Firing and synchronizing mechanism for percussion-ignitable flashlamps

Claim 1

In a camera construction including a housing for holding a length of film, means for advancing the film to locate successive frames thereof in picture taking position, shutter means for exposing the successive frames, said shutter means comprising movable plates with at least one plate defining an opening for registering with a lens opening to achieve exposure of a film frame, a flashlamp socket designed to hold at least one flashbulb, said bulb having a spring-loaded firing finger adapted to be moved beyond a restraining detent and to then engage firing means for the bulb, the improvement comprising means for moving said finger beyond its restraining detent comprising a pusher rod, said shutter means comprising a first pivotally mounted plate movable in response to shutter operation, means defined by said plate for engaging said rod in response to the shutter operation, a second plate pivotally attached to said first plate, spring means connected between said first and second plates, retaining means for holding said second plate against movement with said first plate during shutter operation in opposition to the action of said spring means, continued movement of said first plate operating to release said second plate from said retaining means whereby said second plate moves rapidly relative to said first plate in response to the action of said spring means and wherein said rod operates to move said finger beyond said restraining means substantially simultaneously with the register of said openings whereby peak bulb lighting will occur during exposure of a film frame.