US3905692A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process and apparatus for producing animated films
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-02-12
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Granted: 1975-09-16
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Expires: 1993-02-12
Abstract
Abstract A process and apparatus for producing animated films for motion picture or video tape application provides for drawing, painting, or sketching upon a sheet of heated glass against a light source from the opposite side while photographing from above. Utilizing suitable grease pencils which remain fluid at the temperature of the glass, together with suitable brushes, successive positions of an object may be drawn, partially erased, redrawn in another position, or altered otherwise while being photographed to give the animated effect. A novel machine construction makes the process rapid, convenient, and efficient.
Inventors
- 👤 Kelly Hart
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 17:43
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B15/00; G03B15/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A process for producing animated films by drawing comprising the steps: directing a source of heat to the under surface of a translucent glass plate thereby heating said plate to a predetermined temperature; drawing an image upon the upper surface of said plate by means of a medium which remains fluid at said temperature; manipulating the flow of said fluid medium to create successive alterations in said image so as to effect a series of consecutive stages in an animated sequence; successively photographing said image initially and during said subsequent consecutive stages; thereby creating an animated film.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
A process for producing animated films by drawing comprising the steps: directing a source of heat to the under surface of a translucent glass plate thereby heating said plate to a predetermined temperature; drawing an image upon the upper surface of said plate by means of a medium which remains fluid at said temperature; manipulating the flow of said fluid medium to create successive alterations in said image so as to effect a series of consecutive stages in an animated sequence; successively photographing said image initially and during said subsequent consecutive stages; thereby creating an animated film.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process of claim 1 in which said heat source comprises also a source of light.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process of claim 1 in which said medium comprises a grease pencil and said predetermined temperature is approximately 170* Fahrenheit.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
100 words
An apparatus for producing animated films by Drawing comprising: a translucent glass plate; a heat source positioned in spaced relation to the under side of said glass plate whereby said plate may be heated to a predetermined temperature; means for drawing an image upon the upper surface of said plate, said means having the property of remaining fluid at said temperature; means for manipulating the flow of said fluid medium to create successive alterations in said image and effect a series of consecutive stages in an animated sequence; means for successively photographing said image initially and during said consecutive stages.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
100 words
An apparatus for producing animated films by Drawing comprising: a translucent glass plate; a heat source positioned in spaced relation to the under side of said glass plate whereby said plate may be heated to a predetermined temperature; means for drawing an image upon the upper surface of said plate, said means having the property of remaining fluid at said temperature; means for manipulating the flow of said fluid medium to create successive alterations in said image and effect a series of consecutive stages in an animated sequence; means for successively photographing said image initially and during said consecutive stages.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 4 in which said heat source comprises also a source of light.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 4 including means for varying the intensity of said heat source.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
107 words
An apparatus for producing animated films by drawing comprising: an adjustable work table; a camera positioned in adjustable spaced relation above said work table; an easel frame positioned upon said work table; a translucent glass plate positioned in an opening through said easel frame; a combined heat and light source positioned beneath said easel frame; means for operating said camera, whereby images drawn upon said glass plate with a medium having a low melting point may be manipulated to create successive alterations in said image and photographed consecutively; means for synchronizing said operation of said camera with said alterations in said image to produce an animated film.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
107 words
An apparatus for producing animated films by drawing comprising: an adjustable work table; a camera positioned in adjustable spaced relation above said work table; an easel frame positioned upon said work table; a translucent glass plate positioned in an opening through said easel frame; a combined heat and light source positioned beneath said easel frame; means for operating said camera, whereby images drawn upon said glass plate with a medium having a low melting point may be manipulated to create successive alterations in said image and photographed consecutively; means for synchronizing said operation of said camera with said alterations in said image to produce an animated film.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 7 including means for varying the inclination of said work table at predetermined angles to the horizontal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 7 including means for adjusting the position of said easel in a left and right direction and means for adjusting the position of said easel in a forward and backward direction.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 7 including means for adjusting the position of said camera with respect to said easel.
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) | 1978-09-15 | 1979-03-17 | 1979-09-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-15 | 1983-03-17 | 1983-09-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-15 | 1987-03-17 | 1987-09-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |