US3858227A - Adapter apparatus for flash firing system - Google Patents

Adapter apparatus for flash firing system Download PDF

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Publication number
US3858227A
US3858227A US00329371A US32937173A US3858227A US 3858227 A US3858227 A US 3858227A US 00329371 A US00329371 A US 00329371A US 32937173 A US32937173 A US 32937173A US 3858227 A US3858227 A US 3858227A
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terminals
impedance
flashlamp
switching
flash
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US00329371A
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S Ellin
R Kee
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Polaroid Corp
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Polaroid Corp
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Priority to US00329371A priority Critical patent/US3858227A/en
Priority to DE2319746A priority patent/DE2319746C2/de
Priority to GB1874573A priority patent/GB1371887A/en
Priority to CA169,201A priority patent/CA1003256A/en
Priority to FR7314657A priority patent/FR2182493A5/fr
Priority to JP48046056A priority patent/JPS6052411B2/ja
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B15/00—Special procedures for taking photographs; Apparatus therefor
    • G03B15/02—Illuminating scene
    • G03B15/03—Combinations of cameras with lighting apparatus; Flash units
    • G03B15/05—Combinations of cameras with electronic flash apparatus; Electronic flash units
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B15/00—Special procedures for taking photographs; Apparatus therefor
    • G03B15/02—Illuminating scene
    • G03B15/03—Combinations of cameras with lighting apparatus; Flash units
    • G03B15/04—Combinations of cameras with non-electronic flash apparatus; Non-electronic flash units
    • G03B15/0452—Electrical ignition means connected to the shutter
    • G03B15/0468—Ignition mechanisms permitting choice of multiple ignition modes; Adaptors for different modes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B2215/00—Special procedures for taking photographs; Apparatus therefor
    • G03B2215/05—Combinations of cameras with electronic flash units
    • G03B2215/0514—Separate unit
    • G03B2215/056—Connection with camera, e.g. adapter

Definitions

  • ADAPTER APPARATUS FOR FLASH FIRING SYSTEM [75] Inventors: Seymour Ellin; Richard C. Kee,
  • the adapter arrangement permits such a circuit to be utilized for actuating an electronic flash unit or the like in place of typical flashlamps.
  • an impedance having a resistance value closely related to that of an igniting flashlamp is incorporated in operational union with a switching arrangement.
  • this impedance is combined with the winding of a relay.
  • the relay serves to actuate the substitute lighting unit, while the resistive impedance serves to simulate the impedance of the igniting filament of a flashlamp.
  • FIG.2 M a 60b 60c 74 ⁇ v 62b 62C POWER 640/ 64c SUPPLY 7 760 2 76b Z 76 Z FLASH PULSE LAMP I 78c GENERATOR SWITCHING I v 8O 72
  • FIG.2 M a 60b 60c 74 ⁇ v 62b 62C POWER 640/ 64c SUPPLY 7 760 2 76b Z 76 Z FLASH PULSE LAMP I 78c GENERATOR SWITCHING I v 8O 72
  • a photographic camera which not only is fully automated, but also is thin and compact to an extent permitting it to be conveniently carried in the pocket of a garment.
  • Full automaticity for the device is provided from such features as a dual parameter exposure control mechanism, a modified form of reflex viewing and focusing, automatic film processing following each exposure and automatic motorized conversion of components. This conversion moves the components from an initial standby viewing mode to a film unit exposure mode orientation, then returns them to the initial standby viewing mode orientation.
  • an electronic flash illumination source When the camera incorporates a pulse actuated sequencing and firing circuit suited for flashlamps as described, such a light source substitution is not readily available.
  • the earlier described monitoring feature of the circuit deriving the noted unique output signal condition requires that the light source assume a particular state when ignited. The normal condition of an electronic flash unit during ignition is much operational functions establish a photographic cycle.
  • the camera is designed to operate with a multilamp array of flashlamps, the flashlamps within which are packaged in a linear fashion, all being simultaneously oriented for subject illumination.
  • an electronic firing circuit is incorporated within the camera. Typical ones of such sequencing circuits are described in a US. Pat. No. 3,618,492 by S. Ellin.
  • the successful firing of a flashlamp is monitored to derive a unique circuit output signal condition. This unique sigthe camera to provide post exposure interval control logic.
  • the unique signal may be used to enable a flash-timing network having a time constant corresponding with the light generation time of a fired flashlamp.
  • a flash-timing network having a time constant corresponding with the light generation time of a fired flashlamp.
  • the unique output signal condition may be used for selectively disabling a light-sensing network within the camera. With such an arrangement, the camera may automatically select a more desirable ambient illuminational control under conditions of very high scene brightness.
  • Another feature of the flash control of the subject camera resides in the use of a very short electromagnetically derived pulse to actuate the firing circuit to effect the ignition of a flashlamp. With such actuation, difficulties otherwise encountered in switch bounce conditions and the like are obviated. Such synchronization switch instability might otherwise lead to an unwanted sequential firing of flashlamps coupled within the sequencing circuit.
  • sequencing circuits generally utilize solid state electronic components to carry out individual switching of lamps. Should such electronic switch be coupled through an inductive load as. might be present with an electronic flash adapter, the desired pulse actuation technique may not be capable of sustaining sufficient switching current flow to effect an electronic flash firing. Further, where inductive devices are utilized for firing an electronic flash,'the inductive fly-back pulse generated from said firing may injure the miniaturized circuit components of the camera.
  • the present invention is addressed to an electronic flash arrangement and method for the use thereof with a photographic camera of a variety having a flashlamp circuit incorporating lamp ignition monitoring capabilities. Representing an adapter technique, the invention provides an impedance having an impedance characteristic corresponding with the predetermined impedance characteristic of the flashlamps otherwise fired by the flash firing circuit.
  • a switching arrangement which serves to fire the electronic flash in response to the actuation of the switching components of the flash firing circuit;
  • the control circuit of the camera in which the flash firing circuit is contained is susceptible to spurious signals or the like occasioned with the firing of the electronic flash
  • the switching thereof may be carried out in electrical isolation from the switching operation of the flash firing circuit-
  • the invention utilizes an electromagnetic actuator to fire an electronic flash in response to synchronizingactuation of the flashlamp firing circuit.
  • a requisite signal output condition of the flash firing circuit is retained through the use of a select impedance in conjunction with the electromagnetic actuator. This impedance is selected having a value corresponding with the impedance values of flashlamps otherwise fired by the circuit.
  • the use of this impedance within the circuit also permits the switching elements of an electronic flashlamp firing circuit to draw adequate current levels to permit conduction for requisite intervals of energization.
  • diode means are incorporated with the winding of the electromagnetic ac- I pulse source.
  • a monitor arrangement is incorporated with the circuit including a current detecting arrangement responsive to the exhibited impedance values of the flashlamps for deriving a select output condition used for control purposes.
  • the adapter incorporates means connectable with the output terminals for acti; vating another source of illumination such as an electronic flash'unit.
  • a switch. arrangement is provided which is actuable to activate the other source of illumination and this switch is, in turn, actuable by electromagnetic means which may be presentin the form of a relay.
  • an impedance is provided with the electromagnetic element of the, relay and this impedance is selected having a value corresponding with the impedance values of the flashlamps utilized by the monitoring function of the firing circuit.
  • this impedance is present as a resistor coupled in parallel with the winding or electromagnetic portion of the noted relay;
  • an electronic switch such as a gate controlled thyristor device may be coupled'in parallel therewith and gated in response to closure of the noted switch contacts.
  • This camera is configured to operate substantially alternately in a flash illuminational mode and in an ambient illuminational mode, exposure regulation having a different technical basis for each suchmode.
  • the exposure mechanism of the camera is preferably present as a dualbladed shutter device which is actuated from a tractive electromagnetic drive system as illustrated at block 12.
  • Electromagnetic drive 12 and shutter or exposure mechanism 10 are mechanically associated as depicted by dashed line 11-, such that upon energization of a solenoid, the blades of mechanism 10 are caused to close to block the optical path of the camera.
  • the optical path of the camera is converted from a viewing and focusing operation to one permitting the exposure of a film unit.
  • cycle controlfunction 14 which is connected along input 16 to drive 12.
  • cycle control function 14 acting through line 18, operates an inhibit function 20 in a manner temporarily disabling a light-sensitive control circuit shown at 22.
  • Functional connection between inhibit function 20 and circuit 22 is shown by line 24.
  • cycle control 14 signals inhibit function 20 to enable light-sensitive control circuit 22 while, simultaneously, signaling electromagnetic drive 12 from line 16 in a manner de-energizing the noted solenoid.
  • the latter de-energization permits exposure mechanism 10 to gradually unblock the optical path of the camera.
  • Light-sensitive control circuit 22 monitors this gradual opening of the optical path as well as the a flash-firing circuit utilized with the control arrangement described in connection with FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a partial circuit diagram showing, in more detail, certain of the components of the circuit of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an adapter arrangement according to the invention.
  • FIG. 5 shows another adapter arrangement which may be utilized in conjunctionwith a solid state flash firing circuit described in connection with FIGS. l-3;
  • FIG. 6 shows still another adapter arrangement which may be utilized in conjunction with a flash firing circuit described in connection with FIGS. 1-3;
  • FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a packaged adapter unit, the exposure housing of a camera and an electronic flash device.
  • the system signals a trigger-function 26 from along line 28 to effect the termination of this ambient mode exposure.
  • This signal is presented along line 30 to electromagnetic drive 12.
  • Drive 12 causes exposure mechanism 10 to rapidly block the optical path and terminate an exposure.
  • electromagnetic drive 12 retains this optical path blocking posture at exposure mechanism 10 until such time as post exposurefilm processing operations and the like are carried out. When these operations have been completed, control 14 de-energizes electromagnetic drive 12 and resets the entire system for a next succeeding photographic cycle.
  • Typical of the light-sensitive control circuits which may be used at block 22 is that described in a U.S. Pat. No. 3,620,143, by J. P.
  • Inhibit function 20 is preferably in the form of an electronic switch which serves to activate or de-activate control circuit 22.
  • the inhibit function 20 is described in a copending application for United States patent by EJK. Shenk entitled Exposure Control System'lncorporating Solid State Switching to Enable a Light-Sensitive Network Ser. No. 213,289, filed on Dec. 29, 1971, and assigned in common herewith.
  • cycle control function 14 When the subject camera is operated in a flash operational mode, a packaged multiflashlamp array is attached thereto in a manner orienting the flashlamps of the array in a direction to illuminate a scene being photographed. With such mounting, cycle control function 14 is automatically adjusted to carry out a flash mode cycle. As is described in detail in the noted application for U.S. Pat., Ser. No. 246,891 during a flash operational mode, cycle control 14, operatingthrough line 16, activates electromagnetic drive 12 to cause exposure mechanism to block the optical path of the camera. As in the case for ambient mode operation, exposure mechanism 10 achieves and retains this optical blocking status until such time as the optical path is converted to an exposure orientation.
  • cycle control 14 acting from along line 32, also activates a follow-focus actuator 34.
  • cycle control 14 acting from along line 32, also activates a follow-focus actuator 34.
  • follow-focus systems operate in accordance with the level of illumination from a flash source which is anticipated at a subject being photographed.
  • the follow-focus actuator systems utilize an approach based upon an application of the inverse square law for light energy propagation. Under this law, the light energy available from a given source is considered to vary inversely with the squarefof the distance from that source.
  • the followfocus technique utilizes the approach to automatically adjust aperture through a coupling between the exposure mechanism 10 and the focusing system of the camera.
  • a tractive electromagv netic device in the form of a solenoid is utilized to arrest the movement of the blades of exposure mechanism 10 as they are released by drive 12 for movement from a fully closed position toward a fully open position.
  • the mechanical interaction between follow-focus actuator function 34 and exposure mechanism 10 is depicted by dashed line 36.
  • the solenoid within the latter is de-energized to inductively derive a flash firing pulse.
  • This pulse is introduced through appropriate interconnection depicted by line 38 to a flash firing circuit depicted at 40.
  • firing circuit 40 selects an appropriate flashlamp within the camera'mounted flash array as at 42, and operating through flash output terminals 44 and 46, ignites a flashlamp to illuminate the scene being photographed.
  • the illuminating lamp will exhibit a predetermined value of resistive impedance which, in turn, is witnessed by a sensing and monitoring function within firing circuit 40.
  • This monitoring'function then derives a unique output signal which is presented along line 48.
  • the unique signal acting from line 50, activates a fixed delay function 52, the unique signal condition at line 48 also acts upon inhibit function 20 to disablelight-sensitive control circuit 22.
  • fixed delay 52 signals trigger function 26 from line 54 to carry out an exposure terminating function.
