Abstract: A flashlamp article activation means which includes a casing, an activator movably oriented within the casing, and an engagement member for engaging the activator to cause it to move within the casing and activate the flashlamp article positioned on the casing. A helical spring is used to bias the activator away from the article. An ideal use for the invention is within an intrusion alarm system.

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.

Abstract: For a device comprising a plurality of percussively-ignitable flashlamps mounted on a support member and arranged in an array, a selective mechanism for sequentially firing respective flashlamps in response to successive indexing. The selective firing 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 have respective depending primer tubes and are mounted in a row parallel to the channel with the primer tubes overlying the channel. The slidable member may comprise a helical torsion spring having a first leg for engaging the ratchet bar and a second leg projecting as a striker in alignment with the overlying primer tubes and adapted for resiliently engaging them.

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 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.