Moving Picture World (Jan-Jun 1910)

THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD 5ii EDISON IMPROVED UNDERWRITER'S MODEL "B" The Latest Evolution in Projecting Machines, For the past three months the Edison Manufacturing Company has had a representative on the road, Mr. F. H. Stewart, demonstrating their latest creation in the projecting line — the New Underwriter's Model "B" Kinetoscope. The tour so far has been emphatically successful, the strong, appealing points of the new machine winninsr for it friends wherever it has been demonstrated. The plan followed by Mr. Stewart has been to secure a theater centrally located in each of the larger cities and to issue invitations to proprietors and managers in and around the city to attend the demonstration, given always in the morning. As a result of the demonstrations the dealers are clinching several good sales on the spot and are assured by many exhibitors present of their intention to install the Model "B" as soon as practicable. A demonstration was given on February 3 at the Majestic Theater, 52 South Pearl street, Albany, N. Y., through the kindness of Mr. Emil Deches, manager, which was attended by exhibitors from Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Cohoes and neighboring cities. After the demonstration the Actograph Company, of Albany, ordered two machines from the factory by long distance telephone for two of the exhibitors present. Feeling that the trade generally will be interested to learn something about the new product of the inventor of the kinetoscope and his experts, we present a cut of the machine and a brief summary of some of its talking points. On this new machine the Edison experts have been working for over a year, during which period one, who is at all acquainted with the class of mechanics and artisans with whom the "Wizard of M e n 1 o Park" surrounds himself, can well imagine that they have discovered many features in' which it was possible to improve their previous model. The latest improvements in the Edison Model "P." have increased its attractiveness as well as its efficiency and durability. The metal mechanism support is now nickel-plated instead of being finished in black Japan, as are also the cranks, adjusting lever, stcreopticon slide and rod, mechanism thumb screws and all gears and pinions on the right frame side. In short, nickel has been substituted for Japan finish wherever it was possible to do so. This ornamentation is a most decided improvement in the appearance of the new model. The Edison Kinetoscope has always been noted for the remarkable steadiness of its projection, and it is claimed that the new model is an improvement even in this respect. The durability and efficiency of the machine have been increased by the use of hardened and tempered tool steel for the star wheel, one pin cam, picture gauge, all bearings and end of star wheel shaft and cam shaft. The cam is accurately ground and massive in construction. The only part that is susceptible to wear is the pin, which can be readily removed and replaced at an insignificant cost. The three sprockets are now made of polished steel, the upper and take-up ones being flanged, thus preventing the film from running off. These sprockets are guaranteed to be absolutely accurate and mechanically perfect. The old-style rubber rollers have been replaced by polished steel tension rollers for all sprockets. The new rollers are made of case hardened steel, in three parts, the flanges of which revolve independently of each other as well as of the roller between, thereby preventing all drag on the film. With all these improvements, the mechanism cannot cause scratches or "rain storms," the only part of the film in actual contact with the mechanism being the margin outside of the picture. The Edison Kinetoscope automatic shutter is a great improvement over every other similar device. Under no possible conditions can the light be thrown upon the film ex cept when the film is in motion. When the shutter is wide open it automatically locks so that no power is required to keep it open, thus eliminating any undue wear on the gearing and causing easier operation of mechanism. When the speed of the machine falls below a certain point, however, it automatically unlocks and closes, so that the film is at no time endangered. The take-up attachment is a distinguishing feature of the Edison machine ,it being so constructed as to admit of itsbeing placed either below the base board or in front of the mechanism, to meet the varying conditions or the whim of the operator. This is an entirely new idea in take-up attachments. An automatic belt tightener is provided which insures an equal tension on the belt under all conditions. It prevents the loss of the lower loop between intermittent and take-up sprockets. For rewinding film an improved rewinder is supplied to accommodate reels up to 12 inches. This device is provided with a clamp and thumb screw for instant adjustment to any base board, shelf or table. The lamp house, with its sliding device for stereopticon purposes, is simple, durable and efficient. It is of ample proportions to give sufficient ventilation and heat radiation. The lamp has all hand wheel adjustments and is substantially built. It has the approval of all Boards of Fire Underwriters. The condensing lenses are the best obtainable, being made of an imported French optical glass. The magazine is made to take reels up to 12 inches in diameter, a larger reel than can be used with any other type of projecting machines. A big, appealing feature of the Edison Kinetoscope is its accessibility, which permits the repair or replacement of any of its parts at a minimum of labor and expense. Its parts are made to gauge and are consequently interchangeable. Any number of Edison machines, it is claimed, can be dismantled, their parts scattered in a confused heap and reassembled into machines of absolute mechanical precision. The question of accessibility and interchangeability of parts is a point worthy of serious consideration by every exhibitor when purchasing a machine. LUBIN NOTES. One contributor to the Lubin Manufacturing Company developed a new idea recently when he sent in a story with the announcement that it had been sent to several concerns. "The story will go to the firm making the highest bid on or before March 10," was the announcement, and added information was to the effect that already one $100 offer had been received. That ante was not raised: the story being of *he boldest sort. Exhibitors have been unusually appreciative of "The District ' ttorney," and letters of congratulation have been received in quantities. That the appreciation is sincere is attested by the number of orders for extra prints, the standing orders not sufficing to fill the demand from exhibitors for the subject. The Lubin release for April 11 is notable in that it carries three strong comedy subjects on the same reel and yet runs only 990 feet. The three topics are so entirely different that there is no confliction and the reel is one of the best comedy offerings put out in a long time. Talking of pending releases, the Lubin directors are priding themselves upon the fact that they have brought out a story in which two sisters from the country come to the city and neither goes wrong. From time immemorial it has seemed fatal to the morals of one of the two to come to the city since dramatic contrast must be provided. Here the directors find the dramatic contrast and yet contrive a reasonable and happy ending. The story is "First Love Is Best," which is released April 7. St. Patrick's Day was one of the Lubin release days and their "The Irish Boy" seemed to be just what was wanted. One exchange wrote for three extra prints and later telegraphed for four more, and most of the exchanges came in for at least one extra print. Memorial Day is another regular Lubin release day for which special preparation is being made. The ending of the Philadelphia car strike and the general sympathetic strike will enable work to be rushed on the new plant of the Lubin Manufacturing Company, work on which was interrupted for two weeks, and early occupancy is anticipated. The photogranhic reproductions of the new plant recently published have attracted widespread attention. THE BEST MOVING PICTURE PAPER IS THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD. Send in your subscription now. $2.00.