Abstract:
An electrically-activated, subminiature photoflash lamp including a glass envelope, a quantity of combustible shred material (e.g., zirconium or hafnium) for providing high intensity light output upon ignition thereof, and an ignition means for igniting the combustible upon application of a suitable pulse such as typically provided by a piezoelectric element utilized in many of today's pocket-type cameras. The ignition means includes a first quantity of primer material located within a buttom of the lamp's envelope, a pair of lead-in wires secured within the bottom end of the envelope and in electrical contact with the primer, and a thin member located at an opposite end of the envelope from the first primer and having thereon a second quantity of primer material. The first primer, when ignited, thus serves to ignite a first end portion of the combustible shred material while substantially simultaneously igniting the spaced, second primer. This second primer in turn ignites the opposing end portion of the shred material such that this material burns from the opposing ends thereof toward the center to in turn assure both uniformity of burn and an accelerated rate thereof. In one example, the thin member comprised a cylindrical-shaped mica disk.
Abstract:
A method of making a photoflash lamp wherein an elongated piece of glass tubing is sealed at a first end thereof to secure a pair of lead-in wires therein. Thereafter, a first quantity of primer material is positioned within the glass tubing through a second, open end thereof and deposited on an internal bottom surface of the tubing. A quantity of combustible material (e.g., zirconium) is then air blown within the tubing member, and thereafter a thin member (mica disk) is inserted through the open end, said disk having a second quantity of primer material thereon. The tubing member is then restricted, a combustion-supporting atmosphere (e.g., oxygen) introduced therein, and the second open end of the tubing member is sealed (tipped) to define the finished envelope.
Abstract:
A miniature photoflash lamp which includes a plastic, light-transmitting envelope and a quantity of a flash-producing composition therein. The composition includes a powdered metal (e.g., zirconium) and a powdered oxidizer (e.g., potassium chlorate) with the powdered metal having a particle size within the range of about 10 to 150 microns. Activation of the lamp may be accomplished electrically using, for example, a pair of conductive lead-in wires sealed within one end of the envelope. A method for making this lamp is also described.
Abstract:
An improved pyrotechnic cap capable of being activated by the radiant energy from an adjacent flashlamp. The cap includes a light-transmitting plastic container with a quantity of pyrotechnic composition hermetically sealed therein. Receipt of the described radiant energy causes activation of the composition whereby the cap produces an audible signal of high intensity (e.g. 158 to 164 decibels at 25 centimeters). The improvement comprises adding a moisture-indicating material (e.g. cobalti, cobaltous cyanide) to the cap to detect harmful quantities of moisture present within the container and change color in a discernible manner as a result of said detection.
Abstract:
A flashlamp signal device which includes an illumination means for providing a prolonged, visible signal after actuation of each of the device's flashlamps. The illumination means may be in the form of a phosphor coating within the device or on an adjacent, movable panel, or the phosphor may be impregnated within the light-transmitting housing or support structure of the device.
Abstract:
A two-part flashlamp assembly which comprises an actuating mechanism and a disposable flashlamp article containing therein several, e.g. ten, percussively-ignitable flashlamps. The flashlamp article is designed for easy positioning on and removal from the actuating mechanism which comprises a handle and movable trigger, in addition to an elongated support member.
Abstract:
A photoflash lamp having a glass envelope with an inner layer or coating of a material selected to have a low thermal conductivity and diffusivity for minimizing heat losses during the collision of molten droplets of combustible metal with the inner wall of the envelope during flashing. In this manner, radiative energy losses resulting from the droplet-wall collisions are minimized and light output is improved.
Abstract:
A lamp assembly includes a tubular incandescent lamp located between the four tube sections of a double twin tube compact fluorescent lamp such that heat is transferred from the incandescent lamp to the fluorescent lamp when the incandescent lamp is energized. A power source provides power to the incandescent lamp and to the fluorescent lamp through a thermal switch. The thermal switch is in thermal contact with the incandescent lamp and the fluorescent lamp. When the lamp assembly is turned on, the switch applies power to the incandescent lamp initially. When the switch is heated by the incandescent lamp to a predetermined temperature, the switch deenergizes the incandescent lamp and applies power to the fluorescent lamp.
Abstract:
A glow discharge lamp that includes a light transmitting envelope containing a noble gas fill material and a pair of electrodes disposed in the envelope. Lead-in wires couple to the electrodes and extend to and are hermetically sealed in the envelope. The electrodes include an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. A getter material is disposed on an auxiliary electrode. The getter material is maintained at an elevated temperature by virtue of a continuous lamp discharge to thus maintain chemical pumping in the envelope for the absorption of residual envelope gases.
Abstract:
A glow discharge lamp that includes a light transmitting envelope containing a noble gas fill material and a pair of electrodes disposed in the envelope. Lead-in wires couple to the electrodes and extend to and are hermetically sealed in the envelope. The electrodes include an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. A getter material is disposed on the anode electrode. The getter material is maintained at an elevated temperature by virtue of a continuous lamp discharge to thus maintain chemical pumping in the envelope for the absorption of residual envelope gases.