Abstract: A compact flash lamp array includes a housing defining a plurality of cavities. Each cavity has a light emitting opening and a primer vent opposite the light emitting opening. A combustible mass is deposited in each cavity over the primer vent and a primer mass is deposited on the outside of the housing over each primer vent. A primer is cover secured over each primer mass, and a sheet of transparent material is bonded over the cavities in the housing.

Abstract: A compact flash lamp array includes a housing defining a plurality of cavities, each cavity having a light emitting opening and an exhaust vent and containing a combustible mass. A transparent cover is fixed over the light emitting opening and means are provided for individually firing the combustible mass in each cavity. A valve cooperating with the exhaust vents opens the exhaust vent of a cavity in which a combustible mass is fired and closes the cavities containing unfired combustible masses.

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: A multi-lamp flash carrier comprises a plurality of flash lamps and a lamp support for arranging the individual lamps in a spatial succession. The lamp support includes respective lamp holders for the individual lamps, which have integral resilient couplers for connecting the lamp holders to one another and for permitting separation of the lamp holders from one another to selectively change the number of lamp holders for the lamp support and, thus, similarly change the number of flash lamps for the multi-lamp flash carrier. A camera to be used with the multi-lamp flash carrier has a drive for moving the multi-lamp flash carrier to advance the flash lamps successively to a use position for illuminating a subject being photographed. The drive is adjustable to accommodate changing the number of flash lamps for the multi-lamp flash carrier.

Abstract: A camera comprising a main body part having a film chamber, and a multi-lamp flash wheel supported for rotation to move successive flash lamps from a storage to a use position for illuminating a subject to be photographed. The multi-lamp flash wheel is rotatable about the film chamber to make the camera relatively compact.

Abstract: A camera is intended to be used with a multi-lamp flash wheel having flash lamps that are tilted from storage orientations to ignition orientations as the respective lamps are moved to behind a flash emission window. Tilting the flash lamp to its ignition orientation cocks a striker finger, which when released triggers flash ignition.

Abstract: A camera intended to be used with a multiple flash bulb unit selects an unused flash bulb farthest from the taking lens to reduce a red-eye effect when a near range camera-to-subject distance is chosen and selects an unused flash bulb closest to the taking lens when a far range camera-to-subject distance is selected.

Abstract: In a camera, a circular array of flash lamps is arranged radially with respective ignition ends of the lamps closer to one another than respective opposite ends of the lamps. Each one of the lamps has respective ignition stems projecting from the ignition ends of the lamps to be struck to ignite the lamps. A one-piece reflector ring is located behind the circular array of lamps with respective disk portions of the reflector disk extending radially over each one of the lamps between the ignitions ends and opposite ends of the lamps to reflect flash illumination from the lamps non-radially. A one-piece striker ring is located behind the reflector ring and has respective striker fingers extending radially over the lamps for striking the ignition stems of the lamps. The circular array of flash lamps, the reflector disk and the striker ring are supported for simultaneous rotation to position respective trios of the lamps, the disk portions and the striker fingers successively behind a flash emission window.

Abstract: An ultra high intensity flash cartridge is provided for light guns. The ultra high intensity of the flash is obtained by sealing fast burning filaments of magnesium inside a glass bulb containing pure oxygen gas under pressure. The flash is triggered by an electric current. The intensity is boosted by designing the rear surface of the bulb with a paraboloidal shape and coating it with a reflective surface so that all the light is projected and concentrated in the forward direction without requiring any external reflector. Guide flanges are built into the bulb to maintain proper orientation when loaded into a light gun. The cartridge is capable of generating a light flash several orders of magnitude brighter than the noon-day sun for temporarily blinding an assailant at a distance.

Abstract: A hand-held multiple-shot flash generator is presented for temporarily blinding an assailant at a distance. The light is generated by a plurality of ultra high intensity flash bulbs containing a fast-burning substance such as magnesium sealed in pressurized pure oxygen that is triggered by an electric current. A portion of the glass bulbs is coated with a reflective surface to concentrate and project the light flash in a forward direction. The intensity of the flash striking the eyes is sufficiently strong to cause temporary blindness, thereby rendering the assailant mobile. The flash bulbs are mounted in a cylindrical housing containing a battery and a bulb firing and ejection system designed to give repetitive operation.

