US2475439A

US2475439A - Sound reproduction accompanied by pictures

Info

Publication number: US2475439A
Application number: US738404A
Authority: US
Inventors: Waller Fred; Dresser Willis Robert
Original assignee: VITARAMA CORP
Current assignee: VITARAMA CORP
Priority date: 1947-03-31
Filing date: 1947-03-31
Publication date: 1949-07-05
Anticipated expiration: 1966-07-05

Description

July 5, 1949. F. WALLER ETAL 2,475,439

SOUND REPRODUCTION AGCOMPANIED BY PICTURES Filed March 31, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS km N M By 9M July 5, 1949. F. WALLER ETAL. 2,475,439

SOUND REPRODUCTION ACCOMPANIED BY PICTURES Filed March 31, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 mum 53M July 5, 1949. F. WALLER ETAL 2,475,439

SOUND REPRODUCTION ACCOMPANIED BY PICTURES Filed March 31, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 v III-minim" tlllllllilllllll 5 O U 152 I65 40 INVENTORS (I) S D )wm Q\M\ )W W Q m y \QW Patented July 5, 1949 7 SOUND REPRODUCTION ACCOMPANIED BY PICTURES Fred Waller, Huntington, N. Y., and Willis Robert Dresser, Long Hill. Conn., assignors to The Vitarama Corporation, Huntington Station, N. Y., a corporation oi New York Application March 31, 1947, Serial No. 738,404

14 Claims.

This invention relates to apparatus for coordinating sound reproductions with displays that are exhibited in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved method for coordinating sound reproduction and display exhibitions so as to obtain more flexible control of both the sound and displays, while at the same time maintaining them in the timed relation necessary to have the intended discourses of the sound reproduction accompany the exhibition of particular displays or groups of displays. This flexibility permits the stopping of the sound record during certain periods while the displays are exhibited, and the holding of a selected display on exhibit for longer or shorter times, as desired.

The method includes also the reversing or rewinding and repeating of selected parts of the sound and display sequences, a feature particularly useful with educational programs, when some of the students do not fully understand an explanation or illustration the first time that it is presented to them.

The displays referred to in connection with this invention are ordinarily images on motion picture film, but may be lantern slides connected together in sequence by link mechanism, or may be actual physical displays connected in any desired way for successive movement into position for exhibition.

The sound that accompanies the exhibition of the displays is reproduced from a record that may be a disc, a magnetic wire, a strip having magnetic or light controlling signals, or any other known type of sound record.

The record is made with pauses, as for punctuation, and with control signals at such pauses so that the record can be stopped or started in accordance with these control signals to prevent a cutting off or starting at inappropriate places on the sound track. The sections of the sound track of the record between such pauses are referred to in the description of this invention as discourses. This term discourses is used in a broad sense, however, to cover music or other sounds, as well as speech, though for the purposes for which the invention is primarily intended, the discourses are ordinarily speech or at least partially speech.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus for exhibiting displays in a predetermined sequence with sound accompaniment, but with provision for intermittent operation for the sound record, without losing the coordination of the display sequence and the sound. Signals on the sound record are used to control the movement of successive displays into position for exhibition when the sound record is running, and the movement of the displays is used to control the restarting of the record at the proper time after the record has been stopped.

Another object is to provide apparatus for reproducing sound and exhibiting displays in sequence and in timed relation with the sound under fully automatic control, but with provision for intervening manual control by which an operator or instructor can increase the time between successive displays or shorten the time, as desired, or cause sections of the record and display sequence to be repeated at will. The apparatus includes combinations for synchronizing the record and display sequence at regions where synchronizing is necessary.

When using motion picture film, the flexibility of this invention makes it possible for the instructor to hold any selected image on the screen as long as he wants it, or to change images in rapid succession to obtain a moving picture, and to repeat both the still and moving picture, if desired.

One feature of the invention relates to means for restoring the synchronism or coordination of the record and display sequence if for any reason they do get out of the desired timed relation. A counter responsive to display-change signals, and another counter responsive to actual display changes is one of the combinations used for restoring synchronism. Another expedient is the location of corresponding numbers or other indicia on corresponding regions of the record and displays.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear or be pointed out as the description proceeds.

In the drawing, forming a part hereof, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding parts in all the views,

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view showing apparatus for reproducing sound and controlling the exhibition of displays in accordance with this invention.

Figure 2 is an enlarged detail view, partly in section, showing the clutch mechanism used in the combination illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged detail view of one of the manual control switches shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a section of moving picture film that is used with the apparatus of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a view showing a portion of the record used for sound reproduction and for the control of the displays sequence.

The apparatus includes a sound record III which is shown as a strip on which magnetic signals are recorded. The record l0 passes over a driving roller connected with a reversible electric motor I2 by motion transmitting connections illustrated diagrammatically by the shaft l4. The record I0 winds on reels l6 and I1 supported on movable spring-tensioned frames l8 and Is in such away as to take up theslack in the record strip. There are slack takje iip drives 20 for each of the reels l8 and |1;.and these slack take-up drives are operated by any electric motor 2| through belts 22 and 23, or other driving connections.

There is another driving roller 25 over which the record l0 passes at a substantial distance from the first driving roller H, and the recording or reproducing apparatus for the sound and control signals is located along the portion of the record Ill between the spaced rollers II and 25. The roller 25 is driven from the roller by a shaft 26. The sound recording or reproduction is obtained from an electro-magnetic device 28 which is responsive to electric impulses for recording on the record and to magnetic variations in the sound track on the record ID for reproducing the recorded sound. This device 28 is connected with an amplifying unit 29 which operates an audio-responsive apparatus 3|. For recording, the apparatus 3| is a transmitter, and for reproducing sound the apparatus 3| is a speaker, or group of speakers. The apparatus will be described as used for sound reproduction.

One side of the circuit connecting the amplifier unit 29 with the speaker 3| passes through a switch 33 that is used for opening the speaker circuit 3| when the sound track is moving backwards. This prevents the speaker 3| from operating when the record i0 is not moving in the direction that produces intelligible sound.

It is a feature of the invention that the record in can be operated in a reverse direction in order to repeat portions of the discourse or to repeat control signals for changing the exhibition of any of the displays. Reverse operation of the sound record is accomplished by reversing the motor l2. The motor I2 is reversed by a double throw switch 36 operated by a manual control 31. The switches 33 and 36 are mechanically connected as indicated by the dotted line in Figure 1, so that the switch 33 is closed only when the reversing switch 35 is in position to cause the sound track to be operated in a forward direction.

The display exhibiting apparatus shown in Figure 1 is a projector 38 with an intermittent movement device 39 for moving a motion picture film 40 one frame at a time in a manner well understood in the art. This device 39 is operated by a one-tum clutch 4| through a drive shaft 42. The driven element of the clutch 4| is connected with the drive shaft 42, and the driving element of the clutch is rotated by an electric motor 43. This motor 43 is reversible, and the motor isreversed by the same switch 35 that reverses the motor H which drives the sound record. The clutch 4| is engaged by actuation of a solenoid 45.

A detailed description of the clutch 4| and its operation will be given in connection with the explanation of Figure 2. For an understanding of the operation of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, it is sufficient to understand that each time the solenoid 45 is energizedby a pulse of current, the clutch 4| engagesand causes the intermittent movement deyice" 39 to move the film 40 far enough to bring the next frame of the film into position for projection. If the solenoid is energized by a steady flow of current, the clutch 4| remains engaged and the intermittent movement device operates the projector in the conventional manner for showing motion pictures.

The projector 38 has reels 48 and 49 on-which the am go winds and there are slack take-up mechanisms 50 connected with each of the reels 48 and 49. These slack take-up mechanisms 50 are driven by a motor 52 through belts 53 and 54. The film 40 passes around sprockets 55 and 56 and there are switches 58, 59 and 60, each of which is operated by a feeler 62 located near one or the other of the sprockets 55 and 56 in position to drop into notches in the side of the film 40. These notches are control signals on the film for controlling the operation of the apparatus in response to movement of the film. When the sound record is used without a film, the switch 59 that controls the restarting of the film is operated manually.

The clutch 4| may be controlled manually, for a single change from one picture to the next picture on the film, or to change pictures in rapid succession for motion pictures, by means of a switch 65 in the circuit of the solenoid 45. In the illustrated apparatus, a battery 66 is provided for energizing the solenoid 45, and the switch 65 is connected into the circuit with the battery 66 and the solenoid 45 by a double-pole, doublethrow switch 68.

The switch 68 is shown closed in its downward position which makes the manually-operated switch 65 effective to control the operation of the projector 38. The construction of the manually operated switch 65 will be described in connection with Figure 3, and for an understanding of the operation of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 it is suificient to understand that the manually operated switch 65 has two buttons, one of which is pushed to provide a momentary surge of current to the solenoid 45 and the other of which supplies a steady flow of current to the solenoid as long as the button is depressed.

Mechanically actuated switching mechanism is provided for supplying the solenoid 45 with periodic power impulses in accordance with a variable timing. This apparatus includes a switch 10 that is normally open and periodically closed by a cam TI. The cam H is driven from a motor 13 through pulleys connected by a belt 14. This driving connection between the motor I3 and cam 1| is merely representative of motion transmitting connections through which rotation of the motor 13 can be imparted to the cam H with suitable reduction in speed. The speed of rotation of the motor 13 is adjustable by a variable resistance '|5 which is representative of motor speed control apparatus. The switch '10 is connected into the circuit of the solenoid 45 and battery 66 by shifting the double-pole, doublethrow switch 68 into its upward position. The shift of the switch 68 from its downward to its upward position substitutes the mechanically actuated switch 10 for the manually actuated switch 55.

An electro-magnetic device 18, located along the run of the record in between the rollers H and 25, is used for recording or reproducing control signals on the record for causing the solenoid 46 to be energized to change the displays. These signals will be referred to as "A signals. when using the record for reproduction, the electromagnetic device 18 acts as a pick-up device for converting the magnetic signals on the record I into electrical impulses that are amplified in an amplifier unit 19 in which the signals cause a momentary contact switch to close and complete a circuit through the solenoid 45, a preselector switch 80, and through one set of contacts or a main control relay II.

The pre-selector switch 80 has a handle at one end by which it can be moved selectively to close the circuit through either its upper or lower fixed contact. This switch 80 must be closed against its lower contact in order to have the A signals from record I0 control the energizing of the solenoid 45.

The main control relay 8! has five fixed and tour movable contacts enclosed in Figure 1 within the brace designated by the reference charactor 35. When the coil of the relay 85 is not energized, the movable contacts occupy the relative positions shown in Figure l, but when the coil of this relay 85 is energized, the relay pulls down all of its movable contacts so that the first three of the movable contacts touch the fixed contacts beneath them, and the fourth or lowermost movable contact of the relay is moved into an open circuit position.

The main control relay 85 is actuated by control signals on the record to that will be referred to as B signals. These B signals are recorded or reproduced by an electro-magnetic device 8! located along the run of the record to between the rollers ti and 25. When the apparatus is being used for reproduction, the electro-magnetic device til converts the magnetic B signals on the record i it into electric impulses that are amplified in an amplifier unit 88. These B signals close a momentary contact switch in the unit 88 to complete the circuit of the operating coil of the control relay 35. Only one control impulse irom the amplifier 855 is required to pull down the movable contacts oi the relay t5 and keep them down, because this relay lid has a holding circuit which includes the third movable contact or the relay and the switch that is operated by the ieeler ii!- in contact with the edge of the film ll]. The switch 59 is always closed except when a notch signal in the film permits the ieeler 52 to move and open switch The third movable contact of the is in closed position whenever the coil oi this relay energized. From this description it will be apparent that the relay 235 will remain in its down position with its coil con tinuously energized until a signal on the film 8d causes the switch 59 to open and break the holding circuit of the relay.

The operator can control the picture or display changes manually, even when the sound record is in operation, by moving the pro-selector switch 80 into its upward position. This opens the circuit of the lower fixed contact of switch 8t and takes the control of the display change away from the amplifier unit 19 regardless of contact of the relay '5 must be in its raised position in order to keep the circuit to the amplifier unit I9 closed when the switch is against its lower fixed contact.

When the apparatus is operating automatically, with the relay 8! in its normal position, that is, with all of the movable contacts of the relay in their upward positions as shown in Figure 1, and the switch 80 in its downward position, electric impulses from the pickup device 18 cause repeated momentary closings of the switch in the amplifier unit 19 and each separate A signal thereby causes one operation of the solenoid 45 and clutch 4| to change from one picture to the next. For obtaining continuous operation of the projector 38 as a motion picture projector under control of the sound record l0, a long A signal is used to maintain the solenoid 45 energized for the period that the motion picture operation is to continue. The motors l2 and 43 are preferably constant speed motors and coordinated that the film cannot run ahead of the discourse on the record.

When the pickup device 81 responds to one of the B control signals on the record l0, and the electric impulse to the amplifier 88 causes the relay to be energized andto pull down all of its movable contacts, the control of the picture change is shifted from the A signals to either the manual control switch 65 or the mechanically actuated switch l0 depending upon the position of the switch 68.

Means are provided for checking the synchronism of the film fill and the record I0. When the solenoid is operated only by pulses of current synchronization can be checked by having a counter iii geared to the shaft 42 in such a way as to count the number of times that the shaft moves to change from one picture to the next, and another counter 92 connected in parallel with the solenoid 65 and operated by electrical impulses to count the number of picture change impulses received by the solenoid 35. it will be evident that the mechanism works properly, and the clutch all operates to change the picture every time an A signal, or one of the switches 85 or it, supplies a pulse of current to energize the solenoid 65, the numbers indicated by the counters 9i and 92 will always be the same.

The counter ill is mechanically reversible, and the electrically actuated counter 52 is connected with a reversing switch 94. This reversing switch 98 is connected to the other reversing switches 33 and 36 so that the counter 92 will operate in a reverse direction when the motor 43 is reversed to turn the clutch ll backwards. If at any time the numbers recorded on the counters 9i and '92 are not the same, the shaft 42 is turned by a handwheel 93 secured to the shaft. This handwheel is turned in either a forward or reverse direction as may be necessary to bring the counter 9! up to or down to the number recorded on the signal counter 92. The handwheel 93 is, therefore, a master control for putting the film 80 and sound record in back into synchronism if they get out of correct timed relation with one another.

The master control for the motors I2 and 43 which drive the record I0 and clutch 4|, respectively, comprises a push button switch 94 connected in parallel with the film actuated switch 60 and a relay 96. This relay 86 has contacts 91 that are open when the coil of the relay 96 is not energized. but which remain closed as long as the relay is energized through either the switch 84 or the switch 50. The contacts 81 are in series with the switch 35 that supplies power to the motors I2 and 43, and the circuits of both motors is open, therefore, unless the relay 95 is energized.

The conductors marked X" at the lower right hand portion of Figure 1 connect with the conductors X leading to the motors 2I, 52 and I3, and the conductors marked Y connect all of the amplifier units 29, I9, and 58 with the power line. circuits of the apparatus can be connected with, or disconnected from, the power line by a single power line switch 99.

Figure 2 shows the construction of the clutch 4 I. This clutch has a driving element I secured to one end of a shaft IOI that turns in a bearing I02 in a pedestal support I03. A pulley I05 on the other end of the shaft IOI is connected with a pulley I05 of the motor 43 by a V belt M1.

The clutch has a driven element I I0 connected to a sleeve III that turns in a bearing H2 in a stationary support H3. The clutch element H0 is slidable axially in the bearing H2 and is urged against an end face of the bearing H2 which serves as a thrust bearing surface for the driven element I I0. A spring I I5 compressed between the clutch elements I00 and H0 urges the clutch element IIO against the thrust bearing surface on the end face of the bearing H2.

The shaft 42 extends into the sleeve III and has a key II'I extendinginto a keyway in the sleeve III for making the shaft 42 rotate as a unit with the driven clutch element H0. This clutch element H0 has studs H9 extending into holes in the support H3. As long as the studs I I9 are projecting into the holes in the stationary support, the clutch element H0 is held against rotation. The holes that receive the studs H9 are located at'"different distances from the axis of rotation of the clutch element I I0 so that when the clutch element I I0 is moved toward the right far enough to withdraw the studs I I9 from the holes in the support H3 and to engage the driving clutch element I00, the driven clutch element I I0 will make one complete revolution before the pins H9 come back into position to engage the holes from which they were displaced. The pins H9 are in effect locking elements to keep the clutch engaged until it has turned far enough to bring the next film frame into position for projection. In the apparatus illustrated,'the shaft 42 is geared to the sprocket that moves the film with a gear reduction that causes one revolution of the shaft to turn the sprocket just enough to bring the next film frame into position for projection.

The structure for moving the clutch element I I0 into engagement with the driving clutch element I00 includes throw-out pins I2I extending from a disc I22 which is slidable axially along the shaft 42. A throw-out collar I24 on the shaft 42 has an annular groove engaged by a yoke at the lower end of a lever I25. This lever I25 is supported by a fulcrum stud I21 and is connected with the armature I28 of the solenoid 45 by a link I29.

Whenever the solenoid 45 is energized, it moves its armature I28 inward and transmits motion through the link I29 and lever I25 to the throwout collar I24. This movement of the throwout collar pushes the disc I22 toward the support H3 and causes the pins I2I to push the studs H9 out of the holes in the support H3 so that the clutch element H0 is moved into With these connections all of the engagement with the driving clutch element I00.

If the solenoid 45 is energized continuously. the clutch elements I00 and H0 remain engaged and the shaft 42 is rotated continuously in its bearing I3I and keeps the intermittent motion device 39 in operation. For moving the film by only one frame, however, it is essential to have the power supplied to the solenoid 45 in pulses so that the solenoid 45 is de-energized before the clutch has made a complete revolution. This causes the clutch to be disengaged by the spring H5 after each revolution when the studs H8 come back into position to register with the holes from which-they are displaced by the throw-out pins I2I.

When the current to the solenoid 45 is supplied from the amplifier that is responsive to the A control signals on the record, the current can be in pulses or for substantial periods to obtain the desired efiect. Special apparatus has to be provided for obtaining either pulses of short duration or a continuous current supply when the solenoid 45 is under manual control through the switch 55.

Figure 3 shows the construction of the switch 55 in detail. This switch has two resilient contact arms I35 and I35 which are connected by conductors I31 and I38 with the double-pole, double-throw switch (58) used to connect and disconnect the switch 55 and the picture change control circuit that includes the solenoid 45.

The switch 55 has two push buttons, including a push button I40 at one end of a stem I that slides in bearings in a fixed support I42. A compression spring I44, connected at its upper end to the stem I4I, bears against the lower portion of the support I42 and urges the stem I4I upward into the position shown in Figure 3. A pin I45 extending through the stem I4I below the fixed support I42 limits the upward movement of the stem. A pawl I50 is pivotally connected to the stem III by a stud I5I, and this pawl I50 is urged into contact with a ratchet I52 by a spring I53.

The ratchet I52 is supported by an axle I 55.

A cam I55 on the same axle with the ratchet I52 is connected with the ratchet by means of a spring I58. In the construction shown, this spring- I55 is attached to the back of the ratchet I52 by a connection I50, and the lower end of the spring I58 is secured to the cam I 55 by an anchor I5I. The cam I55 has four lobes corresponding with the four teeth of the ratchet I52. The cam I55 can be made with a different number of lobes, but if the number is changed, the construction of the ratchet must be modified accordingly.

A cam follower I53 is attached to the movable contact I35 and is held againstthe cam I55 by the resilient spring pressure of the movable contact. When the button I40 is depressed and causes the pawl I50 to turn the ratchet I52, the spring I58 winds part way around the axle I55 and increases in tension until it has sufllcient force to turn the cam I55 against the spring pressure of the movable contact I35. This movement of the cam displaces the cam follower I53 and causes the movable contact I35 to move over far enough to touch the contact I35, thus closing the circuit through the switch 55.

Since the cam I55 is moved by tension in the spring I58, rather than by direct displacement of the button I40, the cam moves quickly for the full angular displacement of one lobe of the cam and thereby causes a momentary contact of the switch contacts I35 and I35 followed by a return ,dififerent characteristics, particularly 9 of the follower I63 to a normal position between the next two lobes of the cam. This switch 66 is merely representative of manually actuated switches that maintain only momentary contact I against the other contact arm 836 to close the switch 65 and keep it closed as long as the button I64 is held depressed.

Figure 2 shows a portion of the film id on an enlarged scale. This film has control signals comprising notches I66 along the right hand edge of the film for actuating the switches 58 and 59 of Figure l. The film 43 has one or more other control signals such as a notch 46? in the left hand edge'of the film for actuating the switch 60 of Figure 1. This switch 60, and the control notch l6? which actuates it, is for the purpose of stopping the apparatus at the end of the film or at the end of a rewind, but similar notches can be provided at other places along the film if it is desirable to have all of the apparatus stop automatically and completely at some selected place during theshowing of the film.

The film shown in Figure 4 has indicia, such as consecutive numerals, in the lower left hand corner of each frame, and these indicia are displayed on the screen for the purpose of checking the synchronism of the film and sound record. Corresponding indicia along the sound track are used to show whether the sound track is in proper timed relation with the film.

Figure 5 shows the sound track it with the picture change control signal indicated by the legend signal A and the control signals for operating the main control relay and stopping the sound record indicated by the legend signal B. The numeral 3 located under signal A indicates that this picture change control signal should bring frame No. 3 of the film into position for projec tion. The use of these corresponding numerals on the film and sound record for indicating whether the film and sound record are in proper timed relation can be used instead of the counters 9i and 92 shown in Figure l, or can be used in the same apparatus with the counters, if desired.

The record It shown in Figure 5 has the con-= troi signals A and B located along separate tracks parallel with the sound track. It will be understood, however, that the control signals A and B can be located along the same track and can have frequencies, so that each one will affect only the control circuit for which it is intended. It will be understood further that the control signals can be superimposed on the sound track it a very narrow record is to be used; and when the control signals are superimposed on the sound track it is merely necessary to make them with characteristics that do not affect the sound reproducing circuit. When the signals are located along the same track, one pick-up device is sufficient for the different signals, with filters for separating the signals for the different circuits that the signals are to control.

In the operation of the apparatus shown in Figure l, the motors l2 and 43 are started originally by pressing the button of switch 94 which energizes the relay Q6 and closes the motor cirdifierent cuits. This starts the sound record It). The switch 94 is held in closed position manually until the first movement of the film 40 shifts the notch in the film beyond the feeler 62. film then closes the switch 60 and it is no longer necessary to hold the switch 96 closed.

The picture sequence is started by the first control signal on the record It to which the pickup device 18 is responsive. With each additional impulse that affects the pickup device it, the apparatus operates to change to the next picture. The controls that are responsive to the signals on the record may be considered as the primary controls of the apparatus; and the film operated switches 5d and 69 may be considered the secondary controls."

At the conclusion of each sentence of the sound record, or at other logical pauses in the discourse on the sound track, there is a B signal. to which the pickup device Bl is responsive, and such signals energize the relay 85 and cause it to pull .down its movable contacts and stop the motor I! that drives the sound record. This operation of the relay 85 shifts the control of the picture change from the sound record ID to the manually operated switch 65 so that further changes in the pictures can be affected manually and at any desired rate until a point is reached where the discourse should again be synchronized with the pictures. At such a point there is a control signal on the film 40 that causes the switch 59 to open and break the holding circuit of the relay 85 so that further control of the picture change is shifted hack to the sound record it. This release of the relay 855 causes the circuit of the motor it to be closed so that the sound track is again started.

If the signal on the film for operating the switch 59 is at a region where it opens this switch 59 at the same time that a B signal comes under the pick-up device til, the relay 85 will merely operate momentarily and drop back without stopping the motor (12 that moves the sound record.

During the time that the sound track is stopped and while the picture change is under manual control oi the operator, the double pole, double throw switch 68, can be moved into its upward position to put the picture change under the control of the mechanically operated switch it. When the picture change is being controlled by this switch it, or by the switch 65, the picture sequence can travel only as far as the next synchronizing control signal of the film because such a signal opens the switch 59 and returns the control of the picture change to the sound record it.

By operating the preselector switch it is possible for th operator to change pictures at any desired rate even during a period of sound reproduction from the record I. The operator may extend the period of picture projection to occupy more time than that required for the discourse on the record, and the sound record will stop in accordance with the control signal for the pickup device 62 even though all of the pictures that accompany the discourse ahead of that signal havenot yet been shown. The sound record will automatically start again, however, when the next control signal on the film actuates the switch 59, thus re-establishing the proper timed relation of the film and sound record. During parts of the record where it is important to have a particular picture displayed during a portion of the discourse, control signals for oper- The atlng the switch 52 are provided at relatively close intervals so as to bring the film and sound record back into synchronism at any place where such synchronism is required.

It is not necessary for the operator to decide at the beginning for each discourse how the next picture sequence is to be projected. It is possible for him to return the preselector switch 80 to its normal downward position during the projection of the first picture of a synchronized sequence and have the remainder of the sequence projected under automatic control from the sound record.

In the event that the operator has the switch 80 in position to permit him to manually control the picture changes during a discourse from the sound record, and the operator changes pictures at a rate faster than the rate at which they would be changed automatically by the signals on the sound record, the last picture of a sequence may be projected before the conclusion of the discourse, and the operator may unintentionally attempt to change to the first picture that should accompany the next discourse on the sound record. This is prevented by the switch 58 which is opened by the control signal on the film and prevents the operator from making any further picture changes until the discourse on the sound record is completed and a control signal on the record has actuated the relay 85. When this relay 85 is energized it closes a circuit that restores the control or the picture change to the operator even though the switch is is open.

For rewinding any portion of the record l and film 40, as for example, where it is desirable that a portion of the discourse should be repeated, the control button 31 is actuated to move switches 33, 36 and 94 into position for reverse operation. This causes the motors l2 and 42, and the counter 92 to run backwards. and opens the sound circuit so'that the speaker 3| does not operate during reverse movement of the sound record. When rewinding the film and sound record back to their starting position, a control signal is provided on the film 40 in position to open the switch 80 and cooperate with a stop signal on the sound record to stop the film and sound record in position to be again operated in a forward direction with proper synchronization assured.

If the number of picture change control signals on the record is equal to the number of pietures in each sequence on the film, the timed relation of the film and sound record is maintained during rewinding. When there are more picture changes on the film than there are picture change control signals on the record, it is necessary during the rewinding operation to use the cam operated switch for returning all or the pictures to the beginning of a sequence before the next sequence can be rewound. This is taken care of automatically during the rewinding it the switch 68 is in position to connect the cam operated switch 10 with the circuit 01' the solenoid 45.

Some features of the invention can be obtained even though the sound record is not separate from the film. For example, with the sound record on the film, a control signal can stop the film and throw the control to the manually operated switch 65 or the mechanically operated switch 10, until a control notch on the film operates the switch is to again start the film running.

The preferred method and apparatus of this invention have been described, but changes and modifications can be made and features 0! the invention can be used in various combinations without departing from the invention as defined in the claims.

We claim as our invention:

1. The combination of a display device, mechanismfor moving successive displays into position for exhibition, apparatus for reproducing recorded sound from a record, apparatus responsive to signals on the sound record for controlling the operation of the mechanism that moves the displays, other control apparatus responsive to signals on the sound record and eflective to stop the sound record, other control apparatus responsive to movement oi the displays for restarting the operation of the sound record, and automatic control apparatus responsive to signals on the sound record for shifting the control oi! the sound record to the control apparatus that is responsive to the movement of the displays.

2. The combination oil a display device with mechanism for moving the successive displays into position for exhibition in a sequence, apparatus for reproducing sound from a record, motor means for moving the record at the proper speed for the sound reproduction, controller means movable into different positions for starting and stopping said motor means, apparatus responsive to movement of the displays for moving the controller means into position to start the sound record, and other apparatus responsive to signals on the sound record for moving the con-' troller means into position to stop the sound record, and a control that is also responsive to signals of the sound record to shift the control of the sound record from the apparatus that is responsive to the sound record signal to the display-responsive apparatus.

3. Apparatus for exhibiting displays in sequence, mechanism for moving successive displays into position for exhibition, motor means for moving a record at a definite speed, apparatus movable into diflferent positions for starting and stopping the motor means controls for said mechanism responsive to signals on the record, and other controls that are responsive to signals on the record to shift the apparatus into position to stop the motor means at pre-selected places with respect to the display sequence.

4. The combination oi. display exhibiting apparatus including mechanism for changing displays in sequence, a record on which sound is recorded, mechanism for moving the record at a definite speed, sound reproducing apparatus responsive to sound signals on the record, secondary control apparatus responsive to changes in the displays for controlling the mechanism that moves the record, and primary control apparatus responsive to control signals on the record including controls for stopping the record at predetermined places in the display sequence, controls for operating the display change mechanism, and controls for shifting the control of the record moving mechanism to the secondary control apparatus.

5. The combination with a motion picture proiector having mechanism for moving a film intermittently to bring successive film frames into position for projection, a control device actuated by the film, a sound record separate from the film, mechanism for moving the sound record at a predetermined speed, sound reproducing apparatus responsive to sound signals on the record,

signal responsive controls for the mechanism that moves the record, other signal responsive controls for causing the projector to move the film to bring the next frame into position for projection, other-signal responsive controls for shifting the control of the record moving mechanism to the control device that is actuated by the film, all of said signal responsive controls being responsive to control signals on the record, a manually actuated device for causing the projector to move the film for a distance of one frame, and means for shifting the control of the projector from the signal responsive controls to the manually actuated device.

6. Apparatus for projecting images from motion picture film, sound reproducing apparatus responsive to sound signals on a record separate from the motion picture film, mechanism for operating the record at a predetermined speed, a control device for stopping the record, controls for operating the projector to change from one film frame to the next, said controls including apparatus responsive to control signals on the record and manually actuated control mechanism, said manually actuated control mechanism being effective to change from one film frame to the next regardless of whether the sound record is in motion or is stopped and control means responsive to the motion of the film for restarting the record.

7. Apparatus for exhibiting displays in sequence with sound accompaniment, said apparatus including a display exhibiting device with mechanism for moving successive displays into posi-- tion for exhibition, sound reproducing apparatus responsive to sound signals on a record separate from the displays, mechanism for moving the record at a definite speed but at different periods separated by interruptions during which the sound record remains stationary, and synchronism control apparatus responsive to movement of the displays for preventing exhibition beyond a predetermined display of the sequence until the soundrecord is started for supplying the sound accompaniment for the next successive displays of the sequence.

8. Apparatus for exhibiting displays in se quence, sound reproducing apparatus responsive to sound signals on a record separate from the displays, control means for reversing the sound record and for obtaining repeated reproduction of selected portions of the sound record, automatic control means for making the sound reproducing apparatus inoperative during periods when the record is moving in a reverse direction and automatic controls for maintaining the sound record in timed relation with, the display sequence regardless of reversals oi the sound record.

9. Apparatus for exhibiting displays in sequence, mechanism for bringing successive displays into position for exhibition, sound reproducing apparatus responsive to sound signals on a record, control means responsive to signals on the record for effecting operation of said mechanism, apparatus for reversing the sound record and the mechanism that brings successive displays into position for exhibition, the control means for said mechanism being effective during either forward or reverse movement of the rec 0rd.

10. Apparatus for exhibiting displays with sound accompaniment, said apparatus comprising a motion picture projector, mechanism in the projector for intermittently moving a film to bring sucessive frames of the film into position for projection, a sound record separate from the film, mechanism for moving the record at a definite speed, sound reproducing apparatus responsive to sound signals on the record, control means responsive to control signals on the record for causing said mechanism to bring the next film frame into position for projection, a manual control for reversing the direction of operation of both the record moving mechanism and the mechanism that moves the film, said controls being effective to maintain the timed relation of the film and record during reverse as well as forward operation, and said manual control being efiective to restore the mechanisms to forward movement to repeat a portion of the sound record or display sequence alter the record and display sequence have been turned back for a predetermined distance.

ill. Apparatus for exhibiting displays in sequence, apparatus for reproducing sound from sound signals recorded on a record that is sepa= rate from the displays, mechanism for moving the record at a definite speed, automatic controls responsive to control signals on the record for effecting changes to the next successive displays and for stopping the mechanism that moves the record, but with said record in definite timed relation with the display sequence, operator actuated controls for effecting display changes, means for selectively placing the display changes under automatic and operator actuated controls at different portions of the display sequence, and other controls for reversing the display change sequence and the mechanism that moves the sound record for selected periods and for again restoring forward movement of the displays and record for repeating operations of the display sequence and sound record.

12. The combination of a moving picture projector with a sprocket for moving successive film frames into position for projection, a clutch that has a driven element connected with the film sprocket and that has a driving element connected with a constant speed and reversible motor, a spring urging the clutch elements away from one another, a solenoid irom bringing the clutch elements together, locking elements that keep the clutch engaged for an angle of movement just sumcient to move the next film frame into position for projection, a circuit for supply ing pulses of electric power to the solenoid, ap= paratus for reproducing sound from a record that is separate from the film, mechanism including a reversible electric motor for moving the record at a definite speed, automatic controls connected with the solenoid circuit and responsive to con trol signals on the record for supplying successive pulses of power to the solenoid, a mechanically operated switch that provides pulses of power to the solenoid for operating the film moving mechanism of the projector, a motor that provides the power for said mechanically operated switch, a device for adjusting the speed of said motor, a manually operated switch having a device for supplying a momentary pulse of power to the solenoid with each actuation of said manually operated switch, a control switch having a feeler that is actuated by notches in the edge of the film, said control switch being connected in the circuits with the mechanically operated switch and the manually operated switch for preventing operation of the clutch by those switches when the control switch feeler is in a notch in the film,

a master relay having a holding circuit for keeping the relay energized, control apparatus responsive to signals on the record and effective to provide an energizing pulse or current to the relay, switch contacts, opened by the relay when energized, for stopping the motor that moves the record, a second control switch in the holding circuit of the relay and having a feeler that is actuated by notches in the edge of the film to break the holding circuit and cause the relay to return to its unenergized position and restart the motor that moves the record.

13. Apparatus for exhibiting a number of displays in a sequence, other apparatus including a record for reproducing sound in definite timed relation with the exhibition of the displays, motor means for moving the record at the proper speed for the sound reproduction, controller means movable into diflerent positions for starting and stopping said motor means, a plurality of control signals on the sound record and at least some of which are at regions intermediate the ends of the sound tract but at the ends or different discourses of the sound sequence which are intended to correspond with the exhibition of diil'erent displays, apparatus responsive to the control signals on the sound record for shifting the controller means into position to stop the motor means at the end of a discourse and during exhibition of a predetermined display of the sequence, and other apparatus for moving the controller means back into position to start and operate the motor means and sound record at the end of an intended period of exhibition of the display.

14. A display device with mechanism for moving successive displays into position for exhibition, sound reproducing apparatus including a record on which there are a" plurality of control signals, at least some of which are at regions intermediate the ends of the sound track but at the ends of diflerent discourses of the sound sequence which are intended to correspond with the exhibition oi. diil'erent displays, mechanism for moving the record at the required speed for operating the sound reproducing apparatus, apparatus responsive to control signals on the record for stopping the mechanism that moves the record, other apparatus responsive to control signals on the record for controlling the operation of said mechanism for moving successive displays, and other apparatus responsive to movement of the displays for restarting the operation of the mechanism for moving the record.

FRED WALLER. WILLIS ROBERT DRESSER.

REFERENCES CITED I'he following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,335,651 Bullis Mar. 30, 1920 1,389,407 Williams Aug. 30, 1921 1,523,173 Clark Jan. 13, 1925 1,777,418 Rogers Oct. 7, 1930 1,826,786 Hopkins Oct. 13, 1931 1,859,665 Golden et al May 24, 1932 1,909,765 Jenkins et a1. May 16, 1933 1,924,110 Dessau Aug. 29, 1933 1,987,544 Wood et al 'Jan. 8, 1935 2,031,605 Jenkins et a1 Feb. 25, 1936 2,038,976 Wood et al Apr. 28, 1936 2,044,333 Schmidt June 16, 1936 2,116,314 Jenkins et al May 3, 1938 2,221,312 Jenkins et al. Nov. 12, 1940 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 354,170 Great Britain July 27, 1931