Abstract: A keyboard integrates a backlight that illuminates keyboard keys with light passing from an edge of the keyboard and along each of plural rows of keys through plural lightguides, each of the plural lightguides disposed under one row of keys. A light source located at the edge of the keyboard membrane provides illumination to the plural lightguides with individual control per row of keys for improved light transmission efficiency.

Abstract: A headlamp includes a strap, a bracket coupled to the strap, and a first lighting assembly pivotally coupled to the bracket and including a first light housing enclosing a first LED, a battery housing enclosing a battery configured to power the first LED, and a first actuator operable to toggle the first lighting assembly between a first plurality of operating modes. The headlamp also includes a second lighting assembly coupled to the strap and having a plurality of second LEDs and a second actuator operable to toggle the second lighting assembly between a second plurality of operating modes such that the lighting assemblies are operable independently. A wire extends between the lighting assemblies to provide power from the battery to the plurality of second LEDs. The second lighting assembly extends along more than 50% of a circumference of the strap and follows a curvature of the strap.

Abstract: This invention provides a lamp device, a substrate cleaning apparatus and an operation method thereof, wherein the lamp device comprises a plurality of lamps and a plurality of connection structures, and every two adjacent lamps are provided with one connection structure therebetween, wherein each lamp is provided with a first recess and a second recess along a direction in which the plurality of lamps are arranged, one end of each connection structure is positioned into the first recess of one of two adjacent lamps and the other end of the connection structure is positioned into the second recess of the other one of the two adjacent lamps. With this configuration, the connection structures do not protrude from the surfaces of the far ultra-violet lamps, and thus the glass substrate is prevented from being scratched, and both the yield of the display panels and capacities of removing organic substances are increased.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a plug connection apparatus includes a first plug connector, a second plug connector and a connection installation element mounted on a housing of the first plug connector by way of a guide. The connection installation element has a first gate part and a housing of the second plug connector has a second gate part. The gate parts assume a first mutually relative position when the plug connectors are plugged to one another in a preliminary latching position. The plug connectors are mechanically coupled by way of the guide and the gate parts such that the plug connectors are plugged to one another in a terminal position when the two gate parts are in a second mutually relative position. The connection is displaceable from an unlocking position to a locking position to displace the gate parts to the second position.

Abstract: A mount for joining a base object to an ancillary object is provided. The mount includes a top layer, a bottom layer, a key, a lock and a collar. The top layer is engaged to the ancillary object and the key extends therefrom. The bottom layer is engaged to the base object. The lock is a recess defined by the bottom layer and has a shape complimentary to that of the key such that the lock and key are mechanically and removeably engaged to one another. The collar extends from a top end to a bottom end. The top end is fixedly engaged to the top layer and the bottom end is fixedly engaged to the bottom layer. The collar is disposed about the lock and the key. The mount may be configured for electrical and mechanical communication and may include an interface for communication with a camera hot shoe.

Abstract: An electrical heat lamp for pig breeding includes a housing and an electrical heating source. The heating source is a U-shaped, infrared electromagnetic radiation heating element, and includes an electric member portion for connecting to an external electric energy source. The heat lamp includes a reflector arranged in the housing, the reflector being adapted to reflect the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the heating source, is adapted to fit the shape of the heating source, and has a U-shaped groove which in turn has a parabolic cross section. The heat lamp includes a sealing member sealing the space or electrical connection between the heating source and the electric member portion against water; optionally, one or two more sealing members are provided.

Abstract: A light-supporting structure and methods of using same that includes a central hub including a suspension point, a plurality of arms extending from the central hub, a separate support rod extending from each of the plurality of arms distal to the central hub, a separate lighting element mounted to each support rod, and a control system configured to orient each lighting element using motors with respect to a photographic zone. In a preferred embodiment, the lighting elements can be oriented with respect to a photographic zone in response to a user input selection based on a desired photographic result selected at a user interface.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein which produce polarization-independent full color images suitable for rear-projection television sets and other multimedia displays. The system uses illumination with R, G, B light from two different light sources for each color. A viewer wears glasses with narrowband optical filters, preferably holographic filters. The R, G, B light from the light sources is slightly offset at each of the 3 emission wavelengths, with one set of R, G, B light being filtered by the holographic filter in front of the left eye of the, and the other set of R, G, B light being filtered by the holographic filter in front of the viewer's right eye.

Abstract: Each of electrode terminals is provided with an electrode connection section connected to an electrode of an electric discharge tube. When an exterior member is mounted on a housing, a concave section of the exterior member abuts on the electrode connection section of the electrode terminal, to displace the electrode connection section in a direction in which the electrode of the electric discharge tube is held therein. Thus, the exterior member is mounted on the housing so that connection between the electrode of the electric discharge tube and the electrode connection section can be completed. Therefore, connection work can be significantly easily performed without requiring soldering and press fitting.

Abstract: An annunciator is provided. The annunciator includes a parabolic reflector formed from an insulating material, a reflective layer of metal disposed on a surface of the reflector, a high voltage strobe lamp disposed at a focal point of the reflector with a set of conductors of the strobe lamp extending through a center aperture of the reflector and a portion of the reflector proximate the aperture devoid of metallization.

Abstract: An underwater diving light has a rotatable front filter ring for selecting light filtration as needed for underwater still or video photography conditions. The filter ring is removable and interchangeable with different rings. Another important feature is efficient cooling of the LEDs and other internal electronics of the diving light assembly. The water is in contact with a metallic front face that conducts heat directly away from a metal core circuit board carrying the LED array or arrays. In one form of the diving light water channels are provided so that the ambient water can enter the assembly to spaces behind the LCD circuit board to efficiently cool the LEDs and associated electronics. The front plate assembly can be removable, for rinsing the internal cooling cavities, for interchange with different front face assemblies, and for air travel when the LCDs must be removed from driving electronics for safety concerns.

Abstract: A flash lamp assembly used in a portable electronic device (100) is described including a supporting member (3) and a flash lamp (4). The portable electronic device includes a printed circuit board (2). The supporting member is mounted on the printed circuit board. The flash lamp is secured on the supported member and supported by the supporting member above the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A strut holding assembly for flexible elongated struts engaging a flexible wall, the assembly including a hub, a plurality of holding arms pivotally connected at spaced locations to the hub between storage positions adjacent the hub, and extended positions extending outwardly of the hub, each holding arm being adapted to immobilize a free inner end of one strut. At least one of the holding arms has a seat adapted for receiving and immobilize the free inner end of a strut in at least one direction and a hook spaced from the seat by a fulcrum distance, the hook being adapted for engaging the strut at a distance from the free inner end of the strut equal to the fulcrum distance, for immobilizing the strut in a bent and tensioned position and in at least three directions and being free to move in a remaining direction.

Abstract: An LED illumination module for a flashlight has a housing, electronic control circuitry, and one or more LEDs connected in series and to the circuitry. The module is characterized in that the module is shaped to modularly replace an incandescent-bulb in an existing flashlight. In one aspect the control circuitry operates in a dual mode to extend life of the unit, and to warn when battery replacement is warranted.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus is comprised of an illumination unit arranged so as to project from a light apparatus body by a predetermined distance, a spring for spring-biasing the illumination unit in the direction in which the illumination unit is projected from the light apparatus body, a power switch for the illumination unit which is switched in accordance with a movement of the illumination unit, an engaging portion for engaging the illumination unit at the position close to the light apparatus body, and a releasing portion for releasing the engaging portion, wherein the lighting apparatus can be energized only when the illumination unit is projected from the lighting apparatus body. Also, an electrode apparatus attached to power source equipments such as a battery pack or the like is comprised of an electrode cover for shielding an electrode portion, wherein the electrode cover can be opened by a projected electrode portion of the equipments to which the power source equipment is attached.

Abstract: A video camera illuminating device adapter incorporated with a video camera having a main body attachable on one side to a video camera and an illuminating device respectively and batteries attached to the opposite side. A simple circuit in the main body detects the video camera in use and by a control relay closes a looped circuit to turn on the illuminating device. The light source can be integral with the main body of the adaptor or portions of the main body can be locked at an angle to each other.

Abstract: A protection structure is pivotal between a horizontal stored position in proximity to the underside of a case and an unstored position protruding downwardly and rearwardly from the case. In the stored position, the structure is in protective relation to an actuator of a power switch which controls energization of light-emitting unit from a power units, both mounted in the case. In the unstored position the structure is operable to mount the case on a camera through connecting and locking means thereon.

Abstract: A photoflash device which includes a plastic substrate, lamp-firing circuitry located on a first surface of the substrate, a disconnect switch also secured to the first surface of the substrate and electrically joined to the lamp-firing circuitry, at least one electrically activated photoflash lamp located above the switch for activating said switch upon ignition thereof, and a solid, light-transmitting polymer located about and encapsulating the glass envelope of the lamp. A thin, light-transmitting polyester member is located over the switch to protect the switch during formation of the device. The polyester member serves to prevent contact between the resin which forms the polymer and switch during thisformation, thus assuring close placement of the lamp's envelope and switch, said placement thereby assuring proper activation (e.g., severance) of the switch.

Abstract: In a strobo apparatus comprisinga power source part (A) containing a low voltage battery and a DC-DC converter circuit,a flashing part (B) containing a main capacitor and being separably connected with the power source part, and also hasa detecting means for detecting the said separation of the flashing part. By utilizing the output of the detecting means, the operation of the DC-DC converter circuit is compulsorily stopped, accordingly, waste of battery is eliminated and unnecessary high insulation against useless high tension during the separation of two parts can be dispensed with.

Abstract: An electronic flashtube is fixedly mounted to a reflector housing by an elongated elastomeric strap having openings therethrough at opposite ends thereof for engaging respectively the opposite end portions of the flashtube which extend from the reflector housing. The elongated strap extends across the exterior of the reflector housing so as to yieldably bias the flashtube toward that portion of the reflector housing across which the strap extends.

Abstract: A charge detection display type electronic flash in which the fact that the main capacitor is charged is detected and the flash is prevented from operating until the main storage capacitor is fully charged and in which triggering of the flash tube is prevented once the power switch has been turned off. A neon lamp is coupled through a resistor between the output of a DC-DC converter and a parallel combination of an impedance element and a second capacitor. A diode is coupled across the neon lamp. The X contact of the camera is connected between a thyristor which operates the triggering circuit of the flash and the common connection point of the impedance element and the neon lamp. A camera control circuit may be coupled as well to this point.

Abstract: A safety switch arrangement is provided for an electronic flash for automatically discharging the main storage capacitor in response to the user deliberately or inadvertently removing the cover from the flash housing. The electronic flash is of any ordinary type comprising a DC-to-DC converter with a step-up transformer and the safety switch arrangement is connected to discharge the main storage capacitor through the secondary winding of the DC-to-DC converter transformer thereby eliminating the need for a separate bleeder resistor.

Abstract: A flash lamp array having a plurality of high-voltage flash lamps in front of a reflector unit and a circuit board behind the reflector unit and carrying a plurality of circuit runs of relatively high resistance inexpensive material such as powdered carbon and including a common or "ground" circuit run connected to a lead-in wire of each lamp. The common circuit run is made wider than the other circuit runs, and preferably covers a major portion of the circuit board area. This reduces the possibility of accidental flashing of lamps by electrostatic electricity.

Abstract: A flash lamp array having a plurality of high-voltage flash lamps in front of a reflector unit and a circuit board behind the reflector unit and carrying a plurality of circuit runs of relatively high resistance inexpensive material such as powered carbon and including a common or "ground" circuit run connected to a lead-in wire of each lamp. A shield is positioned behind the circuit board and is connected to the common circuit run near a connector tab at an end of the circuit board. This reduces the possibility of accidental flashing of lamps by electrostatic electricity.

Abstract: A photoflash unit comprising a linear array of flashlamps mounted on a printed circuit board disposed within the longitudinal channel of an elongated housing member having an enclosing cover panel of light-transmitting material. The lamp-firing circuitry includes a common circuit conductor run connected to one lead-in wire of each of the lamps. The housing member includes reflector cavities adjacent to the lamps, and a continuous coating of electrically conductive reflective material covers the surfaces of the channel and reflector cavities for providing both reflective surfaces for flashing lamps and, by virtue of a connection between the common run and conductive coating, a shield to reduce the likelihood of accidental flashing of lamps by electrostatic charges.

Abstract: A photoflash unit comprising a linear array of flashlamps mounted on a printed circuit strip disposed within the longitudinal channel of an elongated housing member. A light-transmitting cover panel is attached to the housing member for enclosing the flashlamps, and the circuit strip extends beyond the cover panel to expose connecting terminals. The lamps have tubular envelopes and are positioned with their longitudinal axes substantially parallel to the printed circuit strip and arranged in substantially coaxial alignment. The housing member includes ledges within the channel for spacing the printed circuit strip from the rear wall, and the sidewalls of the channel have guide ribs for engaging notches in the circuit strip for facilitating assembly and location and avoiding longitudinal shifting of the strip.

Abstract: A photoflash unit comprising a linear array of flashlamps mounted on a printed circuit board disposed within the longitudinal channel of an elongated housing member having an enclosing cover panel of light-transmitting material. The lamp firing circuitry includes a pair of spaced-apart common circuit conductor runs respectively located on opposite halves of the printed circuit board. The circuit board is secured to the rear wall of the housing channel by means of a staple having two legs extending through both the housing wall and circuit board, with the center region of the staple being disposed on the exterior of the channel wall. The staple legs are bent over in contact with respective ones of the common circuit runs to provide an interconnecting jumper therebetween and extend electrical ground to the exterior of the unit. The bent staple legs are also outwardly directed to contact a conductive-reflective coating on the channel sidewalls, thereby grounding the coating to provide an electrostatic shield.

Abstract: A planar-type multiple photoflash array is disclosed and including a circuit board with circuitry thereon for sequentially firing a plurality of flash lamps which are positioned horizontally in the cavities of an integral reflector and barrier member supported on said circuit board. The present improvement comprises further including spacing means between the contact and surfaces of the circuit board and barrier member to reduce the amount of radiant energy being transmitted by the flash lamps to radiant energy actuated switches and the circuitry of the circuit board 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. A plurality of electrically conductive 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. Connected in series with each but the last lamp of the array is a radiant-energy-activated disconnect switch comprising a strip of electrically conductive heat-shrinkable polymeric material which is attached at both ends to the circuit board so that the midportion of the strip bridges a respective one of the apertures therein. A sheet of electrically insulating material is interposed between the reflectors and circuit board to prevent shorting therebetween. A plurality of deformations, such as dimples, are formed in the insulating sheet for spacing the sheet from the disconnect switch strips.

Abstract: A flashbulb unit comprising a housing, a plate-shaped support in the housing and an electrical circuit which is provided on the support and in which flashbulbs and break switches are incorporated. The unit comprises pushbuttons which are incorporated in a wall of the housing and which are arranged each opposite to a break switch and operate the break switch when being depressed.

Abstract: A flashlight apparatus includes a power switch, formed by a changeover switch, which is connected in a path to discharge a primary discharge capacitor and a trigger capacitor in its off condition to disable a flashlight operation. Simultaneously, a neon tube light which indicates the completion of charging of the primary discharge capacitor is turned off, indicating the off position of the power switch.

Abstract: A photoendoscope comprising a telescope tube defining, near its distal end a viewing port, flash-tube assembly means connected to the distal end of the telescope tube and including a flash-tube proper enveloped in transparent protective sheath means arranged in a housing defining an aperture for transmitting light from the flash-tube proper and light conductor means extending along the telescope tube and terminating proximally of said viewing port, a barrel enclosing said telescope tube and said light conductor means at least in their distal end regions, and said flash-tube means, said barrel defining two apertures aligning respectively with said viewing port and with said flash-tube light transmitting aperture, and a transparent cylindrical sheath which is secured in said barrel, which extends for approximately the length of said flashtube proper and which covers said flash-tube light transmitting aperture, said transparent cylindrical sheath having a wall thickness which is greater where it covers said flas

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: 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 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. A plurality of reflectors respectively associated with the flashlamps are disposed between the lamps and circuit board, with each reflector having an aperture in alignment with a corresponding aperture in the circuit board. Connected in series with each but the last lamp of the array is a radiant-energy-activated disconnect switch comprising a strip of electrically conductive heat shrinkable, polymeric material which is attached at both ends to the circuit board so as to bridge a respective one of the apertures therein.

Abstract: A dual flash array, each alternately connectible to a flashing circuit, having indicators associated with each flash device includes automatic masking devices which mask the indicators associated with the flash array not in the firing circuit.

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 array which is provided with a transparent electrically conductive layer which serves to prevent spontaneous ignition of a flash lamp in the device. The flash array is provided with high voltage combustion flash lamps and the transparent electrically conductive layer consisting of conductive indium oxide which is applied to the inner side of a transparent cover of the array. The resistance per square of that layer is smaller than 100 kOhm, so that for these lamps -- which are, for example, ignited by means of a piezo element -- substantially no spontaneous ignition occurs.

Abstract: A high-voltage type photoflash lamp having a nonconducting, noncombustible, fibrous material, such as zirconia wool, positioned around the lead-in wires at the base of the lamp to prevent shorting across the wires.

Abstract: An electronic flash unit includes a housing having an elongate passage. An electrical plug having a pair of contacts electrically connected to the flashtube-firing circuitry is movably mounted in the passage to locate the contacts at varying positions relative to the housing. The flash unit further includes a camera mounting bracket that is adjustable relative to the base of the housing. A ratchet mechanism prevents a control button operatively associated with the bracket and an electrical control switch from closing the switch to energize the flashtube-firing circuitry when the bracket engages the housing base.