US3728947A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Static electronic photoflash assembly and method of photoflash lighting
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1968-12-16
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Granted: 1973-04-24
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Expires: 1988-12-16
Abstract
Abstract A static electronic photoflash assembly and method of photoflash lighting is provided for reliably and selectively sequentially flashing at least one of an array of N flashbulbs with a startflash electrical signal developed by a camera shutter actuated switch or other similar electrical signal producing device. The static electronic photoflash assembly is coupled to and controlled by the start-flash electric signal and is electrically coupled to and controls the array of N flashbulbs for selectively sequentially flashing at least one of the N bulbs. For this purpose, the static electronic control circuit includes enabling logic circuitry for identifying and establishing through the use of solid state semiconductor devices enabling electric circuit connections to at least one unflashed bulb in an array of N bulbs in advance of the bulb being flashed. For this purpose the logic circuit may comprise either a permanent memory type of logic circuit for remembering which of the N flashbulbs are unflashed, and for establishing enabling electric circuit connections to at least one unflashed bulb. Alternatively, the enabling logic circuit may comprise an arrangement for identifying and establishing the enabling circuit connections to an unflashed bulb at the instant that the start-flash electrical signal occurs. Preferably, the electronic control circuit further includes monitoring logic circuitry for sensing that a light flash has indeed occurred, and establishing enabling electric circuit connections to additional unflashed bulbs in the event that no light-flash has been produced for reliably selectively flashing at least one of the unflashed bulbs, preferably sequentially. The start-flash electrical signal generally is produced by a camera shutter actuated switch which maintains the static electronic control circuit energized throughout the camera shutter-open period, and the circuit is designed in a manner such that the time required for the static electronic control circuit to sense, enable, and flash all N flashbulbs in an array is less than the normal open period of the camera shutter. The photoflash assembly may comprise a separate attachment to a camera that includes permanently wired sockets that are selectively energized by a static electronic control circuit that is part of the attachment with the photoflash bulbs seated in the sockets being replaceable after flashing. Alternatively, the photoflash assembly may comprise a discardable throw-away type of an attachment to a suitably designed camera that includes the static electronic control circuit. In either form of the invention, the static electronic control circuit preferably is fabricated by integrated circuit techniques. The static electronic control circuit also preferably includes static electronic switching devices connected in series circuit relationship with the individual flashbulbs in the array, and the switching devices employed may comprise silicon controlled rectifiers, complementary SCRs, triacs, silicon controlled switches, silicon bilateral switches, silicon unilateral switches, gate turn-off silicon controlled rectifiers, field effect transistors, unijunction transistors, programmable unijunction transistors, equivalent discrete tranSistor configurations, and the like.
Inventors
- 👤 J Harnden
- 👤 W Kronrumpf
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 16:47
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B15/00; G03B15/02; G03B15/03; G03B15/04; G03B15/0452; G03B15/0457
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
In a photoflash assembly for selectively flashing at least one of an array of N flashbulbs with a start-flash electrical signal for initiating a flash of light from at least one of the flashbulbs, the improvement comprising static electronic control circuit means coupled to and controlled by the start-flash electric signal and being electrically coupled to and electrically controlling the array of N flashbulbs for selectively, sequentially flashing at least one of the N bulbs, said static electronic contRol circuit means including circuit enabling means comprising solid state semiconductor devices for selectively establishing enabling electric circuit connections to at least one unflashed bulb in an array of N bulbs in advance of the bulb being flashed, and further including fusing means connected in series circuit relationship with each flashbulb in the array and designed to open the circuit branch including the flashbulb a predetermined time interval after the supply of electric current to the flashbulb.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
In a photoflash assembly for selectively flashing at least one of an array of N flashbulbs with a start-flash electrical signal for initiating a flash of light from at least one of the flashbulbs, the improvement comprising static electronic control circuit means coupled to and controlled by the start-flash electric signal and being electrically coupled to and electrically controlling the array of N flashbulbs for selectively, sequentially flashing at least one of the N bulbs, said static electronic contRol circuit means including circuit enabling means comprising solid state semiconductor devices for selectively establishing enabling electric circuit connections to at least one unflashed bulb in an array of N bulbs in advance of the bulb being flashed, and further including fusing means connected in series circuit relationship with each flashbulb in the array and designed to open the circuit branch including the flashbulb a predetermined time interval after the supply of electric current to the flashbulb.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
169 words
In a photoflash assembly for selectively flashing at least one of an array of N flashbulbs with a start-flash electrical signal for initiating a flash of light from at least one of the flashbulbs, the improvement comprising static electronic control circuit means coupled to and controlled by the start-flash electric signal and being electrically coupled to and electrically controlling the array of N flashbulbs for selectively, sequentially flashing at least one of the N bulbs, said static electronic control circuit means including circuit enabling means comprising solid state semiconductor devices for selectively establishing enabling electric circuit connections to at least one unflashed bulb in an array of N bulbs in advance of the bulb being flashed, and said static electronic control circuit means further including monitoring circuit means for determining that a light flash has indeed occurred, and means for establishing enabling electric circuit connections to additional unflashed bulbs in the event no light flash has been produced for sequentially selectively flashing at least one of the unflashed bulbs.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
169 words
In a photoflash assembly for selectively flashing at least one of an array of N flashbulbs with a start-flash electrical signal for initiating a flash of light from at least one of the flashbulbs, the improvement comprising static electronic control circuit means coupled to and controlled by the start-flash electric signal and being electrically coupled to and electrically controlling the array of N flashbulbs for selectively, sequentially flashing at least one of the N bulbs, said static electronic control circuit means including circuit enabling means comprising solid state semiconductor devices for selectively establishing enabling electric circuit connections to at least one unflashed bulb in an array of N bulbs in advance of the bulb being flashed, and said static electronic control circuit means further including monitoring circuit means for determining that a light flash has indeed occurred, and means for establishing enabling electric circuit connections to additional unflashed bulbs in the event no light flash has been produced for sequentially selectively flashing at least one of the unflashed bulbs.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
A photoflash assembly according to claim 2 wherein the circuit enabling means includes permanent memory circuit means for identifying which of the N flashbulbs are flashed and for establishing enabling electric circuit connections to at least one unflashed bulb.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
A photoflash assembly according to claim 3 wherein the circuit enabling means identifies and establishes the enabling circuit connections to an unflashed bulb at the instant that the electrical signal producing means calls for the initiation of at least one light flash.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
108 words
A photoflash assembly according to claim 2 wherein the start-flash electrical signal is produced by means comprising at least one camera shutter actuated switch means which maintains the static electronic control circuit means energized throughout the camera shutter open period and thereafter interrupts current supply to the static electronic control circuit, and the time required for the static electronic control circuit means to sense, enable, and supply current to all N flashbulbs is less than the camera shutter open period whereby during the camera shutter open period, while a particular film frame is exposed, the production of optimum lighting conditions to properly expose the film frame is assured.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A photoflash assembly according to claim 5 wherein the static electronic control circuit means is fabricated in monolithic integrated circuit form.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
A photoflash assembly according to claim 6 wherein the photoflash assembly comprises a separate attachment to a camera and includes means for connecting the camera shutter actuated switch means to the static electronic control circuit means for controlling the same with the photoflash bulbs employed in the assembly being replaceable after flashing.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
100 words
A photoflash assembly according to claim 6 wherein the static electronic control circuit means is disposed within the camera and the flashbulbs are supported in a separate discardable housing along with a reflector member, the separate discardable housing having conductive surfaces disposed thereon that establish separate electrical paths to the flashbulbs, and that are engaged by suitable contactor means formed on the camera for connection to the static electronic control circuit means upon the discardable housing being detachably secured to the camera, the entire discardable housing, refleCtor, and expended flashbulbs being thrown away after all the bulbs have been flashed.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
50 words
A photoflash assembly according to claim 5 further including fusing means fabricated in integrated circuit form and connected in series circuit relationship with each flashbulb in the array for opening the circuit branch including a particular flashbulb a predetermined time period after the supply of electric current to the flashbulb.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
200 words
A photoflash assembly including in combination an array of N flashbulbs, start-flash electrical signal producing means for producing an electrical signal that is time related to the opening of a camera shutter and that can be used in controlling sequential flashing of at least one of the flashbulbs, static electronic control circuit means coupled to and electrically controlled by the start-flash electrical signal producing means, the static electronic control circuit means including static electronic switch means connected in series circuit relationship with respective ones of the flashbulbs for electrically controlling the flow of electric current therethrough and hence the flashing of the bulb, circuit enabling means coupled to and controlling respective ones of the static electronic switch means for selectively flashing at least one of the N bulbs, and further including light level responsive measuring means for measuring the lighting level of an area to be photographed and deriving an output electric control signal representative of the light level measured, said light level responsive measuring means being coupled to and controlling the circuit enabling means for selectively flashing a number of the flashbulbs in the array as determined by the output control signal from the light level responsive measuring means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
200 words
A photoflash assembly including in combination an array of N flashbulbs, start-flash electrical signal producing means for producing an electrical signal that is time related to the opening of a camera shutter and that can be used in controlling sequential flashing of at least one of the flashbulbs, static electronic control circuit means coupled to and electrically controlled by the start-flash electrical signal producing means, the static electronic control circuit means including static electronic switch means connected in series circuit relationship with respective ones of the flashbulbs for electrically controlling the flow of electric current therethrough and hence the flashing of the bulb, circuit enabling means coupled to and controlling respective ones of the static electronic switch means for selectively flashing at least one of the N bulbs, and further including light level responsive measuring means for measuring the lighting level of an area to be photographed and deriving an output electric control signal representative of the light level measured, said light level responsive measuring means being coupled to and controlling the circuit enabling means for selectively flashing a number of the flashbulbs in the array as determined by the output control signal from the light level responsive measuring means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
198 words
A photoflash assembly including in combination an array of N flashbulbs, start-flash electrical signal producing means for producing an electrical signal that is time related to the opening of a camera shutter and that can be used in controlling sequential flashing of at least one of the flashbulbs, static electronic control circuit means coupled to and electrically controlled by the start-flash electrical signal producing means, the static electronic control circuit means including static electronic switch means connected in series circuit relationship with respective ones of the flashbulbs for electrically controlling the flow of electric current therethrough and hence the flashing of the bulb, circuit enabling means coupled to and controlling respective ones of the static electronic switch means for selectively flashing at least one of the N bulbs, and further including light level setting means for setting the lighting level of a subject to be photographed, said light level setting means comprising means for deriving a light level control signal representative of the light level desired, and means for applying the light level control signal to the circuit enabling means for selectively flashing a number of flashbulbs in the array as determined by the light level control signal.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
198 words
A photoflash assembly including in combination an array of N flashbulbs, start-flash electrical signal producing means for producing an electrical signal that is time related to the opening of a camera shutter and that can be used in controlling sequential flashing of at least one of the flashbulbs, static electronic control circuit means coupled to and electrically controlled by the start-flash electrical signal producing means, the static electronic control circuit means including static electronic switch means connected in series circuit relationship with respective ones of the flashbulbs for electrically controlling the flow of electric current therethrough and hence the flashing of the bulb, circuit enabling means coupled to and controlling respective ones of the static electronic switch means for selectively flashing at least one of the N bulbs, and further including light level setting means for setting the lighting level of a subject to be photographed, said light level setting means comprising means for deriving a light level control signal representative of the light level desired, and means for applying the light level control signal to the circuit enabling means for selectively flashing a number of flashbulbs in the array as determined by the light level control signal.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
182 words
A photoflash assembly including in combination an array of N flashbulbs, start-flash electrical signal producing means for producing an electrical signal that is time related to the opening of a camera shutter and that can be used in controlling sequential flashing of at least one of the flashbulbs, static electronic control circuit means coupled to and electrically controlled by the start-flash electrical signal producing means, the static electronic control circuit means including static electronic switch means connected in series circuit relationship with respective ones of the flashbulbs for electrically controlling the flow of electric current therethrough and hence the flashing of the bulb, circuit enabling means coupled to and controlling respective ones of the static electronic switch means for selectively flashing at least one of the N bulbs, and wherein the static electronic control circuit means further includes monitoRing circuit means for determining that a light flash has indeed occurred and means for establishing enabling electric circuit connections to additional unflashed bulbs in the event no light flash has been produced for sequentially selectively flashing at least one of the unflashed bulbs.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
182 words
A photoflash assembly including in combination an array of N flashbulbs, start-flash electrical signal producing means for producing an electrical signal that is time related to the opening of a camera shutter and that can be used in controlling sequential flashing of at least one of the flashbulbs, static electronic control circuit means coupled to and electrically controlled by the start-flash electrical signal producing means, the static electronic control circuit means including static electronic switch means connected in series circuit relationship with respective ones of the flashbulbs for electrically controlling the flow of electric current therethrough and hence the flashing of the bulb, circuit enabling means coupled to and controlling respective ones of the static electronic switch means for selectively flashing at least one of the N bulbs, and wherein the static electronic control circuit means further includes monitoRing circuit means for determining that a light flash has indeed occurred and means for establishing enabling electric circuit connections to additional unflashed bulbs in the event no light flash has been produced for sequentially selectively flashing at least one of the unflashed bulbs.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
102 words
A photoflash assembly according to claim 12 wherein the start-flash electrical signal is produced by means which maintains the static electronic control circuit means energized throughout a camera shutter open period and thereafter interrupts the current supply to the control circuit with the time period required for the static electronic control circuit means to sense, enable, and supply current to all N flashbulbs in the array being less than the camera shutter open period whereby during the camera shutter open period, while a particular film frame is exposed, the production of optimum lighting conditions to properly expose the film frame is assured.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
A photoflash assembly according to claim 13 wherein the static electronic control circuit means is fabricated in integrated circuit form.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
50 words
A photoflash assembly according to claim 14 wherein the photoflash assembly comprises a separate attachment to a camera and includes means for connecting the signal producing means to the static electronic control circuit means for controlling the same with the photoflash bulbs employed in the assembly being replaceable after flashing.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
100 words
A photoflash assembly according to claim 14 wherein the static electronic control circuit means is disposed within the camera and the flashbulbs are supported in a separate discardable housing along with a reflector member, the separate discardable housing having conductive surfaces disposed thereon that establish separate electrical paths to the flashbulbs, and that are engaged by suitable contactor means formed on the camera for connection to the static electronic control circuit means upon the discardable housing being detachably secured to the camera, the entire discardable housing, reflector, and expended flashbulbs being thrown away after all the bulbs have been flashed.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
78 words
A photoflash assembly according to claim 13 further including light level responsive measuring means for measuring the lighting level of an area to be photographed and deriving an output electric control signal representative of the light level measured, said light level responsive measuring means being coupled to and controlling the circuit enabling means for selectively flashing a number of the flashbulbs in the array as determined by the output control signal from the light level responsive measuring means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
45 words
A photoflash assembly according to claim 13 further including fusing means connected in series circuit relationship with each flashbulb in the array for opening the circuit branch including the respective flashbulb a predetermined time period following the supply of electric current to the respective flashbulbs.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
79 words
A photoflash assembly according to claim 13 further including light level setting means for setting the lighting level of a subject to be photographed, said light level setting means comprising manually operable means for deriving a light level electric control signal representative of the light level desired, and means for applying the light level control signal to the circuit enabling means for selectively flashing a number of flashbulbs in the array as determined by the light level control signal.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
156 words
A method of selectively flashing at least one of an array of N flashbulbs with static electronic control circuit means electrically coupled to and selectively controlling the flashing of the flashbulbs comprising developing a start-flash electrical signal for use in initiating the flashing of at least one of the flashbulbs, electrically selecting an electric signal path for supplying a flash initiating electrical signal to an unused flashbulb in the array, supplying a flash initiating electrical signal over the selected electric signaL path to the unused flashbulb thus selected, and further including sensing the flashing of at least one flashbulb in response to the start-flash electrical signal, disenabling the flashing of any further unused flashbulbs in response to flashing of at least one flashbulb, and continuing the selection of electric signal paths to an unflashed light bulb and the supply of a flash initiating electrical signal thereto until the flashing of at least one flashbulb is sensed.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
156 words
A method of selectively flashing at least one of an array of N flashbulbs with static electronic control circuit means electrically coupled to and selectively controlling the flashing of the flashbulbs comprising developing a start-flash electrical signal for use in initiating the flashing of at least one of the flashbulbs, electrically selecting an electric signal path for supplying a flash initiating electrical signal to an unused flashbulb in the array, supplying a flash initiating electrical signal over the selected electric signaL path to the unused flashbulb thus selected, and further including sensing the flashing of at least one flashbulb in response to the start-flash electrical signal, disenabling the flashing of any further unused flashbulbs in response to flashing of at least one flashbulb, and continuing the selection of electric signal paths to an unflashed light bulb and the supply of a flash initiating electrical signal thereto until the flashing of at least one flashbulb is sensed.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
86 words
A method of selectively flashing at least one of an array of N flashbulbs according to claim 20 wherein if necessary selection of enabling electric signal paths to all of the flashbulbs in the array and supply of flash initiating electric signals thereto can be accomplished with the normal open period of a camera shutter and thereafter terminated, whereby during the camera shutter open period, while a particular film frame is exposed, the production of optimum lighting conditions to properly expose the film frame is assured.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method of selectively flashing at least one of an array of N flashbulbs according to claim 21 further including fusing each individual flashbulb in the array for opening the circuit branch of the static electronic control means which includes the respective flashbulb a predetermined time period after the supply of electric current to the flashbulb.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-04-23 | 1976-10-23 | 1977-04-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-23 | 1980-10-23 | 1981-04-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-23 | 1984-10-23 | 1985-04-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |