Apparatus including random access positioning means

Claim 2

Apparatus for use with an object having a plurality of areas within a two-dimensional coordinate system and identified by corresponding addresses along the respective dimensions comprising: a. means for providing area preselection signals representative of the address of a preselected one of said areas, b. a fixed work station, c. posiTioning means effective when actuated for moving said object relative to said work station in the directions of said dimensions to any one of a plurality of positions in each of which a separate one of said areas is positioned at said work station, d. drive means effective each time when operated to actuate said positioning means for initially moving said object away from one of said positions to a reference reset position and for automatically thereafter moving said object away from said reference reset position towards another of said positions which is predetermined by the address of said preselected area, e. said drive means including i. an electric motor, ii. coupling means for releasable engagement with said motor for coupling said motor to said positioning means, said coupling means being operable when in engagement with said motor to actuate said positioning means to move said object to said reference reset position, iii. limit switch means positioned for actuation in response to arrival of said object at said reference reset position to effect disengagement of said motor and said coupling means, and iv. spring means connected to said coupling means and effective in response to disengagement of said motor and said coupling means to actuate said positioning means to move said object away from said reference reset position, f. means for initiating operation of said drive means, g. means for generating and counting control signals in response to movement of said object away from said reference reset position to continuously identify the addresses of those areas arriving at said work station, and h. control means for comparing said area preselection signals and said control signals and for automatically terminating movement of said object upon its arrival at said another position in response to occurrence of coincidence between said area preselection signals and said control signals to thereby position said preselected area at said work station.

Claim 3

Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said positioning means includes a. a pinion mounted with its axis extending in the direction of one of said dimensions for rotation about its axis, and b. a gear rack connected to said object and mounted with its axis extending in the direction of the other of said dimensions in meshing engagement with said pinion and for sliding movement axially of said pinion.

Claim 4

Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for generating and counting control signals includes a. a light source, b. a pair of shutters each mounted in the path of light from said light source for rotation in accord with movement of said object in the separate directions of said dimensions, c. a pair of pulse generators each responsive to light gated by a separate one of said shutters for generating said control signals, and d. a pair of counting circuits each for counting the control signals generated by a separate one of said generators.

Claim 5

Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said control means includes a. a pair of coincidence detector circuits, and b. a pair of pawl and ratchet mechanisms each responsive to coincidence detection by a separate one of said coincidence detector circuits for terminating operation of said drive means.

Claim 6

Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the number 1 area of said object is positioned at said work station when said object is positioned in its reference reset position.

Claim 7

Apparatus for use with an object having a plurality of areas within a two-dimensional coorinate system and identified by corresponding addresses along the respective dimensions comprising: a. means for providing area preselection signals representative of the address of a preselected one of said areas, b. a fixed work station, c. positioning means effective when actuated for moving said object relative to said work station in the directions of said dimensions to any one of a plurality of positions in each of which a separate one of said areas is positioned at said work station, d. said positioning means including i. a pinion mounted with its axis extending in the direction of one of said dimensions for rotation about its axis, and ii. a gear rack connected to said object and mounted with its axis extending in the direction of the other of said dimensions in meshing engagement with said pinion and for sliding movement axially of said pinion, e. drive means effective each time when operated to actuate said positioning means for initially moving said object away from one of said positions to a reference reset position in which the number 1 area of said object is positioned at said work station and for automatically thereafter moving said object away from said reference reset position towards another of said positions which is predetermined by the address of said preselected area, f. said drive means including i. an electric motor, ii. coupling means for releasable engagement with said motor and operable when in engagement with said motor to rotate said pinion about its axis and to slide said gear rack axially of said pinion in directions to move said object to said reference reset position, iii. limit switch means positioned for actuation in response to arrival of said object at said reference reset position to effect disengagement of said motor and said coupling means, and iv. a pair of springs connected to said coupling means and effective in response to disengagement of said motor and said coupling means to rotate said pinion about its axis and to slide said gear rack axially of said pinion in directions to move said object away from said reference reset position, g. means for initiating operation of said drive means, h. means for generating and counting control signals in response to movement of said object away from said reference reset position to continuously identify the addresses of those areas arriving at said work station, and i. control means for comparing said area preselection signals and said control signals and for automatically terminating movement of said object upon its arrival at said another position in response to occurrence of coincidence between said area preselection signals and said control signals to thereby position said preselected area at said work station.

Claim 8

Apparatus for use with an object having a plurality of areas within a two-dimensional coorinate system and identified by corresponding addresses along the respective dimensions comprising: a. means for providing area preselection signals representative of the address of a preselected one of said areas, b. a fixed work station, c. positioning means effective when actuated for moving said object relative to said work station in the directions of said dimensions to any one of a plurality of positions in each of which a separate one of said areas is positioned at said work station, d. said positioning means including i. a pinion mounted with its axis extending in the direction of one of said dimensions for rotation about its axis, and ii. a gear rack connected to said object and mounted with its axis extending in the direction of the other of said dimensions in meshing engagement with said pinion and for sliding movement axially of said pinion, e. drive means effective each time when operated to actuate said positioning means for initially moving said object away from one of said positions to a reference reset position in which the number 1 area of said object is positioned at said work station and for automatically thereafter moving said object away from said reference reset position towards another of said positions which is predetermined by the address of said preselected area, f. said drive means including i. an electric motor, ii. coupling means for releasable engagement with said motor and operable when in engagement with said motor to rotate said pinion about its axis and to slide said gear rack axially of said pinion in directions to move said object to said reference reset position, iii. limit switch means positioned for actuation in response to arrival of said object at said reference reset position to effect disengagement of said motor and said coupling means, and iv. a pair of springs connected to said coupling means and effective in response to disengagement of said motor and said coupling means to rotate said pinion about its axis and to slide said gear rack axially of said pinion in directions to move said object away from said reference reset position, g. means for initiating operation of said drive means, h. means for generating and counting control signals in response to movement of said object away from said reference reset position to continuously identify the addresses of those areas arriving at said work station, and i. control means for comparing said area preselection signals and said control signals and for automatically terminating movement of said object upon its arrival at said another position in response to occurrence of coincidence between said area preselection signals and said control signals to thereby position said preselected area at said work station.

Claim 9

Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said means for generating and counting control signals includes a. a light source, b. a first shutter mounted in the path of light from said light source for rotation about an axis parallel to the axis of said gear rack, c. a second shutter mounted in the path of light from said light source for rotation about the axis of said pinion, d. a pair of pulse generators each responsive to light gated by a separate one of said first and second shutters for generating said control signals, and e. a pair of counting circuits each for counting the control signals generated by a separate one of said generators.

Claim 10

Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said control means includes a. a pair of coincidence detector circuits, and b. a pair of pawl and ratchet mechanisms each responsive to coincidence detection by a separate one of said coincidence detector circuits for terminating operation of said drive means.

Claim 11

Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said coupling means includes a. a pair of idler drums mounted for rotation about a common axis parallel to said other of said dimensions for driving engagement with said motor. b. a friction wheel fixed on the axis of said pinion in driving engagement with one of said idler drums, c. a shaft mounted for rotation about an axis spaced from and parallel to the common axis of rotation of said idler drums, d. a belt and pulley mechanism connecting the other of said idler drums and said shaft, and e. a cord and pulley mechanism connecting said shaft and said gear rack.

Claim 12

Film projector apparatus comprising: a. a movable support for supporting a film card having a plurality of frames within an X and Y coordinate system and identified by corresponding addresses along the respective X and Y axes, b. a frame projection window, c. a lamp positioned to illuminate said projection window, d. means for providing frame preselection signals representative of the address of a preselected one of said frames, e. positioning means effective when actuated for moving said support relative to said projection window in the directions of said X and Y axes to any one of a plurality of positions in each of which a separate one of said frames is positioned at said projection window, f. drive means effective each time when operated to actuate said positioning means for initially moving said support away from one of said positions to a reference reset position in which the number ''''1'''' frame of said film card is positioned at said projection window and for automatically thereafter moving said support away from said reference reset position towards another of said positions which is predetermined by the address of said preselected frame, g. said drive means including i. an electric motor, ii. coupling means for releasable engagement with said motor for coupling said motor to said positioning means, said coupling means being operable when in engagement with said motor to actuate said positioning means to move said support to said reference reset position, iii. limit switch means positioned for actuation in response to arrival of said support at said reference reset position to effect disengagement of said motor and said coupling means, and iv. spring means connected to said coupling means and effective in response to disengagement of said motor and said coupling means to actuate said positioning means to move said support away from said reference reset position, h. means for initiating operation of said drive means, i. means for generating and counting control signals in response to movement of said support away from said reset position to continuously identify the addresses of those frames arriving at said projection window, and j. control means for comparing said frame preselection signals and said control signals and for automatically terminating movement of said support upon its arrival at said another position in response to occurrence of coincidence between said frame preselection signals and said control signals to thereby position said preselected frame at said projection window.

Claim 13

Film projector apparatus comprising: a. a movable support for supporting a film card having a plurality of frames within an X and Y coordinate system and identified by corresponding addresses along the respective X and Y axes, b. a frame projection window, c. a lamp positioned to illuminate said projection window, d. means for providing frame preselection signals representative of the address of a preselected one of said frames, e. positioning means effective when actuated for moving said support relative to said projection window in the directions of said X and Y axes to any one of a plurality of positions in each of which a separate one of said frames is positioned at said projection window, f. drive means effective each time when operated to actuate said positioning means for initially moving said support away from one of said positions to a reference reset position in which the number ''''1'''' frame of said film card is positioned at said projection window and for automatically thereafter moving said support away from said reference reset position towards another of said positions which is predetermined by the address of said preselected frame, g. said drive means including i. an electric motor, ii. coupling means for releasable engagement with said motor for coupling said motor to said positioning means, said coupling means being operable when in engagement with said motor to actuate said positioning means to move said support to said reference reset position, iii. limit switch means positioned for actuation in response to arrival of said support at said reference reset position to effect disengagement of said motor and said coupling means, and iv. spring means connected to said coupling means and effective in response to disengagement of said motor and said coupling means to actuate said positioning means to move said support away from said reference reset position, h. means for initiating operation of said drive means, i. means for generating and counting control signals in response to movement of said support away from said reset position to continuously identify the addresses of those frames arriving at said projection window, and j. control means for comparing said frame preselection signals and said control signals and for automatically terminating movement of said support upon its arrival at said another position in response to occurrence of coincidence between said frame preselection signals and said control signals to thereby position said preselected frame at said projection window.

Claim 14

Apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said positioning means includes a. a pinion mounted with its axis extending in the direction of one of said X and Y axes for rotation about its axis, and b. a gear rack connected to said support and mounted with its axis extending in the direction of the other of said X and Y axes in meshing engagement with said pinion and for sliding movement axially of said pinion.

Claim 15

Apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said means for generating and counting control signals includes: a. a pair of shutters each mounted in the path of light from said lamp for rotation in accord with movement of said support along the separate X and Y axes, b. a pair of pulse generators each responsive to light gated by a separate one of said shutters for generating said control signals, and c. a pair of counting circuits each for counting the control signals generated by a separate one of said generators.

Claim 16

Apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said control means includes: a. a pair of coincidence detector circuits, and b. a pair of pawl and ratchet mechanisms each responsive to coincidence detection by a separate one of said coincidence detector circuits for terminating operation of said drive means.

Claim 17

Film projector apparatus comprising: a. a movable support for supporting a film card haviNg a plurality of frames within an X and Y coordinate system and identified by corresponding addresses along the respective X and Y axes, b. a frame projection window, c. a lamp positioned to illuminate said projection window, d. means for providing frame preselection signals representative of the address of a preselected one of said frames, e. positioning means effective when actuated for moving said support relative to said projection window in the directions of said X and Y axes to any one of a plurality of positions in each of which a separate one of said frames is positioned at said projection window, f. said positioning means including i. a pinion mounted with its axis extending in the direction of said X axis for rotation about its axis, and ii. a gear rack connected to said support and mounted with its axis extending in the direction of said Y axis in meshing engagement with said pinion and for sliding movement axially of said pinion, g. drive means effective each time when operated to actuate said positioning means for initially moving said support away from one of said positions to a reference reset position in which the number 1 frame of said film card is positioned at said projection window and for automatically thereafter moving said support away from said reference reset position towards another of said positions which is predetermined by the address of said preselected frame, h. said drive means including i. an electric motor, ii. coupling means for releasable engagement with said motor and operable when in engagement with said motor to rotate said pinion about its axis and to slide said gear rack axially of said pinion in directions to move said support towards said reference reset position, iii. limit switch means positioned for actuation in response to arrival of said support at said reference reset position to effect disengagement of said motor and said coupling means, and iv. a pair of springs connected to said coupling means and effective in response to disengagement of said motor and said coupling means to rotate said pinion about its axis and to slide said gear rack axially of said pinion in directions to move said support away from said reference reset position, i. means for effecting engagement between said motor and said coupling means and initiating operation of said drive means, j. means for generating and counting control signals in response to movement of said support away from said reference reset position to continuously identify the addresses of those frames arriving at said projection window, and k. control means for comparing said frame preselection signals and said control signals and for automatically terminating movement of said support upon its arrival at said another position in response to occurrence of coincidence between said frame preselection signals and said control signals to thereby position said preselected frame at said projection window.

Claim 18

Film projector apparatus comprising: a. a movable support for supporting a film card haviNg a plurality of frames within an X and Y coordinate system and identified by corresponding addresses along the respective X and Y axes, b. a frame projection window, c. a lamp positioned to illuminate said projection window, d. means for providing frame preselection signals representative of the address of a preselected one of said frames, e. positioning means effective when actuated for moving said support relative to said projection window in the directions of said X and Y axes to any one of a plurality of positions in each of which a separate one of said frames is positioned at said projection window, f. said positioning means including i. a pinion mounted with its axis extending in the direction of said X axis for rotation about its axis, and ii. a gear rack connected to said support and mounted with its axis extending in the direction of said Y axis in meshing engagement with said pinion and for sliding movement axially of said pinion, g. drive means effective each time when operated to actuate said positioning means for initially moving said support away from one of said positions to a reference reset position in which the number 1 frame of said film card is positioned at said projection window and for automatically thereafter moving said support away from said reference reset position towards another of said positions which is predetermined by the address of said preselected frame, h. said drive means including i. an electric motor, ii. coupling means for releasable engagement with said motor and operable when in engagement with said motor to rotate said pinion about its axis and to slide said gear rack axially of said pinion in directions to move said support towards said reference reset position, iii. limit switch means positioned for actuation in response to arrival of said support at said reference reset position to effect disengagement of said motor and said coupling means, and iv. a pair of springs connected to said coupling means and effective in response to disengagement of said motor and said coupling means to rotate said pinion about its axis and to slide said gear rack axially of said pinion in directions to move said support away from said reference reset position, i. means for effecting engagement between said motor and said coupling means and initiating operation of said drive means, j. means for generating and counting control signals in response to movement of said support away from said reference reset position to continuously identify the addresses of those frames arriving at said projection window, and k. control means for comparing said frame preselection signals and said control signals and for automatically terminating movement of said support upon its arrival at said another position in response to occurrence of coincidence between said frame preselection signals and said control signals to thereby position said preselected frame at said projection window.

Claim 19

Apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein said means for generating and counting control signals includes a. a first shutter mounted in the path of light from said lamp for rotation about an axis parallel to said Y axis, b. a second shutter mounted in the path of light from said lamp for rotation about the axis of said pinion, c. a pair of pulse generators each responsive to light gated by a separate one of said first and second shutters for generating said control signals, and d. a pair of counting circuits each for counting the control signals generated by a separate one of said generators.

Claim 20

Apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein said control means includes a. a pair of coincidence detector circuits, and b. a pair of pawl and ratchet mechanisms each responsive to coincidence detection by a separate one of said coincidence detector circuits for terminating operation of said drive means.

Claim 21

Apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein said coupliNg means includes a. a pair of idler drums mounted for rotation about a common axis parallel to said Y axis for driving engagement with said motor, b. a friction wheel fixed on the axis of said pinion in driving engagement with one of said idler drums, c. a shaft mounted for rotation about an axis spaced from and parallel to the common axis of rotation of said idler drums, d. a belt and pulley mechanism connecting the other of said idler drums and said shaft, and e. a cord and pulley mechanism connecting said shaft and said gear rack.

Claim 22

Apparatus for use with an object having a plurality of areas within a two-dimensional coordinate system and identified by corresponding addresses along the respective dimensions comprising: a. means for providing area preselection signals representative of the address of a preselected one of said areas, b. a fixed work station, c. positioning means effective when actuated for moving said object relative to said work station in the directions of said dimensions to any one of a plurality of positions in each of which a separate one of said areas is positioned at said work station, d. said positioning means including i. a pinion mounted with its axis extending in the direction of one of said dimensions for rotation about its axis, and ii. a gear rack connected to said object and mounted with its axis extending in the direction of the other of said dimensions in meshing engagement with said pinion and for sliding movement axially of said pinion, e. drive means effective when operated to actuate said positioning means for moving said object away from one of said positions towards another of said positions which is predetermined by the address of said preselected area, f. said drive means including i. a single electric motor, and ii. coupling means for releasable engagement with said motor for coupling said motor to said positioning means, said coupling means being operable when in engagement with said motor to rotate said pinion about its axis and to slide said gear rack axially of said pinion in directions to move said object away from said one position, iii. said coupling means including A. a pair of idler drums mounted for rotation about a common axis parallel to said other of said dimensions for driving engagement with said motor, B. a wheel fixed on the axis of said pinion in driving engagement with one of said idler drums, C. a shaft mounted for rotation about an axis spaced from and parallel to the common axis of rotation of said idler drums, D. a belt and pulley mechanism connecting the other of said idler drums and said shaft, and E. a cord and pulley mechanism connecting said shaft and said gear rack, g. means for effecting engagement between said motor and said coupling means and initiating operation of said drive means, and h. control means for automatically terminating movement of said object upon its arrival at said another position to thereby position said preselected area at said work station.

Claim 23

Apparatus for use with an object having a plurality of areas within a two-dimensional coordinate system and identified by corresponding addresses along the respective dimensions comprising: a. means for providing area preselection signals representative of the address of a preselected one of said areas, b. a fixed work station, c. positioning means effective when actuated for moving said object relative to said work station in the directions of said dimensions to any one of a plurality of positions in each of which a separate one of said areas is positioned at said work station, d. said positioning means including i. a pinion mounted with its axis extending in the direction of one of said dimensions for rotation about its axis, and ii. a gear rack connected to said object and mounted with its axis extending in the direction of the other of said dimensions in meshing engagement with said pinion and for sliding movement axially of said pinion, e. drive means effective when operated to actuate said positioning means for moving said object away from one of said positions towards another of said positions which is predetermined by the address of said preselected area, f. said drive means including i. a single electric motor, and ii. coupling means for releasable engagement with said motor for coupling said motor to said positioning means, said coupling means being operable when in engagement with said motor to rotate said pinion about its axis and to slide said gear rack axially of said pinion in directions to move said object away from said one position, iii. said coupling means including A. a pair of idler drums mounted for rotation about a common axis parallel to said other of said dimensions for driving engagement with said motor, B. a wheel fixed on the axis of said pinion in driving engagement with one of said idler drums, C. a shaft mounted for rotation about an axis spaced from and parallel to the common axis of rotation of said idler drums, D. a belt and pulley mechanism connecting the other of said idler drums and said shaft, and E. a cord and pulley mechanism connecting said shaft and said gear rack, g. means for effecting engagement between said motor and said coupling means and initiating operation of said drive means, and h. control means for automatically terminating movement of said object upon its arrival at said another position to thereby position said preselected area at said work station.