US2942246A - Synchronizing device - Google Patents

Description

June 21, 1960 J. J. LOMBARDI 2,942,246

SYNCHRONIZING DEVICE Filed Aug. 18, 1958 I VOLUME EXFANDING 'mmnslz mwozu L f 2 INVENTOR.

(JOSEPH J1 04164120/ W f Jaw/W95 United States Patent SYNCHRONIZING DEVICE Joseph J. Lombardi, 1'6724 Addison St., Encino, Calif.

Filed Aug. 18, 1958, Ser. No. 755,547

9 Claims. (cram-21s v This invention relates to devices for creating sound effects, and more particularly to a unique device which utilizes sound to simultaneously create effects associated with an activity that created the sound.

An act or a scene in a play or motion picture may involve the firing of a gun, and simultaneously showing the effect thereof. For example, part of the bark of a tree may be splintered, or a bottle may be broken.

When the script requires such effects to be shown simultaneously with the action of firing, the problem created is one of synchronizing the effects with the gunfire. This problem arises because the actor firing the gun must use blanks.

The effect to be established has heretofore been accomplished in various ways. One procedure involves the use of an expert marksman located offstage, whose-task is to fire a real bullet at the desired object, and to fire at the exact moment the actor fires the blanks.

This arrangement is impractical because the marksman often fails to fire insynchronism with the actor. "Where a film is being made, several re-takes are often necessary before the desired results are achieved. This procedure adds'consider'ably to the cost of making amotion picture, and may be so prohibitive as to call for a decision to forego making that particular scene.

Another procedure involves the use of small explosive device. for manifesting an eifect associated with sound, simultaneously with the occurrence of the sound.

A further object of this invention is to provide electromagnetic means'for igniting an explosive charge in response to sounds. having predetermined characteristics.

Yet another object of this invention to provide means responsive to a gun shot to simultaneously establish the effect of a bullet at a remote point.

It is still a further object of this invention to provide a device for synchronizing a multiplicity of eifects of I bullets striking various objects with the fining of respective blank cartridges. 1

charges, or squibs, placed in the scenery at the desired locations. One method for causing the squib to function at the correct monienthas' been to wire the actor so that a switch for igniting the squib is actuated by the actor when he fireshis blank cartridge. To efiect this, wires are led through the actors clothing to a control circuit located out of camera range. When the actor squeezes the trigger, thecircuit is closed to set off the squib. I

This last procedure is objectionable because it obviously hinders the actors movements. He must purposely limit not be revealed, and so he willnot sever the lines. Accordingly, his movements are unnatural, and appear to be so in the film.

Where ajplay is. being performed before an'audience,

. his movements so that the presence'of thelines will the hit, the same 'objections are present, of course. But,

since these scenes are shown separately, the sounds can be, dubbed in. process of inserting thedesired sound effects onto a sound track is time consuming andrtherefore, objectionably expensive.

It is an object of this invention to provide a device for accurately synchronizing a sound and effects created thereby, without resorting to the use of any human agency. i

It is another object of thisinvention to' provide a However, and as is well known, the

The above and other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawing of an illustrative embodiment thereof, in which:'

Figure l is aperspective view of a scene wherein an actor fires a gun at various points adjacent another actor, combined with a schematic diagram of squibs located at such points and ofistage synchronizing means to ignite a respective squib each time the gun is fired; and

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the synchronizing means, showing how the sounds" of gunfire actuate a relay to ignite the squibs. successively.

Referring to Figured, there is shown a scene wherein an actor 10 is standing in front of a hitching post 11, behind whicha tree 12 is located. A squib 14 is located within thetree 12 to the left of the actor 10, so as to cause a portion of the bark of the tree to be splintered when the squib is ignited. Similarly, a squib 15 is embedded in the front surface of the top rail 16 of the hitching post 11, also to the left of the actor 10;

A third squib 17 is embedded in the top of the rail 16 to theright of the actor 10, and a bottle 18 is set on the rail directly over the squib 17. The bottle willbe broken when this squib is ignited.

Still another squib. 19 is embedded in the ground adjacerit the actors left foot. When the squib 19 is ignited, dirt will be kicked up.

Each of the squibs 14, 15, 17 and 19 is designed to provide the effect of a bullet striking its location. Another actor 20 faces the actor 10 with a drawn gun 21 containing blank cartridges. Assuming the script calls forthe actor 2010 fire successively toward the bottle 18, the tree' 12, the upper rail 16 to the left of the actor 10, and the ground adjacent the actors foot, it is the purpose of this invention to ignite the squibs 17, 14, 15 and 19, in that order, simultaneously with respective'firings of the gun 21.

The squibs 14, 15, 17 and 19 are connected through wiring hidden in the set, as indicated at 22, 23, 24 and ZS/such wiring being led from theyset and connected,- as through plug connectors indicatedat 26, 27, 28, 29, to a squib control circuit 30. The control circuit is set into operation by the output of an amplifier 31, which develops control voltages inresponseto sounds of gunfire picked up by a microphone 32 coupled thereto. How this is accomplished will now be explained with reference to Figure 2'. I

Referring to Figure 2, thesquibs 17, 14, 15 and 19 are each connected to a respective terminal of a rotary switching device, such as a multiple-pole relay 33. As indicated schematically, the associated plug connectors 28, 26,27 and 29 are. arranged so the contact arm 34 will be connected successively to the squibs 17, 14, 15 and 19. As shown, the contact arm is normally at a stop position,

" indicated at 35.

The relay control coil 36 is energized, upon each firing, to advance the contact arm 34 and cause a respective squib to be ignited to thereby provide the desired effect. To this end, the amplifier 31 is adapted to provide .an output wherein loud sounds are emphasized; for this purpose,

the amplifier 31 may be one having volume expansion characteristics.

As is well known, volume expander circuits are often used, as in phonograph circuits, to provide an output wherein loud sounds are emphasized. In other words, large voltages which represent loud sounds are made even larger in the output, whereas voltages representing sounds of moderate intensity or loudness are not accentuated.

This invention provides a relay 42in the output of the amplifier 31. The control coil 43 of such relay is designed to be energized only in the presence of output voltages which correspond to very loud sounds, e.g., sounds created by the firing of blank cartridges. When the relay 42 is energized its movable arm 44 engages a contact 45 to complete the circuit for energizing the control'coil 36. The control coil 36 is energized through a battery 46 and a switch 47. For the purpose of this invention, the switch 47 is preferably a three-position switch, the movable arm or contact 48 of which can be placed in one of three positions F (Fire), Off or T (Test). The F and T contacts are directly connected as shown. One end of the control coil 36 is connected, as at 49 to the vcontacts P and T of the switch 47. The other end of the coil 36 is connected through a switch 50 .to the movablearm 44 of the relay 42, as through connections 51 and 52.

' The battery 46 is connected between the movable contacts 48 of the switch 47 and the'fixed .contact 45 ;of the relay 42. Thus, with the movable contact 48 .in the F 7 position, and the switch 50 closed, energization of the relay 42 permits the battery 46 to .energize the coil 36, whereby to cause themovable arm 34 to move from .the stop position 35 to the'first position in its travel, i.e., to be connected to the squib 17 Ignition of the squibsis effected by connection of the movable arm v34 to a hattery .55. This is accomplished in a preferred manner through the use of a single-pole, single throw switch "56 and a three-position .switch 57 which are connected between the battery 55 and 'the mova'ble arm 34. i

The switch 57 is the same type as the switch 47, and similarly has three positions,.'F, Off, and T. The movable contact 58 'of this switch is 'connectedzto one terminal of the battery 55. With the movable contact 58 in the F position, and theswitc'h56 closed, 'movementof the arm 34'for connection to the squib 17 places the squib in a'c'lose'd circuit with the battery to cause it .to ignite.

The energization of the relay 42 is momentary, since the shot which caused the'squib 17 to'be 'ignited is ashort term noise. Immediately thereafter, .the control coil 43 is 'de-energized to permit its arm '44 to be disengaged from the contact 45. The circuit 'isthen'in condition for an fecting ignition ofthe next squib 14. v

The .next shot will cause the relay coil 43 .to again be energized, sothat its armature 44 again engages'the contact 45. As above explained, this closes the Cil'citil. .in which the coil 36 and .the'battery46 are'located whereupon the relay armature moves 'thearm 34.to-'the next position whereby the squib 14'is connectedin circuitwith the battery 72 and fired. Successive'shots'will effect the same 'operationto cause the squibs 15 and 19 .to be ignited.

This invention also incorporates'visual indications of the squibs which have been fired. To this end, ;a second arm 60 is adapted to be. moved "by the 'coil' 36'to successively engage a plurality of contacts to which respective lamps or neon tubes 61,62, 63,64are connected. As shown, each of the'neontubes is connected to a resistor 65,'an'd a battery 66 isconnected'betweenthe resistor 65 and the arm 67 of a three-position switch '68. The switch 68 has three contacts, F, Offand T, the oonta'ctsfF and T being directly connected to the arm 60, as indicatedat 69.

'Initially, the arm 60 isin a. stop position'70. .Thus, ,the arms34 and 60 are movedinunison when the coil 36 is energized. With the arm '67. of theswitch 68etigagingits F contact, movement of the arm 34 to effect ignition of the squib 17 as above described is accompanied by movement of the arm 60 to connect the neon tube 61 in circuit with the battery 66. Accordingly, illumination of the neon tube 61 signifies to the operator that the squib 10 has fired. Successive shots to effect ignition of the squibs 14, 15 and 19 will be accompanied by illumination of thesuccessive neon tubes .62, 63 and 64 successively.

Preferably, the arm 60 carries an arcuate contact end, as indicated at 71, designed so that it will span the contacts associated with the neon tubes 61, .62, 6.3, 64. As the arm 60 moves to effect illumination of the neon tube 62, the contact end 71 also remains in engagement with the contact previously engaged. Thus, as each squib is fired, its associated visual indicator is illuminated, and remains illuminated. This arrangement keeps the operator informed of the squibs that have been fired; correlatively, the tubes which are not illuminated show how many squibs remain to be fired.

The relay 33 is of the type which is adapted to be reset. That is, if the arm 34 is in engagement with any contact, energization of a reset coil 72 will cause the arm 34 to be returned to engage the stop position 35. To effect such operation, the reset coil is connected between the connection 49 and the fixed contact 73 of a single-pole, single throw switch 74. The movable contact 75 of the switch "74 is connected, as at 76, to the negative terminal of the battery 46. When the switch 74'is closed, and the arm 48 of the switch 47 is in the F or T position, the reset coil 72 is in circuit with the battery 46 and energized thereby to return the arm to the'stop position 35. Coincidentally, of course, the arm 60is returned to the stopposition 70.

' The switches 50, 74 and 56 are ganged, as indicated at 77, so that the switches '50, 56 are closed, and the switch 74 is open, when the control coil 36 is to be energ'ized. When the reset coil is to be energized, the switches '50, '56, 74 are thrown so as to close the switch 74 and open the switches 50, 56. In this manner, there is no possibility that the control coil 36 and the reset coil 72 .wilLbe simultaneously engaged.

The'switches 47, 5'7 and 68 are also ganged, as indicated at 78. Thus, the movable contacts 48, 58 and 67 are all placed in the F, OiPor T positions simultaneously. .As above explained, the F positions are selected to condition the coil 36 to be energized, the squibs to beignited, and the neon tubes to'be illuminated.

The T positions are selected when it is desired to test the circuit. In such positions, the coil 36 is adapted to be energized for firing test shots, and the neon tubes will beillurninated as above described. However, the squibs will not'be ignited for the reason that the movable contact ,58 .ofthe switch 57 intheT position is connected tothearrnf34through a resistor 79 and ameter S0. The resistor '79 insures ,that current flow will ,beinsuflicient to v.cause..,the squibs .toQignite. Meanwhile, deflections on themeter 8 0 indicatethat each squib is in working order.

-Provision is also made to operate the stepping'circuit manually. To thisend, a normally open switch 81 is connected between the arm .44 and :fixed contact 45 ofthe relay-42. ,Rreferably, the,switch81 is of vthe push-button type. Z-When closed, theswitch 81, of course, efiects ig itionpfithe .squibsin the same ,manner as operation of the relay42. v

This invention thus provides a unique sound synchronizingdevice whichestablishes bullet effects simultaneonslywiththe firingof a gun. No wires are attached to the .actor, t-huspermitting him freedom of action. He can -.execute .a:fast draw, twirl his gun or undertake any fancy action. Elimination of wires to the actor results in a. tremendous saving of time,.and of course eliminates the problem of .wires appearing onfilm ,or in view of an audience.

in the event of a misfire, the bullet effect will ,not be producedby.tbis invention.' Thisis'in sharp contrast to prior art procedures, wherein the ignition of a squib is effected as the actor undertakes to fire. If the gun does not go off, it is of course necessary to do a re-take. However, unlike the prior art procedures, this invention does not require replacement of a squib and scenery.

