Abstract: A device for conveying a motion picture film has at least one uniformly distributed row of perforations. An unwinding toothed reel, which continuously unwinds the motion picture film from a film supply reel, a winding toothed reel that continuously winds the motion picture film onto a film winding reel, and a film feeding mechanism, which intermittently conveys the motion picture film, engage inside said perforations. In order to switch the film conveyance from three to four perforation holes per film frame, the rotational speed of the film conveying motor connected to the winding toothed reel and to the unwinding toothed reel, is increased by 4:3, whereas the multiplication of the film feeding mechanism, of the movement gearing or of a movement gearing element can be altered by three or four perforation holes per film frame in order to adapt to the conveyance of the motion picture film.

Abstract: A film mechanism for a motion-picture camera is provided. The film feed mechanism has a transport grip having a transport grip clip and at least one transport grip tip which engages in a sprocket hole of a motion-picture film that is transported at a predefinable film transport speed by the kinematics of the transport grip. The transport grip tip displaces the motion-picture film in an intermittent manner and runs through a closed trajectory whose reversing points determine the length of travel during the film transport. The kinematics of the transport grip can be dynamically and/or statically modified in accordance with the film transport speed by a modification to the relative positions of the transport grip and grip drive connected in an articulated manner to the transport grip in such a way that a constantly correct length of travel during a film transport step of the transport grip is guaranteed.

Abstract: Electronically controlled film transport methods and systems are described. One system described comprises a film transport path for transporting film, an input drive assembly for advancing film through the film transport path, an output drive assembly for advancing film out of the film transport path, an aperture positioned in the film transport path, at least one registration pin capable of engaging at least one perforation in the film to secure a portion of the film in the aperture, wherein the at least one registration pin is capable of retracting to a non-engaging position, and a controller for controlling the retraction of the at least one registration pin.

Abstract: In a film positioning system and method thereof, stable film positioning is accomplished. In the present invention, when a film is fed to a stop position by driving first feeding mechanism and second feeding mechanism synchronizing with each other and then the stop position is determined with the first feeding mechanism or the second feeding mechanism, a fixed tension is applied to the film by the other feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A loop region in which a loop of a negative film is formed is provided between a pre-scan section and a fine scan section. When a frame image recorded on the negative film is read, a control circuit effects control such that respective processings in the pre-scan section and the fine scan section are performed concurrently in a state in which a length of the loop in the loop region is within a predetermined allowable range.

Abstract: The invention is a mechanism for mounting a film shutter and assembly to a conveyor in a motion film projector, the film shutter assembly including a shutter secured to a mounting bracket, which houses a pair of trucks. Preferably, the mounting bracket securely houses a first truck and slidably houses a second truck to accommodate for the trucks passing over straight and curved portions of the truck, or shutter path. The trucks are rigidly clamped to the conveyor. This configuration permits the shutter to be stably coupled to the conveyor while permitting the shutter assembly to travel along both straight and curved paths. The trucks are generally configured to ride in a raceway, which supports the trucks and maintains the trucks on a predetermined truck path. In one embodiment, the trucks include rollers, which roll along an elongated channel formed in the raceway. According to another embodiment, the trucks include air bearings for carrying the truck along a pressurized raceway.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for transporting film in a motion film projector. The system includes a set of film carriages and a set of secondary shutters mounted on a conveyor, which continually advances the film carriages and the secondary shutters along a linear path oriented orthogonally with respect to an optical axis of a aperture block, through which images on the film are projected. Each film carriage receives a loop of film and then rolls the loop of film in the direction of the aperture block. A deceleration mechanism periodically engages and decelerates the film. Once the film has been decelerated, a section of the film is temporarily secured in alignment with the aperture block and an image disposed on the film is projected. The conveyor then moves a secondary shutter into alignment with the aperture block to shutter the aperture block.

Abstract: A direct-drive, tractor-type film transport apparatus operates at rates typically used for sync sound, high-speed and special effects applications. A preferred embodiment includes three sprockets, each with a plurality of radially outwardly extending pins on either side to receive the sprocket holes of the film while positioned in the film plane. A pair of belts is also preferably used to rotationally interconnect the three sprockets, each belt being perforated to receive the outwardly extending pins on either side of each sprocket. An apertured gate overlays the film in the film plane, the gate including a back side with grooves to receive at least the pins of the middle sprocket, thereby enabling the gate to function as a pressure plate. A microprocessor-controlled servo motor is preferably used to reversibly drive the middle sprocket, with the two outer sprockets being slightly biased away from the middle sprocket so as to keep a central section of the film taunt during the exposure thereof.

Abstract: A motion picture apparatus and method for intermittently advancing motion picture film by forced air. The film is initially placed into successive loops formed by a cam-driven flipper. The loops and thus the film are advanced through the projector or camera pathway by a forced air blower which propels the successive loops through a projection pathway. Vacuum pressure may also be applied to the film through a gate to secure the film to the gate with linearly arranged register pins steadying the film over a projection aperture. The film is rewound through the projector by a motorized rewind with a positive pressure applied to the film through the gate.

Abstract: A device for viewing a motion picture film strip held within a cassette includes a film strip drive wheel, turned at a constant speed by a battery-powered motor, having an outer cylindrical surface from which a pin section extends radially. The film strip is held, by guiding surfaces in the cassette, so that it extends in an arc around a portion of the outer cylindrical surface. The pin section engages a sprocket hole in the film strip at the beginning of this arc, and is disengaged from the sprocket hole at the end of this arc. During continued revolution of the drive wheel, the film is held in place as a single frame is viewed through the lens. The lens is focussed by sliding a tab extending from the lens housing within an oblique slot in a cover of the viewing device, as the lens is both rotated about its optical axis and translated along its optical axis.

Abstract: A motion picture apparatus and method for the advancing motion picture film through the apparatus sequence by forced air. The film is initially placed into successive looped configurations formed by a cam-driven flipper. The loops and thus the film are advanced through the projector or camera pathway by a forced air blower which propels the loop through a projection pathway. Vacuum pressure is also applied to the film through a gate to secure the film to a gate with linearly arranged register pins steadying the film over a projection aperture. The film is rewound through the projector by a motorized rewind with a positive pressure applied to the film through the gate.

Abstract: A compact rolling loop motion picture projector has a rotor of significantly smaller diameter than a conventional such rotor. The radius of curvature of the rotor is selected to be significantly less than the radius of curvature of a film flattener element on which the film is located for projection, and the axis of rotation of the rotor is offset towards a film input sprocket of the projector so as to maintain a minimum film gap between the rotor and the field flattener upstream of the optical axis of the projector. The compact rotor is rotationally supported from above by a "spider" and a projection lamp is located below the rotor for compactness and efficiency of lamp operation.

Abstract: In a rolling loop motion picture apparatus, such as a projector or camera, the movie film is pressed against a film supporting surface disposed within a light path. In order to be cleaned, the film supporting surface is moved out of the light path to an inoperative position opposite a sheet of material formed of an inert polyurethane material to which particulate contaminants adhere. The sheet is moved into contact with the film supporting surface, whereby the particulate contaminants adhere to the sheet. Then the sheet is retracted from the film supporting surface, along with the particulate contaminants. The film is guided between fixed and movable guide surfaces. The movable guide surface is spring-biased downwardly against the top edge of the film and is constrained against horizontal movement.

Abstract: A device for recording a motion picture film and a device for projecting a motion picture film susceptible to generation of low noise due to film feed are provided. A motion picture film 10 is fed on the frame basis so that the film is fed as it is clamped between an idler 45 and a rotary drum 48 and so that the film feed is stopped as a voice coil 43 is driven for displacing the idler 45 away from the rotary drum 48. A recording unit 30 records a frame image of the motion picture film each time the film feed is halted. Recording may be made in this manner under the state of extremely low noise level due to film feed. Film feed is made in a similar manner during projection of each frame image, and each frame image is also projected by a projection unit 70 each time the film feed is halted. Projection may also be made in this manner under the state of extremely low noise level due to film feed.

Abstract: Systems are described for precisely positioning motion picture film frames at a camera film gate by the use of registration pins that project into film perforations, where the film frames are spaced by 2.5 perforation spacings, or perf spacings instead of the standard 4 perforations. In one system, the film is advanced a first time in steps of 5 perf spacings each to photograph alternate perf spacings film frames, (that are spaced by 2.5 perf spacings) perf spacings with the film gate mask being offset by 0.5 during a second pass when the film is advanced in steps of 5 perf. spacings each. In another system, the registration mechanism includes two sets of registration pins which are alternately projected into alternate film frames as the film is advanced in steps of 2.5 perf spacings. In another system, additional holes are punched into the standard film stock, so there are holes or perforations located at 2.5 perf. spacings along the length of the film.

Abstract: A motion picture apparatus for the projection of motion picture film which advances the film through the projection sequence by forced air. The film is initially placed into successive looped configurations formed by a cam-driven flipper. The loops and thus the film are advanced through the projector pathway by a forced air blower which propels the loop through a projection pathway. Vacuum pressure is also applied to the film through a gate to secure the film to a gate with linearly arranged register pins steadying the film over a projection aperture. The film is rewound through the projector by a motorized rewind with a positive pressure applied to the film through the gate.

Abstract: A projector having a rolling loop film transport mechanism is provided with a film decelerating cam unit that is located in advance of the aperture of the projector. Deceleration pins carried by a pair of vertically spaced arms that project from the cam unit engage in upper and lower marginal perforations in the film and travel with the film towards the aperture and decelerate the film as each frame is advanced. The cam unit includes two cams, one of which causes the decelerating motion of the pins, and a return motion in the reverse direction, while the other cam causes the pins to advance and retract into and from the film path respectively. By positively retracting the pins, their return movement against the direction of film travel can take place independent of the motion of the film. As compared with the prior art, acceleration forces and resultant stresses on the cam are reduced and the cam unit can operate at higher frame rates and/or with smaller rotor gaps.

Abstract: A film guide mechanism for use in rolling loop film transport mechanisms minimizes film wear and permits higher film speeds on the order of 30 frames per second. The film is sandwiched in its path of travel between a driven inlet drive sprocket and a shock double capstan, the inlet drive sprocket having a plurality of teeth that mate with perforations along each edge of the film and that also mate with grooves in the shock double capstan that is in turn frictionally driven by the driven inlet drive sprocket. The driven inlet drive sprocket and the shock double capstan are slightly concave in shape to prevent contact between these components and the central emulsion area of the film.

Abstract: A 3-D motion picture projector comprises two rolling loop film transport mechanisms arranged in vertically superposed relationship with the pricipal components of the two mechanisms in vertical alignment with one another. Each film transport mechanism includes a cam unit for decelerating the film as it approaches the aperture for projection. The two cam units are driven from a common vertical drive shaft by toothed belt drives. The lower cam unit is mounted on an arm so that it can be swung out to an inoperative position for maintenance and service. The belt drives maintain the drive coupling at this time and automatically restore proper cam timing when the cam unit is returned to its operative position.

Abstract: A web transport and metering system provides the continuous delivery of a web to a developer while providing intermittent delivery of the web to an exposure station. An exposure station is defined between a pair of spaced-apart rolls, and a supply of web material leads to the exposure station over a loop-forming roller carried on a movable carriage or truck. A second loop-forming roller on the carriage receives the web from the second roll of the exposure station and delivers the web to a continuously running developer. The carriage is movable on guides or tracks parallel to the plane of the exposure station between first and second positions, which positions are defined by limit switches which operate a controllable brake on one of the exposure station rolls to interrupt movement of the web at the exposure station. During such interrupted movement, the developer draws web material from the second loop, and the movement of the carriage pulls web material into the first loop.

Abstract: A film transport mechanism including an aperture assembly through which the film is advanced, the aperture assembly defining a film path of a waveform longer or equal to the fundamental modal waveform of the film. The film path may include bristle like strips for damping film waveforms higher than the first mode.

Abstract: A captive film loop apparatus moves film through a film gate in a manner to increase the dwell time of each film frame in the gate over that normally available with presently known captive film loop apparatus. Film loops on either side of the gate are held captive by first and second rollers which are moved in unison along a given path for a first given period during which the first roller takes up all film fed to it and the second roller releases all film taken from it. The rollers are then moved in unison along a return path to their original positions during a second given period substantially less than the first given period. Film in the film gate is stationary during the first given period and moved through the gate from one frame to the next within the second given period. The construction is such as to provide for a very smooth acceleration and deceleration of the film so that rapid projection of large film formats is possible without damaging the film perforations.

