US3718388A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pick-off device
Assignee: EPRAD Inc
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Filing: 1971-12-20
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Granted: 1973-02-27
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Expires: 1991-12-20
Abstract
Abstract A universal pick-off device for a motion picture projector which can be substituted directly for a back-up roller associated with a driven sprocket in the projector. The pick-off device can be installed without modification in almost any commercial projector. Adjustment apparatus is provided for aligning the pick-off device with the sprocket. When a conducting tab or strip on the edge of a motion picture film completes a circuit between the pick-off device and the sprocket, an impulse signal is provided for external controls which can, for example, change to a second projector at the end of a film reel, lower or raise the lights, control background music, open or close curtains, etc.
Inventors
- 👤 A Boudouris
- 👤 H Plumadore
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 15:43
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B19/00; G03B19/18; G03B21/00; G03B21/14; G03B21/32; G03B21/43
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
A pick-off device for mounting in a motion picture projector in place of a back-up roll which urges film towards a sprocket comprising, in combination, a pair of electrically conductive shoes, means including a member mounting said shoes in a spaced relationship for contacting edges of film passing through the projector, said mounting means including means for electrically insulating said shoes from each other and from the projector, a shaft having a predetermined diameter and an end adapted for mounting in the projector in place of the back-up roll, said mounting member having an opening therethrough of a diameter larger than said predetermined diameter, means attaching said shaft in said opening for limited pivotal movement while restraining said shaft from axial and rotational movement, means for adjusting the pivotal position of said mounting member on said shaft to align said shoes with the sprocket whereby said shoes uniformly urge the film towards the sprocket, and means for generatIng control signals when either or both of said shoes are electrically connected to the sprocket.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
173 words
A pick-off device for mounting in a motion picture projector in place of a back-up roll which urges film towards a sprocket comprising, in combination, a pair of electrically conductive shoes, means including a member mounting said shoes in a spaced relationship for contacting edges of film passing through the projector, said mounting means including means for electrically insulating said shoes from each other and from the projector, a shaft having a predetermined diameter and an end adapted for mounting in the projector in place of the back-up roll, said mounting member having an opening therethrough of a diameter larger than said predetermined diameter, means attaching said shaft in said opening for limited pivotal movement while restraining said shaft from axial and rotational movement, means for adjusting the pivotal position of said mounting member on said shaft to align said shoes with the sprocket whereby said shoes uniformly urge the film towards the sprocket, and means for generatIng control signals when either or both of said shoes are electrically connected to the sprocket.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
A pick-off device, as defined in claim 1, wherein said means attaching said shaft in said opening includes a fulcrum projecting from the wall of said opening substantially midway between said shoes, and a set screw threadably engaging said member and projecting into said opening opposite said fulcrum whereby said shaft is pinched between said set screw and said fulcrum.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
A pick-off device, as defined in claim 2, wherein said adjusting means comprises a pair of adjustment screws threadably engaging said member, said pair of adjustment screws spaced on opposite sides of said set screw and said adjustment screws engaging the side of said shaft opposite said fulcrum.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A pick-off device, as defined in claim 3, wherein said member is an electrical conductor, and wherein said mounting means includes an electrical insulator between each of said shoes and said member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
A pick-off device, as defined in claim 4, wherein said signal generating means includes first and second wires, means connecting said first wire to one of said shoes, means connecting said second wire to the other of said shoes, a ground wire, and means connecting said ground wire to said member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
58 words
A pick-off device, as defined in claim 1, wherein said signal generating means includes first and second wires, means connecting said first wire to one of said shoes, means connecting the other of said wires to the other of said shoes, a ground wire, and means for electrically connecting said ground wire to the sprocket in the projector.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
57 words
A pick-off device, as defined in claim 1, wherein said means for adjusting the pivotal position of said member on said shaft includes a pair of adjustment screws threadably engaging said member to contact a side of said shaft on opposite sides of said attaching means whereby said member is pivoted by selectively turning said adjustment screws.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A pick-off device, as defined in claim 7, wherein the portions of said shaft which are contacted by said adjustment screws are flat.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
A pick-off device, as defined in claim 1, wherein said means attaching said shaft to said member includes a pin.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-02-27 | 1976-08-28 | 1977-02-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-02-27 | 1980-08-28 | 1981-02-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-02-27 | 1984-08-28 | 1985-02-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |