Abstract: A miniature photoflash lamp which includes a plastic, light-transmitting envelope and a quantity of a flash-producing composition therein. The composition includes a powdered metal (e.g., zirconium) and a powdered oxidizer (e.g., potassium chlorate) with the powdered metal having a particle size within the range of about 10 to 150 microns. Activation of the lamp may be accomplished electrically using, for example, a pair of conductive lead-in wires sealed within one end of the envelope. A method for making this lamp is also described.

Abstract: A miniature photoflash unit which is electrically activated when the unit is electrically connected to a power source (piezoelectric crystal) associated with many of today's pocket type cameras. The unit is capable of being positioned atop the camera and comprises a small planar housing, lamp-firing circuitry positioned externally of the housing, several (e.g., ten) subminiature flash lamps secured to the base and having lead-in wires passing through the base to effect electrical contact with the lamp-firing circuitry, a tabular mounting device is inserted within the camera to provide electrical connection between the circuitry and power source, and means for covering the externally located lamp-firing circuitry. The circuitry may be positioned either on an external surface of the housing or on a planar surface of the cover means which is attached to the housing.

Abstract: A method of making a hermetically-sealed pyrotechnic cap is described which includes a plastic (e.g. polyethylene) container and a quantity of pyrotechnic mixture therein. Closure of the container is achieved by heat-sealing an end thereof.

Abstract: A method of making an electrically-activated photoflash lamp which includes a lead glass envelope, a quantity of shredded zirconium or hafnium combustible material and an ignition structure disposed within the envelope for igniting the combustible material upon application of a high voltage, low energy pulse thereto. The ignition structure includes a pair of metallic lead wires secured within one end of the envelope and having terminations which lie substantially flush with the interior surface of this end. A quantity of primer material bridges the terminations and is ignited upon application of the above pulse. The lead wires are secured and hermetically sealed within the envelope's end while the bulb is inverted, without the need for a press sealing operation. A method of axially adjusting the ends of the lead wires with respect to the bulb while the seal is hot is also disclosed.

Abstract: A photographic flash device which includes several pyrotechnic charges for emitting light upon electrical ignition thereof. Each charge is centrally suspended within an individual chamber located within the device's light-transmitting, plastic housing. The charges may be arranged in annular or linear arrays.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp which includes a plastic envelope having a flash-producing composition therein. The composition, in loose powder form, is held in position within the envelope prior to ignition by a removable retention means (e.g., cup-shaped paper wad or mica disk). The wad or disk is removed (e.g., ruptured) during the early stages of the flash cycle. A method of making the lamp is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrically-activated photoflash lamp which includes a glass envelope, combustion-supporting (e.g. oxygen) atmosphere, a quantity of filamentary combustible material (e.g. zirconium), and an ignition means including a pair of spaced leads sealed within the envelope and a primer mass for igniting the combustible material. The primer mass includes a first quantity of substantially non-ignitable primer material having a second quantity of highly ignitable primer material located thereon. Use of the first primer material permits pulsing of the lamp in air prior to application of the second primer material to thereby assure uniform ignition voltages between lamps similarly treated. A circuit utilizing a plurality of the above lamps and a method for producing said lamps are also disclosed.

Abstract: A percussively-ignited photoflash lamp having an hermetically-sealed glass envelope containing no glass-to-metal seals therein. Ignition of the lamp is achieved by applying a percussive force (e.g. striking) to an external surface of the envelope which results in actuation of an ignition means disposed within the envelope. The ignition means, preferably a frictionally disposed, spring-loaded wire having a quantity of pressure sensitive primer thereon, ignites a quantity of shredded combustible material (e.g. zirconium) within the envelope to produce the desired flash. A method of making the lamp is also described.

Abstract: A hermetically-sealed pyrotechnic cap is described which includes a plastic (e.g. polyethylene) container and a quantity of pyrotechnic mixture therein. Closure of the container is achieved by heat-sealing an end thereof. A method for effecting the closure is also described.

Abstract: An improved pyrotechnic cap capable of being activated by the radiant energy from an adjacent flashlamp. The cap includes a light-transmitting plastic container with a quantity of pyrotechnic composition hermetically sealed therein. Receipt of the described radiant energy causes activation of the composition whereby the cap produces an audible signal of high intensity (e.g. 158 to 164 decibels at 25 centimeters). The improvement comprises adding a moisture-indicating material (e.g. cobalti, cobaltous cyanide) to the cap to detect harmful quantities of moisture present within the container and change color in a discernible manner as a result of said detection.

Abstract: A multilamp photoflash unit including an elongated plastic housing having a longitudinal channel therein. Within the channel is positioned a thin, flat circuit board to which are connected several (e.g. six) flashlamps arranged in a linear array. The lamps are divided into two opposing pluralities such that those in the plurality being fired are inverted during firing.

Abstract: An electrically-activated photoflash lamp which includes a thin member (e.g. a mica disk) therein located between the lamp's combustible shreds and primer material. The disk prevents the shreds from contacting the primer material and any portions of the lamp's electrical conductors which have access to the interior of the envelope. A method of making the lamp is also provided.

Abstract: A percussively-ignited photoflash lamp having an hermetically-sealed glass envelope containing no glass-to-metal seals therein. Ignition of the lamp is achieved by applying a percussive force (e.g. striking) to an external surface of the envelope which results in actuation of an ignition means disposed within the envelope. The ignition means, preferably a frictionally disposed, spring-loaded wire having a quantity of pressure sensitive primer thereon, ignites a quantity of shredded combustible material (e.g. zirconium) within the envelope to produce the desired flash. A method of making the lamp is also described.

Abstract: An intrusion alarm system and method is provided which includes one or more sound pulse transmitters that are triggered upon the opening of an entryway, such as a door or window, to produce a high-intensity sound pulse having a decibel level above a predetermined minimum. For example, each transmitter may comprise a percussive photoflash unit in combination with a pyrotechnic device which responds to the radiant output of the fired photoflash unit to emit the intense sound pulse. A centralized detector responds to the sound pulse above a predetermined threshold level to produce an alarm signal. Preferably, the detector comprises an electroacoustical transducer arrangement which provides the dual functions of both sound pulse detection and generation of an audible alarm.

Abstract: A flashlamp signal device which includes an illumination means for providing a prolonged, visible signal after actuation of each of the device's flashlamps. The illumination means may be in the form of a phosphor coating within the device or on an adjacent, movable panel, or the phosphor may be impregnated within the light-transmitting housing or support structure of the device.

Abstract: A multilamp flashlamp assembly capable of emitting highly intense audible and visual signals and particularly adapted for alarm situations. The assembly utilizes percussive flashlamps which operate in conjunction with a respective plurality of pyrotechnic devices located about the assembly's transparent housing. Each device provides an audible signal in response to the energy received from the respective lamp when the lamp is fired.

Abstract: Activation means for activating at least one percussive flashlamp unit located within a flashlamp article. An activator moves within a casing when released by a pivotal retaining arm to engage and effect release of the flashlamp unit's striker spring. The retaining arm provides release of the activator in response to external actuation, e.g., the opening of a door or window.

Abstract: A two-part flashlamp assembly which comprises an actuating mechanism and a disposable flashlamp article containing therein several, e.g. ten, percussively-ignitable flashlamps. The flashlamp article is designed for easy positioning on and removal from the actuating mechanism which comprises a handle and movable trigger, in addition to an elongated support member.

Abstract: Means for activating a multilamp flashlamp article in response to movement of a door. An activator having several upstanding engagement members is operatively joined to the base portion of a two-part housing. Movement of a pivoted arm portion of the housing toward the base causes a casing member to move about the activator whereby each of the engagement arms will activate a respective lamp unit within the flashlamp article. The invention is ideally suited for use within an intrusion alarm system.