Abstract: A multilamp photoflash unit responsive to either a high pulse potential source or a low voltage source includes normally open (N/O) switches having a composition which includes an admixture of silver carbonate and/or silver oxide, titanium dioxide and a blended binder of polystyrene and thermoplastic.

Abstract: An improved flashed-lamp indicator composition comprising a volatile dye, a nonvolatile particulate heat-absorbing material; a binding agent; and inert platelet-shaped particles having an average particle size within the range of from about 0.5 to about 1.5 micron is provided. Also provided is a multilamp photoflash array in which each flash lamp of the array has at least one spot of the improved flashed-lamp indicator composition of the present invention in heat-receiving relationship therewith.

Abstract: A miniaturized multilamp photoflash array includes a printed circuit board with a common circuit extending along one edge and a plurality of contact pads along an opposite edge and a plurality of flashlamps mounted in a direction normal to the edges of the circuit board.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a miniaturized multilamp photoflash array includes a switch fabricating process wherein a strip of N/C switching material is fabricated, affixed to a circuit board and that portion of the switching material not required for a switch removed.

Abstract: A multilamp photoflash device comprising an outer housing containing a plurality of flashlamps and means for sequentially flashing the flashlamps of the device and having an antistatic coating on the surface of the outer housing is provided. The antistatic coating comprises an anionic surfactant and a deliquescent salt. A method for inhibiting electrostatic charge buildup in a multilamp photoflash device comprising an outer housing containing a plurality of flashlamps and means for sequentially flashing the flashlamps of the device is also provided. The method includes applying an antistat solution comprising an anionic surfactant and a deliquescent salt dissolved in a solvent to the surface of the outer housing of the multilamp photoflash device and evaporating the solvent from the antistat solution on the surface of the outer housing so as to form an antistatic coating thereon. The coating comprises the anionic surfactant and deliquescent salt components of the antistat solution.

Abstract: A multilamp photoflash array responsive to either a relatively high or relatively low pulse potential includes normally open (N/O) switches formed from an admixture including silver carbonate and/or silver oxide, titanium dioxide, a blended binder and a sulfur compound in the range of about 0.001 to 5.0 percent by weight and selected from the group consisting of elemental sulfur and low solubility sulfides.

Abstract: A multilamp photoflash array responsive to either a relatively high or relatively low pulse potential includes normally open (N/O) switches formed from an admixture including sliver carbonate and/or silver oxide, titanium dioxide, a blender binder and aluminum hydroxide. Also, enhanced results are provided by the inclusion of a sulfur compound in the range of about 0.001 to 5.0 percent by weight within the admixture.

Abstract: A miniaturized multilamp photoflash array including a transparent plastic cover member with the cover member having at least one prismatic barrier divider extending outwardly therefrom between a pair of parallel arrayed flashlamps. The prismatic barrier divider serves as a shield whereby sympathetic flashing of adjacent flashlamps is reduced.

Abstract: An improved multiple flashlamp array is disclosed having a plurality of low voltage type lamps fired individually and in sequence by means of a plurality of static solid switching devices capable of reliable actuation by radiant energy generated during flashing of the lamps. Initially, these switching devices have a high electrical resistance ("off position") and after being actuated by the heat and light radiation, they undergo chemical conversion to an electrically conductive state ("on position"). The switch devices are prepared in a conventional manner from a particulate mixture of silver oxide with oxidized copper metal and which further contains a particular organic polymer binder mixture. The low voltage flashlamps being fired in this manner require that the converted switch devices exhibit an electrical resistance after conversion not to exceed about 0.3 ohms.

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: A method of forming a protective coating on a glass envelope of a photoflash lamp. The method comprises the steps of orienting the lamp within a mold member such that the external surfaces of the lamp's glass envelope do not contact the internal surfaces of the mold, depositing a quantity of powdered thermoplastic or thermosetting resin within the mold such that the resin surrounds the entirety of the glass envelope's external surfaces, simultaneously applying pressure and heat to the powdered material to cause it to liquify, and thereafter cooling the liquified material to form a light-transmitting, solid polymer member having the glass envelope located therein. Pressures within the range of about 500 to 8000 pounds per square inch were possible without fracturing the glass envelopes or adversely effecting the components therein. The finished product is ideally suited as one component of a multilamp photoflash device for use with many of today's cameras.

Abstract: A multilamp photoflash array and fabrication process is provided wherein electrically conductive leads of a plurality of flashlamps are embedded in and wrapped about the ends of a plastic reflector unit which is, in turn, affixed to a circuit board to provide contact between the bent leads and a printed circuit on the circuit board.

Abstract: A modified carbon ink for a flash lamp array circuit containing a particulated electrically conductive material such as graphite or metal flakes, metal-coated glass spheres and the like. The increased electrical conductivity obtained in this manner improved flashability and electrostatic flash out protection for the associated flash lamps.

Abstract: A multiple flashlamp array is disclosed having a plurality of lamps fired individually and in sequence by means of a plurality of static solid switching devices capable of reliable actuation by radiant energy generated during flashing of the lamps. Initially, these switching devices have a high electrical resistance ("off position") and after being actuated by the heat and light radiation, they undergo chemical conversion to an electrically conductive state ("on position"). The switch devices are prepared in a conventional manner from a particulate mixture of silver oxide with a metal exhibiting both thermal and electrical conductivity but which does not react exothermally with said silver oxide. A binder mixture is used which includes a conventional organic polymer binder which serves as a fuel during conversion of the silver oxide together with a second organic polymer binder which is more resistant to combustion.

Abstract: A moisture barrier for radiation-responsive switches which includes an admixture of particles and forms a part of a multilamp photoflash array comprises a thin, radiation-transparent and/or translucent coating which is absorbed into the switches and envelopes the individual particles of the admixture.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a miniaturized multilamp photoflash array includes the steps of forming a printed circuit board having electrical contact pads thereon and a plurality of shaped holes having a wire-receiving portion and a tapered portion extending therefrom, selecting a photoflash lamp having conductive leads, threading the conductive leads through the wire-receiving portion and urging the conducting leads into the tapered portion of the shaped holes and affixing the conductive leads to the electrical contact pads.

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. Groups of circuit pattern extensions are located behind alternate lamps of the array, the first group comprising two spaced apart segments and the remaining groups each comprising three spaced apart segments. Each group of segments is covered with a mass of radiation sensitive switch material to thereby provide respective solid state switches between bridged segment gaps which are activated upon receiving radiant energy emitted by an adjacent lamp.

Abstract: A multilamp photoflash array has a circuit board with a printed circuit thereon and a plurality of flashlamps connected to the printed circuit with a normally open (N/O) switch of electrically insulating material overlaying a portion of the printed circuit and a normally closed (N/C) switch of solid electrically conductive material overlaying the normally open (N/O) switch and portion of the printed circuit to provide a crossover switch. A process for fabricating a crossover switch includes affixing the printed circuit to the circuit board, depositing a normally open (N/O) switch over a portion thereof and attaching a normally closed (N/C) switch of solid electrically conductive material over the printed circuit portion and normally open (N/O) switch to provide a crossover switch.

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 miniaturized multilamp photoflash array having a plurality of flashlamps affixed to a printed circuit on the inner surface of a circuit board with a continuous strip of switching material forming a plurality of normally closed (N/C) switches coupling the flashlamps to a common conductor and a plurality of normally open (N/O) switches coupling all but one of a plurality of flashlamps to an energizing conductor.

Abstract: An improved quick-disconnect switch for use in a multilamp photoflash unit containing a plurality of flashlamps and circuit means for sequentially igniting the flashlamps, in which the switch is adapted to automatically by-pass a flashlamp having an improper atmosphere therein, referred to herein as an "air" or "vacuum" lamp. The disconnect switch comprises a length of polymeric material which is rendered electrically conductive by a deposit of conductive material (e.g., aluminum) on at least a portion of the surface thereof. The conductive material has a gap disposed therein extending substantially transverse to the length thereof. The disconnect switch is severed directly by ignition of the primer from the high voltage pulse that ignites the lamp rather than by previously required direct optical energy coupling from the lamp. In an alternate embodiment, the switch may be constructed of a thin, low melting alloy member.

