US3684358A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for controlling theater or auditorium functions
Assignee: EPRAD Inc
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Filing: 1970-04-13
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Granted: 1972-08-15
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Expires: 1990-04-13
Abstract
Abstract A control system is provided for controlling functions of a theater or auditorium in coordination with the projection of a film. The system includes a selection board and a scanning device enabling a large number of functions in the theater to be controlled in conjunction with the projection of film at preselected times. Such functions include masking arrangements for the screen, lights, non-synchronous sound, and signals, as well as initiating and stopping operation of the projectors. The system also can be used to control theater functions and projectors over a lengthy period of time such as an entire day, if desired, rather than for just one show.
Inventors
- 👤 Angelo Boudouris
- 👤 Stanley J Kulish Jr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 16:56
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B31/00; G03B31/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
318 words
Apparatus for operating electrical devices in predetermined relationship to the projection of film, said apparatus comprising a matrix board with a plurality of mutually perpendicular first and second rows of holes, upper conductors electrically connecting the holes in each of the first rows, an intermediate conductor electrically connecting all of the holes in each of the second rows, a lower conductor electrically connecting all of the holes in each of the second rows, a plurality of latch-type relays, one electrically connected to each of said intermediate or lower conductors, a plurality of pulse-type relays, one electrically connected to each of the other of said intermediate or lower conductors, said pulse-type relays, when energized, causing any energized latch-type relays associated with the same second row to be de-energized, scanning means for supplying power sequentially to each of said upper conductors, a plurality of short pins for electrically connecting one of said upper conductors with one of said intermediate conductors when inserted in one of the holes, a plurality of long pins for electrically connecting one of said upper conductors with one of said lower conductors when inserted in a hole, a stepping switch for advancing said scanning means one row at a time when subjected to a predetermined pulse, an additional latch-type relay electrically connected to said stepping switch and effective to cause continued pulses to be supplied to said stepping switch to cause said stepping switch to sequentially advance in steps when said additional latch-type relay is energized, and an additional pulse-type relay in the same row with said additional latch-type relay to de-energize said additional latch-type relay to stop said steppinG switch when said additional pulse-type relay is energized, said additional latch-type relay being electrically connected to an additional one of said intermediate or lower conductors, and said additional pulse-type relay being electrically connected to an additional one of the other of said intermediate or lower conductors.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
318 words
Apparatus for operating electrical devices in predetermined relationship to the projection of film, said apparatus comprising a matrix board with a plurality of mutually perpendicular first and second rows of holes, upper conductors electrically connecting the holes in each of the first rows, an intermediate conductor electrically connecting all of the holes in each of the second rows, a lower conductor electrically connecting all of the holes in each of the second rows, a plurality of latch-type relays, one electrically connected to each of said intermediate or lower conductors, a plurality of pulse-type relays, one electrically connected to each of the other of said intermediate or lower conductors, said pulse-type relays, when energized, causing any energized latch-type relays associated with the same second row to be de-energized, scanning means for supplying power sequentially to each of said upper conductors, a plurality of short pins for electrically connecting one of said upper conductors with one of said intermediate conductors when inserted in one of the holes, a plurality of long pins for electrically connecting one of said upper conductors with one of said lower conductors when inserted in a hole, a stepping switch for advancing said scanning means one row at a time when subjected to a predetermined pulse, an additional latch-type relay electrically connected to said stepping switch and effective to cause continued pulses to be supplied to said stepping switch to cause said stepping switch to sequentially advance in steps when said additional latch-type relay is energized, and an additional pulse-type relay in the same row with said additional latch-type relay to de-energize said additional latch-type relay to stop said steppinG switch when said additional pulse-type relay is energized, said additional latch-type relay being electrically connected to an additional one of said intermediate or lower conductors, and said additional pulse-type relay being electrically connected to an additional one of the other of said intermediate or lower conductors.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized by a pick-off device associated with a film to be projected, said pick-off device causing a pulse, when contacted by a conducting tab on the film, to advance said scanning means, and a manually-operated switch in parallel with the pick-off device to supply a pulse to said pulse-responsive means independently of said pick-off device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
234 words
Apparatus for initiating and stopping auditorium functions in a predetermined relationship with respect to the projection of motion picture film, said apparatus comprising a selection board having a plurality of openings arranged in a predetermined pattern, said selection board having a plurality of levels of conductors, a plurality of first relays which are energized when a predetermined two levels of the conductors are electrically connected and power is supplied thereto, a plurality of second relays which are energized when another two levels of the conductors are electrically connected and power is supplied thereto, said relays having contacts effective to control certain ones of the functions in the auditorium, scanning means for supplying power selectively to portions of one level of conductors, means for selectively connecting portions of the conductors at predetermined levels, a stepping switch for moving said scanning means sequentially to other portions of said one level of conductors when receiving predetermined pulses, an additional relay electrically connected to said stepping switch and effective to cause said stepping switch to sequentially advance in steps when said additional relay is in one position, and to stop said switch when said additional relay is in another position, said additional relay being in said one position when said predetermined two levels of the conductors are electrically connected, and said additional relay being in said another position when said another two levels of conductors are electrically connected.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
234 words
Apparatus for initiating and stopping auditorium functions in a predetermined relationship with respect to the projection of motion picture film, said apparatus comprising a selection board having a plurality of openings arranged in a predetermined pattern, said selection board having a plurality of levels of conductors, a plurality of first relays which are energized when a predetermined two levels of the conductors are electrically connected and power is supplied thereto, a plurality of second relays which are energized when another two levels of the conductors are electrically connected and power is supplied thereto, said relays having contacts effective to control certain ones of the functions in the auditorium, scanning means for supplying power selectively to portions of one level of conductors, means for selectively connecting portions of the conductors at predetermined levels, a stepping switch for moving said scanning means sequentially to other portions of said one level of conductors when receiving predetermined pulses, an additional relay electrically connected to said stepping switch and effective to cause said stepping switch to sequentially advance in steps when said additional relay is in one position, and to stop said switch when said additional relay is in another position, said additional relay being in said one position when said predetermined two levels of the conductors are electrically connected, and said additional relay being in said another position when said another two levels of conductors are electrically connected.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 characterized by means for supplying pulses to said pulse-responsive means and comprising a pick-off device associated with a motion picture film to be projected, said film having conducting means thereon effective to cause said pick-off device to supply a pulse when in contact therewith, and manually-operated switch means for supplying a pulse independently of said pick-off device.
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) | 1975-08-15 | 1976-02-14 | 1976-08-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-15 | 1980-02-14 | 1980-08-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-15 | 1984-02-14 | 1984-08-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |