Abstract: A photoflash unit for use with a camera having a shutter mechanism, a firing pulse source, and an inhibiting arrangement connected to the shutter mechanism, the inhibiting arrangement including a detecting network for sensing first and second resistance conditions, and, in response to the second resistance condition, for inhibiting operation of the shutter mechanism. The unit comprises a multiple array of photoflash lamps adapted for connection of a given array to the firing pulse source and arranged with each lamp of the array to be fired individually and sequentially thereby, and including a radiant energy responsive switch positioned adjacent the last lamp of the given array so as to initially provide the first resistance condition, and then provide the second resistance condition in response to the firing of the last lamp.

Abstract: A photoflash unit comprising two parallel columns of horizontally disposed lamps mounted in a planar array with flash indicators aligned behind each lamp. The lamps of one column are staggered with respect to the other, and the two columns are located on opposite sides of the vertical centerline of the unit. The lamps are connected to switching circuitry for sequentially flashing the lamps in response to firing pulses applied to a connector at one end of the unit. The two columns of staggered lamps are positioned so that the lowest lamp is located on the side of the unit centerline opposite that on which the lens axis is located when the unit is connected to a camera, thereby farther removing the closest lamp from the lens axis to minimize the "red-eye" effect. The switching circuitry is connected to provide an order of flashing that proceeds alternately between the two columns from the lowest to the highest lamp of the array, thereby providing a more readily interpretable flash indicator pattern.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp-reflector module for use in a photoflash unit having a plurality of such lamp-reflector modules arranged in a compact array. Each reflector has a substantially parabolic surface with a centrally disposed elongated cylindrical recess having a longitudinally extending central slot. The associated tubular lamp is nested within the recessed portion of the reflector, whereby an oversized lamp is accommodated by the reflector with little or no loss of light output.

Abstract: A low-cost, portable copier for exposing a photosensitized sheet through a stencil placed thereon. The sheet and stencil, in the form of a "sandwich", are positioned on the copier's cover member which is then pivoted to a closed position against the copier's housing. A flash lamp article, including a tapered casing having a percussively-ignitable flash lamp therein, is inserted within the housing and activated by a resilient cantilever member located therein.

Abstract: A compact photoflash unit comprising a plurality of flashlamps having lead-in wires connected to a circuit board containing thereon radiation-sensitive switching circuitry for sequentially flashing the lamps. Electrically conductive reflector panels are positioned between the lamps and the circuit board, and a sheet of electrically insulating material is interposed between the reflectors and the circuit board to prevent shorting of the circuitry on the circuit board by the conductive reflector. The insulating sheet, which may be of transparent plastic, is provided with T-shaped tabs which interlock with slots in the circuit board to secure the aligned position of the insulating sheet thereon. In assembling the photoflash unit, the insulating sheet is placed on the circuit board prior to mounting the lamps, and the T-shaped tabs of the sheet are inserted in the circuit board slots to secure the aligned location of holes in the insulating sheet with lamp-mounting eyelets in the circuit board.

Abstract: A flash array has at least two combustion flash lamps and an indicator which indicates whether a lamp has or has not flashed. The indicator consists mainly of a melting strip which is constructed as a radiation-sensitive switch contact and which is part of the electric circuit of the flash array.

Abstract: Reflecting coating means are provided to replace the conventional reflector cavities surrounding each photoflash lamp of a multilamp photoflash array. A reflective adhesive coating for this purpose can be applied to each photoflash lamp around a portion of the lamp circumference to reflect the light outwardly in a desired direction. A reflective adhesive coating can also be applied to the circuit board member used with a photoflash lamp array to provide sequential firing of flash lamps as an alternate means to provide the desired light reflection and without need for individual lamp processing in achieving this result. The coating material comprises light reflective particulate solids bonded to the substrate with an adhesive binder.

Abstract: A flash lamp array including a plurality of flash lamps and sequencing electrical circuitry for sequentially flashing the lamps. The array comprises a flash sensing indicator that is readily observable by an operator of the flash lamp array and includes a generally flat radiation sensitive means and having sections thereof aligned with the flash lamps. Each radiation-sensitive section is positioned to receive some of the radiant energy emitted by the flashing of one of the aligned lamps and is operable to constrict and change appearance upon being irradiated to provide an indicia of such flashing. The radiation-sensitive sections are each provided with a structurally weakened portion so that upon irradiation by the flashing of one of the aligned lamps, the irradiated one of the radiation-sensitive sections will readily separate at the structurally-weakened portion to readily constrict upon itself to positively provide a desired change in appearance of the irradiated section.

Abstract: A voltage sensitive switch is provided characterized by an irreversible change in resistance from a high resistance state greater than one megohm to a low resistance state less than one thousand ohms and comprising a mixture of substantially pure grade copper powder with copper oxide powder which further contains a binder. Said switch interconnects a pair of spaced electrodes for use in sequentially firing a plurality of flash lamps.

Abstract: An electrically insulative adhesive coating for a circuit board used with a photoflash lamp array to provide sequential firing of the flash lamps. The circuit board includes the lamp firing circuitry along with switching elements connected in said circuitry and the insulative coating prevents electrical shorting of the circuitry. In a preferred embodiment, the coating material may be an organic polymer and may be provided with openings to permit radiation transfer from the flashing lamps to the underlying switches which are radiation-responsive.

Abstract: Flash lamp lead-in wires are embedded in a circuit board and are in contact with circuit runs carried by the board. The end of one lead-in wire of at least one of the lamps extends from the circuit board and makes electrical contact against a sheet-like shield member. In a preferred method the lead-in wires of a lamp are driven through the circuit board by ultrasonic drivers offset from each other so as to drive against one lead-in wire closer to its end than is the other.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp array comprising a plastic housing containing flash lamps positioned over a circuit board carrying switching circuitry for sequentially firing the flash lamps. The circuit board is made of transparent electrically insulating material having a light-reflecting coating on its rear for reflecting light when the lamps are flashed. The front of the housing is provided with prisms to improve the distribution pattern of light when the lamps are flashed.

Abstract: An electrically-activated photoflash lamp unit including a linear array of lamps positioned within a housing which pivots about the unit's coupling means. The coupling means includes an elongated body member having a connector tab at one end thereof for plugging within a camera's socket. Sequential activation of the lamps is provided by flash-activating pulses from the camera's power source which pass up through the elongated body member and pivot location of the housing to each lamp.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp array comprising a plastic housing containing flash lamps positioned over a circuit board carrying switching circuitry for sequentially firing the flash lamps. The circuit board is made of an electrically insulating material having a light-reflecting surface for reflecting light when the lamps are flashed. The front of the housing is provided with prisms to improve the distribution pattern of light when the lamps are flashed.

Abstract: A flash lamp assembly for use with a camera and the power source associated therewith. The assembly includes several leadless, capacitively-ignited flash lamps retained within a longitudinal, light-transmitting housing and activated by the passage of electrical energy through the housing either in the form of a capacitive discharge or by direct connection to a pair of resilient contacts. Spaced conductive means located about each flash lamp receive the energy and capacitively ignite the lamp. Means for electrically connecting each lamp to the above power source are also described and include a mechanism for sequentially advancing the assembly's housing therein.

Abstract: Fuse elements are used with a circuit board to provide more reliable sequential firing in a flash lamp array. The circuit board includes the lamp firing circuitry along with radiation switches connected in said circuitry and the fuse elements cooperate with said radiation switches in the circuit operation. Fuse elements are deposited on the circuit pattern adjacent to the flash lamps for actuation by radiation being emitted therefrom and the activated fuse elements interrupt the circuit path by thermal action. In a preferred embodiment, the circuit board is constructed from an organic polymer and the fuse elements are deposited at circuit locations wherein the underlying substrate has a thickness less than the substrate thickness elsewhere to produce holes in the circuit board by melting or thermal decomposition.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp array comprising a housing elongated vertically and containing elongated flash lamps lying horizontally and stacked vertically, the flash lamps having lead-in wires extending from ends thereof near the sides of the housing and connected to a circuit board located behind the lamps. A conductive sheet-like shield is positioned between the circuit board and the rear of the housing and is contoured to have side portions extending frontwardly and between the lamp ends and the sides of the housing. Electrically insulative flash indicator material is positioned on the front surface of the shield and extends along the inside surfaces of the shield's frontwardly extending portions so as to prevent the lamp's lead-in wires from becoming shorted against the shield.

Abstract: A multiple photoflash system is provided which employs a high voltage type flashlamp construction, including a shorting primer material. The primer material is converted to a conductive residue upon ignition of flashlamp to provide a short circuit path between spaced apart inleads of the lamp. Further series connection of the individual lamps in the flashlamp system which are operatively associated with switching devices to provide an open circuit condition upon flashing of the associated lamps permits sequential flashing. The particular primer material which enables the flashlamp system to be operated in this manner comprises a solid mixture of a combustible metal fuel and an oxidizer for the fuel such as alkaline metal chlorates and perchlorates, and which further contains particular proportions of various combustion supporting oxides.

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: A photoflash unit comprising a plurality of high-voltage type flashlamps mounted on a printed circuit board containing circuitry for sequentially igniting the flashlamps in response to successive high-voltage firing pulses applied thereto. One lead-in wire of each of the flashlamps is connected to a common circuit conductor. Electrostatic protection is provided by a conductive array of reflectors positioned between the lamps and one side of the circuit board and a planar shield of conductive material disposed parallel to and spaced from the opposite side of the circuit board, both the reflector array and shield being electrically connected to the common circuit conductor and thereby effecting a static "grounding" system. The assembly is enclosed in a plastic housing having a light-transmitting side wall adjacent to the flashlamps.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp array comprising a plurality of flash lamps having lead-in wires connected to a circuit board, and a reflector unit positioned between the lamps and the circuit board. The reflector unit is made of plastic having an electrically conductive reflecting coating on its front surface, and the reflector unit is shaped to provide openings so that the conductive coating is adjacent to or touching electrical ground areas of circuitry on the circuit board, whereby the reflector unit functions to dissipate electrostatic charges thus preventing accidental flashing of lamps.

Abstract: A flash lamp array having a plurality of flash lamps positioned over a side of a circuit board having thereon circuitry for sequentially flashing the lamps. A metal shield, in the form of a sheet of metal foil or foil-covered paper, is positioned adjacent to the other side of the circuit board and is in contact with a common electrical run on the circuit board by means of a staple through the circuit board. Strips of radiation-sensitive plastic are positioned between the shield and the circuit board to function as electrical insulation, and also function as flash indicators by distorting due to radiation from an adjacent flashing lamp.

Abstract: A photoflash assembly which utilizes a plurality of percussive flashlamps in one region of the assembly's housing and a plurality of percussive flashlamps in a second region separate from the first. The lamps in the first region are fired when the striking mechanisms associated therewith are actuated by movable actuators, e.g., elongated preformed wires, which move in response to mechanical actuation from one of the housing's mounting structures. Lamps in the second region are subsequently fired when the striking mechanisms associated therewith are actuated by the movable actuators which move in response to mechanical actuation from another of the housing's mounting structures.

Abstract: A multiple flash lamp array having an electrically conductive reflector unit positioned between the flash lamps and a circuit board. A radiation-actuated last-flash indicator switch is positioned on the circuit board behind the last lamp to be flashed and is connected between an electrical ground circuit run and another circuit run. An opening is provided through the reflector at the last-to-flash lamp, in alignment with the last-flash indicator switch, and the rear edge of the opening is shaped to contact the electrical ground circuit run adjacent to the last-flash indicator switch for electrically grounding the reflector.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp array comprising a plurality of low voltage filament-type flashlamps mounted on a printed circuit board containing circuitry for sequentially igniting the flashlamps in response to successive low voltage firing pulses applied thereto. A plurality of reflectors respectively associated with the flashlamps are disposed between the lamps and the circuit board, with each reflector having an aperture in alignment with a corresponding aperture in the circuit board. The lamps are divided into upper and lower groups, with the circuit board having an upper connector coupled to the lower group of lamps and a lower connector coupled to the upper group of lamps, whereby one group of lamps functions as an extender for the other group to reduce the "red-eye" photographic effect.

Abstract: A photoflash unit having a plurality of high voltage type flashlamps mounted in a planar array on a printed circuit board containing circuitry for sequentially igniting the flash lamps in response to successive high voltage firing pulses applied thereto. The circuitry includes a plurality of solid state switches capable of being easily activated by radiant energy generated during flashing of the lamps. Initially, the switches have a high resistance, and after being activated by radiation, they undergo chemical conversion to a conductive state. The switches are prepared from compositions particularly resistant to high relative humidity and above normal ambient temperatures. The switch material composition comprises silver carbonate, a binder such as polystyrene resin, and an oxidizer such as barium chromate.

Abstract: An improved static solid switching device is disclosed for activation by radiant energy when a flash lamp located adjacent thereto is flashed. The multiple flash lamp array having a plurality of lamps fired individually and in sequence for use with said improved static solid switching devices is further disclosed. The switches are prepared from compositions which include the presence of a non-conductive particulate solid to provide improvement in switch manufacture as well as switch operation.

Abstract: A flashlamp unit comprising a supporting member on which at least one lamp is secured with a reflector disposed between the supporting member and the lamp. The part of the reflector nearest the lamp comprises at least one lug which upon elastic bending out of the reflector surface constitutes a passage for the lamp. During assembly of the unit the reflector may be snapped over the lamp.

Abstract: For a signal device comprising a plurality of percussively ignitable flashlamps mounted on a support member and arranged in an array with respectively associated preenergized striker springs, a selective actuating mechanism for sequentially releasing the striker springs to fire respective flashlamps in response to successive hand actuated indexing. The selective actuating mechanism comprises a spring-loaded ratchet bar retained in a longitudinal channel in the support member in combination with a slidable member which is also retained in the channel in engageable contact with the ratchet bar. The lamps and striker springs are mounted in a row parallel to the channel with the strikers projecting beyond the periphery of the channel. The slidable member, which may comprise a folded flat spring having a first tang for engaging the ratchet bar and a second tang for engaging a surface of the channel, has a trip wire projection which is aligned with the projecting portions of the strikers.

Abstract: A multiple lamp photoflash array of the FlipFlash type having flash-sequencing circuitry for causing the lamps to flash one at a time in response to firing pulses applied to the array. A radiation switch associated with the last lamp to be flashed causes a short circuit across the array's electrical terminals when the last lamp is flashed and actuates a last-flash indicator in the camera.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp array comprising a plurality of flash lamps having lead-in wires connected to a circuit board, and a reflector unit positioned between the lamps and the circuit board. The reflector unit is made of plastic provided with an electrically conductive reflecting coating on its front surface, and is further provided with an integral tab member having a surface exposed to the front of the reflector unit, which surface is coated with said conductive coating, the tab being bent over so that its coated surface faces the circuit board and is in contact with an electrical ground area of the circuit board, whereby the conductive coating of the reflector unit is connected to electrical ground and functions to dissipate electrostatic charges thus preventing accidental flashing of lamps.

Abstract: A signal device comprising a partially transparent package containing a plurality of percussively-ignitable flashlamps arranged in an array with respectively associated preenergized striker springs, and a movable member for sequentially releasing the striker springs to fire respective flashlamps in response to successive indexing. The device is adapted to be hand held and the movable member is adapted to be actuated and indexed directly by hand.