Camera with piezoelectric crystal flash ignition system

Claim 1

A camera comprising a lens, a lens aperture, a shutter blade for covering the lens aperture, and circuit means for igniting a flashlamp connectible to the camera, the improvement in combination therewith of a flashlamp ignition device comprising a piezoelectric crystal secured to the camera, said crystal having first and second contact faces electrically connected to the circuit means, a percussion element on the shutter blade, the shutter blade being pivotable between a closed position covering the lens aperture and an open position exposing the aperture, means for initially restraining the shutter blade in closed position and then urging the shutter blade to pivot to the open position, said restraining means comprising spring biasing means for urging said shutter blade to remain in said closed position, and a film transport means including a movable lever member which engages said spring means and loads the spring during the transporting of film, whereby said percussion element strikes said first contact face of the crystal and produces a voltage to ignite the lamp.