US4432723A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multilamp photoflash unit with improved quick-disconnect switch
Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc
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Filing: 1982-07-12
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Granted: 1984-02-21
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Expires: 2002-07-12
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Andre C. Bouchard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 08:31
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B15/00; G03B15/02; G03B15/03; G03B15/04; G03B15/0442
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
In a multilamp photoflash unit containing a plurality of flashlamps and circuit means for sequentially igniting said flashlamps, at least one quick-disconnect switch included in said circuit means and being electrically connected in series with one of said flashlamps for interrupting the ignition circuit means for said flashlamp after said flashlamp is ignited, said disconnect switch comprising a length of polymeric material which is rendered electrically conductive by a deposit of conductive material on at least a portion of the surface of said length of polymeric material, said conductive material having a gap disposed therein extending substantially transverse to the length thereof, and a quantity of primer material disposed within said gap, whereby the disconnect switch is severed by ignition of the primer from a high voltage pulse imposed across the primered gap.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
In a multilamp photoflash unit containing a plurality of flashlamps and circuit means for sequentially igniting said flashlamps, at least one quick-disconnect switch included in said circuit means and being electrically connected in series with one of said flashlamps for interrupting the ignition circuit means for said flashlamp after said flashlamp is ignited, said disconnect switch comprising a length of polymeric material which is rendered electrically conductive by a deposit of conductive material on at least a portion of the surface of said length of polymeric material, said conductive material having a gap disposed therein extending substantially transverse to the length thereof, and a quantity of primer material disposed within said gap, whereby the disconnect switch is severed by ignition of the primer from a high voltage pulse imposed across the primered gap.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The unit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said polymeric material is heat-shrinkable.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The unit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said polymeric material comprises mono or biaxially oriented polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester or nylon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The unit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said primer material is air-ignitable.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The unit as set forth in claim 4 wherein said primer material is ignitable by a low energy, high voltage pulse.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The unit as set forth in claim 5 wherein said primer material comprises, by weight, about 75 percent zirconium, about 20 percent potassium perchlorate, 2 percent Alon-C, and the balance nitrocellulose.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The unit as set forth in claim 5 wherein said primer material is deposited in liquid form and then dried.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The unit as set forth in claim 6 wherein the amount of said primer material used is on the order of about 0.50 milligrams per gap.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The unit as set forth in claim 8 wherein the width of said gap is on the order from about 3 to about 5 mils wide.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The unit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said gap is narrow so that the electrical breakdown voltage of the disconnect switch is smaller than the electrical breakdown voltage of said flashlamp.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The unit as set forth in claim 1 including a protective covering over the primered gap to prevent inadvertent ignition.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
The unit as set forth in claim 11 wherein said protective covering over said primered gap is a polymeric material comprising mono or biaxially oriented polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester or nylon.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The unit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conductive material on said polymeric material comprises aluminum.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
114 words
A method of constructing a quick-disconnect switch used in a multilamp photoflash unit containing a plurality of flashlamps with said disconnect switch connected in series with one of said flashlamps for interrupting the ignition circuit means for said flashlamp after said flashlamp is ignited, said method comprising the steps of: providing a length of polymeric material having a conductive material deposited thereon on at least a portion of the surface thereof; forming a gap in the conductive material extending substantially transverse to the length thereof; and depositing a conductive primer in said gap, whereby the disconnect switch is severed by ignition of said primer from a high voltage pulse imposed across the primered gap.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
114 words
A method of constructing a quick-disconnect switch used in a multilamp photoflash unit containing a plurality of flashlamps with said disconnect switch connected in series with one of said flashlamps for interrupting the ignition circuit means for said flashlamp after said flashlamp is ignited, said method comprising the steps of: providing a length of polymeric material having a conductive material deposited thereon on at least a portion of the surface thereof; forming a gap in the conductive material extending substantially transverse to the length thereof; and depositing a conductive primer in said gap, whereby the disconnect switch is severed by ignition of said primer from a high voltage pulse imposed across the primered gap.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as set forth in claim 14 wherein said primer is deposited in said gap in liquid form and thereafter dried.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as set forth in claim 14 including the further step of shearing the polymeric material into individual switch members.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as set forth in claim 14 wherein said gap is formed within said conductive material using a scribing tool.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-02-20 | 1987-08-22 | 1988-02-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-02-20 | 1991-08-22 | 1992-02-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-02-20 | 1995-08-22 | 1996-02-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |