Abstract: An improved motion picture film projector (100) comprises a Geneva Mechanism (120), which intermittently drives a film (114). A light source (116) projects light through the film (114) and a shutter (106) periodically interrupts the light source (116). The shutter (106) has a blade with a shaped edge, which matches the frame shape on the film (114) thus, increasing the amount of light that is transmitted through the film (114). A second edge of the blade also matches the frame shape on the film (114) further increasing the amount of light transmitted through the film (114).

Abstract: A driving mechanism such as a Geneva Mechanism which allows a load, such as film in a motion picture projector, to be intermittently advanced with controlled acceleration. The Geneva Mechanism includes a star wheel and a rotating driver. The star wheel includes slots and is operationally associated with the load. The rotating driver includes a drive pin which cooperates with the slots to cause an intermittent rotation of the star wheel. Either the slots or the drive pin is shaped in a controlled manner to permit optimum acceleration and deceleration of the star wheel.

Abstract: A motion picture projector substantially free of picture jump comprises a gate assembly having a projection aperture and a light source for projecting light through the aperture and focusing lens and onto a screen. The film is intermittently advanced through the gate assembly by an intermittent sprocket which is intermittently rotated by a modified Geneva mechanism. The Geneva mechanism comprises a star wheel having a plurality of radially extending slots separated by curved surfaces. A rotating cam has a ring which slidably engages the curved surface of the star wheel and a pin which engages the slots as the cam rotates, rotating the star wheel a fraction of a rotation for each full rotation of the cam. The cam has a tension area adjacent the pin and a relief area remote from the pin. The tension area engages the curved surfaces of the star wheel closely, preventing backward rotation.

Abstract: A hand held motion picture viewer includes a housing having a recess formed in one end of the housing for carrying a film cartridge, and a viewing aperture in the opposite end of the housing through which the images on the film in the cartridge may be viewed. The housing carries a film driving mechanism for engaging and advancing the film within the cartridge past the viewing aperture. The film driving mechanism includes a battery operated motor, a claw journaled for rotation within the housing and positioned to engage sprocket holes in the film when the cartridge is carried within the recess of the viewer, and a gear transmission means connected between the motor and the claw for rotating the claw in discrete arcuate steps when the motor is energized to produce intermittent film advance. An actuating lever and movable contact means are provided for selective electrical connection of the motor with the battery for selective energization of the motor and film advance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motion picture camera which includes a film feeding device for intermittently feeding a film for recording picture information on the film and the sound information on the film exposing part of the film. A sound recording device for recording sound information on the film, and a film constant speed feeding device for feeding the film to the sound recording position of the sound recording device at a constant speed are provided. A driving motor for driving the film constant speed feeding device and a reduction gear mechanism is provided between the driving motor and the film constant speed feeding device, whereby the driving power of the driving motor is transmitted to the film constant speed feeding device through the reduction gear mechanism in such a manner that the film constant speed feeding device is rotated at a constant speed.