Motion Picture Herald (1953)

Westrex Film Editing Machine For Films in All Techniques A NEW film editing machine, incorporating a number of improvements and innovations, has been designed and engineered in the Hollywood laboratories of Westrex Corporation, New York, working in close cooperation with motion picture studios. Called the “Westrex Editer,” the integrated unit can handle both standard and the new small-hole perforated films, film strips, picture films, magnetic or photographic sound films (single or multiple) and composite release prints. A new feature of the unit is that it is designed to make possible projection viewing of an enlarged image on a wall or screen without extra attachments. The projection distance and the resultant picture size are accommodated by the selection of a simple spectacle lens. In addition, timing belt drives have been substituted for gear driven mechanisms and continuous optical projection is used to eliminate noisy operation, according to the manufacturer. Also, elimination of the intermittent avoids the necessity of a loop between the operator’s hand and the machine. FEEDING THE FILM The film can be fed into the editer without regard to critical entrance angles, due, the company points, out, to the smoothness of operation of the rotating prism mechanism. Placing the film in the film trap locks the film automatically to the drive sprocket so that the position of the film cannot be lost. Closing the film gate completes the operation. To remove the film a flat lever is depressed which completely releases it. Touching a different lever opens the film gate without releasing the film from the sprocket to permit inspection of or marking the film without possible loss of its position in the film trap. A differential synchronizer permits continuously changing the position of the sound film with respect to the picture film while the machine is either in motion or at rest. Associated with the differential synchronizer is a dial which counts the number of frames required for synchronism in either direction. The sound sprocket is driven by a constant-speed motor which is controlled by a food-pedal switch operated by the left foot. The picture sprocket is driven by a variable-speed torque motor which is controlled by a foot-pedal switch and rheostat operated by the right foot. The film sprockets can be operated independently by their respective motors, or the two sprockets can be mechanically interlocked by the operation of a lever and driven by either motor in the forward or reverse direction. Four illuminated arrows indicate whether each motor circuit is set for forward or reverse operation and a fifth arrow indicates whether the two sprockets are interlocked The height of the Westrex Editor is adjustable over a range of 5 inches to accommodate the operator in seated or standing position. The two foot pedals are also adjustable back and forth. Four castors provide mobility while two jack screws insure operation in a stationary position when desired. An incandescent lamp located within the housing of the 3^ inch by 5 inch viewing screen provides a shadow box for viewing film. All of the controls are conveniently located with the center panel containing sound and projection lamp switches, a photographic to magnetic sound transfer switch, a switch which operates the constant speed motor or transfers the control to the foot pedal, a main power switch, a volume control, and a jack for phones. To the left of the center section of the machine are the reversing switch and handwheel for the constant-speed motor and the differential-synchronizing control. In front of these is the monitor loudspeaker. To the right of the center section are the reversing switch and handwheel for the variable-speed motor, and the framing control. In front of these is the footage counter reading in feet and frames. An optional, additional counter reading in seconds of time is mounted just below the footage no end to SURPRISES theatre seat service co. 160 Hermitage Avenue Nashville, Tennessee Often, even we're surprised with the end-result . . . after a seating rehabilitation job, . . . where some cushion or back repairs have been done, some parts tightened and a few replaced! All, — presto, — while your show continues, . . . and zing, — new life comes into your entire seating set-up. Ask for our quote. Manufacturers Foam rubber & spring cushions, back & seat covers. Distributors Upholstery fabrics & general seating supplies. A BRILLIANT SPOTLIGHT Six beautiful, flowing colors add interest to displays, candy counters, etc. Do more business with changing colors. Compact, light weight, easy to set up. Long-life bulbs, trouble-free mechanism. 500 watts of brilliant color. Pipe clamps, wall and ceiling brackets available. See your dealer — or write to — GOLDE MFG. CO. 4888 North Clark Street Chicago 40, Illinois BETTER THEATRES SECTION 43