Abstract: In a strobo flash apparatus comprising a power source part and an exchangeable flashing part, the power source part includes a DC-DC converter circuit for inducing a D.C. high voltage and has a connecting plate with its edge parts are formed as grooves, the exchangeable flashing part includes a flashing discharge tube and has a connecting recess for receiving the connecting plate said recess having protrusions for engaging with the grooves.

Abstract: A modular photographic flash system includes a plurality of housings, some possibly empty and some containing flash units, interconnected to form a desired flash unit array. Each housing includes a hollow cylindrical member substantially square in transverse cross-sectional outline with two adjacent walls having dovetail tongues thereon and the other two walls having dovetail grooves to accommodate interfitting of adjacent housings. A latch member is movable into and out of each dovetail groove for engagement in an associated slot in the tongue interfitted therewith, the latch being operated by a spring-biased actuator rod carried in a channel formed in the inner surface of the housing.

Abstract: A miniaturized multilamp photoflash array having a circuit board with a printed circuit thereon and a multiplicity of flashlamps electrically connected to the printed circuit with a continuous strip of switching material forming a plurality of switches coupling each of the lamps to a common circuit.

Abstract: A photoflash unit in the form of a multilamp photoflash array has at least one normally open (N/O) radiation-responsive switch which includes an admixture containing silver-coated metal particles.

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 modified conductive ink is provided for a photoflash array having a plurality of high voltage flash lamps connected to a lamp firing circuit pattern deposited on a circuit board with radiation-sensitive switches and fuse elements being connected in said circuit pattern for sequential firing of said flash lamps, said fuse elements being provided by narrowing the width of the circuit pattern at the fuse locations and undergoing thermal decomposition activated with radiation, wherein the improvement comprises a modified carbon ink containing a particulated electrically conductive material such as conductive powdered carbon incorporated therein. Increased electrical conductivity is provided at the fuse locations before thermal decomposition of the fuse elements takes place together with increased residual electrical resistance being provided by the thermally decomposed fused elements.

Abstract: A method of making a photoflash device wherein the device includes a plastic substrate, lamp-firing circuitry located on a first surface of the substrate, a Mylar 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 Mylar 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 Mylar switch prior to pouring of the liquid casting resin which eventually forms the solid polymer protective encapsulant. The polyester member serves to prevent contact between the resin and switch and thus enables close placement of the lamp's envelope and switch, said placement thereby assuring proper activation (e.g., severance) of the switch.

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 flash lamp array circuit having radiation-sensitive switches and fuse elements being connected in the conductive carbon ink circuit pattern wherein each of said fuse elements comprises a plurality of spaced apart strips to provide more reliable thermal decomposition and increased electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A photoflash unit comprising a plurality of 2n flashlamps attached to a printed circuit board and disposed in a linear array with the longitudinal axes of respective lamps aligned in parallel. The circuit board has a substantially rectangular portion with n spaced apart extensions projecting vertically from a longer side thereof, the extensions being located behind alternate lamps of the linear array. Each extension contains portions of circuit patterns bridged by a mass of switch material to provide a solid state radiation switch on each extension and adjacent to a respective lamp for receiving radiant energy emitted by that lamp. The unit further includes a plurality of reflector cavities within each of which a respective one of the flashlamps is nested. Each reflector cavity includes a recessed rear wall section for accommodating a circuit board extension, such that each of the extensions are disposed between a respective lamp envelope and the recessed rear wall of the associated reflector.

Abstract: A photoflash unit comprising a plurality of 2n flashlamps attached to a printed circuit board and disposed in a linear array with the longitudinal axes of respective lamps aligned in parallel. Circuit patterns on the circuit board include a plurality of n selective terminal means, each associated with a respective pair of the lamps and connected to one lead-in wire of each of the lamps of the associated pair, and a common terminal associated with all of the 2n lamps but directly connected to the other lead-in wire of one lamp of each pair. The circuit board has a substantially rectangular portion with n spaced apart extensions projecting vertically from a longer side thereof, the extensions being located behind alternate lamps of the linear array.

Abstract: A flash lamp array, such as the Flip Flash type, having a plurality of flash lamps positioned in front of a circuit board which has connector terminals thereon. One connector terminal is connected in common to a lead wire of each of a plurality of lamps by means of a metal shield behind the circuit board. The common terminal is connected, by a circuit run, to a lead wire of the nearest lamp; this lead wire and a lead wire of each of the other lamps extend back from the circuit board and contact the shield thus connecting the lead wire and the shield to the common terminal.

Abstract: A photoflash device circuit board assembly including a dielectric substrate, switching element, and conductive member. The switching element and conductive member are pressed (e.g., die-stamped) within the substrate. The substrate is provided with a flexure means to permit it to flex during pressing such that the switching element will not be severed. A photoflash device including the circuit board assembly and a light-transmitting housing and an electrically activated flashlamp is also described.

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 multiple photoflash unit of the planar array type having a composite circuit board and electric shield member to which a plurality of flash lamps are electrically connected for sequential flashing with reduced possibility of accidental flashing due to electrostatic voltage charges. In a preferred embodiment the associated members are sandwiched between front and back housing covers in a manner permitting the flash lamps to generate a mechanical spring action for additional physical support in the assembly.

Abstract: A photoflash unit having a plurality of flashlamps mounted in a planar array on a printed circuit board containing circuitry for sequentially igniting the flashlamps in response to successive firing pulses applied thereto. The circuitry includes a plurality of solid state switches capable of being activated by radiant energy generated during flashing of lamps located adjacent to respective switches. Initially, each of the switches has a resistance sufficiently high to provide an open circuit to the applied firing pulses, and after being activated by radiation, the switch undergoes chemical conversion to a conductive state. The switches are prepared from compositions which include a selected proportion of silver-coated glass beads to consistently assure a predetermined low resistance after conversion and maintenance of good adherence and electrical contact with the printed circuit board circuitry.

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 in the rear of the housing and is contoured to have side portions extending forwardly in between lamp ends and the sides of the housing. The front surface of the shield is both electrically conductive and reflects light with electrically insulated flash indicator material being positioned on said front surface but not extending to the side portions thereof. By increasing the light reflective surface of said shield member in this manner there is increased light output obtained from said lamp array.

Abstract: A multi-flash lamp array includes a plurality of flash lamps interconnected in pairs so that the second flash lamp of each pair is fusably connected to fire during the next exposure in response to the firing of the first flash lamp of that pair. If the first flash lamp of the pair should fail to fire and thereby fail to fusably connect the second flash lamp of the pair, there is provided a redundant fusing arrangement whereby the second flash lamp of the pair is subsequently fused in connection to fire during the next exposure in response to the firing of the first flash lamp in the next succeeding pair of flash lamps to be fired.

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 flashlamps 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 lamps located adjacent to respective switches. 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 which include a comparatively large proportion of nonconductive inert particulate solids to improve switch functioning.

Abstract: A flashbulb in which a filament and paste are not required. The flashbulb is not only cheaper but is faster in operation. This is primarily achieved by ensuring that the mass of finely-shredded combustible metal strips provided in such flashbulbs are in contact with the lead-in current conductors in the bulb. Due to the oxidizing atmosphere, the strips have an electrically-insulating skin. It has been found that this skin can readily be broken down by the momentary application of a voltage, whereupon the strips form a current-conducting path between the electrodes and ignition can then be affected with a voltage lower than the breakdown voltage.

Abstract: An improved solid state radiant energy switch device is described for operation with a plurality of flash lamps fired individually and in sequence and which is activated by radiant energy generated during flashing of the lamps to convert from a high electrical resistance ("off" condition) to a low electrical resistance or conductive state ("on" condition). Said switches are prepared from an improved material composition which undergoes chemical conversion comprising a carbon-containing silver salt admixed with a humidity-resistant organic polymer binder in ratios wherein said polymer binder does not exceed more than about three percent by weight in said admixture.

Abstract: Improved fuse elements used with the circuit board to provide more reliable sequential firing in a flash lamp array. The circuit board includes a lamp firing circuitry along with radiation switches connected in said circuitry and more reliable fuse elements cooperate with said radiation switches in the circuit operation. The improved fuse elements are constructed as an integral part of the lamp firing circuit pattern deposited on the circuit board at circuit locations wherein the underlying circuit board substrate has a thickness less than the substrate thickness elsewhere to enhance melting or thermal decomposition of the circuit board substrate.

Abstract: Improved fuse arrangement used with the circuit board to provide more reliable sequential firing in a flash lamp array. The circuit board includes a lamp firing circuitry along with radiation switches connected in said circuitry and a more reliable series connected fuse arrangement to cooperate with said radiation switches in the circuit operation. The individual fuse elements are constructed as an integral part of the lamp firing circuit pattern deposited on the circuit board at circuit locations wherein the underlying circuit board substrate has a thickness less than the substrate thicknesss elsewhere and desirably cooperate in raising the dielectric breakdown voltage characteristic of the fuse combination.

