Bell + Howell Company

Peter S Mischenko

Vincent S Pasturczak

A film tension absorbing mechanism is provided on a motion picture projector for absorbing film tension shock in the film strip. The tension absorbing mechanism includes a first system comprising the combination of a pivotally mounted, biased film exit guide roller for absorbing a portion of the tension and a tension absorbing sprocket drive to permit relative movement between the film strip and the sprocket. The tension absorbing sprocket includes a sprocket wheel and a relatively movable sprocket tooth ring rotatably mounted for generally conjoint rotation. The sprocket tooth ring is biased in a direction opposite the rotation of the sprocket wheel so that film tension shock can be absorbed as the sprocket tooth ring rotates relative to the sprocket wheel in a direction against the biasing force. A second system also is provided and includes a bi-directional tension absorbing drive sprocket for absorbing film tension shock in two directions. A sprocket tooth ring is mounted on a sprocket wheel for relative rotation therewith in two directions. A biasing mechanism provides for a different biasing torque to be applied to the tooth ring as it rotates in one direction versus rotation in another direction relative to the sprocket wheel.

Growing community of inventors

Mt. Prospect, IL, United States of America

Peter S Mischenko