Motography (Apr-Dec 1911)

June, 1911. MOTOGRAPHY 137 Problems of tke Operating Room By William^T. Braun CARE OF THE MACHINE. MOVING picture machines have approached a state of mechanical perfection ; and in order to keep them in this condition, so that the best results may be obtained, every operator should know the purpose of every part of the machine, how to adjust it when necessary, and replace it when worn out. Most of the machines have become so complicated, and their adjustments so delicate, that they should be given the very best of attention as to cleaning, oiling, and adjusting. Some inexperienced operators have an idea that each bearing and oil tube should be flooded with oil so that it will work correctly. This flooding will do more harm than if too little oil were used. All that is necessary is to give each bearing, oil hole, or tube one drop of oil. This will sufficiently lubricate each part. If more oil is applied it will only run off on the film, take-up belt, or machine, streaking everything; and, gathering dust, will form a gum which is very hard to remove. Use only the very best sperm oil. The machine should be carefully wiped off with any soft cloth that will not lint, drawing it between all parts and gathering up the old oil and dirt before oiling. When the machine is new it requires more careful attention as to oiling than later on, as the grit from manufacture must be removed and the surfaces of the parts in contact with each other smoothed so that their operation will be perfect and noiseless. Oil the machine frequently when new and wipe off the dirty oil after each evening's run. In a short time the oil coming from the bearings will be clean and the machine will work in first class shape. If the machine becomes very dirty the bearings, gears, etc., may be cleaned by flooding them with gasoline. Care must be taken to wipe up the residue which flows from the bearings, because if this is allowed to dry the machine will be in as bad a condition as before. Begin washing the bearings at the top and work downward so that the dirty oil will not flow over the cleaned parts. No doubt the most important part of the machine and the part requiring the most perfect adjustment is the intermittent movement. The two principle types in use are the Geneva Star and Cam or Finger movements. The latter is used only on two machines to my knowledge. On some machines the star and pin wheels are enclosed in a box which is half filled with ■oil. In this case the lubrication of these parts is well taken care of. This box should be opened and fresh oil put in once in a while, especially when the machine is new, as the dirt and grit from manufacture must be worn off by the operation of the parts. If these parts -are not enclosed careful cleaning and oiling every day will result in lasting good service. The pin and star wheel should mesh into each other perfectly, that is the rim of the pin wheel C, Fig. 1 should fit tight against the sides of the star wheel for all four positions of the wheel. If it does not the film will not come to rest when it should, causing an unsteady picture. The adjustment between these two parts is made by the use of eccentric bushings A and B, Fig. 1, in which the star shaft rotates. By turning these bushings around, the star wheel can be brought closer to or farther away from the pin wheel. In turning these bushings, the operator must exercise the greatest care to see that both bushings are turned exactly the same amount, otherwise the shaft will be higher on one end and will not be parallel to the pin wheel shaft, causing the rim C on the pin wheel to wear to a razor-like edge and also damaging the star wheel. Mark each bushing before attempting to turn them, and after you have turned them compare the marks and you will soon find out if the shafts are parallel. Incorrect setting of the star wheel is shown in Fig. 1. In this case bushing marked B has been turned more than A resulting in one side of the shaft being higher than the other. This has been exaggerated in the sketch but the effect on the star wheel can readily be seen. It may seem that I have dwelt somewhat long on this point; but if you have had any trouble with the wearing of the pinwheel, you can appreciate. this. The star and cam wheels should be watched for signs of wear. When the pin slides loosely into the 1 IrJVAl u ::::] INTERMfTTENT SPROCKET •STAR WHEEL yA*. Showing Incorrect Setting of Eccentric Bushings A and B. Causing the Ridge C on the Pin Wheel to Wear to a Bevel. slots of the star a new pin should be put in ; if there is still play a new star wheel should replace the old one. Also when the points of the star wheel become sharp they should be removed before they are bent. The same care in adjustment of the parts of the cam movement must be made. This movement is not as delicate as the geneva star movement, but the eccentric disc, carrier and shaft must all be kept thorousrhlv clean and well oiled.