US3737220A - Slot-load projector - Google Patents

Abstract

A slot-load projector forms the front loop between the feed sprocket and the gate by means of a mechanical device operated by a main control lever. The projector also provides forward, reverse and rewind operation with the filmstrip in place in the slot without any manual movement of the filmstrip, and the projector includes a complete electro-mechanical system for front and rear loop formation and operation in all modes.

Description

United States Patent [191 Hickey et a1.

[ SLOT-LOAD PROJECTOR [75] Inventors: Roy E. Hickey, Honeoye Falls, N.Y.; Robert N. McFadden, Fairport, N.Y.; Irwin Delin, deceased,

late of Fairfield, Conn.

[73] Assignee: Graflex,1nc., Pittsford, N.Y.

[22] Filed: May 24, 1 971 [21] App1.No.: 146,225

[52] US. Cl. ..352/159 [51] Int. CL", .;..G03b 1/56 [58] Field of Search ......352/l57, 158, 159

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Barocela ..352/38 i111 3,737,220 1 June 5, 1973 1,262,611 4/1918 Krug ..352/157 1,973,477 9/1934 Fritts ..352/157 3,426,950 2/1969 Maurer ...352/l58X 3,432,229 3/1969 Freudenschusz ..352/176 Primary ExaminerSamuel S. Matthews Assistant Examiner-Monroe H. Hayes A ttorney- George W. Shaw and Eugene S. Stephens 57] ABSTRACT A slot-load projector forms the front loop between the feed sprocket and the, gate by means of a mechanical device operated by a main control lever. The projector also provides forward, reverse and rewind operation with the filmstrip in place in the slot without any manual movement of the filmstrip, and the projector includes a complete electro-mechanical system for front and rear loop formation and operation in all modes.

' 62 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUH 5197s 3.737.220 SHEEI 90F 9 FIG. I2 I REVERSE omvs uorcn FORWARD DRIVE NOTCH INVENTIVE IMPROVEMENT Many suggestions have been made for avoiding manual threading of filmstrips into motion picture projectors. One class of such projectors uses endwise threading by driving the filmstrip through the projector; but this requires trimming off the end of the filmstrip before each threading, and it often results in malfunctions and tearing out of the film sprocket holes. Edgewise threading of the filmstrip into a slot open along the film path has also been suggested, but loop formation with such a slot-load projector has been complex and expensive and has resulted in many mechanical problems in proper movement of film and projector parts once the film is in its slot.

This invention improves on slot-load motion picture projectors for edgewise threading of a filmstrip into a slot. The invention provides simple and reliable film loop formation, easy loading, and operation in forward, reverse, and rewind without removing the film from its slot. Also the invention includes many control, safety, and convenience features related to improved slot loading in such a projector.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION;

The inventive improvement is made in a motion picture projector having a feed sprocket, a .takeup sprocket, a film gate, and a slot for ed'gewise loading of a filmstrip into the projector. The" improvement includes a control lever movable between a load position and an operating position, a gate that is open' along the slot when the control lever is in the load position, and a device for pressing the filmstrip against the feed sprocket, the pressing device being spaced from the feed sprocket along the slot when the control lever is in the load position. As the controllever movesfromthe load position toward the operating position, a device rotates the feed sprocket in the direction offilm advance, and during the initial portion of such movement of the control lever, a mechanism closes the gate and moves the film presser against the feed sprocket so that the feed sprocket advance thereafter produces a forward'loop between the feed sprocket and the gate. Many other film handling and convenience features are associated with such a control lever to provide forward, reverse and rewind of the film without removing the film from the slot.

DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a partially schematic, perspective-view of a preferred embodiment of the inventive projector;

FIG. 2 is a partially schematic,.elevational view of the projector of FIG. 1, showing load and operating paths for a filmstrip; t i f I FIGS. 3 and4 are elevational views of respective load and operating positions of the control lever of the projector of FIG. 1 and associated mechanisms for opening and closing the projector gate;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are elevational views of respective open and closed positions of the control lever of the projector of FIG. 1 and associated mechanisms opened and closed relative to feed and takeup sprockets in such projector;

FIG. 6a is a fragment of the view of FIG. 6 showing the reverse drive position of the control lever and associated mechanisms;

FIG. 7 is an end elevation of a preferred feed sprocket for the projector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred feed sprocket and associated driving means for the projector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the feed I sprocket and associated drive .of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are elevational views of a rewind lever for the projector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of an electric switch control mechanism for the projector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a partially schematic elevational view of clutch and brake arrangements for the supply and takeup reel drives for the projector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a partially schematic, partially sectioned, elevational view of a preferred embodiment of a supply reel reverse and rewind drive for the inventive projector; and

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional, fragmentary, view of FIG. 14 taken along the line 15 15 thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Slot-Load Projector Generally As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, projector 10 has an open slot 11 following a path with several curves running generally between supply reel 12 and takeup reel 13. Slot 11 has tapered surfaces arranged so filmstrip 15 can be grasped near its leading end, moved along slot 11 and pulled snug so that it slides edgewise into slot 11 into a loaded position. The internal mechanisms of projector 10 are spaced apart or open along slot 11 i to receive filmstrip 15 for such loading. A maincontrol lever 20 is movable between a load position and an operatingposition for moving devices within projector 10 for forming loops in filmstrip 15, and otherwise positioning filmstrip 15 in the proper place for forward operation, reverse operation, and rewinding, all within the region of slot 11 after filmstrip 15 has been loaded.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the loading or threading pathv of filmstrip 15 in broken lines, and the running or operating path of filmstrip 15 in solid lines. The loading path closely follows slot 11, and the running path deviates slightly from slot 11. Each of the paths for filmstrip 15 passes near sprocket 1'6, takeup sprocket 17, gate 18, and sound drum l9.

Details of the operating mechanisms in projector 10 are described below: FrontLoop Formation After filmstrip 15 has been loaded in" slot 11, movement of control lever 20 from its load position near the bottom of projector 10 to an operating position near the top of projector 10 forms aforward loop in filmstrip 15 between feed sprocket l6 and gate 18. This is accomplished generally by advancing feed sprocket 16 as control lever 20 moves, and closing gate 18 and pressing filmstrip 15 against feed sprocket 16; during the initial portion of the movement of thecontrol lever so that theadvancement of feed sprocket l6 moves-filmstrip 15 into a loop as filmstrip 15 is held in closed gate 18. The mechanisms for accomplishing this are best shown in FIGS. 3 9. Of these, FIGS. 5 and 6 are most inclusive; FIGS. 3 and 4 relate primarily to opening and closing gate 18 and moving film pressure rollers relative to feed sprocket 16; and FIGS. 7 9 relate primarily to rotation of feed sprocket 16.

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and '4, control lever 20 is pivoted on axis-21 and is coupled by a connecting rod 22 to an element 23 pivoted on axis 24. Element 23 then pivots through an arc directly as control lever 20 moves between the positions of FIGS. 3 and 4.

An actuator 25 is moved by element 23 for opening and closing gate 18. Actuator 25 slides horizontally on pins 26 and carries notched members 27 and 28 which move vertically a small amount relative to actuator 25. A pair of pins 29 and 30 on element 23 engage notches '31 and 32 in members 27 and 28. Cam surfaces 33 and 34 are arranged respectively on the ends of members 27 and 28 to engage pins 35 and 36 for lifting members 27 and 28.

As element 23 moves through its rotational arc in response to upward movement of control lever 20, pin 30 engages notch 31 in member 27 and moves member 27 and actuator 25 to the right from the position illustrated in FIG. 3 until cam surface 33 rides upward on pin 35 sufficiently to disengage notch 31 from pin 30. This occurs when actuator 25 has moved fully to the right to the position illustrated in FIG. 4, where gate 18 is closed. Thereafter, element 23 overtravels to the position illustrated in FIG. 4 as control lever 20 continues to move upward.

In downward motion of control lever 20, pin 29 of element 23 engages notch 32 of member 28 and moves actuator 25 leftward from the position of FIG. 4 to the position of FIG. 3. Cam surface 34 rides up on pin 36 to disengage notch 32 from pin 29 which thereafter overtravels to the position illustrated in FIG. 3.

The pin and notch connection between element 23 and actuator 25 thus moves actuator 25 quickly during the initial portion of a movement of control lever 20 and then allows considerable motion of control lever 20 after positioning actuator 25. This accounts for the rapid closing and opening of gate 18 to allow further motion of control lever 20 to rotate feed sprocket 16 for loop formation purposes.

The connection between actuator 25 and gate 18 is made through a pair of toggles 37 and 38. Toggle 37 is connected to actuator 25 through a slot 39 and a pin 40. The upper link of toggle 37 couples to toggle 38 which is connected to gate carriage 18. In the open gate position illustrated in FIG. 3, toggle 37 is over center and braced so that any force tending to close gate carriage 18 is blocked by toggle 37. In the closed gate position illustrated in FIG. 4, toggle 38 is over center to brace against any force tending to open gate 18. This ensures positive and rigid closed and open positions for gate 18 and associated equipment.

As best shown in FIGS. and 6, pressure rollers 43 are arranged for pressing filmstrip against feed sprocket 16. Rollers 43 are arranged on a plate 44 that is pivoted on axis 45 between the positions illustrated in Sand 6. In the open or load position illustrated in FIG. 5, rollers 43 are spaced above sprocket 16 so that the filmstrip can be moved edgewise between rollers 43 and sprocket 16. This position is used for loading and rewinding, and a stripper pin 119 lifts the filmstrip up off of sprocket 16 are plate 44 is pivoted upward to clear the filmstrip of the sprocket teeth for rewi'nding. In the lower position of rollers 43 as illustratedinFlG. 6, rollers 43 press the filmstrip around sprocket 16 for engagement with the sprocket teeth and advancement in either the forward or reverse direction in response to driving of sprocket 16. The positions of rollers 43 are also illustrated schematically in FIG. 2.

' counterclockwise to raise rollers 43 to the illustrated position. As gate carriage 18 moves to the left toward the closed position illustrated in FIG. 6, pin 46 moves back up into slot 47 to pivot plates 44 clockwise to bring rollers 43 close against feed sprocket 16. Gate carriage 18 includes lens system 14 and associated film pressure pads and guides (not shown).

The coupling of rollers 43 to gate carriage 18 ensures that rollers 43 are pressed against feed sprocket 17 early in the initial movement of control lever 20 from its load position and are correspondingly opened away from feed sprocket 16 early during the motion of control lever 20 from an operating position toward the load position.

Another event that occurs when control lever 20 is moved from its load to its operating position is that feed sprocket 16 is rotated in the direction of film advancement to form the forward loop. As best shown in FIGS. 7 9, feed sprocket 16 is supported on drive shaft 48. A spiral spring 50 has one end lodged in a slot in shaft 48, and the other end secured to pin 51 fixed on sprocket 16. A stop arm 52 rotates with shaft 48 and extends radially beyond pin 51. Spring 50 tends to turn sprocket 16 in the counterclockwise direction of its forward drive so as to urge an extension of anchoring pin 51 against stop arm 52. As shaft 48 rotates, pin 51 normally follows stop arm 52 so that sprocket 16 rotates with shaft 48 but any tugging or pulling on the-filmstrip can move sprocket l6 clockwise relative to arm 52 to flex spring 50. Spring 50 thus provides a resilient coupling of sprocket 16 to shaft 48 for resiliently absorbing any tugging or pulling on filmstrip 15.

Spring 50 is also a motor that can be wound up to power sprocket 16 in an advance that forms the forward loop. For such purpose, frictional engagement between the convolutions of spring 50 would be quite wasteful, and such friction normally occurs in conventional clock spring motors of this type. To prevent this, a biasing pin 53 is fixed to sprocket 16 in the illustrated position to bias the outer convolution of spring 50 outward. This separates the convolutions of spring 50 and prevents internal spring friction.

As best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the winding up of sprocket 16 is accomplished through a cable 55 wound on a drum 54 coaxial with sprocket 16 and rotatable on a sleeve surrounding shaft 48. A sleeve 58 extends axially outward from drum 54 to operate a wrap-spring clutch 56 on a hub 57 of sprocket 16, and a spring 59 biases drum 54 in a direction for winding up cable 55. Generally, as drum 54 is'rotate'd by the pull of cable 55, drum sleeve 58 engages wrap-spring clutch 56 for tightening the grip of clutch 56 on hub 57 to turn sprocket 16 with drum 54.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, cable 55 is led over pulleys 60 and 61 and through a tube 62 to an anchoring pin 63 that moves through an arc with a sector 64 that turns on axis 65 as control lever 20 is moved. In the position of FIG. 5, pin 63 and sector 64 have pulled cable 55 to turn drum 54 clockwise for winding up sprocket l6 clockwise as shown by the arrow in FIG. 9. In FIG. 6, pin 63 and sector 64 are shown rotated to the operating position of the projector to pay out cable 55 which is rewound on drum 54 under the bias of spring 59' to allow spring 50 of sprocket 16 to rotate sprocket 16 counterclockwise in a film advancing direction to form a forward loop between sprocket 16 and gate 18.

Referring again to FIGS. 7 9, wrap-spring clutch 56 provides the desired engagement and disengagement between drum 54 and sprocket 16 for such winding and unwinding in response to control lever 20. The-driven end 66 and the undriven end 67 of wrap-spring clutch 56 each extend radially outward a few rotational degrees apart, and driven end 66 is bent inward to extend across undriven end 67 as illustrated. A slot 68 insleeve 58 has an edge that engages driven end 66 when cable 55 is pulled in response to downward motion of lever 20 toward the load position. Pulling on cable 55 turns drum 54 clockwise as illustrated in FIG. 9 to force driven end 66 clockwise and tighten wrap-spring clutch 66 on hub 57 to turn sprocket 67 clockwise with drum 54. This tightens up the coils of spring 50 to store such clockwise winding energy. Too much force applied to driven end 66 could break wrap-spring clutch 56, except that driven end 66 extends across undrivenend67 so that after a pre-determined tightening of clutch 56, further movement of driven end 66 also moves, undriven end 67 for a corresponding loosening of clutch 56 to prevent over tightening and breakage.

As control lever 20 is moved upward toward an operating position, cable 55 is paid out to be rewound on drum 54 under the bias of drum spring 59. Thisallows drum 54 to turn counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 9, and allows sprocket 16. to turn correspondingly counterclockwise to form the forward film loop. At the end of such counterclockwise rotational motion pin 51 on sprocket 16 is returned to positive stop 52,, and undriven end 67 of wrap-spring clutch 56 comes to rest against fixed pin 69 (FIG. 8). This loosens clutch 56 to disengage sprocket 16 from drum 54. Sprocket 16 is gate 18 and pressure rollers 43. the rotation of sprocket 16 that occurs after gate 18 is closed andfilmstrip 15 is pressed against sprocket 16 by pressure rollers 43 ensures that sprocket 16 actually advances film to a loop ahead of the closed gate 18. Hence, raisingof control lever 20 to an operating position automatically forms a forward loop between sprocket 17 and gate 18. Rear Loop Formation Another requirement for projector Iis formation of a rear loop between gate 18 and takeup sprocket l7, or more particularly, between gate 18' and continuously turningsound drum 19. This is accomplished by roller 75 as shown schematically in FIG. 2, and the details of this operation are best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

A plate 72 pivotal on axis 65 carries a pin 73 that into filmstrip 15 so that when the projector is started, takeup sprocket 17 must take up the slack before it begins to draw film over sounddrum 19. Meanwhile, filmstrip 15 is intermittently driven through gate 18 to provide a rear loop between gate 18 and sound drum 19.

Another operation involved in rear loop formation is the positioning of pressure rollers 76 against takeup sprocket 17 to hold filmstrip 15 in engagement with sprocket 17. Rollers 76 are carried on a pivotal arm 77 turning on axis 78, and a leg 79 pivotally connected to plate 72 at axis 80 is coupled to a spring link 81 pivoted at axis 82 and joining leg 79 at a pivotal knee 83 for camming arm 77 to move rollers 76 against sprocket 17. The closed position for rollers 76 is shown in FIG. 6, and spring link 81 in the thigh position of the camming knee 83 resiliently biases rollers 76 against sprocket 17.

A plate 84 pivotal on axis 85 is also moved when control lever 20 is operated. Plate 84 carries a presser roller 86 for drawing filmstrip 15 down over sound drum 19. A damper roller 71 pivotally carried on plate 72 cooperates with presser roller-86 in drawing film down over sound drum 19, and damper roller 71 isarranged to absorb any pulls or tugs on the filmstrip. Pin 73 carried on plate 72 is effective in moving plate 84 between the load and rewind position illustrated in FIG. 5, and the forward drive position illustrated in FIG. 6. As control lever 20 moves upward to the forward drive position illustrated in FIG. 6, pin 73 moves into a slot 87 in plate 84 to pivot plate 84 clockwise to the: position shown in FIG. 6 for drawing presser roller 86 down over drum l9. Filmstrip pressure on roller 86 tends to lift roller 86 and rotate plate 84 and lever 20, but this is prevented by the shape of slot 87 which forms an interlock preventing any movement of these partsunless control lever 20 is moved.

The numeral seven shape of slot 74 is effective to lock plate 72 against any upward motion when control lever 20 is in the load position'shown in FIG. 5. Upward pulling on roller 75 when filmstrip 15 is loaded or rewound around roller 75 will not dislodge control lever 20 or any associated mechanisms from the load positions because of the locked relationship of 'pin 72 in slot 74. Hence, the slot couplings to pin 73 form positive interlocks for control lever 20 and plates 84 and 72 in both" load and operating positions.

Forward and Reverse Control lever 20 has both a forward and reverse operating position near the upper end of its travel, as shown in FIG. 1, but many of the mechanisms along the running path for filmstrip 15 do not move with changes of control lever 20 between its forward and reverse op erating positions. For example, arm 77 is shaped so that engagement with cam knee 83 is the same for both forward and reverse operating positions to'keep presser rollers 76 in engagement with sprocket 17. Roller 75 moves-slightly. but'is'inoperative in either forward or reverse drive. The connection between element 23 and actuator 25 is arranged so that gate carriage 18 does not move as control lever 20 is adjusted between forward'and reverse positions. This keeps gate 18 closed and sprocket 16 with its pressure rollers 43 ready for operation in either forward or reverse drive.

Once change that does occur between forward and reverse drive is best illustrated in FIGS. '6 and 6a. Movement of control lever 20 from forward to reverse is sufficient to move pin 73 out of 'slot 87 and move plate 84 from the forward drive position of FIG. 6 to the reverse drive position of FIG. 6a. This raises pres wise a small amount in'moving from forward to reverse drive so that damper roller 71 is elevated to help unwrap filmstrip 15 from sound drum 19. These operations allow reverse drive without operating the sound system.

A cam 88, shown in FIG. 12, is rotatable with plate 72 and controls the operation of a pair of electric switches 89 and 90 connected with the projectors electrical system in a generally known way. Cam 88 rotates on axis 65 as control lever 20 is moved, and cam 88 has a generally high surface 120 and a generally low surface 121 as illustrated. High surface 120 has a reverse drive notch 92 and a forward drive notch 91, and cam 88 is shown in FIG. 12 in reverse drive position.

Motor and lamp switch 89 allows the projector motor and lamp to be operated whenever the arm of switch 89 rests in forward drive notch 91 or reverse drive notch 92. Motor reversing switch 90 controls the direction of motor drive for reverse of the projector motor whenever the arm of switch 90 is on the high radius portion 120 of cam 88, and for forward drive whenever the arm of switch 90 is on the low radius portion 121 of cam 88. If cam 88 is turned a small amount clockwise from the position shown, the arm of switch 89 will rest in forward drive notch 91, and the arm of switch 90 will rest on the low radius surface 121 for forward drive. Another switch 108, shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 and described below, enables projector drive for rewind, and switch buttons 115 and 116 as shown in FIG. 1, respectively control of and run conditions for projector 10. I I

FIG. 13 schematically shows a supply and takeup reel drive arrangement for reels l2 and 13 of projector 10. The rear, or takeup reel drive, includes a pulley 93 carrying a spring belt 94 and having a coaxial brake drum 95 wound with a wrap-spring 96. A tension spring 97 pulls the free end 98 of wrap-spring 96 toward a tightening engagement on drum 95. In forward operation, drum 95 turns clockwise toward the loosening direction of wrap-spring 96 to slip freely in wrap-spring 96. On reverse or rewind drive, drum 95 turns counterclockwise in the tightening direction of wrap-spring 96 so that unless wrap-spring 96 is held open, it acts as a brake resisting reverse motion of the takeup reel drive.

A solenoid 99 is energized on reverse or rewind drive of projector to pull on cable 100 against spring 97 to hold free end 98 of wrap-spring 96 open so that drum 95 can turn for reverse or rewind motion of the takeup reel drive. If such rewind or reverse drive is deenergized, solenoid 99 is also de-energized to release its pull on cable 100 and allow wrap-spring 96 to grip drum 95 and stop reverse rotation of the takeup reel. This serves as an automatic brake on the takeup reel to prevent spilling of film when reverse or rewinding motion is stopped.

A front or supply reel drive includes a pulley 101 carrying a spring belt 102. A clutch 103 is engaged by a pull exerted by solenoid 99 on lever 104 which turns on pivot 122 to press against engagement pin 123 of clutch 103 during reverse operation of projector 10 to engage clutch 103 so gear 134 drives pulley 101 to wind up filmstrip in such reverse drive. If reverse drive is deenergized, solenoid 99 is also de-energized to release lever 104 and disengage clutch 103 so that reel 12 is free. The braking force of wrap-spring 96 on the takeup reel drive is effective in stopping both the supply and takeupreels. Also, as explained more fully below in reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the reverse drive of reel 12 is preferably accomplished through a slip clutch that prevents damage to the filmstrip. Rewind Projector 10 is arranged for rewinding filmstrip 15 rapidly in place in slot 11 without any manual intervention removal of filmstrip 15 from slot 11. Rewind occurs with control lever 20 in the lower load and rewind position. All the moving parts along the filmstrip path are hence in the broken line positions of FIG. 2 as previously described for loading filmstrip 15. Filmstrip 15 is thus held clear of sprockets 16 and 17, passes over idler roller 75, and over fixed roller 105. Stripper pin 119 raises up with pressure rollers 43 to ensure that filmstrip 15 is free of sprocket 16, and pressure rollers 43, 76, 86, and 71 are all clear of the film path; gate 18 is open; and filmstrip 15 passes over rollers 117, 75, 118 and 105. This lets filmstrip 15 run freely and rapidly from takeup reel 13 to supply reel 12 for rewind- A rewind lever 106 completes the setting of projector 10 for rewind drive. Rewind lever 106 pivots about axis 107 coaxially with sprocket 16 and operates a switch 108 (FIGS. 11 and 13) in parallel with motor switch 89 (FIG. 12) to enable operation of the projector motor. Rewind lever 106 also operates a direct drive 109 for supply reel drive pulley 101 as schematically shown in FIG. 13. Direct drive 109 is explained more fully below in reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. Another function of rewind lever 106-is to disconnect drum 54 from feed sprocket 16 to allow free turning of shaft 48. This is also described below.

When control lever 20 is lowered to the load-rewind position, as previously described, wrap-spring clutch 56 is tightened on the hub of sprocket 16 by drum 54 to wind up the spring 50 of sprocket 16 and cock sprocket 16 so it is ready for advancing filmstrip 15 into a forward loop. This leaves drum 54 connected to sprocket 16 through wrap-spring clutch 56, and rewinding could not occur under such circumstance. One solution would be to disengage the drive for shaft 48 supporting sprocket 16 during rewind, but this is not convenient, so it is important to loosen wrap-spring 56 so that sprocket 16 can turn freely in reverse. This does not affect filmstrip 15 which is held out of contact with sprocket 16, but opening clutch 56 is the simplest way of allowing rewind drive without damaging parts or requiring shaft 48 to be disengaged from the projector drive.

Disengagement of clutch 56 is accomplished by rewind lever 106 which carries pulley over which 9 cable 55 is passed. Movement of rewind lever 106 to described to wind up cable 55 and bring spring 56 to the position where its free end 67 engages pin 69 loosening the grip of clutch 56 on the hub 57 of sprocket 16. This lets sprocket 16 turn freely in the rewind direction without'turning drum 54.

The effect on sprocket 16 and drum 54 of moving rewind lever 106 to lower pulley 60 is thus the same as raising control lever 20 to an operating position. Drum 54 is disengaged from sprocket 16, and clutch 56 is held open so that sprocket 16 can turn freely within clutch 56 as rewinding proceeds. After rewinding, l'ever 106 is moved to the position shown in FIGS. 6 and 11, and such motion raises pulley 60 to tension cable 55 and turn drum 54 against clutch 56 for engaging sprocket 16 and winding up sprocket spring 50 to restore sprocket 16 to a wou'ndup position ready for forming a front loop in filmstrip as previously described.

An interlock prevents movement of rewind lever 106 to rewind position unless main control lever is also in the rewind position, and a similar interlock also prevents movement of control lever 20 out of the load and rewind position unless rewind lever 106 is first moved out of rewind position. These interlocks prevent any mishap in attempting to rewind with the control lever 20 in a drive position or in attempting to drive until rewind lever 20 is moved out of rewind position.

The interlocks are best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and are formed by a surface 124 of plate 44 and a 'pin125 supporting movable pulley 60'. with controllever 20 in a forward or reverse drive position, surface 124 is positioned as shown in FIG. 6 to block any downward movement of pin 125 carrying pulley 160'. This prevents any rearward movement of rewindlever 106 toward rewind position. With rewindlever 106 in rewind position as shown in FIG. 5, pin 125 is lowered along surface 124 to a position blocking any pivotal motion of surface 124. This prevents movement of control lever 20 which is linked to surface 124 through gate carriage l8.

Rewind lever 106 is held out of rewind position by a latch lever 110 engaging a pin 111 carried on rewind lever 106. A handle 112 is pivotally mounted on lever 106 and biased by spring 113 to the position illustrated in FIG. 11. As handle 112 is pushed to move lever 106 to the rewind position, handle 112 pivots as illustrated in FIG. 10 to depress and release latch lever 110 so that rewind lever 106 snaps into rewind position under the pull of cable 55. Pulling on handle 112 to move rewind lever-106 out of rewind position to the'position shown in FIG. 11 moves handle 112 to allow latch lever 110 to snap up and engage in pin 111 to latch rewind'lever securely out of rewind position. Secure latching of rewind lever 106 is important to hold movable pulley 60 in place to tension cable 55.

A preferred reverse and rewind drive arrangement is 1 best shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Shaft 48 (mentioned above as supporting feed sprocket 16) carries a gear 126 thatis keyed to shaft 48 and driven by a motor 130 is held between a pair of projections 133 on gear a 126. Gear 134 meshes with gear 128 and drives pulley 101 through clutch 103. Pulley 101 carries a spring belt 102 for driving forward or supply reel 12. Clutch 103 is engaged by lever 104 pressing against operating pin 123 as previously described in'reference to FiG. 13

whenever solenoid 99 is energized for a reverse or rewind drive. During forward drive, clutch 103 is disengaged so that pulley 101 turns freely with supply reel of wrap s'p 'r'ing clutch because projections 133 gripping the free end 132 of clutch 130 move as shown the arrow in FIG. 15 toward loosening clutch 130 so that it slips on hub 131. The friction of clutch 130 on hub 131 is preferably sufficient so that gear 128 turns with slipping friction clockwise as shown in FIG. 15 for driving pulley 101 and belt 102 in a slipping drive to reel 12 as the projector is reversed.

For rewind, a positivedrive is desired and this is accomplished through setting of rewind lever 106. As shown in FIG. 14, movement of rewind lever 106in the direction of the arrow pivots a lever 135 to press a paddl 136 against apin l37 loosely moumed in the end of shaft 48. A post 138 on gear 128 carries a spring 139 that is curved to pass through a hole in pin 137 and has its free end inserted through a hole in another pin 140 passing loosely through gear 128. As pm 137 is pressed axially of shaft 48 by paddle 136, spring 139 is moved to press pin 140 in the direction of the arrow toward gear 126.'This places pin 140 inthe way of projection 141 extending outward in a fixed position from gear 126; Gear-.126 then rotates relative to gear 128 until projection 141 engages pin 140, and thereafter gear 128 is positively driven by gear 126 through the engageme'nt of projection 141 and pin 140. This provides a positive; non-slip drive through gear 134 and pulley 101 for rapidly driving reel 12 for rewinding the'film. Operation To project a motion picture with projector 10, control lever 20 is moved to theload position, and the leading end of a filrnstrip from supply reel 12 is moved manually around slot 1 1 so that the filmstrip slides edgewise into the slot. The filmstrip is secured to takeup reel 13, and control lever 20 is moved to the forward position for projection. Such movement of lever 20 quickly closes gate 18 and brings pressure rollers 43 against sprocket 16 so that rotation of sprocket 16 during the remainder of the movement of lever 20 advances filmstrip 15 to form the forward loop ahead of gate 18. Such control lever motion also: brings'pressure roller 86 downward to wrap filmstrip 15 around sound drum 19; moves rollers 76 to press filmstrip 15 against takeup sprocket l7; and moves roller 75 to slacken filmstrip 15; A pre-condition to these operations is that rewind lever 106 was latched in its normal position. The control switches in the projector are properly set by positioning control lever 20 so that when run switch 115 is pressed, projector 10 begins to operate with sprockets 16 and 17 continuously advancing film. While sprocket 17 takes up the slack behind sound drum 19, no film is pulled over sound drum 19 so that f ilm advancing through gate 18 forms a loop ahead of sound drum 19.

If reverse projection is desired, control lever 20 is moved downward to the reverse position. This reverses the projectormotor and the drives for reels l2 and 13 so that reel 12 is driven for takeup as film reverses through gate 18. Most of the rollers and other mechanisms along the running path for filmstrip 15 remain in place except that rollers 71 and 86 raise up to unwrap the film from sound drum 19. When reverse projection stops, the front or supply reel drive is disengaged, and the rear or takeup reel drive is braked to prevent film spillage.

When projection is completed, the film is rewound by moving control lever to the load and rewind position and moving rewind lever 106 to its rewind position. This opens gate 18 and restores the filmstrip to its load path clear of sprocket l6 and 17 and sound drum 19 so that the filmcan run freely over idler rollers. Any stopping during rewind applies a brake to reel 13. When rewinding is completed, the projector is shut-off by pressing button 116.

Persons wishing to practice the invention should remember that other embodiments and variations can be adapted to particular circumstances. Even though one point of view is necessarily chosen in describing and defining the invention, this should not inhibit broader or related embodiments going beyond the semantic orientation of this application but falling within the spirit of the invention. For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate the many equivalent'mechanisms that can be used and the many adaptations that can be made to fit the invention to various projectors and circumstances.

I claim:

I. In a motion picture projector having a feed sprocket; a film gate supported on a movable carriage; a slot for edgewise loading of a filmstrip into said projector; a control lever movable between a load position and an operating position; said gate being open in the region of said slot when said control lever is in said load position; means for wrapping said filmstrip around said feed sprocket; said film wrapping means being spaced from said feed sprocket in the region of said slot when said control lever is in said load position; and means operable in response to said movement of said control lever from said load position toward said operating position for rotating said feed sprocket in the direction of film advance, the improvement comprising:

a. means operable during an initial portion of said movement of said control lever from said load position toward said operating position for fully moving said gate carriage for fully closing said gate;

b. means for connecting said film wrapping means with said gate carriage for moving said film wrapping means with said gate carriage so said film wrapping means moves fully into engagement with said feed sprocket for fully wrapping said filmstrip around said feed sprocket as said gate closes during said initial portion of said control lever movement; and

. said feed sprocket rotating means including a cable positioned by said control lever and means engaging said sprocket and moved by said cable for establishing a driving relation with said said feed sprocket for substantially rotating said feed sprocket as said control lever moves subsequent to said initial portion of said control lever movement and after said full closure of said gate and said full wrapping of said filmstrip to produce a forward loop between said fully wrapped feed sprocket and said fully closed gate.

2. The projector of claim 1 wherein said driving relation with said feed sprocket includes a spring that unwinds as said control lever moves said cable in moving from said load position to said operating position, said spring being arranged for rotating said feed sprocket assaid spring unwinds. l

3. The projector of claim 2 including means movable with said control lever and connected to said spring for winding up said spring in response to movement of said cable as said control lever moves from said operating position to said'load position.

4. The projector of claim 2 including a drive shaft supporting said feed sprocket and wherein said spring is a spiral spring having one end connected to said feed sprocket and the other end connected .to said drive shaft 5. The projector of claim 4 including means for winding up said spring in response to movement of said cable as said control lever moves from said operating position to said load position.

6. The projector of claim 5 wherein said spring winding means includes a drum for said cable coaxial with said feed sprocket.

7. The projector of claim 6 including a wrap-spring clutch on the hub of said feed sprocket, and means on said cable drum for engaging said wrap-spring clutch to connect said cable drum and said feed sprocket for winding up said spring.

8. The projector of claim 7 wherein both the driven and undriven ends of said wrap-spring clutch extend freely outward from said hub and are spaced a few rotational degrees from each other, and wherein said driven end extends across said undriven end so that after a pre-determined tightening motion, said driven end contacts said undriven end to prevent further tightening of said wrap-spring clutch.

9. The projector of claim 8 wherein said cable drum has a slotted sleeve straddling said driven end of said wrap-spring clutch.

10. The projector of claim 9 including a drum spring rotationally biasing said cable drum for winding up of said cable as said cable is paid out by said movement of said control lever from said load position to said operating position.

11. The projector of claim 10 including a fixed surface for engaging said undriven end of said wrap-spring clutch at the end of said film advancing motion of said feed sprocket to hold said wrap-spring clutch open to disengage said drum from said feed sprocket so said shaft can drive said feed sprocket.

12. The projector of claim 11 wherein a bias surface is arranged on said feed sprocket to bias the outer convolution of said spring outward to separate the convolutions of said spring from each other.

13. The projector of claim 4 wherein a bias surface is arranged on said feed sprocket to bias the outer convolution of said spring outward to separate the convo-v lutions of said spring from each other.

14. The projector of claim 3 including a clutch between said spring winding means and said feed sprocket for selectively connecting said spring winding means and said feed, sprocket.

15;;The projector of claim 14 wherein said clutch is a wrap-spring clutch. I

16. The projector of claim 15 wherein both the driven and undriven ends of said wrap-spring clutch extend freely outward a few rotational degrees from each other, and said driven end extends across said undriven end so that after a predetermined tightening motion, said driven end contacts said undriven end to prevent further tightening of said wrap-spring clutch.

17. The projector of claim 15 including means for tightening said wrap-spring clutch as said feed sprocket spring is wound up, and means for loosening said wrapspring clutch after said advancing motion of said feed sprocket.

18. The projector of claim 17 wherein said tightening means includes a spring-biased drum, and said cable is wound on said drum;

19. The projector of claim 18 wherein said loosening means includes a fixed surface for engaging said undriven end of said wrap-spring clutch at the end of said film advancing motion of said feed sprocket to hold said wrap-spring clutch open to disengage said drurn from said sprocket. j

20. The projector of claim 1 wherein said f lm wrapping means is pivotally reciprocal, and said means for connecting said film wrapping means with said gate carriage comprises a pin and a slot."

21. The projector of claim 1 wherein an actuator moves said gate carriage between open and closed positions. r t I I 22. The projector of claim 21 wherein toggles are arranged to connect said actuator said gate carriage so that said toggles lock said gate carriage against movement from either said open or said closed positions. l

23. The projector of claim 21 wherein an element moves directly with said control lever, and a pin and notch connectionbetween said element and said actuator moves said actuator to close said gate carriage'fully in said initial portion of said control lever movement from said load position toward said operating position; and then said pin and notch connection allowssaid ele ment to over-travel during said subsequent movement of said control lever toward said operating position.

24. The projector of claim 23 wherein'said pin and notch connection between said element and said actuator' moves said actuator to open said gate carriage in the initial portion of movement of said control lever from said operating position toward said load'position, and then said pinand notch connection allows said element to over-travel during said subsequent movement of said control lever toward said load position.

25. The projector of claim 23 wherein said pin and notch connection includes a closingnotched member on said actuator biased to engage said element for moving said actuator to close said gate carriage, and a cam arranged for disconnecting said closing notched member from said element when said gate carriage is closed, to allow said over-travel of said element.

26. The projector of claim 25 wherein said pin and notch connection includes an opening notched mem ber on said actuator biased to engage said element for moving said actuator to open said gate carriage, and a cam arranged for disconnecting said opening member from said element when said gate carriage is opened w allow said over-travel of said element. H

27. The projector of claim 24 wherein toggles are arranged to"connectsaidactuator and said gate carriage so that said actuator locks said gate carriage against movement from either, said open or said closed positions.

28. The projector of claim 27 wherein said film wrapping means is pivotally reciprocal, and said means for connecting said film wrapping means with said gate carriage comprises a pin and a slot.

29. The projector of claim 1 including a takeup sprocket, a roller positioned in the region of said slot when said control lever is in said load position, said roller engaging said loaded filmstrip in a load path displaced from the operating path of said filmstrip, and means for moving said roller from said load path to said operating path of said filmstrip in response to said movement of said control lever from said load position to said operating position to shorten the effective filmstrip distance to said takeup sprocket and to produce slack in said filmstrip between said gate and said takeup sprocket for causing a film loop to be formed between said gate and said takeup sprocket during operation of said projector.

30. The projector of claim 29 including a pin and slot connection between said control lever and said roller moving means, and said pin and slot connection being configured to lock said roller in said region of said slot when said control lever is in said load position and said lock of said pin and slot connection being oriented to preveni pressure of said filmstrip on said roller from I moving said control lever from said load position.

31. The projector of claim 29 including a takeup presser for pressing said filmstrip against said takeup sprocket, said takeup presser being spaced from said takeup sprocket in the region of said slot when said control lever is in said load position, and means operable during said movement of said control lever from said load position toward saidoperating position for moving said takeup presser against said takeup sprocket.

32 The projector of claim 31 wherein said means for movin g' said takeup presser comprises a knee operated by said control lever for camming said takeup presser against said takeup sprocket.

The projector 6? claim 32 whereiria portion of said knee braced against said takeup presser is formed as a spring link. I

connection between said control lever and said roller moving means; and said pin and slot connection being configured to lock said roller in said region of said slot when said control lever is in said load position and said lock of said pin and slot connection being oriented to prevent pressure of said filmstrip on said roller from moving said control lever from said load position.

35. The projector of claim 31 including means for rewinding said filmstrin in said load path without removing said filmstrip from said slot, and means movable with said control lever for enabling said rewinding means to operate when said control lever is in said load position.

36. The projector of claim 35 including a pin and slot connection between said control lever and said roller moving means, and said pin and slot connection being configured to lock said roller in said region of said slot when said control lever is in said lock position and said lock of said pin and slot connection being oriented to prevent pressureof said filmstrip on said roller from moving said control lever from saidload position.

37. The projector of claim 1 wherein said control lever has forward and reverse operating positions for forward 'and reverse drive of said projector.

38. The projector of claim 37 including a takeup reel, a drive for said takeup reel, and a brake arranged for stopping said takeup reel upon de-energization of said reverse drive of said projector.

39. The projector of claim 38 wherein said brake comprises a wrap-spring clutch oriented to stop reverse motion of said takeup reel drive.

The projector of claim 31 including a pin and slot 40. The projector of claim 39 including a solenoid energized during said reverse drive for holding said clutch open until said de-energization of said reverse drive.

41. The projector of claim 37 including'a supply reel, a drive for said supply reel, and a clutch for engaging said supply reel drive during said reverse drive of said projector.

42. The projector of claim 41 including a solenoid energized during said reverse drive for engaging said supply reel clutch.

43. The projector of claim 37 including cam means movable with said control lever, and switch means operated by said cam means for controlling said driving of said projector in forward and reverse.

44. The projector of claim 40 including a supply reel, a drive for said supply reel, a clutch for engaging said supply reel drive during said reverse drive of said projector, and wherein said solenoid engages said clutch during said reverse drive.

45. The projector of claim 44 including cam means movable with said control lever, and switch means operated by said cam means for controlling said driving of said projector in forward and reverse.

46. The projector of claim 37 including means operable when said control lever is in said load position for rewinding said filmstrip without removing said filmstrip from said slot.

47. The projector of claim 1 including means for rewinding said filmstrip without removing said filmstrip from said slot.

48. The projector of claim 47 including a takeup reel, a drive for said takeup reel, and a brake arranged for stopping said takeup reel drive upon de-energization of the drive for said rewind.

49. The projector of claim 48 wherein said brake comprises a wrap-spring clutch oriented to stop rewind motion of said take-up reel drive.

50. The projector of claim 49 wherein a solenoid energized during said rewind drive holds said clutch open until said deenergization of said rewind drive.

