US3576361A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for automatically forming film-loop in a miniature movie projector
Assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
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Filing: 1968-05-07
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Granted: 1971-04-27
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Expires: 1988-05-07
Abstract
Abstract A projector has means for feeding a sound movie film strip through a gate on the optical axis of a projecting lens and then past a takeup sprocket wheel. The sprocket wheel is mounted on the movable end of a pivoted arm and is swung into contact with the film during a loading step by a spring which rotates the movable end of the pivoted arm toward the film. The sprocket wheel rotates on its axis during the swinging step as a coaxial gear to which it is rigidly fastened rolls over the surface of a nonrotating drive gear which is positioned coaxially with the pivot of the pivoted arm. The rotation of the sprocket wheel during the loading step ''''backs up'''' the film toward the gate and forms a loop therein to accommodate an intermittent film mechanism at the gate.
Inventors
- 👤 Tokusaburo Kakiuchi
- 👤 Ikuji Katoh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 00:49
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B15/00; G11B15/56; G03; G03B; G03B1/00; G03B1/56; G11B15/18; G11B15/26; G11B15/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
257 words
A combination loop-forming and film-advancing mechanism adapted to contact at a contact position a length of film which is stretched between a first guide means and a second guide means and to advance said film in an advancing direction from the first to the second guide means after forming a loop therein between the first guide means and the contact position, said mechanism comprising: a drive gear adapted for rotation in a first direction about a drive gear axis during a film-advancing operation; a swing arm mounted for rotation about the drive gear axis; a planetary gear mounted on the swing arm and meshed with the drive gear, said planetary gear having a planetary gear axis positioned eccentrically with respect to the drive gear axis; a sprocket wheel positioned coaxially with the planetary gear and united to said planetary gear for rotation therewith, said swing arm, planetary gear, and sprocket wheel being movable from a loading position to a film-advancing position as the swing arm rotates about the drive gear axis in the first direction; film engaging means on the sprocket wheel for engaging and advancing the film in response to rotation of the sprocket wheel, said film engaging means engaging the film at the contact position as the swing arm, planetary gear, and sprocket wheel move from the loading position to the film-advancing position and moving said film during said motion in a direction opposite to the advancing direction, whereby a loop is formed in said film between the first guide means and the contact position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
257 words
A combination loop-forming and film-advancing mechanism adapted to contact at a contact position a length of film which is stretched between a first guide means and a second guide means and to advance said film in an advancing direction from the first to the second guide means after forming a loop therein between the first guide means and the contact position, said mechanism comprising: a drive gear adapted for rotation in a first direction about a drive gear axis during a film-advancing operation; a swing arm mounted for rotation about the drive gear axis; a planetary gear mounted on the swing arm and meshed with the drive gear, said planetary gear having a planetary gear axis positioned eccentrically with respect to the drive gear axis; a sprocket wheel positioned coaxially with the planetary gear and united to said planetary gear for rotation therewith, said swing arm, planetary gear, and sprocket wheel being movable from a loading position to a film-advancing position as the swing arm rotates about the drive gear axis in the first direction; film engaging means on the sprocket wheel for engaging and advancing the film in response to rotation of the sprocket wheel, said film engaging means engaging the film at the contact position as the swing arm, planetary gear, and sprocket wheel move from the loading position to the film-advancing position and moving said film during said motion in a direction opposite to the advancing direction, whereby a loop is formed in said film between the first guide means and the contact position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The mechanism of claim 1 comprising first and second guide rollers spaced from each other and positioned to contact the film and press the film into contact with the film-engaging means when the sprocket wheel is in the film-advancing position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mechanism of claim 1 comprising means for resiliently urging the swing arm into the film-advancing position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
The mechanism of claim 1 comprising: a sound reproducing head; and a drum mounted coaxially with the sprocket wheel for rotation therewith, said sound-reproducing head and said drum being so positioned that the drum presses the film which is engaged by the film-engaging means on the sprocket wheel against the sound-reproducing head.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The mechanism of claim 4 comprising first and second guide rollers located on opposite sides of the sound-reproducing head and positioned to contact the film and press the film into contact with the film-engaging means when the sprocket wheEl is in the film-advancing position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-04-26 | 1974-10-26 | 1975-04-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-04-26 | 1978-10-26 | 1979-04-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-04-26 | 1982-10-26 | 1983-04-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |