Motography (Jan-Jun 1914)

April 4, 1914. MOTOGRAPHY 241 Recent Patents in Motography By David S. Hulfish u zaglia Sullh NITED STATES PATENT No. 1,051,630. For an [mproved Automatic Film Threader for Motion Picture Projectors. Issued to Joseph B. Pez , Rio Vista, Calif., assignor of part to John M. an, Rio Vista, Calif. 1 SBEETS-SHEET 1 No. 1,051,632. The invention relates to an automatic film pick-up and threading apparatus as an attachment for motion picture projecting machines where the pictures to be displayed are carried by several reels, the reels being fed into the projecting apparatus one after another. The attachment provides an apparatus through which the films pass before they reach the motion head, whereby (after the leading end of the fist reel of film has been threaded into the machine in the usual manner) the leading end of the next succeeding reel of film will be engaged by the rear end of the film preceding and thus will be threaded automatically into the projecting machine, avoiding the trouble and delay of threading by hand the leading end of each of the successive reels. The device consists of a cabinet which may be supported in any way above the projecting machine, the cabinet containing compartments one above another, in each of which a reel of film may be placed. The ends of the films are provided with hook tongues such that the ends of two films may be hooked together. A track or guideway extends from the cabinet to the projecting machine, and connects with each of the compartments. In this track the leading end of each film is positioned in the path of movement of the next preceding film, and springs are provided to press together the last end of one film and the first end of the next, that their hook tongues may lock together, and that the preceding film thus may draw the succeeding film into the projector. Patent No. 1,051,632. For an Automatic Loop Setter for Kinetoscope Films. Issued to Nicholas Power, Brooklyn, N. Y. The inventor's argument is represented below : In motion picture machines as at present almost universally constructed the reel of film to be exhibited is placed in a magazine at the top of the machine and is there fed through the projecting apparatus by a feed mechanism comprising a continuously driven sprocket below the magazine and an intermittently driven sprocket below the projection aperture. Beneath the intermittent sprocket a second continuously driven sprocket is arranged for controlling the feed of the film to the receivinig reel beneath the machine. This reel is driven through a slip gear which maintains a constant tension on the film to secure proper winding, this tension normally coming on the lower continuous sprocket, the film being originally so threaded as to provide a 1,051,632. No. 1,051,630. loop between the intermittent sprocket and the lower sprocket. If, however, for any reason the film becomes disengaged from the lower sprocket the reel will take up the loop and this sudden pull coming on the film temporarily held stationary by the intermittent sprocket frequently damages the film before the operator can stop the machine, as well as causing annoying delays in the exhibition while the operator resets the film with the proper loop. The object of the present invention is to provide means for preventing undue tension coming on the film when such slippage occurs and for automatically re-setting the loop in the film, without in any way interfering with the exhibition. Referring to the illustration : The roller 5 is carried upon the swinging arm 16 which is so related to the driving pully g that when the arm 16 is lifted the pully