US1308876A - Planoqraph co - Google Patents

Description

H. B. THOMPSON.

CINEMATOGRAPHIC TARGET.

APPLICATION man on. n. 1911.

Ronni;

THE coumau PLANOORAPH cm. wAsHlNfl'mN, D. 1:.

Patented July 8, 1919.

UNITED STATES PATENT orrron.

HENRY r. THOMPSGN, or new roman. Y.,-ASSIG-NQRTO LYEDJIA 13. KOGH,'-0F' new YORK, my.

KCINEMA'IOGRAPHIQ Iran-our.

Specification-of Letters Patent. -z-Patei flg ed.J flyi8,- 1919 a lic tion area October 17, ioirijfs ri no. ie'eeei.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that 1, Henry B. THoMnso a citizen of the United States, resid ing, at the borough of Manhattan, city, county, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful. Improvements in Cinemato graphic Targets, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof.

My invention relates to cinematographic targets and more particularly to improvements in that portion of the targetstructure, the operations of which facilitate marking the efficiency of. a marksman.

In a target made inaccordance with-my invention, the screen, as in other targetsof this character, consists of a,conti nuous strip or web of paper, or other lightimpenetratable material, the feeding and guiding means tor which strip or web are so arranged and constructed as to insure that portion thereof uponwhich an image is projected, remaining at all times perfectly taut, this strip or web heing rewound as it is being fed through the machine. This feeding mechanism is so construeted as to insure a un1-.

form tension upon this strip or web at the sight opening of the target irrespective of variance in the dimensions of the rewinding wheels. f

A further characteristic of my invention is a simplification of the back plate'or shield structure to iacilita'te the adjustment of the individual plates ofjthis structure, torender them more or less sensitive askdesired to the force exerted by the impact of a bullet therewith. V i

I also provide in conjunction with said ba;k plate or shield structure, a make and break mechanism in the/circuit controlling the projector and other mechanisms in the apparatus, which will be substantially instan-tly actuated by the movement-of any of the plates of the back plate or shieldstruc turo. and which will not be subjected to sub stantial deterioration by reason of sparking. A target madein accordance with my .invention is capable of operation withrabsolute reliability "and: witlra rapidity commensurate with those severe tests to which a target is subjected when a number .of; marksmen are utilizing same. j 5

T he make and break-mechanism is so con;

.structed as to not only heoperat-ive with very slight movement of any plate of the backplate or. shield structurerbut to store the energy applied thereto by the plate in a man.- nerto permit the utilization of .a portion of this make and break mechanism for'restori-ng the plate to normal prior to the restoration ofthe circuit to normal. This limitation in the quantity of movementrequired for actuatingthe make and break mechanism permitssijmpli'city in the structure of the operative connections between each plate and the make and loreakmechanism associated therewith it being-essential that each pla'te haveas sociated therewith its own make and break mechanism;

The make and break mechanisms are so arrangedas to very much simplify the wiringot thetarget with a' consequent reduction in likelihood of such a disarrangement of parts as would tend to interfere with the continued operation of the target, while. in the event of .such a 'disarrangement, the trouble may' loe readily located .and quickly remedied." p

"The entire structure of the target is "such asto' permit its production with a minimum of specially formed and shaped parts, thus permitting economy inthe construction of the target.

I so constructt'he target that the opening of the front frame through which the screen is presented, may be elevated to the desired height while adequate "protection from s'trayjshots, will ibe afforded the working parts of the target structure.

The inventlon conslsts inJthej noyel jfeatufres of construction and .conrbination ot' part-s, hereinafter set forth an'd describ'ed and moreparticularly pointed outr in the claims heretoappended. I

f Referring to the drawings;

Figure 1 is a sideview partly in section and partly in elevation of a target structure embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a rear v'ew of-one of the plates and the make and break mechanism ,associated therewith; l i '.Fig. 3 isa sectional. view of a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig. 2 and.

Fig. 4c is a 'detailviewin elevation ofthe mount for theloaok plate. i

Like letters refer to-like parts throughout theseveral views.

Inthe embodimentof myinventionshovvn the drawings,themainlframe is composed of vertical bars a connected by suitable horizontar cross bars to impart the desired rigidity to the structure. Carried by this frame is a deep frame Z) located at the front of the target structure and having therein a sight opening of the desired dimensions through which the screen is exposed. Connected with the vertical bars a adjacent the top thereof are cross bars a braced by corner plates while toward the bottom of the frame are cross bars extending parallel with the .bars a. Suitably supported from the bars CZ are bearings for a reel 0 containing the paper strip or web (Z. Y

' The strip or web (Z in passing from the reel 0 is passed about the guide roller 6, below the frame Z), over and around the roller 6 carried by the cross bar a" above the frame 6, and about the rollers e e the former of which is closely adjacent theroller e and the latter of which is adjacent the roller 6, thus positioning two parallel reaches of the strip or web (Z closely adjacent and rearwardly of the sight opening in the frame 6. The rollers ec and ee are so positioned in relation to each other to bring the two reaches of said strip or web practically into engagement with each other so as to insure accuracy in the register of the openings formed by the passage of a bullet through said reaches,

The roller (2 is mounted between corresponding plates upon opposite-sides of the machine, whilethe roller (2 is mounted upon the crossbars After leaving the roller c the strip or web (Z passes about a roller f mounted upon the bars (63 upwardly and around a roller f mounted upon the braces (1 and downwardly to a pair of presser rollers g and g mounted in suitable bearings upon cross bars at below and parallel to the cross bar One of the rollers gg is adjustable with relation to the other to regulate the pressure exerted by said rollers upon the strip or web (Z, suitable means actuated by the handle 9 being provided to permit the regulation of this pressure.

After leaving the roller 9', the paper strip or web passes to a rewinding reel it, said rewinding reel being driven in any desired manner as by being belted toone of the rollers gg, the character of this drive being such as to permit slippage to compensate for the gradual increase in the diameter of the roller as the web is gradually rewound.

In the embodiment of the invention shown, the presser rollers 9-9" are constantly rotated by means of a motor 2' and a speed reducing mechanism illustrated conventionally at 7', said mechanism being operatively connected to the motor and to one of the presser rollers as g. This construction is essential since the rate oflineal traverse of the web must be very slow, the

By running the strip or web (Z between the presser rollers 9-9, I not only securefeeding movement of the strip at a uniform speed but flatten the paper or other material of the web or strip in a manner to permit it to roll fairly flat upon the reel h. I have found, however, that the jagged opening formed upon the passage of a bullet through the paper precludes any possibility of it being rolled tightly upon the reel i although in the event of the roll thereon becoming too large before thestrip or web upon the reel 0 has been exhausted, the reel it may be removed and another reel substituted therefor. The freedom from obstruc tion of the frame 6 adjacent the lower part thereof facilitates the mounting and re moval of the reels o and 7t.

' The lower cross bars of the frame are provided with an extension is extending forwardly of the frame Z) and connected with the forward uprights (a by inclined bars 7s terminating in a horizontal section Z in which the bearings for the reel 0 are formed. By this construction, the bars k may be used as skids in positioning the reel of paper web or strip in relation to the target.

The portion of the target structure below the frame Z) is closed by means of an inclined shield Z which ordinarily will protect the motor, the supply reel, the rewinding reel, the presser mechanism and the speed box from stray bullets fired at the target.

Suitable lighting fixtures Z) are arranged rearwardly of the frame 6 so that light rays may escape through registering openings in the two reaches of the frame Z) adjacent and rearwardly of said frame.

Adjacent the rear of the frame work of the target structure, is a back plate structure comprising a series of overlapping plates m stepped in'relation to each other,

said plates being mounted, so as to be normally balanced or slightly overbalanced toward the frame 6 and pivotally supported so as to oscillate freely under the force of the impact'of a bullet therewith. Each of (the plates on extends transversely of the frame structure, the opposite sides thereof terminating beyond the sight opening in the frame 6 thus permitting the pivotal supporting means to be positioned without the range of bullets passing through the screen.

The various plates m are supported from upwardly inclined angle bars it upon opposite sides of the machine, one flange of said angle bars being presented toward the framemesses i b. Each of the plates at is provided witha screw m adjustably mounted ina flangeof the barn. Said screw is provided with lock nuts onfi-mfi acting upon opposite sides of said flange, so as to hold said screw in :any adjusted position. The end ofeach-scr-e-w is slotted, and straddles the flange of the leg m pivotally connected therewith. By

having the slot atthe end of the screw m of the proper depth, and having said screw )ro'ect at an u wardan le the cscillator movement of the plate sup-ported by the screw, toward the frame '6, is limited.-

Each of the plates at is provided with suitable laterally extending stifleniirg bars m to avoid a possible fiexure of said plates under the force of the impact of a bullet therewith, thus permitting the'use of light plates.

The electrical circuit by means of which the operative effect of theprojector is determined, is controlled by the movement of any of the plates m under the force-of the impact of a bullet therewith. r

In the embodiment of the invention shown, I utilize the movement of the several plates at for controlling this circuit, by a structure embodying therein a channel beam 0 extending substantially parallel with and between the bars a. This channel beam is provided with a plate of suitable insulating material 0, and is closed by a back plate 0 Carried by said insulating plate '0 are a plurality of make and break mechanisms, one

such mechanism being positioned -rear wardly of each platem. A. description of but one of the make and break mechanisms is necessary. I

Carried by the insulating plate 0 is a fixed contact member p positioned adjacent an opening 0 through the bottom of the channel member 0 and the insulating plate 0. Mounted upon said plate 0" adjacent said opening 0 and projecting across same, is a spring contact member 7), the strength of this spring being su-fliciently great to restore the back: plate at to normal, after said back plate has been displaced by the impact of a bullet-thereupon. 'Sa'idsprin'g member is provided with an adjustable point contact p which may, if desired, be

provided witha platinum tip to prevent ranged in electrical series, it being essential that all of the IIIGClItl'l-lSIIlS be so set as to provide a normally closed circuit, the inter-' 'ru-ption of which circuit will have the desired operative effect upon the projector,

and other mechanisms of a target apparatus,

controlled thereby. The first and the last 9 make and break mechanisms of this series, are electrically connected with the terminals from any desired source of electrical supply.

Each of the plates is provided with a thrust member 7' adapted to project through the opening 0 adjacent said plate and operatively engage the spring member p of the make and break mechanism associated with said plate. To avoid short circuiting of the apparatus through the frame of the machine, I form this thrust member of a block r ot insulating'inaterial, carried by the plate .m, a'meta'llic .sectionr secured to said insulating block and a bearing pointr of insulating :material norm, lly in operative connection with the said spring contact member'p'. By connecting the metallic section 1 with the insulating block '0" by means of :screw threads, slight adjustment of the insulating bearin-g member r with re-' l-ation -to the-spring contact member p may be seen-red, although the adjustabi lity of the' contact 39 may permit the setting of theswi tch, or its regulation, to accord with any variance in the position of the plate m.

The operation of the herein described de vice is substantially as follows Then a target made in accordance with my invention is in use, the motor a is continuously operated, thus driving the presser rollers gg at a continuous, uniform speed. This speed, however, is very low so .asto impart a very slow traverse to the web or strip (Z, the speed box 7' insuring the desired reduction ofspeed in said presserrollers, as comparedwitlh that of the motor As the-web passes from the roller g it is gradually rewound upon the reel it thus affording storage of the used paper web or strip in a convenient manner to facilitate its removal from the machine and its return to the mill as scrap. The rollers gg keep that portion of the paper strip or webbetw'een them and the reel a perfectly taut and will'also flatten the paper somewhat about the jagged open ings therein, to facilitate its rewinding upon the reel it.

When a fire arm is discharged at the target, the bullet passes through both parallel reaches of the paper strip or web (1 exposed through the sight openingof the frame I), leaving registering openings in said reaches through which light rays from the lamps in the'fittings b reflected'by the back reaches of the web pass, thus penc to insure the restoration of the struction and arrangement described, the

bullet must strike some one of these plates,

and' the entire energy of the bullet will therefore be. expended in physically 'displacing the plate, since the plates themselves possess suliicient rigidity to avoid flexure or distortion from the force of the impact.

As a plate m moves toward the channel bar 0, the thrust mechanism carried thereby will flex the spring contact member 7) and thus separate the point p thereof, from the fiXed contact member 19 carried by the insulating plate 0, interrupting the circuit and setting in vmotion other mechanisms which have the effect of stopping the projector substantially simultaneously with the passage of the bullet through the screen. The mechanisms for effecting this stoppage of the projector are immaterial to the present invention as any well known mechanism may be employed for this purpose.

The accumulated, energy resulting from the impact of a bullet with a' plate m, and the movement of the plate thereunder, after it leaves the vertical center meets resistance from the spring contact 1) and sufficient of this energy is stored in this spring plate on to normal after a brief interval.

By utilizing a normally closed electrical circuit having therein, in series, a sequence of make and break mechanisms the wiring of the apparatus is not only very much simplified, but reliability in the actuation of the controlling mechanism for the projector, is secured.

The manner of mounting the several plates m permits great nicety in the adjustment of these plates by a very simple mechanism which not only serves to pivotally support, the plates, but also to define the limit of their movement toward the frame Z). The adjustment of the plates to secure the desired balanced or overbalanced condition thereof, is effected by merely moving the point of pivotal support of the plates toward or away from the frame Z) by means of the screws m pivotally connected with the respective legs m of the plates.

In the event of a failure of the mechanism to properly respond to an impact of abullet with the back plate structure, inspection of the make and break mechanism and of the means for determining the normal position of each of the plates, may be conveniently had from the back of the target structure and any readjustment of the electrical contacts, or the pivotal supports for the several plates, may be readily effected. The electriplate to rebound when restored to normal by,

a spring contact member 79.

As heretofore stated the weight of the plates may be very much reduced by using back braces such as m, thus increasing the sensitiveness of these back plates by reason of the lessening of the load which must be neutralized or overcome by the force of the impact of a bullet therewith.

In targets made in accordance with m invention,-it is customary to use small caliber fire arms and light charges of ammunition, the purpose of the target primarily being to familiarize marksmen with fire arms and with firing at moving targets. The use of such targets with longrange practice is not feasible. A target of this character must therefore be adapted for use at short ranges and with fire arms developing low velocity in the missile. These characteristics are present in the target herein shown and described.

It is not my intention to limit the invention, to the precise details of construction shown in the accompanying drawings, it being apparent that such may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

Having described what I claim as new and desire to have protected by Letters Patent is V l. A cinematographic target embodying therein a frame having a sight opening therein, means adapted to support a reel of paper strip or web adjacent said frame, guide rollers adapted to conduct said paper strip or web in closely adjacent parallel reaches across the sight opening, in 'said frame, a pair of presser rollers, guiding means for said paper strip or web between the parallel reaches thereof and said presser rollers, a rewinding reel, means simultaneously actuating said presser rollers and said rewinding reel, and a back plate structure rearwardly of said parallel reaches.