Abstract: A multi-filament lamp combination is disclosed which may be used alone and in multi-lamp arrangements with other single and multi-filament lamps to provide pattern size variation from a large diameter flood effect to a smaller diameter spot effect. A spot/flood capability exists to provide large pattern exposure simultaneously with secondary spotlighting. The filaments can be energized selectively from a remote switching station so that the individuals who are scrubbed and gloved need not touch any part of the switching arrangement to change the lamp pattern size. A cluster of lights can contain one or more multi-filament lamps within the cluster, so that by switching on the rear most filament of the multi-filament lamps and switching off the single filament lamps, a small high intensity pattern is obtained by switching to the other filaments, a large pattern of high intensity is formed. More than two filaments can be provided in each lamp.

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 unit has connector terminals at opposite ends, and the linear array of flashlamps is divided into two groups disposed in opposite halves of the unit, each group of lamps being operated by the connector terminal at the remote end so as to reduce the red-eye photographic effect. The lamp-firing circuitry includes a pair of spaced-apart common circuit conductor runs respectively located on opposite halves of the printed circuit board and on opposite sides of a common surface. An interconnecting jumper, or crossover, between the common circuit runs is provided by means of a conductive staple secured to the circuit board.

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 photoflash unit comprising a linear array of photoflash lamps 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 housing channel has a semi-rectangular cross-section and reflective surfaces on the sidewalls adjacent the flashlamps. A flat sheet of material, such as white paper adhesively coated on one side, is secured to the circuit board and interposed between the lamps and the circuitry for reflecting heat and light away from the circuit board and insulating at least portions of the circuitry from the radiant output of the lamps.

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. An electrically conductive reflector unit is positioned between the lamps and the circuit board. The reflector unit is grounded to the common circuit conductor by means of a dried paste of conductive material disposed at the interface between the reflector and common conductor. In this manner, the reflector unit functions as an electrostatic shield for the circuitry.

Abstract: Means are provided to repair one or more flash lamps in a linear type photoflash lamp array which have become disconnected from the circuit board member. Specifically, the disconnected in-lead is secured to the sequential firing circuitry located on the circuit board member with an adhesive deposit of an organic polymer and a surface conductive path thereafter established on said adhesive deposit between the in-lead and the adjacent circuitry. The surface conductive path can also be an organic polymer containing an electrically conductive filler.

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 multilamp photoflash unit which includes an elongated housing, a circuit board located within a longitudinal channel within the housing, and several (e.g. six) electrically-activated flashlamps. The flashlamps utilize preformed lead-in wires which are clamped to peripheral side walls of the circuit board's insulative strip members to both secure the lamps in a linear orientation and to electrically connect portions of the lead-in wires to selected areas of the board's lamp-firing circuitry.

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: 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. To provide structural rigidity, the cover has rectangular corner posts at each end and a transverse web at the center which engage slots in the housing and are secured by ultrasonic welding. The longitudinal edges are secured by a plurality of cylindrical posts along each side of the cover which fit into matching holes in the housing and have rivet heads formed on the ends as provided by ultrasonic heating and pressure.

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. To prevent sympathetic ignition of adjacent lamps, the one-piece cover is molded to have integrally projecting transverse webs which function as light-attenuating partitions between respective pairs of lamps. In addition, the webs bridge the housing channel to provide structural rigidity.

Abstract: Means are provided to repair one or more flash lamps in a linear type photoflash lamp array which have become disconnected from the circuit board member. Specifically, the disconnected in-lead is secured to the sequential firing circuitry located on the circuit board member with an adhesive deposit of an organic polymer and a surface conductive path thereafter established on said adhesive deposit between the in-lead and the adjacent circuitry. The surface conductive path can also be an organic polymer containing an electrically conductive filler.

Abstract: An improved circuit board comprising a substrate having electrical conductor runs resistant to the formation of electrically non-conductive localized areas carried thereon. Such a circuit board is particularly adapted to use with a flash lamp array having a plurality of flash lamps and sequencing electrical circuitry for sequentially flashing the lamps. The sequencing electrical circuitry is formed in part by the conductor runs. The conductor runs comprise an organic polymer binder for attachment of the conductor runs to the substrate and silver-coated vitreous bead-like particles with a triazole-silver water-insoluble reaction product comprising the surface of the bead-like particles. The triazole-silver reaction product prevents the formation of non-conductive localized areas in the conductor runs.

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: Reflective 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: An improved flashlamp assembly which utilizes a plurality of percussively-ignitable flashlamps disposed on an elongated support member. Firing of the flashlamps is accomplished using a spring-loaded ratchet, a movable carriage, and a striking mechanism, e.g. helical torsion spring, positioned on the movable carriage and in engagement with the ratchet. The spring engages and fires each of the lamps in response to movement of the ratchet and carriage members. The improvement comprises providing a longitudinal passage within the ratchet member to permit movement of the carriage therein. An improved firing mechanism for the assembly is also disclosed.

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 flash bulb unit comprising a plate-shaped support on which an electric circuit is provided. The circuit includes a plurality of combustion flash bulbs. On the side of the support remote from the bulbs the unit has an opaque plate. The plate and the support are each provided with holes aligned with at least one flash bulb. A foil is disposed intermediate the plate and support which substantially blocks light rays until the bulb is flashed whereupon the heat melts the foil. The hole in the support increases in diameter from the side on which the bulb is disposed to the opposite side and is narrower on the side of the bulb than the hole in the plate. The part of the support situated adjacent to the hole in the plate has a color contrasting with that of the foil.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp unit having an array of eight flash lamps located on each of two opposing sides thereof. Each array comprises two regions, upper and lower, of four lamps. A pivotal mounting device at a lower end of the unit permits the four lamps in one upper region to be fired after which the entire unit is rotated and the four lamps in the remaining, opposing upper region are fired. The unit is then inverted and the eight lamps in the two previously lower regions are fired in the manner described above.

Abstract: A photoflash unit having a flashed lamp indicator comprising two layers of film having different colors, one of the layers being a heat-shrinkable material and the other layer being translucent and substantially unaffected by the heat of lamp flashing. An adjacent indicia sheet provides an aperture through which one of the indicator colors is visible. Upon flashing of an associated lamp, the heat shrinkable layer shrivels from view and the color of the other layer becomes visible through the aperture to clearly identify which lamp was flashed. In one embodiment, the two-color indicator is used to identify the last lamp flashed in a sequence, while each of the preceding lamps in the sequence has a respectively associated single-layer color indicator which shrinks away to leave a void upon flashing of the lamp.

Abstract: A prismatic protective shield for each flash-lamp and reflector combination as arrays of parallel prisms in order to level the light distribution with a tendency to produce an intensity dip at the pattern center. Arrays of horizontal prisms occupy a central vertical stripe of the shield plane. Arrays of vertical prisms are at each side of the horizontal prisms.

Abstract: In a compact multilamp photoflash arrangement for providing more lamps in a given volume, a reliable sequencing circuit of normally open and normally closed switches is provided by employing a series-parallel combination of the normally open switches which minimizes resistance buildup and circuit discontinuity problems.

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. The circuit board has an integral connector tab with a pair of terminals on one side connected to the igniting circuitry. Electrostatic protection is provided by a conductive shield of planar configuration disposed parallel to the circuit board and spaced therefrom on the side opposite that on which the lamps are disposed. The conductive shield is shaped with a portion thereof extending toward the end of the connector tab on the side opposite from the terminals to provide a discharge path for electrostatic charges in proximity to the tab. Preferably the shield extension is narrower than the tab and fits within a slotted recess therein between the tab and a back housing member.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp array comprising a plastic housing containing flash lamps having lead-in wires connected to a circuit board carrying switching circuitry for sequentially firing the flash lamps. A combined shield and flash indicator sheet is positioned between the circuit board and the rear of the housing and is contoured to have side portions extending along the side walls of the housing.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp array of the FlipFlash type having connector tabs each having three terminals for connection to three contacts of a camera socket, two of the socket contacts being electrically connected together. The two terminals of the array intended for connection to the two socket contacts which are electrically connected together, are electrically connected together in the flash array.

Abstract: A compact photoflash unit is provided for arranging more lamps in a given volume while maintaining performance requirements. Two parallel columns of horizontally disposed lamps are mounted in a planar array with the lamps of one column staggered with respect to the other with the bases interdigitated. A multiple reflector system for the lamps comprises a pair of adjacent strip-like reflector panels each having a column of side-by-side reflector cavities aligned with an associated column of lamps, the cavities of one panel being staggered with respect to the cavities of the other. Each panel is fore-shortened with respect to its associated lamps and covers the lead-in wires and bases of the lamps associated with the adjacent panel.