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: A miniaturized multilamp photoflash array includes an envelope with a printed circuit of spaced electrical conductors on an inner surface, a plurality of flashlamps each having a pair of electrically conductive leads and a reflector unit affixed to the envelope and having a formed member forcing the conductive leads against the printed circuit and a sonic projection sealed to the envelope intermediate the spaced electrical conductors of the printed circuit.

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 miniaturized multilamp photoflash array includes a housing member having a back portion with a printed electrical circuit on one surface thereof and a light transmittable front portion affixed to the back portion with a plurality of flashlamps affixed to and supported by the array and each flashlamp having a pair of electrical conductors in electrical contact with the printed circuit on one surface of the back portion of the housing member.

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 self-sequencing multilamp photoflash array responsive to a low voltage source includes radiation-responsive switches having a pair of electrical conductors spaced by a switch paste comprising a heat sensitive silver compound, a powdered metal in stoichiometric excess and an organic binder. The array has a flashlamp coupled to a pair of electrical conductors and a plurality of series connected flashlamps and radiant-responsive switches connected in parallel to the electrical conductors with each switch responsive to a previously energized flashlamp. Also, a process is provided for fabricating the switches and the array.

Abstract: A multilamp photoflash array includes a plurality of interdigitated flashlamps connected to a printed circuit board and disposed within a housing member having a pair of substantially identical light transmitting side members affixed to one another and thermoformed from a single plastic sheet. The array is fabricated by a process wherein a printed circuit board is formed, flashlamps are electrically connected thereto, a housing member is thermoformed from a single plastic sheet, folded and sealed to itself and to the printed circuit board to provide an envelope containing the flashlamps.

Abstract: A flashlamp unit for individual and sequential firing of flashlamps includes a pair of flashlamps connected in an electrical circuit with a radiation-responsive N/O arc gap switch in series connection with one of said pair of flashlamps and including an arc gap having a radiation-responsive material thereover and therebetween.

Abstract: A one-time electrically-activated switch is composed of a cured polymeric binder which contains a powdered conductive material in an amount sufficient to establish particle-to-particle contact throughout the binder and in which the material powder particles have a non-conductive oxide surface sufficient to resist the flow of electricity below a given threshold. When a sufficiently high voltage is applied to the switch, the break-down voltage of the oxide layer is exceeded and avalanche current is permitted to flow. As a result, the oxide layer on the conductive particles breaks down along the break-down path and forms an irreversible low-impedance connection.

Abstract: A sequentially operable multilamp photoflash array includes a plurality of radiation-responsive normally open (N/O) connect type switches which are prepared from a composition which includes a filler material, a binder, silver coated particulate solids and silver-salt coated particulate solids. The switches are fabricated by a process wherein the silver coated particulate solids are stirred in potassium permanganate, added to an admixture of silver coated glass beads, a filler material and an organic binder and deposited onto a printed circuit board.

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 multi-lamp photoflash unit includes a housing member having a plurality of spaced cavities in a back portion and a light transmittable front portion formable to enclose the cavities, a reflector unit having a multiplicity of spaced cavities formed to nest in the cavities of the housing member, and an aperture extending through the reflector unit and housing member to provide venting from the cavities to the exterior of the housing member.Also, the multi-lamp photoflash unit is fabricated by a process which includes the forming of a housing member having a back portion with a plurality of spaced cavities and a foldable light transmitting front portion, a reflector unit having a multiplicity of spaced cavities formed to nest in the cavities of the housing member and an aperture for venting the reflector unit cavities to the exterior of the housing member.

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: Venting apertures for multi-lamp photoflash units having a plurality of spaced flashlamp receiving cavities are provided intermediate the cavities whereby no direct path for fragments from a flashlamp within a cavity to the exterior of the unit is provided. In another aspect, a reflector unit having venting apertures aligned with the venting apertures of the above-described photoflash unit is enclosed with the photoflash unit with no direct path for projectiles from the photoflash lamp to the exterior of the photoflash unit.

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 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 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 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.