Abstract: An exemplary oil burning lamp comprises a reservoir configured for storing a supply of oil, a base, a burner tube and a wick. The base is being sized and shaped to receive the reservoir. The burner tube is movably mounted to the reservoir between a retracted position and an extended position. The burner tube has a first end, an opposing second end and at least one opening. In the retracted position, the both ends are located within the reservoir. In the extended position, the first end is located within the reservoir, the second end is located outside the reservoir, and the opening is located such that fragranced components of oil stored in the reservoir can be entrained by air and emanated from the base. The wick is mounted to the burner tube, extends into the reservoir, and extends outwardly from the second end of the burner tube.

Abstract: A method of producing a device containing pyrotechnical material comprises the following steps: providing a tubular housing element with a base and metal ducts incorporated in the base, with the housing element and the base being integrally formed of glass and the housing element and the base defining a housing interior with a bottom adjoining the base, and the metal ducts extending through the bottom into the housing interior; applying a metal layer on the bottom by forming a heat-generating element integrally connected with the metal ducts and the bottom; introducing the pyrotechnical material into the housing element; and sealing the housing element by heating and melting off. The device obtainable in this way serves for use in vehicle occupant restraint systems, for instance as an igniter in gas generators and belt tensioners.

Abstract: A compact flash lamp array includes a housing defining a plurality of cavities, with each cavity having a light emitting opening and a combustible mass deposited in each cavity. A firing means such as an electrically heated filament or percussive primer is provided for individually firing the combustible mass in each cavity. Each cavity in the housing is provided with a porous portion communicating to the outside of the cavity having sufficient porosity to maintain cavity integrity during combustion of the combustible mass contained in a cavity while retaining combustion by-products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photoflash mixture comprising a mixture of particles of zirconia and at least one oxidizer, wherein said zirconia particles comprise a mixture of smaller particles between about 2 and 10 .mu.m diameter, and larger particles between about 20 and 30 .mu.m average diameter.

Abstract: A method of gas ignition comprises energizing a permeable, porous electric heating element to an appropriate temperature for igniting a gas, and allowing the gas to contact the heating element.

Abstract: An improved primer material for use in a high-voltage photoflash lamp is provided. The primer material includes electrically insulating beads which have been coated with a friction-reducing material. The primer also includes an oxidizing agent, and a binder, and a combustible metal powder, part of the combustible metal powder being in larger particle form. A high-voltage photoflash lamp including the improved primer material of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A high-voltage photoflash lamp is provided wherein the lead-in wires are electrically insulated from the metallic shreds therein by including electrically insulating beads in the primer material. The primer also includes combustible metal powder, an oxidizing agent, and a binder, wherein at least part of the combustible metal powder in the primer is in large particle form.

Abstract: A high-voltage photoflash lamp is provided wherein the primer material is electrically insulated from the metallic shreds therein by an adherent layer of hollow electrically insulating beads. The layer of hollow beads is contiguous to the surface of the primer material within the lamp envelope.

Abstract: An electrically-activated photoflash lamp which includes a lead glass envelope, a quantity of shredded zirconium or hafnium combustible material within the envelope, a combustion-supporting gas (e.g., oxygen) also within the envelope, 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 without the need for a press sealing operation. A method of making this lamp is also provided.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp, particularly a miniature flashlamp, having improved light output and comprising an envelope having a base portion with an inner concave shape with a pair of spaced leads positioned within the base. A primer is deposited in the envelope on the concave surface over the base and extending leads. A combustible metal shred mass is precompressed externally of the envelope to a diameter less than the internal diameter of the envelope and is constructed with sufficient resiliency whereby the precompressed mass partially expands within the envelope to provide minimal though effective support of the shred mass therein while at the same time providing a relatively unobstructed clearance about the shred mass between the mass and internal surfaces of the side walls of the envelope to assure enhanced ignition of the mass.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp has an envelope containing a filamentary combustible material in a combustion-supporting atmosphere and is positioned adjacent an ignition means having a pair of electrical conductors sealed into one end of the envelope and bent to form loops within the envelope whereon a covering of primer material is disposed.

Abstract: An electrically-activated, subminiature photoflash lamp including a glass envelope, a quantity of combustible shred material (e.g., zirconium or hafnium) for providing high intensity light output upon ignition thereof, and an ignition means for igniting the combustible upon application of a suitable pulse such as typically provided by a piezoelectric element utilized in many of today's pocket-type cameras. The ignition means includes a first quantity of primer material located within a buttom of the lamp's envelope, a pair of lead-in wires secured within the bottom end of the envelope and in electrical contact with the primer, and a thin member located at an opposite end of the envelope from the first primer and having thereon a second quantity of primer material. The first primer, when ignited, thus serves to ignite a first end portion of the combustible shred material while substantially simultaneously igniting the spaced, second primer.

Abstract: An electrically-activated, miniature photoflash unit which includes a plurality (e.g., ten) of subminiature high voltage flash lamps arranged in a planar array. A singular mounting tab protrudes from the unit's housing and serves to connect the entire array when the tab is electrically connected to a power source (e.g., piezoelectric crystal) typically associated with many of today's cameras. Each of the lamps is inverted with respect to the tab and also serve to provide a low resistance circuit path therethrough subsequent to activation thereof.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp includes a glass envelope having a pair of electrical conductors forming a recessed seal with a primer material bridging the electrical conductors and extending into the recessed seal to contact the electrical conductors. Also, a process for fabricating a photoflash lamp is provided wherein the electrical conductors and glass envelope are moved with respect to one another to provide a recess in the envelope adjacent the electrical conductors. A primer material in liquid form is bridged across the electrical conductors and subjected to a vacuum to insure removal of any gap between the electrical conductors and the primer material.

Abstract: High voltage-ignited combustion flash bulbs according to the invention have a first current conductor which extends into a mass of metal strips. The first current conductor is connected inside the envelope to a second current conductor 4 by means of an ignition mass. A porous mass of an electrically insulating material is provided between the second current conductor and the mass of metal strips. The material 8 at least reduces the possibility of failing ignition caused by the ignition current flowing from the first current conductor, via the mass of metal strips, through the ignition mass, to the second current conductor, instead of from the first current conductor, via a longer path through the ignition mass to the second current conductor.The flash bulb may be incorporated in a flash unit having several such flash bulbs.

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 filamentary-type photoflash lamp suitable for use with a relatively low voltage high current power source includes a glass envelope with a shredded metal fill, a pair of leads interconnected by a filament wire and a primer having percussively-ignitable and powdered combustible incandescible material on the leads with the primer material responsive to heat generated by the filament wire. A process for fabricating the above-described photoflash lamp is also provided as well as a primer material composition.

Abstract: A high-voltage type photoflash lamp having an ignition structure including an improved primer material for the reliable ignition of filamentary combustible material distributed within the oxygen-filled envelope of the lamp. The primer material comprises a particulate fuel such as zirconium powder, a binding agent such as nitrocellulose, and an additive of finely divided inert material which is insoluble and nonconductive and has a particle size of less than about five microns diameter.

Abstract: Combustion flashbulbs according to the invention have a light-pervious lamp envelope (1) filled with a tangled mass (5) of actinically combustible metal strips and an oxidizing gas. Current supply conductors (2, 3) are coated on parts situated within the lamp envelope with a dispersion (4) of metal powder in binder. This dispersion (4) adheres strips of the mass (5) to the current conductors (2, 3).The bulb can be ignited by a current pulse of approximately 25 V. Another method of igniting is to produce breakdown by applying a short-lasting voltage of approximately 25 V across the conductors (2, 3), afterwards succeeded by a filament current having a voltage of approximately 10 V. If the metal in the dispersion (4) is a nobler metal, the bulbs can be ignited with a current source of 10 V without preceding breakdown.The bulbs are simple of construction, rapid, and give a short-lasting lightflash.

Abstract: A subminiature photoflash lamp which includes a pair of pyrotechnic charges centrally disposed in a parallel, spaced relationship within the lamp's plastic, light-transmitting envelope. Each charge is supported on a respective one of the ends of the lamp's ignition wires and is of a disklike, planar configuration. The parallel spacing of the planar charges provides maximum light output from the lamp by permitting "cross-talking" between both charges during simultaneous ignition thereof. The ignition can be accomplished by the application of a firing pulse such as might be provided by a piezoelectric element.

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 range of borosilicate glass compositions which are capable of sealing effectively to nickel iron alloys containing up to approximately 52% nickel to form a hermetic seal resistant to thermal shock breakage. The glass is in the composition range percent by weight of:SiO.sub.2 : 55-66Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 : 4.5-10Na.sub.2 O: 0-4K.sub.2 O: 3.5-7B.sub.2 O.sub.3 : 19.0-26.0TiO.sub.

Abstract: A subminiature photoflash lamp which includes a pyrotechnic charge centrally disposed within the lamp's plastic, light-transmitting envelope. The charge is supported on the ends of the lamp's ignition means and is of a disklike, planar configuration to provide maximum light output. Ignition of the lamp can be achieved by application of a firing pulse from a piezoelectric element.

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: A high-voltage type photoflash lamp filled with a filamentary combustible material and oxygen and having an ignition structure including a pair of spaced-apart lead-in wires sealed in one end of the glass envelope of the lamp and encapsulated within an interior protruding portion of the envelope glass. The termination of each of the lead-in wires within the envelope is bare of sealing glass and substantially flush with the surrounding glass surface, and a coating of primer material about the inner end of the protruding portion of glass within the envelope covers and bridges the bare terminations of the lead-in wires.

Abstract: A high voltage, electrically-activated flashlamp which includes an improved ignition means comprising a pair of lead-in wires, a glass or ceramic insulator positioned on the ends of the wires, and a plurality of spark gap members arranged in either an annular or linear pattern with the lamp's envelope for simultaneously igniting the lamp's shredded zirconium or hafnium combustible material. The spark gap members, each comprising a pair of spaced (or gapped) layers of aluminum or copper bridged by a small quantity of high voltage breakdown primer material, are electrically connected in series.

Abstract: A high-voltage type photoflash lamp having an ignition structure including an improved primer material for the reliable ignition of filamentary combustible material distributed within the oxygen-filled envelope of the lamp. The primer material comprises, a particulate fuel such as zirconium powder, an oxidizer salt such as potassium perchlorate, a binding agent such as nitrocellulose, a finely divided inert material such as fumed alumina, and an additive of conductive fibers for controlling breakdown voltage. A preferred additive comprises finely milled or chopped fibers of carbon or graphite.

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 high-voltage type photoflash lamp filled with a filamentary combustible material and oxygen and having an ignition structure including a pair of spaced-apart lead-in wires sealed in one end of the glass envelope of the lamp and encapsulated within an interior protruding portion of the envelope glass. The termination of each of the lead-in wires within the envelope is bare of sealing glass and substantially flush with the surrounding glass surface, and a coating of primer material about the inner end of the protruding portion of glass within the envelope covers and bridges the bare terminations of the lead-in wires.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp of generally flat configuration for providing compact containment of metal fuel and solid oxidant includes a plate member having a recess therein. An expandable sheet member is formed over, and affixed to the plate surface adjacent to the recess for tightly containing a quantity of combustible material and solid oxidant within the recess. Ignition of the combustible material generates gaseous oxygen and reaction products which expands the sheet member away from the plate surface so as to provide an expandable volume to accommodate the burning oxygen-fuel mixture and to provide increased surface area for permitting maximum light emission.

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 long-duration photoflash lamp comprising a sealed glass bulb containing a gas filling of oxygen and nitrogen, an ignition filament, and a corrugated strip of magnesium foil having a knurled surface for optimizing usable light output.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp in which the combustible material within the lamp envelope comprises a plurality of filaments released from the periphery of a rotating heat-extracting disk in contact with a melt of suitable combustible material, such as hafnium, zirconium or magnesium. Filament configurations are determined to a large degree by the peripheral geometry of the rotating disk. In one embodiment, the filaments have unequal lengths, while in another arrangement, filaments having unequal cross-sections are arranged in a substantially homogeneous mass. In yet another embodiment, each of the filaments has periodic notches along the length thereof.

Abstract: A flash lamp which is electrically activated using capacitive coupling between a pair of conductors located externally of the lamp's glass envelope and a respective pair of conductors located within the envelope. A quantity of primer material, also located within the envelope, serves to ignite the flash lamp's combustible material (e.g. shredded zirconium). The primer material is electrically joined to the internal conductors through either a pair of spring contacts or the shredded combustible material.

Abstract: A high-voltage type photoflash lamp having an ignition structure including an improved primer material with enhanced breakdown voltage characteristics for the reliable ignition of filamentary combustible material distributed within the oxygen-filled envelope of the lamp. The primer material comprises a particulate fuel such as zirconium powder, a binding agent such as nitrocellulose, and an additive of relatively coarse inert material which is nonconductive and insoluble in the vehicle used in the applied slurry. A preferred additive consists of glass microbeads having a particle size substantially larger than the zirconium powder used.

Abstract: An electrically fired flash lamp which utilizes a single conductive lead member. The lead protrudes within the lamp's envelope and is covered by a quantity of primer material. A conductive coating (e.g. tin oxide) covers a major portion of the external surface of the envelope and is capacitively coupled through the envelope's wall to the combustible filamentary material (e.g. shredded zirconium) therein. In another embodiment, a second conductive coating is located on the internal surface of the envelope opposite the outer coating and in electrical contact with the filamentary material. Accordingly, both coatings are capacitively coupled when the lamp is electrically fired. A sequentially-activated array of the above lamps is also disclosed.

Abstract: Several means are described for providing an electrical coupling path through a protective, insulative layer, e.g. cellulose acetate, located on an electrically activated flash lamp envelope. The function of the path is to interconnect a thin conductive coating positioned on the envelope's external surface under the insulative layer with an electrical contact located externally of the flash lamp and adapted for igniting the lamp.

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.