US2344662A - Selective automatic apparatus for reproducing images from records thereof - Google Patents

Description

March 21, 1944. M. P. WARNER ETAL 2,344,662

SELECTIVE AUTOMATIC APPARATUS FOR REPRODUCI'NG IMAGES FROM RECORDS THEREOF Filed April 2, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 3nventors MATTHEW P. WARNER a sELlG 5.L|EsL QM 6W4 (Ittorneg 4 March 21, 1944. M. P. WARNER ETAL 2,344,662

SELECTIVE AUTOMATIC APPARATUS FOR REPRQDUCING IMAGES FROM RECORDS THEREOF Filed April 2, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 MA-r-mew P. \A/ARNEK a. Sims 5. LlEsl @M; fima Gttorneg Marck 21, 5944- M. P. WARNER E'I'AL 2,344,662

SELECTIVE AUTOMATIC APPARATUS FOR REPRODUCING IMAGES FROM RECORDS THEREOF Filed April 2, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 'FIEBQE Zmnentors MATTHEW P. WARNER z SELWLSJJEsE (Ittorneg March 21, 1944'. M. P. WARNER ETAL SELECTIVE AUTOMATIC APPARATUS FOR REPRODUCING IMAGES FROM RECORDS THEREOF Filed April 2, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FL'L- .5

MATTHEW PWARNER 8. Same 5 L|Esa 3nnentors (Ittomeg Patented Mar. 21, 1944 SELECTWE AUTOMATIC APPARATUS FOR BEPRODUCHNG IMAGES FROM RECORDS THEREOF Matthew P. Warner and Selig S. Liese,

Freeport, N. Y.

Application April 2, 1942, Serial No. 437,344

19 Claims.

The present invention relates to selective automatic apparatus for reproducing sound and motion pictures or other visual images from records thereof.

One object of the invention is the provision of apparatus constructed and arranged to operate selectively and automatically for reproducing any one of a plurality of vision records, for example, motion picture films, preferably with an accompanying reproduction of sound without requiring the use of motion picture projection apparatus of the optical type. More specifically, in accordance with this object of the invention, the motion pictures are reproduced by electronic current actuated or responsive means such, for example, as cathode ray tubes employed in the television art.

Another object of the invention is the provision of apparatus of the character referred to arranged in a cabinet and provided with means which may be coin-controlled for selecting the record to be reproduced and for effecting the .reproduction of said record. Motion picture apparatus of this type is well adapted for use in various public places, as well as in the home, for entertainment or advertising purposes.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the. above designated character which is so constructed and arranged that the selection made' by one patron cannot be cancelled by another. More particularly, if one person selects one or more films to be reproduced, it is not possible for another individual to cancel said select on. Further, the selection can be readily made at any one of a number of points remote from the apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of improved picture and sound pick-up means.

In the apparatus of the present invention the picture pick-up and the sound pick-up means include devices'which are movable to'a plurality of stat ons at which the, fi ms are run. For this purpose said pick-up devices are mounted on a carriage which is reciprocated in a path of movement transversely of the paths of movement of the several films. A further object of the present invention is to provide improved means for moving said carriage in order to position the pick-up devices accurately at the film stations, respectively.

In accordance with the present invention the films are of the endless type and are wound and unwound from reels of the self-winding type. In

this connection, another object of the invention is to provide an improvement in the running of the films from the supply reels.

The above objects of the invention and other objects which might hereinafter appear will be fully understood from the following description considered with reference to the accompanying drawings whch, however, are to be considered as illustrative of the invention but not in limitation thereof.

In the drawings: 7

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view of apparatus embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a front view of the apparatus with parts omitted for the purpose of illustration;

Fig. 3 is a circuit diagram;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the sound pick-up means:

Fig. 4A is a top plan view of the picture pickup means;

Fig. 5 is a view of part of the sound pick-up means on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a view of part of a motion picture film;

Fig. 7 is a front view of a film-controlled switch;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view on the line 8-8 of Fig.

Fig. 9 is an end view of the film-controlled switch;

Fig. 10 is a detail view in elevation of part 01 the mechanism for moving the carriage for the sound and picture pick-up devices.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, the apparatus as here shown comprises a cabinet in having mounted therein a kinescope or other suitable cathode-ray vision tube I 2, the screen H of which is visible at the front of the cabinet. Said tube is mounted at the upper part of the cabinet in any suitable way, for example, by plates is in the cabinet compartment i! above top wall i8. The sound reproducing unit or loud speaker i9 is arranged at the front of the cabinet in any suitable position. The selector panel 20 including the usual coin slide or slides and the push buttons or other manually operable selector elements is mounted for convenient access on the front wall 2| of the cabinet.

A plurality of film reels 22 are provided for supplying films at a plurality of film stations, re-

spectively, at which the films are run for the reproduction thereof. Each reel carries an endless film SF and is constructed and arranged so that as the film is run it is simultaneously re- Wollikid progressivelyon its reel. Said film reels holds the film in engagement with can be or any suitable construction, for example, like the film reels shown in our application Serial No. 340,306 for improvements in Selective automatic apparatus for reproducing images from records thereof. Said film reels are mounted in stationary position on individual brackets 24 fixed to and projecting from a vertical frame member 25 disposed between the front wall 2| and the rear wall 28 of the cabinet.

A film moving device 28 is associated with each self-winding reel 22 and is mounted thereabove. Each film moving device comprises companion friction rollers 29 and 38. Roller 38 is provided with flanges 38a for preventin lateral displacement of the film in relation to said roller. Roller 80 is mounted for rotation at the end 3| of a lever 82 pivoted at its other end 33 to framewall 25. The end 3| f lever 32 is connected by a link 34 to the plunger 35 of a solenoid 88, said link being pivotally connected to said end 3| of the lever and to said solenoid plunger. The arrangement is such that when solenoid 36 is energized roller 30 the companion roller 28 whereby upon rotation of said last mentioned roller the film is unwound from the companion reel. A stop member 31 is provided in the path 01' lever 32 for limiting downward movement of said lever and thereby limiting the movement of roller 80 to a retracted position. Thus it is seen that when solenoid 36 is energized roller 30 is moved to projected position for engaging the film with the companion roller 29 and that when the solenoid is deenergized roller 38 moves by gravity to retracted position in which the film is out of engagement with the companion roller 29. Rollers 29 are driving rollers and are fixed to a rotary shaft 38 journalled for rotation in bearings 89 mounted in the frame uprights 40. Shaft 38 is provided with a driving pulley 4| which is driven by a belt 42 connected to a driving pulley 48 actuated by an electric motor 44 mounted on wall l8 of the cabinet.

Each film SF, which is a motion picture film having a sound track thereon, passes, when run, from the self-winding reel 22 to the picture pickup means 48 and to the companion sound pick-up means 48. Said film passes through a film gate 50 which may be of any well known construction. As hereinbefore stated, the motion picture record of each film SF is reproduced by apparatus of the television type. Thus, as here shown, the picture pick-up means 46 comprises a cathode-ray tube 52 and a companion light-responsive device 54 which may be a photo-electric cell or an electron multiplier. The cathode-ray tube 52' operates only with a horizontal trace, as the film SF with which said tube is associated is, when run, moved vertically in continuous fashion, that is, without intermittent motion. It will be understood that in the operation of cathode-ray tube 52 a bright spot of light is provided on the fluorescent screen of said tube and that by the horizontal trace of said spot of light in combination with the vertical movement of the film, the pictures thereof are scanned vertically and horizontally. The cathode-ray tube 52 is mounted in a housing 56 provided with a condensing lens 53 through which the light from the tube passes to the film SF. The light-responsive device 54 is mounted on housing 56 in position to be acted upon by the light variations of film SF. Said light variations are transmitted to light-responsive device 54 by a mirror or other suitable light reflector or transmitter 68 mounted on a bracket 6| in position to reflect the light which passes through the film. It will be understood that there is a reflector 60 at each film station, said reflector being in fixed position at said station. The photo-electric cell, electron multiplier or other light sensitive device is operatively connected through suitable electrical apparatus, with which the art is familiar, to the kinescope I2 whereby the film is reproduced for operation on the fluorescent screen M of said lcinescope. As illustrated in Fig. 1 a sprocket wheel 62 is mounted in position to engage in the sprocket openings 64 of the film, said openings being disposed on the lines between successive frames of the film. When a tooth of sprocket wheel 62 projects through'an opening 84 in the film it engages and makes contact with a stationary contact member 86 which sends an electric pulse to part oi. the electrical apparatus for synchronizing the film with kinescope l2 whereby the first horizontal line of the film frame being scanned is, in the reproduction thereof, positioned near the upper part of the fluorescent screen of said kinescope. While the picture pick-up means just described is preferred and afiords certain advantages which is highly desirable it will be understood that other type of picture pick-up means may be provided in the present apparatus.

The sound pick-up means 48 comprises, as here shown, a light slit device 68 provided with an excite'r lamp 18 and a companion light sensitive device 12- such as, for example, a photo-electric cell. Said sound pick-up means also includes means for transmitting the light which passes through the film to the photo-electric cell 12. Said last mentioned means comprises a Lucite member 14 which is in the form. of a bent rod substantially U-shape in configuration. Said light transmitting device 14 is mounted in a cylinder 16 over which the film passes and which is firmly engaged by said film. Said cylinder 16 is provided with an opening 18 which is in line with the light slit of device 88 and with the sound track of the film. One end of device 14 is positioned behind opening 18, and the other end 82 of said device 14 is positioned close to photo-electric cell 12. Thus, light variations produced in accordance with the sound track of the film are transmitted bydevice 14 to the photo-electric cell 12. It will be noted that end 82 of the light transfer device 14 is projected beyond the plane of end 82 of said device in order to position the delivery end of device 14 close to the photoelectric cell. It will be understood that the material, known as Lucite, of which member 14 is formed possesses the property of transmitting light in a direction longitudinally of the rod and along a curved path.

The light source 52 and the companion light sensitive device 54 of the picture pick-up means and the light slit device 68 and the companion light sensitive device of the sound pick-up means are mounted for movement to positions at the film stations, respectively, for coaction with a selected film or with a plurality of selected films in succes sion. Said picture and sound pick-up devices are mounted on a carriage 84. Said carriage 84 has a base 86 which is supported on and movable longitudinally of front and rear guide rails 88 and 90, respectively. A power driven member 82 is positioned below carriage 84 and is adapted to be connected to the latter for moving the same longitudinally of guide rails 88 and 90 for positioning said pick-up devices at the selected film stations. As here shown said power driven member 92 is a lead screw which is journalled for rotation at its opposite ends in bearings 94 mounted in upright frame members 40, said lead screw being held against longitudinal movement. One end 98 of said lead screw is provided with a pulley 98 driven by an electric motor I through "a belt I02. Means are provided for operatively connecting lead screw 92 to the carriage whereby rotation of said lead screw is effective to move said carriage longitudinally. Said means comprises a threaded member I04 in the form of a half nut and a bracket I08 fixed to and depending from the carriage base 88. Connecting member I04 is movable into and out of engagement with lead screw 92 and is fixed to a stem I08 which projects into and constitutes the plunger of solenoid I I0. Said solenoid is carried by a bracket II2 fixed to and depending from carriage base 88. A spring II4 projects nut I08 into engagement with the lead screw 92 unless the coil of solenoid II 0 is energized, and ii. said solenoid coil is energized nut I04 is moved to retracted position out of engagement with said lead screw. It will be observed that nut I04 engages connecting member I08 and is held against rotation by the solenoid plunger whereby when the lead screw is rotated and nut I04 is in 84 reaches said station. For this purpose stationary contact members I32, insulated from each other, are mounted along the line of travel of carriage 94 in position for engagement by a movable contact member or wiper I34 fixed to and movable with said carriage. Each stationary contact member I32 is in the circuit of a companion solenoid 38 controlled by a companion selector switch I30, being connected to one side of the line I88 and I40, I42, the first mentioned contact members being in the circuit of a companion staprojected position in engagement with said lead screw said nut is moved longitudinally of the lead screw and thereby moves the carriage longitudinally of said rails 88 and 98.

Carriage 84 is movable longitudinally altemately in opposite directions when nut I04 is in engagement with lead screw 92 and motor I00 is running. For this purpose provision is made for reversing the direction of rotation of lead screw 92 when the carriage reaches the end of its travel in either direction on guide rails 88 and 90. Referring to Fig. 3 it will be observed that motor I00 is of the reversing type and that a spring retracted movable contact member II8 is provided at each end of the carriage for engagement with a pair of companion stationary contact members II 8 for controlling the circuits of solenoids I20 4 and I22 which operate the reversing switch I24 of motor I00.

Guide rail 88 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced stationary contact members I28 which are insulated from each other, and a movable contact member. or wiper I28 is fixed to and movable with carriage 84. Each contact member I28 is connected to one side of the line through a companion manually closed selector switch I80. The movable contact member I28 is in the circuit of solenoid IIO which is connected to the other side of the line. Itwill be understood that current is supplied to only such contacts I28 which are connected to a companion closed switch I80. Accordingly, a's carriage 84 moves along guide rails 88 and 90 solenoid H0 is energized to disconnect said carriage from the power driven member 92 only when contact member I28 engages a live contact member I28. When said contact member I28 engages a live contact member I28 solenoid H0. is energized thereby moving nut I 04 to retracted position and thus disengaging carriage 84 from the power driven member 92. Carriage 84 thus comes t .rest in position at a selected film station, and thus positions the picture and sound pick-up devices at said station for coaction with the selected film.

When the carriage is thus positioned at a selected film station, the film is automatically run by operation of the companion rollers 28 and 80. In order to accomplish this the solenoid 88 at the selected film station is energized when carriage celled by another.

tionary contact member I28, and the last mentioned contact members being in the circuit of a companion solenoid 88 and companion stationary contact member I82.

Each'selector switch I80 is provided with a manually operable member here shown as a push button I44 which is operative to engage the relatively movable contact members of each set with each other but which is preferably as here shown inoperative to disengage said contact members from each other in order to prevent the selection made by one party from being can- For this purpose contact member I42 of each selector switch when moved .to closed position is releasably retained in said position by a latch I48. Said latch constitutes the armature of a retarded relay comprising a magnet I48. Said latch is in the form of a lever pivoted between its ends as indicated at I80 and biased to latching position by a spring I52. When the winding of relay I48 is energized, however, said latch is moved to retracted position thus to release contact member I42 which thereupon moves to open position and permits contact member I88 to move to open position. It will be understood that contact members I88 and I42 are spring contact members which are biased to open position and which are moved to closed position by push button I44.

The winding I48 of each selector switch I80 is operated under the control of a companion film controlled switch I54 which is closed at the end of the run of the selected film. In other words, when film switch I54 is closed at the end of the run of the companion film the previously closed selector switch corresponding to the selected film is opened due to the movement of latch I48 of said switch to retracted position under the control of the companion winding I48 of the retarded relay. Each film switch I54 is of the same construction and is preferably constructed as illustrated in Figs. 7, 8 and 9. Said film controlled switch comprises a guide passage formed by plates I58 and I88 between which the companion film SF passes during the movement thereof. Plate I58 is electrically connected to one side of the winding I48 of a companion selector switch I80. A movable contact member I89 is carried by a spring strip I fastened to but insulatedfrom plate I48 and electrically connected to one of the step-down transformers I82. The other terminal of said transformer is ber I59 the latter engages contact plate I56 to complete a circuit through the winding I48 of the companion selector switch.

Each film switch I54 is also connected to a magnet I68 associated with a coin switch I10. Said magnet I68 controls a pawl lever I12 of said coin switch, and said lever I12 is connected by means of a link I13 to a switch I14 in the circuit of solenoid I I between one sidev of the winding thereof and the movable contact member or wiper I28. Switch I14 is normally held closed by a spring I16 and is opened when a pulse is supplied to the winding of magnet I68. Switch I14 is opened momentarily in order to de-energize solenoid IIO thereby to permit nut I04 to engage lead screw 92 for moving the carriage so that the wiper I28 disengages the contact member I26 at the film station at which the running of the fihn was just completed. The retarded relay I48 of the selector switch corresponding to said last mentioned film prevents the disengagement of the contact members I40 and I42 of said switch for a short time after the companion film switch I54 is operated in order that solenoid 36 of the selected film shall remain energized for a period of time sufllcient to maintain companion roller 30 in projected position for running the cutout portion of the film past the companion contacts I56 and I59 oi. the film switch, thus breaking the circuit through the winding I48 of the companion selector switch I30 and through the winding I68 of the coin switch I10. The interruption of the circuit of the winding of relay I48 of the companion selector switch does not occur, however, until after the delayed action of the relay has taken place, and latch I46 is released to permit the switch to open and to condition the switch for the next operation. It will be observed that contacts I32 which are in the circuits of solenoids 36, respectively, are longer than stationary contacts I26 which in conjunction with wiper I28 control the circuit of solenoid IIII, so that solenoids 36 can be energized for a short time after movement of the carriage upon completion of the running of the selected film. It will be understood that additional sets of selector switches I30 can be positioned at points re- [note from the cabinet, for example, at each of a plurality of different points in a restaurant or other establishment, thus to provide a remote control. The corresponding switches I30 of each such set can be in electrically parallel relation, and at each point a companion coin switch I can be provided.

The coin-controlled switch I10 is in itself of known construction and is, therefore, indicated more or less schematically in Fig. 3. Said coincontrolled mechanism includes a plurality of coin slides I18, I80 and I82, ordinarily for nickels, dimes and quarters, respectively. An indexing toothed wheel I84 is mounted for rotation and by suitable mechanism (not shown) is turned automatically in a counter-clockwise direction an amount corresponding to the value of the coin or coins inserted in the coin mechanism in the coin slides, the maximum turning assess a,

of said wheel I84 being one revolution. It will be understood that when a nickel is inserted in the coin device, wheel I84 is turned counterclockwise a distance corresponding to one tooth thereof and correspondinglyv a greater distance for each nickel; that when a dime is inserted said wheel I84 is turned counter-clockwise a distance corresponding to two teeth and correspondingly for each additional dime; and that when a quarter is inserted, the wheel is turned a distance corresponding to five teeth, and a distance of ten teeth when two quarters are inserted; but, as stated, the wheel can turn maximally only one revolution. As here shown said wheel I84 has twelve teeth, so that when it is turned one revolution, counterclockwise, it controls the reproduction of twelve films for which the present apparatus can be equipped although less than twelve films are indicated for the purpose of illustration. It will be understood further that provision can be madefor more than twelve films or for less than the number indicated in the drawings.

Said indexing wheel I84 controls the main switch or the apparatus including the stationary contact member I86 and the movable contact member I 88, the arrangement being such that as soon as a coin of any denomination is inserted by the slide of the coin device, movabl contact member I88 engages stationary contact member I86 and completes a circuit to the main supply line I90. After each film is reproduced, wheel I84 is turned clockwise one step by sprin I92 under the control of pawl I12 which in turn is normally projected by a spring I94. When pawl I12 is projected by spring I94 it prevents rotation of wheel I84 in a. clockwise direction but permits movement of said wheel in the opposite direction. When wheel I84 is turned counter-clockwise spring I92 is stressed and conditioned for turning said wheel clockwise when pawl I12 is retracted. Said pawl I12 is a double acting pawl and permits only step rotation of wheel I82 in a clockwise direction but permits continuous rotation or said wheel in the opposite direction and is retracted as described above when magnet I68 is energized under the control of a film switch I54 at the end of the run of said film. Contacts I86 and I88 remain closed until the indexin wheel I84 is returned step by step by sprin I92 to initial or zero position upon reproduction of all or the selected films paid for by the insertion in the coin device of one or more coins of the proper value. When the index wheel is returned to zero position the contacts I88 and I88 are automatically opened and the operation of the apparatus is terminated. It will be understood that coin-controlled mechanism I10 has been illustrated only schematically and that no detailed description thereof is necessary as it is not per se part of the present invention and, as stated above, canbe any other suitable coincontrolled switch of which there are many with which the art is familiar.

It is prefered that the positioning of carriage 84 and the pick-up devices mounted thereon be controlled by the movement of the carriage in one direction only whereby wiper I26 is effective to control the circuit of solenoid IIO only when the carriage moves in said one direction. For this purpose a switch I 96 is provided to maintain the circuit of solenoid I I 0 open when the carriage is moving in the opposite direction. Switch I96 is held open by a spring I91 and is closed by the movement of armature I23 of the motor reversing switch when solenoid I22 is energized pursuant to the closing or contacts I I8, it being understood that said armature remains in its projected position and maintains switch I96 closed during the movement of the carriage from the left to the right (viewing Fig. 3) when the contacts II8 of solenoid I20 are closed thereby energizing said last mentioned solenoid for moving the armature I23 to the left thus permitting spring I91 to open switch I96 and simultaneously actuating reversing switch I24. The carriage then moves in theopposite direction as switch I96 is open thus breaking the circuit through solenoid ll0, the engagement of wiper I28 with any of the contacts I26 being then inefiective to energize solenoid H for stopping the movement of the carriage. The purpose 01 thus controlling the energization of solenoid H0 by the movement of carriage 84 and the wiper I26 carried thereby in one direction only is to make certain that the pick-up devices mounted on the carriage will come to rest in proper alignment with the film at the selected stations. This obviates the 'necessity for providing contacts I26 of hair line dimension and assures that the pick-up means mounted on the carriage will be in proper alignment with the film at the selected stations, respectively.

It is also preferred that the operation of motor I00 be interrupted when the carriage comes to rest at a selected station. For this purpose provision is made for opening the circuit of motor I00 when nut I04 is disengaged from lead screw 92 which occurs when the carriage moves to a selected film station. Nut I 04 is,,therefore,

arranged to disengage a pair of contacts I98 in the circuit of motor I00 when said nut is moved to retracted position. It will be understood that contacts I98 are closed by nut I04 when the latter is in projected position in engagement with lead screw 92. In Fig. 3, the television apparatus is indicated diagrammatically by the block marked T. A., and the sound apparatus is indicated diagrammatically by the block marked S. A.

