US3546403A - Motion picture apparatus with improved impulse transmitter contact structure - Google Patents

Description

United States Patent 1111 3,546,403

[72] Inventor Rudolf healer [56] References Cited Stuttgart, Germany UNITED STATES PATENTS 1 Appl- 709,005 2,374,295 4/1945 Mathes zoo/25x 1 Filed 2,811,594 10/1951 Papouschek p 200114 1 w 1970 3,089,923 5/1963 Wright 200/1 1 1))ux 1 Assume mum W 3,246,088 4/1966 Mallndel'..... ....200/153(.16)UX swan, Germany 3,284,584 11/1966 Didyk 200/11(A)UX W' 3,297,835 1/1967 Colodner 200/1 l(A)UX Pnomy ts 1967 3,398,245 8/1968 l-lartsock 200/1 1(1))ux [31 1 No. 212; Primary Examiner-Robert K. Schaefer Assistant Exammer.l. R. Scott Attorney-Singer, Stern and Carlberg ABSTRACT: A motion picture apparatus provided with an impulse transmitter driven by the film drive mechanism and [54] mgiggg i transmitting synchro-impulses for controlling a sound ap- UCTURE paratus. The impulse transmitter is adapted to be used selecg 7D" in tively with any one of a number of ditferent synchronizing 8 W a Figs methods and is provided with a slidable contact member and a [52] U.S.CI. 200/24, number of groups of transmitter contacts which are spaced 340/356 and offset from each other in the direction of movement of [51] Int. Cl. H0lh 39/00 said slidable contact member. This slidable contact member is [50] Field Search 200/1 1(A), adapted to be alternately connected to a current supply conll(D), 14, 25, 24, 153, 16(X), 51, 61.45; ductor and selectively to at least one of a plurality of electric 340/345, 354, 357, 364 conductors which transmit the synchronizing impulses.

c E I E PATENTEBBEC 8mm 35463103 saw 1 OF 3 PATENTEU DEC 8157!) SHEET 2 OF 3 WWW WWW MOTION PICTURE APPARATUS WITH IMPROVED IMPULSE TRANSMITTER CONTACT STRUCTURE The invention relates to a motion picture apparatus which for the purpose of transmitting synchro-impulses is equipped with an impulse transmitter operated by the film drive mechanism." I

Known motion picture apparatus of this kind are constructed to transmit synchro-impulse sequences of various patterns. For example,a sequence of one impulse perpicture is employed for the flash-illumination of a films'cene to .be shot, or for the flash operation of a motion picture projector. Synchro-impulse sequences are also used for the control of a synchronized operation between a motion picture apparatus (camera and projectorland a sound apparatus as it is required for a sound film recording and reproduction in the two-tape method. I

In the individual methods the impulse frequency varies between three impulses per picture and one impulse each to four pictures. The transmission of the impulses is effected by way of a single electric conductor of by a plurality of such conductors, for instance three. In the latter case the synchroimpulse transmitter acts as a'three phase current generator for a synchronous motor driving the sound apparatus. For each of these possibilities a separate impulse transmitter is provided.

In order to attain a widely universal usability of motion picture apparatus, the invention has .as its object to create a synchro-impulse transmitter which is equally efficient for a variety of synchronizing jobs and methods. Its construction is to be as simple as possible and such that a conversion from one to another method and from one to another impulse sequence, respectively, does no longer require any adjustment to be made in'the apparatus. I

According to the invention, the synchro-impulse transmitter in a motion picture apparatus of the kind mentioned is provided with groups of transmitter contacts which are electrically connected with each other, whereby the transmitter contacts for the purpose of being alternately connected to a current conductor are positioned offset with respect to each other in the direction of movement of a slidable contact member and are adapted to be selectively connected to one or more electrical conductors by means of whichthe synchro-impulses are activated.

In further developing the invention, at least one transmitter contact of one of the groups is adapted to be electrically separable by circuit means.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the synchro-impulse transmitter is provided with three groups each comprising four transmitter contacts in circular arrangement'and a current supply contact in the center of this circle, whereby the transmitter contact groups are so spaced with respect to each other that 12 transmitter contacts are evenly distributed over a perimeter of 360One of the three groups of transmitter contacts may be adapted to be electrically separated by circuit means into individual contacts. I

In order to selectively connect the transmitter contacts to one or more electric conductors, there is provided a commutator which may be arranged at the motion picture apparatus, at the cable connecting the motion picture apparatus and the sound apparatus, or on thesound apparatus. For the same purpose may also serve connecting cords, the plugs of which either combine in themselves the electric cables coming from the transmitter contacts in accordance with the selection made, conduct them on separately or terminate them.

