Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1923 - Mar 1924)

February 2, 1924 EXHIBITORS HERALD XXI Develops New Sign For Theatres WHAT is claimed to be a new method for producing a changeable sign for use by theatres and others has been developed by a Los Angeles inventor, according to the Los Angeles Times which, in describing the new sign states: "This sign system makes a radical departure from all existing methods. Its outstanding feature is that it is selfcontamed, any desired change in the wording of a sign being made within the sign itself. By reason of this fact the initial investment is much reduced and the cost o foperation and maintenance is practically negligible. "The inventor is Rowland N. Chubb, who was connected with the motion-picture industry as an exhibitor in the early days. "Although a self-contained changeable sign is difficult of conception in advance of demonstration, it is extremely simple in principle. "The sign frame is constructed in the same manner as that now in use in which metal face plates are inserted carrying letters made of opaline glass, and which are taken down and replaced by other letters when a change of wording is made. In the new system the face plates remain in place. They carry no letters, but are provided with a series of closely spaced groups of openings, which fbrm a modified Greek cross. Each set of openings has an independent revolving shield, or shutter, which is moved in the plane of the face plate to cover or uncover the group of openings without encroaching upon any of the adjacent openings. "Attached to the back of each metal face-plate is opaline glass, which, when exposed at the openings in the faceplate, serves to reflect the daylight in the daytime and to transmit artificial light at nicht. By reason of the light being broken up at so many points by the openings, the sign is legible in the daytime and highly ornamental. Colored electric light transmitted through the groups of openings at night produces a striking brilliant effect. "Any desired letter or numeral is formed by opening shutters in proper relation to each other. A shutter is freely opened with a finger tip. To efface a letter the shutters are closed in the same manner. "The new system is so flexible that in the same sign area a single line can be greatly extended or a double line formed by reducing the dimensions of the letters. By enlarging the sign area letters of huge proportions can be formed. "The system is applicable to many other uses, such as for destination letters on street cars; for shop windows; for illuminated house numbers; in the form of an educational toy for children, with which they can learn the alphabet and numerals. "It is all done with a finger tip." Two Pictures on Same Screen Now Possible SEATTLE, WASH.. Jan. 22— Development of pictures in colors will make possible the showing of two separate pictures, simultaneously on the same screen, is the prediction of F. A. Osborn of U. of Washington. The spectators will be furnished with colored glasses which will enable them to view the picture they desire to see without interference from the other. B^ii:i'^v^^ INDIVIDUAL CONSTRUCTION Mr. Exhibitor: It is no longer necessary for the pleasure of your patrons to be marred by a distracting seam across the surface of your screen. MINUSA is now furnishing SEAMLESS SCREENS in all standard sizes from 13'xl7' to 18'x24'. If your dealer doesn't handle the MINUSA line, write us. MINUSA CINE SCREEN CO. Belmont at Morgan St. Louis DOUBLE. DISC SHUTTER (PATENTED) BETTER LIGHT BETTER PROJECTION— BETTER PICTURES Mention make of machines used. Write for free trial offer. The Double Disc Shutter Co. 2100 Payne Ave. Cleveland, Ohio THEATRE EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTORS OHIO AND KENTUCKY Powers General Electric Projectors Generator Sets National National Mazda Carbons Movie Lamps Everything for the Theatre The Theatre Supply Co. Established I9I3 Film Exchange BIdg., Cleveland, Ohio