While we have shown and described two forms sans in view of the present disclosure. Accordingly, we do not wish to be limited to the physical embodiments herein shown or described, or to the methods illustrated or described herein excent to the extent which may be required by the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In apparatus of the character described comprising means for mounting a plurality of motion picture films for the individual running thereof in laterally spaced paths, respectively, a cathoderay vision tube for the reproduction of said films, and a picture pick-up device operatively connected to said vision tube and mounted for movement transversely of said films to selected positions in relation to said films, respectively, for the reproduction of said films, respectively; means for moving said pick-up means to said selected positions comprising a movable carriage for said pick-up device, power driven means adapted to be connected to and disconnected i'rom said carrlage, means operative t0 connect and 00 (1180011- of the invention it will be understood that the I latter is capable of numerous other specific embodiments and may comprise various electrical and mechanical devices which are different from the said devices herein specifically illustrated or described. Also, it is within the scope of the present invention to utilize a plurality of kinescopes arranged at various points out of the cabinet which contains the pick-up means whereby the picture reproductions can be viewed at various points in a room or in different rooms of a building. Further, it will be understood that in lieu oi cathode-ray seaming tubes it is within the scope orthis invention to utilize other scannine devices. Further it will be understood that while the continuous motion of the films is preferred, said films can be moved intermittently and scanned irame by frame in which case when one or more cathode-ray pick-up tubes are used such tube or tubes can be operated for vertical deflection as well as horizontal deflection, it being observed in this connection that when the film is moved continuously as preferred in accordance with the present invention only horizontal defiection in the operation of the cathode-ray pick up tube is required as described above. Various other changes in the physical embodiments of the invention and in the methods of practicing the same may be made and will occur to skilled artinect said power driven means to and from said carriage, and selectively operable means tor-controlling the operations oi said connecting means.

2. In apparatus of they character described comprising means for mounting a plurality of motion picture films for the individual running thereof'in laterally spaced paths, respectively, a oath e-ray vision tube for the reproduction of said and a picture pick-up device operatively connected to said vision tube and mounted for movement transversely of said films to selected positions in relation to said films, respectively, for the reproduction of said films, respectively; means for moving said picl r-up means to said selected positions comprising a movable carriage for said pick-up device, power driven means automatically actuated to operate said last mentioned means to disconnect the carriage from said power driven means when said pick-up device is moved to one of said selected positions. I

3. In apparatus oi the character described comprising means (or mounting a plurality of motion picture films tor the individual running thereof in laterally spaced paths, respectively, a cathode-ray vision tube for the reproduction of said films, and a'picture pick-up device operatively connected to said vision tube and mounted for movement transversely of said films to selected positions in relation to said films, respectively, for the reproduction of said films, respectively; means for.moving said pick-up means to said selected positions comprising a movable carriage'for said pick-up device, power driven means adapted to be connectedtogand disconnected from said carriage, means operative to connect and to disconnect said power driven means to and from said carriage, means for actuating said connecting and disconnectmg means, and means automatically actuated to operate said last mentioned means to disconnect the carriage from said power driven means when said pick-up device is moved to one of said selected positions, selectively operable means for running the films at said selected positions, respectively, of said pick-up device, and means operable under the control of the film at said one of the selected positions to operate said actuating means to connect said carriage to said power driven means for moving said pick-up device to another one of said selected positions.

4. In apparatus of the character described comprising means for mounting a plurality of films for the individual running thereof at laterally spaced film stations and a stationary reproducing device; pick-up means operatively connected to said reproducing device comprising a source of light and a light-sensitive device both mounted for movement to positions in front of said films, respectively, at each film station, and a light-transmitting device mounted at each of said film stations in position behind a companion film for transmitting to said light-sensitive device at the front of said films the light passing through the companion film from said source at the front of said films.

5. In apparatus of the character described comprising means for mounting a plurality of films for the individual running thereof at laterally spaced film stations and a stationary reproducing device; pick-up means operatively connected to said reproducing device comprising a source of light and a light-sensitive device both mounted for movement to positions in front of said films, respectively, at each film station and a reflector mounted at each of said film stations in position behind a companion film for transmitting to said light-sensitive device at the front of said films the light passing through the companion film from said source at the front of said films.

6. In apparatus of the character described comprising means for mounting a plurality of films for the individual running thereof at laterally spaced film stations and a stationary reproducing device; pick-up means operatively connected to said reproducing device comprising a source of light and a light-sensitive device both mounted for movement to positions in front of said films, respectively, at each film station and a light-conducting and directing member mounted at each of said film stations in position behind a companion film for transmitting to said lightsensitive device at the front of said films the light passing through the companion film from said source at the front of said films.

7. In apparatus of the character described comprising means for mounting a plurality of films for the individual running thereof at laterally spaced film stations and a stationary reproducing device; pick-up means operatively connected to said reproducing device comprising a source of light and a light-sensitive device both mounted for movement to positions in front of said films, respectively, at each film station and a lighttransmitting device mounted at each of said film stations in position behind a companion film for transmitting to said light-sensitive device the light passing through the companion film from said source, said light-transmitting device comprising a Lucite member having one end thereof positioned behind the companion film and confronting said source of light with the film between said end and said source of light, the other end of said Lucite member being positioned laterally of the companion film and confronting said light-sensitive device.

8. In apparatus of the character described comprising means for mounting a plurality'of films for the individual running thereof at laterally spaced film stations and a stationary reproduclug device; picture pick-up means pperatively connected to said reproducing device comprising electronic means positioned at the front of said films for producing a moving spot of light and a companion light-sensitive device at the front of said films, said electronic means and said lightsensitive device being mounted for unitary movement to selected positions infront of said films, respectively, at each film station, and a lighttransmitting device mounted at each of said film stations in position behind a companion film for transmitting to said light-sensitive device the light passing through the companion film from said electronic means at the front of said films.

9. In apparatus of the character described comprising means for mounting a plurality of motion picture films for the individual running thereof in laterally spaced paths, respectively, a cathode-ray vision tube for the reproduction of said films, and a picture pick-up device operatively connected to said vision tube and mounted for movement transversely of said films to selected positionsin relation to said films, respectively, for the reproduction of said films, respectively; means for moving said pick-up means to said selected positions comprising a movable carriage for said pick-up device. power driven means adapted to be connected to and disconnected from said carriage, means operative to connect and. to disconnect said power driven means to and from said carriage, selectively operable means for controlling the operations of said connecting means, and means operable under the control of said selectively operable means for running said films.

10. Apparatus of the character described comprising a cathode-ray vision tube, means for mounting a plurality of motion picture films to be reproduced, means for selectively reproducing said films including said vision tube and, picture pick-up means operatively connected to said tube and arranged to she operatively associated with said films when the latter are operated, and means for operating said films for the reproduction thereof, comprising a plurality of sets of companion rollers associated with said films, respectively, for moving a selected film in relation to the pick-up means operatively associated therewith, at least one roller of each set being movable from a retracted position out of operative engagement with a companion film to a projected position in engagement with its companion film, a plurality of electrically actuated devices operatively connected to said movable rollers, respectively, for moving the latter to said operative position, and a plurality of switches for controlling said electrically actuated devices respectively, each of said switches having a companion manually operable member for closing the switch and electrically actuated means for holding the switch closed until the run of the companion film is completed.

11. Apparatus of the character described comprising a cathode-ray vision tu'be, means for mounting a plurality of motion picture films to be reproduced, means for selectively reproducing said films including said vision tube and picture pick-up means operatively connected to said tube and arranged to be operatively associated with said films when the latter are operated, and

means for operating said films for the reproduction thereof, comprising a plurality of sets of companion rollers associated with said films, respectively, for moving a selected film in relation to the pick-up means operatively associated therewith, at least one roller of each set being movable from a retracted position out of operative engagement with a companion film to a procontrolling said electrically actuated devices respectively, each .of said switches having a companion'manuallyoperable member for closing the switch and electrically actuated means for holding the switch closed, and a switch operable under the control of each film for controlling the actuation of said last mentioned means for opening said first mentioned switches, respectively, when the run of the companion film is completed.

12. In apparatus of the character described comprising means for mounting a plurality of motion picture films for the individual running thereof in laterally spaced paths, respectively, a cathode-ray vision tube for the reproduction of said films, and a picture pick-up device operatively connected to said vision tube and mounted for movement transversely of said films to selected positions in relation to said films, respectively, for the reproduction of said films, respectively; means for moving said pick-up means to said selected positions comprising a movable carriage for said pick-up device, power driven means adapted to be connected to and disconnected from said carriage, means operative to connect and to disconnect said power driven means to and from said carriage, means for actuating said connecting and disconnecting means including a solenoid and an electric circuit therefor, a plurality of stationary contact members disposed in spaced relation in the direction of travel of said carriage, and a movable contact member movable with said carriage and engagea'ble with stationary contact members for con necting the latter electrically to the winding of said solenoid, and a plurality of selector switches, one for each of said stationary contact members, for connecting the latter selectively in said circuit.

13. In apparatus of the character described comprising means for mounting a plurality of motion picture films for the individual running thereof in laterally spaced paths, respectively, a cathode-ray vision tube for the production of said films, and a picture pick-up device operatively connected to said vision tube and mounted for movement transversely of said films to selected positions in relation to said films, respectively, for the reproduction of said films, respectively; means for moving said pick-up means to said selected positions comprising a movable carn'age for said pick-up device, power driven means adapted to be connected to and disconnected from said carriage, means operative to connect and to disconnect said power driven means to and from said carriage, means for actuating said connecting and disconnecting means including a solenoid and an electric circuit therefor, a plurality of stationary contact members disposed in spaced relation in the direction of travel of said carriage, and a movable contact member movable with said carriage and engageable with stationary contact members for connecting the latter electrically to the winding of said solenoid, a second set of stationary contact members disposed in spaced relation in the direction of travel of said carriage, a plurality of driving devices for running said films, respectively, each of said driving devices including a solenoid adapted to be connected to one of said last mentioned contact members, an-electric circuit for each of said last mentioned solenoids and a companion contact member, a movable contact member movable with said carriage and engageable'with said last mentioned contact members for connecting the latter to said last mentioned solenoids, respectively, and a plurality of selector switches, one for each of said stationary contact members, for

connecting the latter selectively in said circuits therefor.

14. Apparatus of the character described comprising means for mounting a plurality of motion picture films for the individual running thereof in laterally spaced paths, respectively, a cathode-ray vision tube for the reproduction of said films, and a picture pick-up .sald selected positions comprising 'a movable carriage for said pick-up device, power driven means adapted to be connected to and disconnected from said carriage, means operative to connect and to disconnect said power driven means to and from said carriage, means for actuating said connecting and disconnecting means including a solenoid and an electric circuit there-. for, a plurality of stationary contact members disposed in spaced relation in the direction of travel of said carriage, and a movable contact member movable with said carriage and engageable with stationary contact members for con necting the latter electrically to the winding of said solenoid, a second set of stationary contact members disposed in spaced relation in the direction of travel of said carriage, a plurality of driving devices for running said films, respectively, each of said driving devices including a solenoid adapted to be connected to one of said last mentioned contact members, an electric circuit for each of said last mentioned solenoids and a companion contact member; a movable contact member movable withsaid carriage and engageable with said'last mentioned contact members for connecting the latter to said last mentioned solenoids, respectively, a plurality of selector switches. one for each of said stationary contact members, for connecting the latter selectively in said cir-- cuits therefor, said switches being arranged in a plurality of sets each of which includes a tube and arranged to be operatively associated with said films when the latter are operated, and means for operating said films for the reproduction thereof, comprising a plurality of sets of companion rollers associated with said films, respectively, for moving a selected film in relation to the pick-up means operatively associated therewith, at least one roller of each set being movable from a retracted position out of operative engagement with a companion film to a g device operatively connected to said vision tube and mounted panion film,

projected position in engagement with its coma solenoid and an electric circuit therefor for each set of rollers moving said last mentioned rollerof the set to said operative plurality of selector switches, one for eachof said stationary contact members, for connect-- ing the latter selectively in said circuit.

16, In apparatus of the character described, a film reel of the self-winding type, picture pick up means positioned above said reel, said film being endless and movable upwardly from said reel for, co-action with said pick-up means in the reproduction of the film, means engageable with said film above said pick-up means for unwinding said film from its reel and for moving the film upwardly in running the same in relation to said pick-up means, said last mentioned means including a driven roller and a companion roller movable from a retracted position in engagement with the film to a projected position for engaging. the film with said driven roller, said endless film being-movable upwardly from said reel over said companion roller and downwardly from the latter to said reel, an electro-magnet device ior,moving said companion roller to said projected position, and a switch for controlling the operation of said magnet device.

1'1. In apparatus of the character described. a film reel of the self-winding type, picture pickup means positioned above said real, said film being movable upwardly from said reel for coaction with said pick-up means in the reproduction of the film, means engageable with said film above said pick-up means for unwinding said 4 film from its reel and for moving the film upwardly in running the same in relation to said pick-up means, said last mentioned means including a driven roller and a companion roller movable from a retracted position in engagement with the film to a projected position for ensagins the film with said driven roller, an

electro-magnetic device ior moving said companion roller to said projected position, a switch for controlling the operation of said magnetic device, a manually operable member for closing said switch, a latch for releasably holding said switch inclosed position, means for releasing said latch to permit said switch to open, and means operable under the control of said film for actuating said latch releasing means.

18. In apparatus of the character described, a motion picture film, means for running said film comprising a driven roller and a companion roller movable from a retracted position in engagement with the film to a projected position for engaging the film with said driven roller, an electro-magnetic device for moving said companion. roller to said projected position, a switch for controlling the operation of said magnetic device, -a manually operable member for closing said switch, a latch for releasably holding said switch in closed position, means for releasing said latch to permit said switch to open, and

means operable under the control of said film for actuating said latch releasing means.

19. In apparatus of the character described, a plurality oi films arranged to be run selectively one at a time for the reproduction thereof, means associated with each or said films for running the same, each of said films having running means comprising a driven roller and a companion roller movable from a retracted position in engagement with the film to a projected position for engaging the film with said driven roller, an electro-magnetic device for moving said companiqn roller to said projected position, a pinrality oi! independently operable selector switches for controlling the operations of said magnetic devices, respectively, each or said switches havinga manually operable member for closing said switch, alatch for 'releasably holding said switch in closed position, means for releasing said latch to permit said switch to open, and means operable under the control of said films, respectively,

for actuating the latch releasing means oi a switch.

companion selector I MATTHEW P. WARNER.

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