeup reel is powered by a motor responsive to a tension control device. The eddy current brake on the supply reel provides braking torque of relatively high magnitude when the supply reel is large in diameter, and the braking torque reduces gradually to a minimum as the diameter reduces.Tension in the film strip leading to the takeup reel is controlled by a tension measuring device which acts to vary the power delivered to the motor driving the takeup reel, to obtain uniform winding tightness.

Abstract: An information display arrangement is provided in a viewfinder of a movie camera or the like. The information display arrangement includes a first array of function indicators and a second array of quantity indicators. The function indicators are selectively actuable by a switch arrangement operated by the camera user and the quantity indicators display the quantity of the camera function selected. The information display arrangement also includes apparatus for accurately displaying battery voltage status and film supply information independent of the switch setting by the camera user.

Abstract: The frame-counting device is primarily intended for use with a film cassette in titling and lap dissolve operations. The film cassette contains an unexposed film having a series of perforations and is of the type having a side wall formed with an opening which defines a film plane and through which the film is exposed. The device includes the following structure: a housing having an aperture for receiving the film cassette with its open side wall ahead, a transport sprocket which is rotatably mounted in the housing and engageable with the perforations of the unexposed film of the cassette received in the aperture of the housing, and a member for shielding the film plane of the cassette as received in the aperture against an access of light. A counter is carried by the housing, which counter is readable from the outside and operatively connected inside the housing to the transport sprocket.

Abstract: To check movement of film in still, or motion picture cameras, a movement sensing means is coupled to the film, for example a cam-operated switch coupled to the film payout spindle, an opto-electrical sensor sensing perforations in the film or the like, and generating film motion pulses. The pulses are counted in an evaluation circuit enabled when film movement is commanded, the evaluation circuit providing an alarm output if a predetermined number of output pulses has not been attained. When related to a motion picture camera, a timing circuit is included to check the generation of the number of pulses within a predetermined timing interval.

Abstract: A sound motion picture camera having a monitor circuit for applying to an earphone an audio signal which is being recorded on the film is capable of warning of the exhaustion of the film through the earphone. A switch responsive to a mechanism for detecting the exhaustion of the film applies a signal from an oscillator to the earphone or actuates an oscillator connected to the earphone, to provide the warning when the film has been nearly exhausted or has been completely exhausted. A switching device periodically interrupts the oscillating electric signal so that a warning sound can be heard intermittently through the earphone. A delay circuit interrupts the actuation of the oscillator to cease the oscillating electric signal when a predetermined time has passed after the detection of the exhaustion of the film.

Abstract: In a motion picture camera in which films of different length can be loaded, a film end indicating device is provided to indicate that the film has come to its end regardless of its length. The film end indicating device is comprised of an indicator and a plurality of end detectors attached to a footage counter in the camera to detect the end of the film of different length respectively. A change-over lever is provided between the indicator and the plurality of end detectors to selectively connect one of the detectors to the indicator according to the length of the film.

Abstract: A photographic apparatus is comprised of a plurality of adjustable units and a common digital display. The adjustable units and the common digital display are interconnected by information-transmitting circuitry. The circuitry includes selectors for selecting the unit whose setting is to be displayed on the common digital display along with an associated coordination symbol indicating which setting is being displayed.

Abstract: A system for controlling development conditions under which an exposed film strip is processed with a compact multi-purpose film handling cartridge. The film cartridge which is adapted to be mounted in a motion picture camera and projector employing the system of the invention and including motor drive means contains a strip of film, a processing station, film advance means engaging said drive means when the cartridge is mounted in said camera or projector, and an applicator containing development chemicals positioned in said processing station to be brought into operable relationship with the film strip when said processing station is rendered operable, thereby they are expressed onto the film strip from the applicator while said film strip is being advanced.

Abstract: A film counter for use with a portable cine-camera capable of selectively using two types of cartridges, respectively, containing photographic films of different lengths. The film counter comprises a cartridge detection mechanism having a detection lever which is operated only when one of the two types of cartridges is loaded in the camera. A gear train assembly is provided for driving a counter indicator at a speed ratio corresponding to the length of the photographic film. The gear train assembly is switched between first and second speed ratios under control of the detection lever. The detection lever also controls a counter indicator by switching the numbers displayed on the counter indicator to a group of numbers suitable for the film length in the type of cartridge loaded in the camera.

Abstract: An indicating device in a camera indicates unambiguously whether or not the camera is loaded with film, and how much of the film has been exposed. The device is first indexed from an empty-camera position to a loaded-camera position in response to insertion of film into the camera. It is then indexed sequentially to succeeding positions, each representing the next film image area to be exposed, in response to actuation of a film transport member. The device is thus indexed ultimately to a final position signifying that no film image area remains to be exposed. It is then returned to its empty-camera position in response to removal of the film from the camera. At each of its positions the device presents an identifying indicium to a viewing site to indicate visually the corresponding camera condition. The device is especially useful in a processing camera where it indicates positively whether no film is in the camera or whether a full supply of film covered by a dark slide is in the camera.

Abstract: A motion picture sound camera wherein a chamber in the camera housing can receive relatively small containers for regular motion picture film or relatively large containers for sound film. When the chamber receives a large container, the latter deforms a leaf spring which is thereby disengaged from a lever serving to move a component of the sound recording mechanism into engagement with an accessible portion of sound film in the inserted container. The lever can be moved in the opposite direction by a knob which is accessible from without the housing and is turnable by hand between a first and a second position. When moved from the first to the second position, the knob moves the lever and the component to a retracted position while simultaneously stressing a resilient ejector for containers in the chamber, unlocking the door for the chamber and resetting a film frame counter to starting position.

Abstract: Pulses are furnished which each indicate transport of a frame. The pulses are counted on a BCD counter. Selected outputs of the counter are connected to the inputs of coupling stages, each including a JK flip-flop. Each flip-flop changes state for a predetermined count on the counter. When each flip-flop changes state, a corresponding indicator lights up, thereby furnishing an indication to the photographer of how many frames have been transported.

Abstract: A counting device in a still camera for indicating the exact number of frames of long-footage film exposed during regular photography includes a numerical counter and a drive gear rotatable in response to film movement for increasing the count in the counter by one for each frame of film advance, the drive gear being effective to change the count only after advance of the leader portion of the film. A cam which is incrementally rotated by an escapement mechanism in response to each frame of film advance moves a release lever to a first position for preventing counting during advancement of the leader portion of the film and thereafter to a second position for permitting counting.