Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1924-Mar 1925)

12 BETTER THEATRES SECTION OE Eebruary 28, 1925 What the “Better Theatres Stop Chart” Does For the Projectionist: Detects, isolates and classifies causes of projection stops. Reveals mechanical defects of equipment ; proves need of repairs and new parts; explains all stops encountered. Affords basis for comparison of white screen periods, effecting reduction of duration. Improves service to employer. For the Exhibitor : Provides definite weekly record of projection efficiency. Furnishes basis for evolution of equipment, running inventory of equipment and data as to condition of same. Produces better projection through elimination of faults and increase in projectionist’s efficiency. Improves service to public. Interchangeable Shutter Device So. 1—^Shutter. No. 2 Hole for Pin. No. 3 Pin. No. 4 Spider. No. 5 Shutter Shaft. AN interchangeable shutter device such as shown above is described by Harry Rubin, supervisor of projection of the Rivoli, Rialto and Criterion theatres, New York, in an article in The Close-Up, house organ of The Theatre department of Famous Players-Lasky Corporation. In his article Mr. Rubin declares: “All our projectionists on the circuit can, by the exchange of ideas, bring about a higher standard of projection. Many of us hit upon new devices and new methods — the shutter device explained in this article is an instance. There are pieces of film — especially news reels — which, ta be run correctly, must go at a speed below 80 feet. T found that a tw'o-wing shutter giving the maximum amount of light, when it was necessary to run at a speed below 80 feet a minute caused a flicker on the screen. To eliminate this flicker I was forced to use a three-wing shutter, but the disadvantage was the loss of light intensity caused by the extra blade. To change back and forth from three-wing to two-wing shutters meant a loss of time required to get perfect synchronization. T hit upon the device of the interchangeable shutter, which makes it possible to change from a twowing to a three-wing shutter without any loss of time. The projectionist can thus use the two-wing shutter for the usual projection work, and quickly substitute a shutter of three wings when slower projection speed is necessary. Thus the objectionable flicker is removed. The mere adjustment of a pin gives the desired result. The attachment consists of a spider similar to the regular shutter-spider, but with a smaller flange, having a projecting pin to engage the shutters, which are suitably drilled to receive the pin. The attachment is first placed upon the shaft loosely; then the shutter which is engaged with the pin is set in the usual manner, after which both shutter and attachment are tightened (jn the shaft. The attachment remains permanently on the shaft and it is then an easy matter to make the change referred to. Any projectionist can make this device for his own machine, or secure it from the Precision Machine Company at a small cost. The diagram reproduced above explains the main details of the device.” J. E. McAuley Moves to New Quarters The factory and offices of the J. E. McAuley Manufacturing Company, makers of the Peerless arc control and the new Peerless reflecting arc lamp have moved Editor “Better Theatres,” EXHIBITORS HERALD, 407 So. Dearborn St., Chicago, 111. Sir: Send me (free) a supply of your “Better Theatre Stop Charts” to be used for the purpose of improving motion picture projection. (Name) (Theatre) (City) (State) from 32 North Jefferson street to more spacious quarters at 552 West Adams street, Chicago. The need for increased manufacturing space, combined with the fact that a recent fire in the Jefferson street quarters demolished the upper floor of the building prompted Mr. McAuley to seek new quarters. With the exception of incon\enience caused by water no damage was suffered by McAuley, who occupied the floor beneath the scene of the fire. Hertner Develops New Transverter for Use With Mirror Are 'X'O fill the demand for a transverter of a size suitable for mirror arc operation, the Hertner Electric Co. of Cleveland is now offering to the trade a double 20 and a double 30, the former being adjustable to current values of from 10 to 20 amperes and the latter from 20 to 30 amperes. The operation of these units is precisely the same as that of the standard line of Transverters, being so arranged that when one arc is in operation the other arc can be struck, opened, the film started and the first projector shut down without any appreciable effect on the screen. This is accomplished without the use of any ballast resistance. With generators of the ordinary type or with rotary converters a ballast resistance wasting from one-fourth to onethird or even more of the power produced must be used to steady the current and insure its proper performance, and unless automatic feed is used, the carbons will need frequent attention. * * * With the Transverter, this is unnecessary as the current and light values are automatically maintained, the feeding of the carbons can be at greater intervals and all the energy produced goes directly into the projectors and into light. Ordinarily line fluctuations do not effect Transverter results. With the voltage disturbances that almost invariably occur in the outlying districts, no hurried adjustments of the lamp amperes is necessary as the Transverter will scarcely feel the effect and the patrons will not see any change on the screen. A period of low voltage followed by a quick rise will naturally diminish the life of the incandescent lamp or possibly burn it out. The transverter is not affected by such condiitons. Mechanically the Reflector Arc Transverter is the same as the standard sizes except that in the case of these smaller units a two bearing mounting is used, the armature and rotor being carried on the same sturdy shaft. * ♦ ♦ Electrically the designs are identical. The working parts are so made and assembled (Contimted on page 30)