It is also apparent that this invention is readily adapted to operate in response to rapid firing, as with a machine gun. 7

While I have illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of my invention, it will be apparent that many modifications can be made Without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, I do not intend that my invention shall be limited, except as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A synchronizing device for establishing respective effects with the occurrence of different sounds comprising: a voltage source; means to establish a predetermined effect associated with a respective sound upon being connected to the source; and means operable by the sounds to connect the establishing means individually to the source in the order in which the associated sounds occur.

2. A synchronizing device comprising: sound pick-up means; a voltage source; respective means to establish predetermined effects upon being connected to the source; a relay for selectively connecting said source and the establishing means; and means connected to said pick-up means to operate said relay upon the occurrence of each sound, and connect said respective means to the source in the order in which the associated sounds occur.

3. A device for creating different effects in synchronism with different loud sounds such as gunfire or the like, comprising: sound pick-up means; a voltage source; respective means to establish a predetermined effect upon being connected to the source; a relay for selectively connecting the establishing means individually to the source; and means connected to said pick-up means to operate said relay upon the occurrence of each sound.

4. A device for creating successive effects in synchronism with successive gunshots comprising: a voltage source; a plurality of explosive elements, each adapted to create a desired effect upon being connected to said voltage source; a relay device adapted to connect said elements to the voltage source in a predetermined order; and means responsive to each shot to actuate said relay device for connecting a respective element to the voltage source.

5. A device for creating successive effects in synchronism with successive gunshots comprising: a voltage source; a plurality of squib elements, each adapted to create a desired effect upon being connected to said voltage source; a relay device adapted to connect said elements to the voltage source; means responsive to each shot to actuate said relay device for connecting a respective element to the voltage source; and means providing a visual indication coincidentally with the connection of each element to the voltage source.

6. A device for creating successive effects in synchronism with successive gunshots comprising: a voltage source; a plurality of explosive elements, each adapted to create a desired effect upon being connected to said voltage source; a first relay device adapted to connect said elements to the voltage source; and means responsive to each shot to actuate said first relay device for con necting a respective element to the voltage source, said means including a second relay device to connect said first relay device in circuit with the voltage source.

7. A device for creating successive effects in synchronism with successive gunshots comprising: a voltage source; a plurality of explosive elements, each adapted to create a desired effect upon being connected to said voltage source; a first relay device adapted to connect said elements to the voltage source in a predetermined order; a second relay device to connect said first relay device in circuit with the voltage source; and sound pickup means responsive to each shot to actuate said second relay device to connect said first relay device in circuit with the voltage source.

8. A synchronizing device for creating successive effects in synchronism with successive gunshots comprising: a plurality of squib elements, each adapted to create a desired effect upon being ignited; a relay device having a respective contact connected to each squib; a microphone to pick up the gunshot sounds; amplifying means coupled to said microphone; a first voltage source to actuate said relay device; circuit-closing means operable by said amplifying means in the presence of each gunshot to effect operation of said relay device by said voltage source; and a second voltage source connected by said relay device to a respective squib when said device is energized.

. 9. A synchronizing device for creating successive effects in synchronism with successive gunshots comprising: a plurality of squib elements, each adapted to create a desired effect upon being ignited; a relay device having a respective contact connected to each squib and having a contact arm to engage said contacts successively as said device is operated; a first voltage source connected to said arm to effect ignition of a respective squib when said arm engages one of said contacts; a second voltage source for actuating said relay device; a microphone to pick up the sounds of gunfire; amplifying means to develop output voltages in response to the sounds of gunfire; and means operable by said voltages to effect operation of said relay device by said second voltage source.

Hayes et a1. Jan. 6, 1948 McCoy Apr. 29, 1958

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