2. Afcinematograpliic target embodying therein a frame having a sight opening therein, means adapted to support a reel of paper strip or web below said frame, a guide roller betweensaid reel and below said frame, a guide roller abovesaid frame around which the paper strip or web may pass, a guide roller below said last'named roller about whichthe paper strip or web may pass, a guide roller below said frame whereby two closely adjacent parallel reaches of said strip or web are positioned across the sight opening in said frame, presser rollers, guide rollers below and above said frame about which the strip or web may passto said presser rollers, a rewinding reel, means simultaneously actuating said presscr rollers and said'rewinding reel, and a back plate structure rearwardly of said parallel reaches.

3. A cinematographic target embodying therein a frame having, a sight opening therein, means adapted to support a reel of paper strip or web below said'frame, a guide roller between said reel and below said frame, a guide roller above said frame around which the paper strip or web may pass, a guide roller below said last named. roller about whicht'he paper strip or web may pass, a guide roller below said frame whereby two closely adjacent parallel reaches of said strip, or web are. positioned across the sight opening in saidframe,'presser rollers,- guide rollers below and-above said frame aboutwhich the strip or web may pass to said presser rollers, arewindingreel, a continuously rotating motor, connections between said motor and said presser rollers whereby said rollers are continuously rotated at very low, uniform speed, comiections between said presser rollers and said rewinding reel, and a back plate structure 'rearwardly of said parallel'reaches.

Al. A. cinematographic target embodying therein a frame having a sight opening therein, a movable, light impenetratable, frangible, screen, means adapted 'to impart movement to said. screen, a back plate or shield embodying therein a plurality ofindependently movable, overlapping, oscillatory plates, pivotal supports for each-of, said plates, means adjacent said'pivotal-supports limiting the oscillatory movement of the plate, and an electric circuit including therein a plurality of make and break mechanisms, each associated with a back plate, and adapted to be actuated substantially simultaneously with the movement ofits associated back plate after the impact of a bullet thereupon.

5. A cinematographic target embodying it therein a frame having a sight opening therein, a movable, light impenetratable, frangible, screen, means adapted to impart movement tosaid screen, a back plate or shield embodying therein a plurality of independently movable overlapping, oscillatory plates, adjustable members movable toward and from the screen, pivotal connections between each of said plates and cooperating adjustable members whereby said plates may be set by varying the position of its pivotal supporting means with relation to the screw, and an electric circuit'including therein a plurality of make and break mechanisms, each associated with a back plate, and adapted to be actuated substantially simultaneously with the movement of its associated back plate after the impact of a bullet thereupon; V

6. A cinematographic target embodying therein a frame having a sight opening therein, a movable, light I impenetratable, frangible, screen, means adapted to impart movement to said screen, a back plate or shield embodying therein a plurality of independently movable, overlapping, oscillatory plates, i-nclined bars adjacent opposite sides of the target, adjustable slotted'screws, carriedby said 'bars, legs upon the opposite sides-of each of'said plates adapted to enter the slotin said screws, and pivotal comiections between each of said screws and the target legcooperating therewith, whereby said plate maybe set by'movement ofsaid screws toward or from said screw, and'the bottom of the slot in said screw will limit the oscillatory movement of said'plate.

'7; A cinematographic target embodying therein a frame having a sight opening therein, a movable, light impenetratable, frangible, screen, means adapted to impart movement to said screen, a back plate or shield embodying. therein a'pl urality of' in dependently movable, overlapping, oscillatory plates, pivotal supports for each of said plates, means limiting the oscillatory pact of abullet with any ,of -saidlplates, comprlsinga normally closed, electrical circuit containing therem, in series, a sequence of -make and break mechanisms, adjacent, said plates respectively, and means carried by each of" said plates adapted to operatively' engage its cooperating make and -break mechanism.

