Multi-projector image composing head

Claim 1

A head for combining a plurality of separately projected images to a common composite image visible on an image plane, said head comprising a plurality of laterally offset parallel pipe lengths disposed to provide a cage enclosing a free working region within the space enclosed by such pipe lengths, front and rear frame means at the two ends of said pipe lengths for maintaining said cage, an elongated member for each of at least certain of said pipe lengths, said elongated member being movable into or out of its supporting pipe length from a rear end thereof, means for locking an elongated member in its supporting pipe length at a predetermined relative position, a bar for each elongated member, means for supporting a bar on its elongated member so that the bar length is perpendicular to the elongated member length, a projector support rod supported on said bar so that the rod length is parallel to but laterally offset from the elongated member length, said bar and its support means and rod support means being adjustable to dispose a rod in a desired position parallel to but laterally offset from its elongated member length, means for supporting a projector from the rod so that a projecting light beam for projection can go along the length of such cage within the working region along a path which is laterally offset and parallel to such pipe length, means in proximity to the front end of such cage for providing a focal plane surface upon which projected light beams can fall to provide a composite image, the various projectors being adjustable not only along the length of the cage but laterally with respect to other projectors so that a satisfactory composite image can be created, said composite image focal plane including means for rendering such composite image available to be photographed by a camera whereby component images from various projectors may be combined in any desired fashion to provide a satisfactory composite image and may be photographed to provide a film or plate containing such composite image for use in connection with graphic art technique.