Convertible 2-D/3-D projector

A motion picture projector convertible for projecting images either from a 2-D film strip or from a 3-D film strip, the projector having a rolling loop film transport mechanism including a stator, and a rotor, which is rotatable with respect to the stator, the rotor and the stator defining a film path and the rotor having gaps in which loops of film are progressively formed and then decay as the rotor rotates for advancing the film in defined incremental amounts past an aperture location;

• the projector further comprising:
• means at said aperture location defining a central aperture against which successive frames of a 2-D film can be registered as the film is advanced through said incremental amounts, and a pair of 3-D apertures on respectively opposite sides of the central aperture against which frames of a 3-D film carrying respective left-eye and right-eye images can be registered, the 3-D apertures being dimensioned and located with respect to the central aperture so that successive pairs of 3-D frames can be registered with the 3-D apertures as the 3-D film is advanced by rotation of the rotor through the same said incremental amount;
• projection lens means associated with the apertures and adapted to produce projected images either from a 2-D film projected through the central aperture or from a 3-D film projected through the 3-D apertures;
• and,
• projection lamp means convertible for projecting a single beam through the central aperture or two beams through the 3-D apertures.