51. The projector of claim 50 including a supply reel, a drive for said supply reel, and means for engaging said supply reel drive during said rewind drive of said projector.

52. The projector of claim 47 including a supply reel,

a drive for said supply reel, and means for engaging said ated by said cam means for controlling said rewinding.

54. The projector of claim 47 wherein said control lever is in said load position for said rewinding.

55. The projector of claim 47 including a rewind lever, and a switch controlled by said rewind lever for energizing a drive for said rewinding.

56. The projector of claim 55 including cam means operated by said control lever and switch means operated by said cam means for controlling said rewind drive.

57. The projector of claim 55'wherein said rewind lever includes a latch holding said rewind lever out of rewind position, and a movable handle arranged on said rewind lever for releasing said latch during the initial movement of said handle toward said rewind position.

58. The projector of claim 55 including a supply reel, a drive for said supply reel, and means operated by said rewind lever for driving said supply reel drive positively for said rewind.

59. The projector of claim 47 including a rewind lever controlling said rewind and wherein said feed sprocket rotating means includes a spring, a drum for winding up said spring and said cable is moved by said control lever for rotating said drum; a pulley is moved by said rewind lever; said cable is reeved over said pulley; and said pulley is arranged so movement of said rewind lever to rewind position moves said pulley to pay out said cable in an amount equivalent to the pay out of said cable upon said movement of said control lever from said load position to said operating position.

60. The projector of claim 52 including means for reverse drive of said projector, said supply 'reel drive being engaged for said reverse drive.

61. The projector of claim including a wrap-spring clutch arranged to allow slippage of said supply reel during said reverse drive.

62. The projector of claim 61 wherein said supply reel drive includes a disengageable positive drive and including means for engaging said positive drive to over-ride said wrapspring clutch for said rewinding.

Claims (62)

1. In a motion picture projector having a feed sprocket; a film gate supported on a movable carriage; a slot for edgewise loading of a filmstrip into said projector; a control lever movable between a load position and an operating position; said gate being open in the region of said slot when said control lever is in said load position; means for wrapping said filmstrip around said feed sprocket; said film wrapping means being spaced from said feed sprocket in the region of said slot when said control lever is in said load position; and means operable in response to said movement of said control lever from said load position toward said operating position for rotating said feed sprocket in the direction of film advance, the improvement comprising: a. means operable during an initial portion of said movement of said control lever from said load position toward said operating position for fully moving said gate carriage for fully closing said gate; b. means for connecting said film wrapping means with said gate carriage for moving said film wrapping means with said gate carriage so said film wrapping means moves fully into engagement with said feed sprocket for fully wrapping said filmstrip around said feed sprocket as said gate closes during said initial portion of said control lever movement; and c. said feed sprocket rotating means including a cable positioned by said control lever and means engaging said sprocket and moved by said cable for establishing a driving relation with said said feed sprocket for substantially rotating said feed sprocket as said control lever moves subsequent to said initial portion of said control lever movement and after said full closure of said gate and said full wrapping of said filmstrip to produce a forward loop between said fully wrapped feed sprocket and said fully closed gate.

2. The projector of claim 1 wherein said driving relation with said feed sprocket includes a spring that unwinds as said control lever moves said cable in moving from said load position to said operating position, said spring being arranged for rotating said feed sprocket as said spring unwinds.

3. The projector of claim 2 including means movable with said control lever and connected to said spring for winding up said spring in response to movement of said cable as said control lever moves from said operating position to said load position.

4. The projector of claim 2 including a drive shaft supporting said feed sprocket and wherein said spring is a spiral spring having one end connected to said feed sprocket and the other end connected to said drive shaft.

5. The projector of claim 4 including means for winding up said spring in response to movement of said cable as said control lever moves from said operating position to said load position.

6. The projector of claim 5 wherein said spring winding means includes a drum for said cable coaxial with said feed sprocket.

7. The projector of claim 6 including a wrap-spring clutch on the hub of said feed sprocket, and means on said cable drum for engaging said wrap-spring clutch to connect said cable drum and said feed sprocket for winding up said spring.

8. The projector of claim 7 wherein both the driven and undriveN ends of said wrap-spring clutch extend freely outward from said hub and are spaced a few rotational degrees from each other, and wherein said driven end extends across said undriven end so that after a pre-determined tightening motion, said driven end contacts said undriven end to prevent further tightening of said wrap-spring clutch.

9. The projector of claim 8 wherein said cable drum has a slotted sleeve straddling said driven end of said wrap-spring clutch.

10. The projector of claim 9 including a drum spring rotationally biasing said cable drum for winding up of said cable as said cable is paid out by said movement of said control lever from said load position to said operating position.

11. The projector of claim 10 including a fixed surface for engaging said undriven end of said wrap-spring clutch at the end of said film advancing motion of said feed sprocket to hold said wrap-spring clutch open to disengage said drum from said feed sprocket so said shaft can drive said feed sprocket.

12. The projector of claim 11 wherein a bias surface is arranged on said feed sprocket to bias the outer convolution of said spring outward to separate the convolutions of said spring from each other.

13. The projector of claim 4 wherein a bias surface is arranged on said feed sprocket to bias the outer convolution of said spring outward to separate the convolutions of said spring from each other.

14. The projector of claim 3 including a clutch between said spring winding means and said feed sprocket for selectively connecting said spring winding means and said feed sprocket.

15. The projector of claim 14 wherein said clutch is a wrap-spring clutch.

16. The projector of claim 15 wherein both the driven and undriven ends of said wrap-spring clutch extend freely outward a few rotational degrees from each other, and said driven end extends across said undriven end so that after a predetermined tightening motion, said driven end contacts said undriven end to prevent further tightening of said wrap-spring clutch.

17. The projector of claim 15 including means for tightening said wrap-spring clutch as said feed sprocket spring is wound up, and means for loosening said wrap-spring clutch after said advancing motion of said feed sprocket.

18. The projector of claim 17 wherein said tightening means includes a spring-biased drum, and said cable is wound on said drum.

19. The projector of claim 18 wherein said loosening means includes a fixed surface for engaging said undriven end of said wrap-spring clutch at the end of said film advancing motion of said feed sprocket to hold said wrap-spring clutch open to disengage said drum from said sprocket.

20. The projector of claim 1 wherein said film wrapping means is pivotally reciprocal, and said means for connecting said film wrapping means with said gate carriage comprises a pin and a slot.

21. The projector of claim 1 wherein an actuator moves said gate carriage between open and closed positions.

22. The projector of claim 21 wherein toggles are arranged to connect said actuator and said gate carriage so that said toggles lock said gate carriage against movement from either said open or said closed positions.

23. The projector of claim 21 wherein an element moves directly with said control lever, and a pin and notch connection between said element and said actuator moves said actuator to close said gate carriage fully in said initial portion of said control lever movement from said load position toward said operating position, and then said pin and notch connection allows said element to over-travel during said subsequent movement of said control lever toward said operating position.