  • trigger 26, signaling from along line 30, activates electromagnetic drive 12 to energize the noted shutter drive solenoid and, operating through mechanical linkage 11, causes exposure mechanism 10 to block the optical path of the camera. This optical path blocking orientation is retained until such time in film processing and optical path re-orientation procedures are carried out.
  • cycle control 14 then causes the system to shut down or assume a standby status in preparation for a next succeeding photographic cycle.
  • FIG. 2 a schematic representation of a flash firing circuit as described at is presented.
  • a plurality of flashlamps 60a 600 are shown connected, respectively, to the terminals 62a 62c of three lamp circuit lines 64a 64c.
  • Circuit lines 64a 640 are connected in parallel circuit relationship to one another between power or bus leads 66 and 68. Leads 66 and 68, in turn, are connected, respectively, with a current monitoring as well as sensing function 70 and a flashlamp switching network 72. Monitor function 70, as well as network 72 are energized from a power supply depicted functionally at 74.
  • Each lamp circuit line 64a 640 also includes a switching function shown, respectively, as SCRs 76a 76c.
  • SCRs 76a e 760 are connected through lines 78a 780 to switching network 72.
  • flashlamp switching network 72 sequentially gates a select one of SCRs 76a 760.
  • the selected SCR is commutated to permit the passageof igniting current through the flashlamp with which it is associated.
  • Pulse network 72 and latch 86 is provided. In the figure,
  • generator function 80 will be recognized as representing the solenoid feature of tion 34.
  • Network 94 is connected through line 98 to line 64a at the anode side of SCR 76a and, additionally, is coupled to gating line 78b of SCR 76b.
  • logic network 96 is connected through line 100 to lamp circuit line 64b at the anode side of SCR 76b and to gating line 780 of SCR 760.
  • Functions 94 and 96 serve to detect the previous firing of a flashlamp, for instance, at 60a and cause the circuit to select a next flashlamp, i.e., 60b by relaying a firing or gating pulse to the appropriate SCR thereof, i.e., 76b.
  • Typical sequencelogic techniques as provided by functions 94 and 96 aredescribed in the noted U.S. Pat. No. 3,618,492.
  • a pulse of short duration, for instance about microseconds is generated from follow-focus actuator 34 as depicted at function block 102.
  • This pulse is directed along line 104 and through a level detecting zener diode 106 to the emitter terminal of a PNP transistor 0,.
  • the base of transistor O is connected through line 108 to power line 92, .while its collector electrode is coupled with line'1l0.
  • Line 110 is connected through line 112 and a limiting resistor 114 to the base of an NPN transistor Q
  • Bypass resistor 1.16 is connected within line 118 between ground or power lead 68 and line 112 intermediate resistor 114 and the base of transistor 0,.
  • the collector of transistor Q is connected through line 120 to power lead 92, while its emmitter is connected with gate line 78a of SCR 76a.
  • line 130 With ward biasing of transistor Q ,line 130 is energized and a basic reference voltage is established through diode 134. This reference voltage is further refined by'a voltage dividing network including resistors 136 and 138 connected within line 140 between the cathode side of diode 134 and powerline 92.
  • the refined reference voltage level is tapped by a line 142 connected intermediate resistors 136 and 138 and extending to the emitthe arrangement shown, in the presence of a short duration pulse at line 104, transistor Q, is forward biased into conduction for a correspondingly short interval to energize lines 110 and 112 and, inconsequence, forward bias the base-emitter junction of transistor Q Transistor O simultaneously activates line 120 from power lead 92 to impose a short duration gating current limbao gate line 78a of SCR 76a.
  • SCR 76a is turned on to ignite the filament of flashlamp 60a.
  • SCR 761 will remain on until commutated off due to decay occurring in line 64a occasioned with the destruction of the igniting filament within flashlamp 60a.
  • SCR-76a will be gated on, howevensustaining current will be derived from line 98of sequence logicl network 94.
  • Network 94 will supply gating current through line 78b to SCR 76b. Accordingly, for this actuation of the firing circuit-flashlamp 60b will ,be ignited.
  • sequence logic circuit 96 through line 100 in identical fashion to effect the ignition of the final flashlamp 600 of the series.
  • sequence logic circuit 96 may be arranged within this form of firing circuit.
  • an NPN ter terminal of a PNP'transistor Q. is connected to a gate lead 144, while its base is connected to a common line 146.
  • the voltage level witnessed at line 146 is insufficient to effect a forward biasing of the base-emitter junction of transistor Q4.