This impulse transmitter device may according to the invention be accommodated to form a structural unit which is attachable to the apparatus housing from the outside'and which through an opening in the wall of the apparatus housing may be connected to the film drive mechanism of the apparatus,

whereby this opening is covered by the impulse transmitter transmitter contacts concentrically arranged to this current supply contact, and a disk spring which is deposited opposite said contact plate. This disk spring-being rotatable by the film advance mechanism-serves as a slidable contact member and successively connects the current supply contact and the transmitter contacts with each other.

These and other objects of the invention will further be described with reference to the accompanying drawings from which details not pertinent to the invention have been omitted for sake of clarity.

In the drawings:

FIG. I is a diagrammatic view of the contact, plate according to the-invention including itsconnections toconnector sleeves provided on the apparatus and a connecting plug for converting the synchro-impulse transmitter into a three phase current generator; i

FIG. 2 illustrates diagrammatically a' plug connection by which the synchro-irnpulse transmitter transmits one synchronizing impulse each at a rate of four pictures;

FIG. 3 illustrates diagrammatically a plug connection by which the synchro-impulse' transmitter transmits one synchronizing impulse at each picture;

FIG; 4 illustrates diagrammatically a plug connection by which the synchro-impulse transmitter transmits one synchronizing impulse each at two pictures;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a synchro-impulse transmitter device according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a synchro-impulse transmitter according to FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of a disk spring serving as a slidable contact member.

Referring to FIG. I, connecter sleevesI, 2 and 3, and 5, 6, 7 and 8, respectively, are connected by electric cables to three groups 9a, 9b, 9c of transmitter contacts of a contact plate 10. An electric cable extends from the connecting sleeve 4 to a centrally located current supply contact 23 of the contact plate 10. Associated with the connecting sleeves l to 8 is a connecting plug 47 having mounted thereon the plugs 11 to 18. In the circuit illustrated in FIG. 1 the connecting plugs 12, 13, I5 and 16 are connected to an impulse conductor 19, the connecting plugs II and 17 are connected to an'impulse conductor 20 and the connecting plug 18 is connected to an impulse conductor 21. The connecting plug 14 is connected to a current supply conductor 22. A contact bar 24 represents a rotating contact member capsule of connecting the individual transmitter contacts of the groups 911, 9b and 9c successively with the current supply contact 23.

In the exemplary circuit according to FIG'. I the following impulse sequence is obtained at the rotation of the contact bar 24 which sweeps out an angle of rotation of .90? per picture:

When a transmitter contact of-the group 9a is connected by the contact bar 24 to the current supply contact 23, a current impulse is imparted by way of the impulse conductor 20 to a synchronous motor at a sound apparatus. As the contact bar 24 moves on to the next following transmitter contact of the group 9b, the current impulse is shifted on to the impulse conductor 19 and thereafter to the impulse'conductor 21 when the contact bar 24 reaches the next following transmitter contact of the group 90. This procedure is repeated four times during one rotation of the contact bar 24, Le. during the advancement of the film by one picture one impulse each is con ductgd over one transmitter contact each of the groups 9a, 9b and c.

If, as shown in FIG. 2, the connecting sleeves l to 8 are coupled with a connecting plug of which solely the connecting pin 14 is connected to the current supply conductor 22 and the connecting pins 15 to 17 are jointly connected to the impulse conductor 20, then the sound apparatus receives only one synchronizing impulse during one complete revolution of the contact bar 24. This occurs as long as the contact bar 24 connects the current supply contact 23 with the transmitter contacts of the groups 9a and 9b which are connected to the sleeves 5 and 7.

This embodiment, then, produces one synchronizing impulse each to four pictures. This type of control is provided in so-called unit tone systems.

In the embodiment illustrated in FlG. 3, the connecting pins 12, 13, 15 and 16 are connected to the impulse conductor 20. The electric current conducted by the current supply conductor 22 to the connecting pin M, the connecting sleeve d, the current supply contact 23 and the contact bar 24 transmits synchronizing impulses to the impulse conductor 20 and from there to the sound apparatus only upon contacting transmitter contacts of the group 9b. This circuit, therefore, produces a sequence of one impulse per picture. This is suitable, for example, for sound picture shooting, for flash picture series or for counter control.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 4, finally, the connecting plug closes the impulse circuit with respect to the impulse conductor 20 and therewith to the sound apparatus solely by means of the connecting pins 13 and 16 and the connecting" pin 1d including the current supply conductor 22. The rotating contact bar 24 is restricted to transmitting an impulse only upon contacting the transmitter contacts of the group 9b which are connected to the connecting sleeves 3 and 6. Thus, an impulse sequence of one impulse to two pictures is obtained. Also this rate is suitable for sound motion pictures or, for instance, for the control of the counting device.

The contact plate 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is mounted in a housing 25 which simultaneously serves as a socket member 26 provided with the connecter sleeves 1 to 8. This housing 25 (FIG. isattachable to a wall 27 of the housing of a motion picture apparatus. Between the housing wall 27 and the housing 25 is inserted a plate 28 carrying a bearing sleeve 29 and a bearing pin 30. Screws 31 (FIG. 6) fasten the-plate 28 to the housing 25 and the latter together with the plate 28 is in turn attached to the housing wall 27 by screws 32.

The bushing 29 projects through an opening 33 provided in the housing wall 27 into the housing of the motion picture apparatus. The bushing 29 supports a shaft 34 one end of which, namely that end which projects into the housing 25, is attached to a gear wheel 35. The other end of the shaft 34 carries a pinion 36 the teeth of which mesh with the teeth of a friction wheel 37 which is mounted on a pin 38 of the motion picture apparatus. The gear wheel 35 engages the teeth of a gear wheel 39 which is supported by the bearing pin 30. The bearing pin 30 and hence the gear wheel 39 are disposed opposite the contact plate in such a manner that the center pf the current supply contact 23 is located on the axis of rotation of the gear wheel 39. To one face of the gear wheel 39 is attached a disk spring 40 (FIG. 7) by means of rivets 41 and 42. Resilient contact fingers 43, 44 and 45 formed integrally with this disk spring 46 are provided with contact members 46 which owing to the spring force of these resilient contact fingers are urged against the transmitter contacts 9a, 9b, 9c and the current supply contact 23. in this manner the contact member 46 of the resilient contact finger d3 engages the current supply contact 23. The contact members 46 on the resilient contact fingers 44 and 55 are adapted to engage and sweep over the transmitter contacts of the groups 9a, 9b and 9c. The arrangement of the two last-named sliding contact members is such that the nonconducting intervals between the transmitter contacts of the groups 9a, 9b and 9c are bridged at the transition from one transmitter contact to the other so that there will be no disruption of engagement at these transition points.

As mentioned previously, the transmission ratio is so selected that the contact bar 24, which in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7 is formed by the dislt spring 40, performs one complete revolution while the film drive mechanism advances the film by four pictures. Depending upon what type of connecting plug 47 is selected, any one of the impulse sequences illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 may be produced. The contact surfaces on the contact plate 10 remain firmly connected with the connecting sleeves l to 8 associated with them.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7 has proven to 1. A transmitter for synchro-impulses for motion picture apparatus, including a film drive mechanism which also drives said transmitter, wherein the improvement comprises a contact plate with a centrally disposed contact member connected to a current supply and a series of 12 transmitter contacts arranged closely adjacent to each other and concentrically around said central contact member, means including electrical conductors for selectively connecting said transmitter contacts with aslidable contact member which is in constantelectrical connection with said centrally disposed contact member, said 12 transmitter contacts being arranged in three symmetrically disposed groups, each having four contacts which are electrically connected with each other, whereby in each contact in each group is placed between two contacts of the other two groups, means for rotating said slidable contact member by said drive mechanism in such a manner that when said slidable contact member has moved once over all said transmitter contacts said drive mechanism has advanced the film a distance equal to four picture frames.

2. A transmitter for synchro-impulses for motion picture apparatus according to claim 1, including circuit means for electrically disconnecting at least one of said transmitter contacts. 3. A transmitter for synchro-inpulses for motion picture apparatus according to claim vl, including circuit. means for separating one of said three groups of transmitter contacts into individual contacts.

4. A transmitter for synchro-impulses for motion picture apparatus according to claim 1, in which said slidable contact 'member for effecting the selective connection of said transmitter contacts to a number of said electrical conductors is arranged on the motion picture apparatus.

5. A transmitter for synchro-impulses for motion picture apparatus according to claim 1, in which said slidable contact member for effecting the selective connection of said transmitter contacts to a number of electrical conductors is arranged on the connecting cable between the motion picture apparatus and the sound apparatus.

6. A transmitter for synchro-impulses for motion picture apparatus according to claim 1, in which said selective connection of said transmitter contacts to a number of electrical conductors is effected by a number of connecting cables provided with plugs, said plugs unite the electric cables coming from the transmitter contacts in accordance with the selection made.

7. A transmitter for synchro-implulses for motion picture apparatus according to claim 1, in which said synchro-impulse transmitting device comprises a structural unit which is attachable to the apparatus housing (27) from the outside and which through an opening (33) in the wall of said apparatus housing is connected to the film drive mechanism-of said apparatus, said opening being covered by said impulse transmitter unit itself.

8. A transmitter for synchro-impulses for motion picture apparatus according to claim 1, including a disk spring arranged opposite said contact plate and rotatable by said film drive mechanism, said disk spring serving as said slidable contact member which successively connects the current supply contact and the transmitter contacts with each other.

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