Abstract: A photoflash lamp array having a plurality of 2n flashlamps, 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. A respective normally open switch is coupled between the common terminal and a lead-in wire of the other lamp of each pair, so that the n normally open switches are coupled between the common circuit lead-in wires of associated pairs of the 2n lamps. Each of the switches is responsive to the flashing of the directly connected lamp of an associated pair so as to electrically connect the other lamp of the pair to the common terminal. In one specific example, ten lamps are selectively paired to be operated sequentially by firing pulses successively applied to five selective terminals together with a common terminal.

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 flash lamp array is disclosed having a plurality of flash lamps connected to sequencing circuitry on a circuit board. A plurality of solid-state thermally activated switches, having predetermined composition and physical characteristics and predetermined dimensions, are located externally of the lamps and affixed directly to one side of the circuit board. The sequencing circuitry includes printed circuit branches having a plurality of spaced-arm sections two of which overlay each of the switches and terminate proximate each of the switches. The exposed surface portion of the switches upon being irradiated by a flashed lamp converts to an electrically conductive state to insure a closed electrical circuit between the overlaying spaced-arm sections of the printed circuit.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp unit is described having a plurality of flash lamps fired individually and in sequence to include a plurality of switching devices each connected in the electrical circuit so as to interrupt the circuit path to a lamp that is flashed in response to the radiation emitted therefrom but still provide a circuit path to other unflashed lamps in the electrical circuit. In this manner, the desired firing sequence can be carried out although a particular flash lamp in the electrical circuit fails to fire because of defects other than a before-flash shorted condition and a more reliable switching arrangement is thereby provided.

Abstract: Illumination system for photographic enlargers having a chamber mounted between the lamp and the negative aperture and consisting of heat-insulating, non-staining material of high light reflective and scattering power. In addition to the light entry and exit apertures, a further opening has a wall-segment inserted therein for cooling the mixing chamber and this wall segment consists of a material having a greater heat conductivity than the polyalkene foam.

Abstract: An elongated flash lamp assembly which is sequentially advanced through a camera to permit each of the lamps within the assembly to become aligned with the camera's fixed reflector. Several heat-responsive (e.g. fusible) covers are located on the assembly's housing to permit the above advancement only after each cover has become physically deformed by the heat from the respective flash lamp located adjacent thereto. A mechanism for advancing the assembly is also disclosed.

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: A curved reflector is disposed behind an elongated lamp for reflecting light from the lamp onto a document carrier in the form of a narrow elongated beam. The carrier is movable perpendicular to the beam for scanning a document placed on the carrier. One or more orifices are formed through the back of the reflector and a blower creates an air flow through the orifice and around the lamp for cooling the same.

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: Combustion flashlight lamps for high-voltage ignition, in which two current conductors in the lamp envelope debouch on the surface of an insulating member, have an ignition mass which is provided on the surface of the insulating member and connects the current conductors, which mass contains 60-90% by volume of metal powder and 40-10% by volume of KClO.sub.4.The metal powder consists of zirconium or a zirconium containing mixture. KClO.sub.4 may be replaced fully or partly by another oxidation agent.The lamps have readily defined chemical properties, which after ignition are different from those prior to ignition, and are suitable for being incorporated in a series arrangement in flash devices in which a flashed lamp serves as a make switch.

Abstract: Radiation sensitive switches which undergo thermal decomposition to physically interrupt the circuit path when activated are operatively associated with a plurality of high voltage flash lamps utilizing a shorting primer material to provide an electrical path across said lamps after flashing as the means of enabling the flash lamps to be sequentially flashed in a high-voltage activated multiple flash lamp array. The thermal decomposition of the radiation sensitive switching elements produces self-destruction of the switch elements per se and which can be accompanied by further destruction of the underlying substrate on which the switch elements have been deposited. The switching elements are deposited on a circuit board member and electrically connected in the sequential lamp firing circuitry at circuit board locations adjacent to the associated flash 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 copying apparatus with a reciprocating platen is disclosed having an improved illumination system. The system includes a regulator that maintains an illumination source at an optimum value by turning the illumination source on during forward scan of the platen and off during reverse movement of the platen. The regulator thereby prevents overheating of the illumination source which would reduce illumination output and thereby interfere with copy quality.

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.