  • Line 146 is also connected to the base of another PNP transistor Q theemitter of which is connected through linevl48 to one side of resistor 82 within line 90.
  • the collector of transistor O is connected through line 150, line 152 and resistor 154 to line 130.
  • an adapter arrangement for actuating an electronic flash 178 orthe like from a flash: lamp firing circuit as at 40 is disclosed generally at 180. Any one of the contact terminals as earlier described at 62a 620 may be tapped for interconnecting circuit 40 with adapter 180. For instance, terminals identified at 182 and 184 are shown. Corresponding leads 186 and 188 are provided in adapter 180 for purposes of interconnecting the winding 190 of a reed-type relay or the like across contacts 182 and 184. Winding 190 of the relay serves to cause a closing of the contacts of a switch designated l92'when energized.
  • winding 190 represents an inductive load to. the flashlamp firing circuit 40. Without more, this load would hinder c'urrentbuild-up through lamp circuit 64a 640 to an extent preventing SCRs 76a 760 from conducting at a sustaining current level prior to the removal of gating current at line 78a 78c occasioned with the end of the actuating pulse.
  • an impedance in the form of a fixed resistor 196 is coupled between lines 186 and Y188 in parallel circuit relationship with winding 190.
  • a diode as at 198 is similarly connected in parallel with winding 190.
  • winding 190 commences to be energized to close switch 192.
  • resistor 196 isselected having an impedance characteristic closely proximate that of flashlamps 60a 600. Accordingly, circuit 40 sees a successful ignition of flashlamp, transistor 0, conducts and latching SCR 156 is commutated into conduction (FIG. 3). As a consequence, the requisite unique signal condition is present at output line 88.
  • diode 198 is connected between lines 186 and 188 in parallel circuit relationship therewith. Thus positioned, diode 198 serves to dissipate any fly-back pulses or the like which may be generated.
  • switch 192 may be of somewhat delicate structure, it is desirable that it not be called upon to operate under the relatively high currentconditions that may be encountered with electronic flash units as at 178.
  • a switching SCR 199 is connected within line 200 be tween input lines 202 and 204 and in parallel with switch 192.
  • the gate 206 of SCR 199 is connected intermediate a pair of voltage dividing resistors 206 and 208 connected, in turn, with switch 192 in line 210.
  • FIG. 5 another adapter arrangement for use with flash firing circuit 40 is shown generally at 210.
  • any pair of the terminals 62a 62c of firing circuit 40 may be utilized or tapped for purposes of electrical connection with an electronic flash 212 or the like.
  • Such contacts are depicted at 214 and 216.
  • Adapter arrangement 210 includes a load resistor 218 having an impedance value selected for simulating the impedance value of the igniting filament of a flashlamp 60a 60c. Accordingly, resistor 218 operates in identical fashion as resistor 196 described in connection with FIG. 4.
  • resistor 218 is connected between leads 220 and 222 which, respectively, are coupled with terminals 214 and 216.
  • a drain limiting resistor 224 is connected in line 220 and serves the function of limiting a drain from firing circuit 40.
  • Line 220 also is connected to the base of an NPN transistor Q
  • the emitter of transistor O is connected along line 226 to line 222 while its collector is connected through line 228 to a winding 230 of a relay, for instance, of a reed variety. Winding 230, in turn, is connected to a separate power supply present as a battery 232.
  • FIG. 6 another adapter arrangement for use with flash firing circuit 40 is shown generally at 250.
  • any pair of terminals 62a 62c of firing circuit 40 may be utilized or tapped for the purposes of electrical connection with an electronic flash 252.
  • Such contacts are depicted at 254 and 256.
  • the embodiment of FIG. 6 differs from that of the earlier described embodiments inasmuch as electronic flash device 252 is switched or fired without the electrical isolation feature of those embodiments.
  • the integrated circuitry of a camera is sufficiently immune from damage due to voltage excursions or the like which might have been generated from an electronic flash device, such an arrangement is available. Accordingly, the actuating switch output of electronic flash device 252 is coupled to adapter arrangement 250 at contacts 258 and 260.
