Projecting system for automatically loading, threading projecting and

Abstract

A series of film-containing cassettes are placed in projecting positions and thereafter in rewinding positions. First and second take-up reels are arranged to be axially movable between first and second positions. An elongate film guide member is movable between an active position in which the guide defines a straight threading path between the cassette occupying the projecting position and the take-up reel occupying the first position and a normally inactive position in which the guide is clear of the threading path. In the film threading mode, the leading end of film is driven through the straight threading path and taken up by the take-up reel. A film handling mechanism is provided between the opposite ends of the threading path. Upon completion of film threading, the movable elongate guide is restored to the inactive position and the film handling mechanism is brought into operation to engage the film with an aperture plate. Upon completion of film projection, the cassette and the first take-up reel which occupy the projecting and first positions, respectively, are shifted to the rewinding and second positions, respectively. A subsequent cassette is shifted to the projecting position and the second take-up reel occupies the first position. Film threading of the subsequent film cassette is effected simultaneously with rewinding of the previous cassette.