' ,8. A cinematographic targethembodying therein 'a frame having a sight opening therein,v a movable, light impenetratable, frangible, screen, means adapted to impart movement to' said screen, a back plate or shieldiembodying therein a plurality of in 'dependently movable, overlapping oscillatory plates, pivotalsupports for each of said plates, means limiting 'the oscillator-y move- ,7 'ment; of said plates respectively, a support,

insulating material carried thereby, sa d beam and said material having an ,openmg therethrough, and means operative Sub'stan tially simultaneously with 'ithe impact. of a bullet'upon any of said plates, compr sing a therein, "in. series, a sequence of make and "break mechanisms adjacent said platesrespectively, consisting of a fixed electrical mally engaging its opposed fixed contact,

and in constant electrical connection with the fixed contact of the adjacent make and normally closed electrical circuit containi'ng break mechanism, and a thrust member carried by each plate, projecting through one of said openings, and operatively engaging a spring contact, whereby the movement of a any plate will interrupt the circuit, and said spring contact after each actuation will substantially snnultaneously restore 1ts cooperating plate to normal, and close the circuit.

9. A cinematographic target embodying therein a frame having a sight opening therein, a movable, light impenetratable, frangible screen, means adapted to impart movement to said screen, a back plate or shield embodying therein a plurality of indejector will be stopped substantially simultaneously with the impact of a bullet with any of said plates, comprising a normally closed electrical circuit containing therein, in series, a sequence of make and break mechanisms adjacent said plates respectively, consisting of a fixed electrical contact carried by said insulating material adj acent eachopening therethrough, a spring contact carried by said material normally engaging its opposed fixed contact, and in constant electrical connection with the fixed contact of the adjacent make and break mechanism, and a thrust member carried by each plate, comprising an insulating block carried by the plate, a stem carried by said block and an insulating impact point, projecting through one of said openings and operatively engaging a spring contact, whereby the movement of any plate will interrupt the circuit, and said spring contact after each actuation will substantially simultaneously restore its cooperating plate to normal, and close the circuit.

7 10. A cinematographic target embodying therein a frame having a sight opening therein, a movable, light impenetratable, frangible screen, means adapted to impart movement to said screen, a back plate or shield embodying therein a plurality of independently movable, overlapping oscillatory plates, pivotal supports for each of said plates, adjustable means limiting the oscillatory movement of said plates re Copies of this patent may be obtained for spectively, a support, insulating material carried thereby, said beam and said material having an opening therethrough, and means whereby a projector will be stopped substantially simultaneously with the impact of a bullet with any of said plates, comprising a normally closed electrical circuit containing therein, in series, a sequence of make and break mechanisms adjacent said plates respectively, consisting of a fixed electrical contact carried by said insulating material adjacent each opening therethrough, a spring contact carried by said material normally engaging its opposed fixed contact, and inconstant electrical con nectionwith the fixed contact of the adjacent make and break mechanism, said spring contacts, each having an adjustable point whereby the make and break mechanisms may be synchronized with adjustment of said plates, and a thrust member' carried. by each plate, projecting through one of said openings, and operatively engaging a spring contact, whereby the movement of any plate will interrupt the circuit, and said spring contact after each actuation will substantially simultaneously restore its cotiper- ,atmg plate to normal, and close the circuit.

11. A cinematographic target embodying therein an elevated frame having a sight opening therein, means adapted to support a reel of paper strip or web below said frame, guide rollers adapted to conduct said paper strip or web in closely adjacent parallel reaches across the sight opening in said frame, a pair of presser rollersbelow said guiding means for-said-paper strip or web between the parallel reaches thereof,

and said presser rollers, a rewinding reel a below said means simultaneously actuating said presser rollers and said rewm'ding reel, below said frame, a removable shield forwardly of and below said frame, whereby the various strip feeding mechanisms are I protected from stray bullets, and a back plate structure rearwardly of said parallel reaches. a

In witness whereof, I hereunto aflix my signature in the presence of two subscribing' iwitnesses, this 29th day of September 19 1 HENRY B; THOMPSON, Witnesses:

BERTHA MUELLER, CLARIGE FRANCE.

five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, 20.12. i

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