24. The projector of claim 23 wherein said pin and notch connection between said element and said actuator moves said actuator to open said gate carriage in the initial portion of movement of said control lever from said operating position toward said load position, and then said pin and notch connection allows said Element to over-travel during said subsequent movement of said control lever toward said load position.

25. The projector of claim 23 wherein said pin and notch connection includes a closing notched member on said actuator biased to engage said element for moving said actuator to close said gate carriage, and a cam arranged for disconnecting said closing notched member from said element when said gate carriage is closed, to allow said over-travel of said element.

26. The projector of claim 25 wherein said pin and notch connection includes an opening notched member on said actuator biased to engage said element for moving said actuator to open said gate carriage, and a cam arranged for disconnecting said opening member from said element when said gate carriage is opened, to allow said over-travel of said element.

27. The projector of claim 24 wherein toggles are arranged to connect said actuator and said gate carriage so that said actuator locks said gate carriage against movement from either said open or said closed positions.

28. The projector of claim 27 wherein said film wrapping means is pivotally reciprocal, and said means for connecting said film wrapping means with said gate carriage comprises a pin and a slot.

29. The projector of claim 1 including a takeup sprocket, a roller positioned in the region of said slot when said control lever is in said load position, said roller engaging said loaded filmstrip in a load path displaced from the operating path of said filmstrip, and means for moving said roller from said load path to said operating path of said filmstrip in response to said movement of said control lever from said load position to said operating position to shorten the effective filmstrip distance to said takeup sprocket and to produce slack in said filmstrip between said gate and said takeup sprocket for causing a film loop to be formed between said gate and said takeup sprocket during operation of said projector.

30. The projector of claim 29 including a pin and slot connection between said control lever and said roller moving means, and said pin and slot connection being configured to lock said roller in said region of said slot when said control lever is in said load position and said lock of said pin and slot connection being oriented to prevent pressure of said filmstrip on said roller from moving said control lever from said load position.

31. The projector of claim 29 including a takeup presser for pressing said filmstrip against said takeup sprocket, said takeup presser being spaced from said takeup sprocket in the region of said slot when said control lever is in said load position, and means operable during said movement of said control lever from said load position toward said operating position for moving said takeup presser against said takeup sprocket.

32. The projector of claim 31 wherein said means for moving said takeup presser comprises a knee operated by said control lever for camming said takeup presser against said takeup sprocket.

34. The projector of claim 31 including a pin and slot connection between said control lever and said roller moving means, and said pin and slot connection being configured to lock said roller in said region of said slot when said control lever is in said load position and said lock of said pin and slot connection being oriented to prevent pressure of said filmstrip on said roller from moving said control lever from said load position.

35. The projector of claim 31 including means for rewinding said filmstrin in said load path without removing said filmstrip from said slot, and means movable with said control lever for enabling said rewinding means to operate when said control lever is in said load position.

36. The projector of claim 35 including a pin and slot connection between said control lever and said roller moving means, and said pin and slot cOnnection being configured to lock said roller in said region of said slot when said control lever is in said lock position and said lock of said pin and slot connection being oriented to prevent pressure of said filmstrip on said roller from moving said control lever from said load position.

37. The projector of claim 1 wherein said control lever has forward and reverse operating positions for forward and reverse drive of said projector.

37. The projector of claim 32 wherein a portion of said knee braced against said takeup presser is formed as a spring link.

38. The projector of claim 37 including a takeup reel, a drive for said takeup reel, and a brake arranged for stopping said takeup reel upon de-energization of said reverse drive of said projector.

39. The projector of claim 38 wherein said brake comprises a wrap-spring clutch oriented to stop reverse motion of said takeup reel drive.

40. The projector of claim 39 including a solenoid energized during said reverse drive for holding said clutch open until said de-energization of said reverse drive.

41. The projector of claim 37 including a supply reel, a drive for said supply reel, and a clutch for engaging said supply reel drive during said reverse drive of said projector.

42. The projector of claim 41 including a solenoid energized during said reverse drive for engaging said supply reel clutch.

43. The projector of claim 37 including cam means movable with said control lever, and switch means operated by said cam means for controlling said driving of said projector in forward and reverse.

44. The projector of claim 40 including a supply reel, a drive for said supply reel, a clutch for engaging said supply reel drive during said reverse drive of said projector, and wherein said solenoid engages said clutch during said reverse drive.

45. The projector of claim 44 including cam means movable with said control lever, and switch means operated by said cam means for controlling said driving of said projector in forward and reverse.

46. The projector of claim 37 including means operable when said control lever is in said load position for rewinding said filmstrip without removing said filmstrip from said slot.

47. The projector of claim 1 including means for rewinding said filmstrip without removing said filmstrip from said slot.

48. The projector of claim 47 including a takeup reel, a drive for said takeup reel, and a brake arranged for stopping said takeup reel drive upon de-energization of the drive for said rewind.

49. The projector of claim 48 wherein said brake comprises a wrap-spring clutch oriented to stop rewind motion of said take-up reel drive.

50. The projector of claim 49 wherein a solenoid energized during said rewind drive holds said clutch open until said deenergization of said rewind drive.

51. The projector of claim 50 including a supply reel, a drive for said supply reel, and means for engaging said supply reel drive during said rewind drive of said projector.

52. The projector of claim 47 including a supply reel, a drive for said supply reel, and means for engaging said supply reel drive during said rewinding.

53. The projector of claim 47 including cam means operated by said control lever and switch means operated by said cam means for controlling said rewinding.

54. The projector of claim 47 wherein said control lever is in said load position for said rewinding.

55. The projector of claim 47 including a rewind lever, and a switch controlled by said rewind lever for energizing a drive for said rewinding.

56. The projector of claim 55 including cam means operated by said control lever and switch means operated by said cam means for controlling said rewind drive.

57. The projector of claim 55 wherein said rewind lever includes a latch holding said rewind lever out of rewind position, and a movable handle arranged on said rewind lever for releasing said latch during the initial movement of said handle toward said rewind position.

58. The projector of claim 55 including a supply reel, a drive for said supply reel, and means operated by said rewind lever for driving said supply reel drive positively for said rewind.

59. The projector of claim 47 including a rewind lever controlling said rewind and wherein said feed sprocket rotating means includes a spring, a drum for winding up said spring and said cable is moved by said control lever for rotating said drum; a pulley is moved by said rewind lever; said cable is reeved over said pulley; and said pulley is arranged so movement of said rewind lever to rewind position moves said pulley to pay out said cable in an amount equivalent to the pay out of said cable upon said movement of said control lever from said load position to said operating position.

60. The projector of claim 52 including means for reverse drive of said projector, said supply reel drive being engaged for said reverse drive.

61. The projector of claim 60 including a wrap-spring clutch arranged to allow slippage of said supply reel during said reverse drive.

62. The projector of claim 61 wherein said supply reel drive includes a disengageable positive drive and including means for engaging said positive drive to over-ride said wrapspring clutch for said rewinding.

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