Abstract: A film support element assembly is disclosed, primarily for supporting film in relation to a projection aperture in a motion picture projector having a rolling loop film transport mechanism. In a preferred embodiment the film support element is a so-called "field flattener" and has a cylindrically curved surface over which successive frames in the film are laid by the mechanism. Cleaning means are provided adjacent the film path and the lens element can be displaced to bring a fresh portion of the surface into the film path. At the same time, the cleaning means remove debris from the surface. In one embodiment the lens element is vibrated to discourage adhesion of debris.

Abstract: A film support element assembly is disclosed, primarily for supporting film in relation to a projection aperture in a motion picture projector having a rolling loop film transport mechanism. In a preferred embodiment the film support element is a so-called "field flattener" and has a cylindrically curved surface over which successive frames in the film are laid by the mechanism. Wiper elements are provided above and below the film path and the lens element can be displaced to bring a fresh portion of the surface into the film path. At the same time, the wiper elements remove debris from the surface. The wiper elements are removable for disposal of collected debris.

Abstract: Inlet guide structure is provided having complementary outer and inner guides which are adapted to receive film from a drive sprocket of a rolling loop film transport mechanism and to guide the film inwardly towards a path defined between the stator and the rotor of such a mechanism. The outer and inner guides have respective pairs of co-operating side faces for guiding side portions of the film remote from a centre portion of the film. The side faces of the outer guide define a rounded nose portion intermediate ends of these side faces, and the side faces of the inner guide define a depression corresponding to the nose portion so that when in use the guides combine to form a passage which guides the film by contact between the side faces and the side portions of the film.

Abstract: The invention provides a modification of the conventional rolling loop transport system, which enables the system to operate at the relatively high pull-down speeds required to match the 1.3 millisecond vertical blanking times of a video format, thereby allowing use of the improved transport in a video system. The instant transport utilizes two gaps in a rotor set apart at 180.degree., entrance of the film at a selected shallow angle, a shortened distance from the exposure gate to the film outlet with no decay of the film loop until expulsion, and a secondary pair of fixed registration pins disposed at the point of expulsion of the film at the film outlet which, in conjunction with a vacuum platen extending from the exposure gate to the film outlet, significantly reduces the jitter at the exposure gate, to allow the use of the transport in high density laser or electron beam recorders.

Abstract: A video film projector has a pin registration transport mechanism which employs inherent spring means in a loop of film to advance the film, and a synchronizing shutter to inhibit projection of light during transport of the film. The shutter comprises a rotating arcuate member rotatable to interrupt a light path of the projector, and an eccentric spindle rotatable with the shutter member and adapted to engage the film to `trigger` transport in synchronization with shuttering.The projector also includes a unique film guide construction for self-threading of the projector, a co-axial film reel mounting and driving mechanism, and a film storage cartridge which includes a mechanism for retaining the free end of the film strip in proper orientation for self-threading of the projector.

Abstract: A shutter assembly is coupled to a rotor of a rolling loop mechanism for use in a cimematographic film projector. The shutter assembly includes a plurality of curved plates, each of which is positioned about a gap in the rotor such that the plate is connected by its ends to the sides of the gap and extends inwardly of the rotor to provide clearance for a rolling loop of film. A stator is provided to combine with the rotor for guiding the film past an aperture and as a shutter plate passes the aperture projection light is cut off from the aperture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device in a movie film apparatus for intermittently feeding flexible perforated film past an optical system a unit length at a time comprising a film support for guiding a strip of perforated film for exposure to an optical system, a detent on said film support, said detent having a front film sliding face that slopes in a direction having a component in the direction of film feed, said front film sliding face of said detent being engageable by perforations of film as the film moves in the direction of film feed to temporarily stop forward motion of the film in advance of the detent and form it into a loop behind the detent which increases in size with film feed and decreases the angle of attack of said film at said front film sliding face of said detent, triggering means for exerting a triggering force against the outside bowed portion of the loop when said loop reaches a predetermined size to slide the end of said loop at said front film sliding face of said detent substantially