Year book of motion pictures (1942)

How To Conserve Your Theater Equipment Some helpful hints on what to do under present emergency conditions to maintain equipment efficiency Presented as a Public Service to Theater Ou'iiers and Projectionists by IVational Theater Supply Co. • • • The recommendations on equipment conservation have been made available through the co-operation of the manufacturers'^ of Simplex Projectors^ and Simplex Four-Star Sound, Hertner Transverters, GE Cooper-Oxide and Simplex High Rectifiers, Peerless Magnarc and Simplex High Projection Lamps, Walker Screens, Bausch & Lomb Lenses and Reflectors, National Comfort Cooling, American Chairs, National Crestwood Carpet, National Super Service and EG Vacuum Cleaners, General Ticket Registers, Royalchrome Metal Furniture and National Rubber Mats. PROJECTORS Cleanliness Keep all projection room equipment clean. Dirt and dust on equipment combine with excess oil, grease and air moisture to increase wear and maintenance. Clean equipment lasts longer and needs fewer replacements. Moreover, electrical and mechanical failures are reduced in clean projection rooms. Lubrication Use the specified grade and quantities of oil or grease according to the manufacturer's instructions. Oil or grease that is too heavy or too light will not lubricate properly. Equipment that is properly lubricated lasts longer. Never lubricate equipment while in operation. Not only is there danger of getting the oil can caught in the gears, but excess oil will be spattered around. The oil level in the intermittent should be maintained at the "oil level" mark. Do not fill above this mark as the excess oil will be thrown out. All gears in the projector and sound mechanisms, not otherwise lubricated, should have a few drops of oil applied occasionally. Rotate the projector by hand to distribute the oil. Pad rollers should be lubricated so that they are free to rotate to avoid flat spots. Equipment Operation Never turn the projector by the shutter shaft knob. This will damage the gears. Always turn the projector by the motor knob or flywheel. Be sure all switches are off when the show is over. Leave all pad rollers, lateral guide roller and film gate open when the projector or sound mechanism is not in use or threaded, to avoid flat spots in the lateral guide roller, weakening of the film gate tension and possible damage if the projector is accidentally started. Equipment Adjustments Watch all equipment carefully and maintain the proper adjustments. If in doubt as to the proper adjustment procedure, consult the dealer from whom the equipment was purchased. Improper adjustments will shorten equipment life and increase replacements. Film Inspect and clean all film before running. Re-splice any weak splices and treat film tears properly. Weak splices and torn film may result in damaged film, if run through the projector. Oil on film picks up dust and dirt and eontributes to scratching. Watch film loops in both projector and sound mechanisms. Large loops cause film slap and film damage. Small loops cause unnatural bends in the film and excessive tension, resulting in torn sprocket holes and breakage. Film Gate, Film Path Adjust pressure pads for the minimum pressure that will give a steady, sharp picture. Make adjustments carefully to prevent damage to parts. Keep the gate, all sprockets, guide rollers and pad rollers clean and free of film emulsion. Dirt and emulsion on these parts increase film wear and possibility of film damage. 991