Boxoffice-October.01.1955

• •
Do
Third of a New Series
PROJECTOR MAINTENANCE
AND SERVICING GUIDE
3. Care of Cenfury Mechanisms
By WESLEY TROUT
, ^ iKi
V inemaScope
AND wiDEscREEN presentation
requires
more exacting stand-
^"^^ °^ perfection ret^''
^
-M lating to the projec-
Hh JJH tion of motion pic-
W' ~ '^^^ turos. One can read-
' "^^^^ ily comprehend if the
projected picture is 20
feet wide and then increased
to 40 feet in
Wesley Trout
width, any flaw in the
projected picture will be immediately
noticeable to the eye, particularly any sidesway
or jump in the picture.
Manufacturers of projectors have kept
pace with these requirements: a rocksteady
picture without unnecessary side
motion. This has been accomplished by
CCKTURY PROJCCTOR MECHANISM
OPCRATINO SIDE
This diagram shows the operating side of the
Century projector mechanism, presenting a clear
picture of all the working parts Note, first, how
the film is threaded in the mechanism for perfeet
operation. (7) is the rear shutter and guard;
C23J are the film guide rollers which should be
adjusted as per instructions; (14) is the removable
aperture plate; (8) oil cup for end bearing of
starwheel shaft; (3 and 4) tension adjusting for
shoes. In the article you will find data pertaining
to the numbers in this illustration, giving complete
instructions on replacement and adjustment of the
most important parts.
double tension shoes, longer tension shoes
holding the film absolutely steady and flat
over the aperture, improved lateral guide
rollers and guide clear down to the intermittent
sprocket, and intermittent tension
shoe assembly. The importance of keeping
all these parts carefully adjusted and clean
should be understandable. Also, keep the
intermittent sprocket teeth free of any
accumulation of dirt and emulsion deposits.
The prompt replacement of worn parts is
a "must" if better projection is desired.
The Century projector mechanisms have
kept pace with modern requirements. The
Model C, single shutter, and Model CC,
double shutter; standard and water-cooled
mechanisms will meet the highest standards
of modern projection in the conventional
theatre and drive-in theatre. They
are modern in design with many exclusive
features for excellent performance and long
life. With proper maintenance, the projectors
will give years of service with only
CEmURY PROJECTOR MECHANISM
DRIVING
riQURE 2
SIOE
The drive side of the Century projector. This
illustration also presents a very good picture of the
location of the various parts. If you have occasion
to remove any of the parts, this illustration
will help you in reassembling them in their proper
location. In this article you will find instructions
on adjusting, disassembling and re-assembling these
parts If the procedure set forth in this article is
carefully followed, you should have no trouble in
making any adjustment or replacement of components.
When cleaning projector mechanism with
cleaning fluid, do not wash the ball bearings in
any fluid except projector oil.
The Century intermittent movement is very rugged
in construction, will give long service without parts
replacement; all intermittent parts are hardened
for longer wear. It can be removed in a few minutes
from the mechanism for any parts replacement.
The exposed view of the cam and starwheel gives
you a picture of the simplicity of the movement,
the few parts needed for its quiet operation. In
the article you will find data covering the parts
numbered in this illustration. The movement is
very easy to adjust, replacement of intermittent
sprocket, cam or starwheel is a very simple procedure
and can be done by the projectionist. However,
when the movement requires a complete rebuilding
job, it should be sent in to your authorized dealer
and he will supply you with a leaner. A spare
movement should always be kept on hand for emergency
as this is the "heart" of your projector.
absolute minimum of care and adjustment,
and will run years before any replacement
of parts will be necessary. Field inspections
of mechanisms indicate sprockets, tension
shoes, and pad rollers are the essential
parts replacement after the mechanism has
been in operation a long time, the wear
depending on the number of hours of operation
daily, of course.
ONLY A LITTLE OIL ON GEARS
The manufacturers recommend the use
a
of Century oil on the gears ivery little).
Good operating results with exceptional
long life are being recorded with the use
of white petroleum jelly on the gears. The
addition of a small amount on the gear
about once every two months seems adequate.
The use of sealed ball bearings on all
driving shafts insures almost indefinite life
with no additional lubrication. Pad rollers
are made of a self-lubricating material so,
for all intents and purposes, the Century
mechanism is "oil-less" and does not need
constant attention. Moreover, it does not
need to be "run in" or warmed up prior to
opening a show.
NOTE : not oil the ball bearings. Put
drop or two of oil daily on the vertical J"
shaft at the intermittent drive gear. Move
III
the framing adjustment up and down a few,
times while oiling.
The intermittent should be filled throughiw
the oil cup on the operating side; fill to the ka
level indicated on the oil gauge. It should
be kept in mind that a little oil goes a long
way; excessive use of oil is unnecessary and
will get into the sound head and on thf
projection room floor. To remove exces:
oil, or to drain the intermittent, rcmovf
the bottom screw (see illustration). /
clean cloth should be placed beneath thi:
I*
24
The MODERN THEATRE SECTIO^