  • adapter arrangement 250 includes a load resistor 262 having an impedance value or characteristic selected for simulating the impedance values or characteristics of the igniting filament of a flashlamp a 600. Accordingly, resistor through the appropriate switching SCRs 76a 7612 as well as permitting a latching function to be carried out by SCR- 156 (FIG. 3). Resistor 262 is connected between leads 264 and 266 which, respectively, are coupled with terminals 254 and 256. Coupled in parallel with resistor 262 is a divider network 268 formed of resistors 270 and 272. The function of network 268 is to develop a signal of appropriate level at line 274 for gating a high voltage SCR 276 to an on condition. The anode side of .SCR 276 is connected through line 278 to contact 258, while itscathode is connected along line 280-to line 266. Line 266 may represent connection with a common contact terminal of flash firing circuit 40.
  • FIG. 7 an exploded'view showing a typical electronic flash device at 290, an adapter arrangementin packaged form at 292 and the exposure housing portion 294 of a photographic camera as described in the notedapplication for US. Pat, Ser. No. 246,891 is revealed.
  • Exposure housing 294 generally incorporates a cover portion 296, a lens mounting 298, an entrance window 300 for providing light responsive exposure control,-a start button 302, a focusing knob 304 and a trim wheel 306.;
  • a flash array mounting structure 308 is positioned upon the top of housing 296 and is designed to receive and support a blade-type support and electrical contact device of a linear flash array. This blade support is shown at 310 extending downwardly from adapter unit 292.
  • the terminals for a typical flash array areformed by printed circuitry technique upon support 310 and include a common terminal 312 as well as a switch'actuating surface 314. As discussed earlier, surface 314 serves to cause the control system of a camera to carry out. a flash photographic cycle.
  • a'flashlamp firing circuit having switching net'- adapter 292 can be formed integrally within electronic work means connectable with flashlamps exhibiting predetermined impedance characteristics when ignited in response to actuation of said switching network means and including monitor means responsive to said exhibited impedance characteristic for deriving a select output condition, apparatus comprising:
  • impedance means selectively connectable with said switching network means and exhibiting said predetermined impedance characteristic in the presence of said'actuation thereof;
  • switching means which includes said impedance means and is responsive to said switching network means actuation for effecting the energization of a source of artificial illumination other than said flashlamps.
  • said impedance means is present as a resistor having a resistivity value substantially equivalent to the value of resistivity exhibited by said flashlamp when ignited.
  • switching means is present in solid state configuration and includes a gating input responsive to said switching network actuation for effecting the energization of a source of artificial illumination other than said flashlamps.
  • an impedance having said predetermined impedance characteristic means for connecting said impedance to said switching network means; and circuit means operatively connected to said impedance for firing said electronic flash device in response to voltage applied by said switching network means.
  • An adapter for interconnecting a photographic control system of the type having first terminals adapted to be electrically energized to ignite a flashlamp and operative in a cycle conditioned by the presence or absence of a first'impedance across said terminals when said terminals are excited, with a source of illumination having second terminals and exhibiting a secondimpedance, said source being responsive to a predetermined signal applied to said second terminals to produce a flash of light;
  • said adapter comprising: circuit means having input terminals adapted to be connected to saidfirst terminals, output terminals adapted to be connected to said second'terminals, an input impedance between said input terminals equal to said first impedance, and means responsive to the electrical energization of said input terminals including said impedance for applying said predetermined signal to said output terminals.
  • a strobe adapter for interconnecting a flash camera having output terminals for producing a flashlamp igniting signal to a strobe unit having control terminals adapted to receive a trigger signal comprising a pair of input terminals adapted to be connected to the flashlamp igniting terminals of the camera, output terminals adapted to be connected to the control terminals of the strobe unit, impedance means simulating a flashlamp connected between said input terminals, switching means connected to said output terminals and responsive to an applied signalto produce a trigger signal across said output terminals, and means responsive to a flashlamp igniting signal applied to said input terminals including said impedance for applying. a signal to said switching means.
  • An electronic flash assembly for use with a photographic exposure control system of a variety having terminals energizable to ignite a flashlamp exhibiting a predetermined impedance characteristic when so ignited, comprising:
  • illumination generating means operative by switching actuation to generate, by gas discharge technique
  • impedance means having an impedance characteristic corresponding with said predetermined impedance characteristic and connectable in seriescircuit relationship with said exposure control system terminals;
  • switching means operatively connected to said impedance means and responsive to said terminal energization when said impedance means is connected with said terminals for effecting said switching actuation of said illumination generating means.
  • switching means is present in solid state configuration and includes a gating input selectively connectable with said terminals, said switching means being gatable from said input upon the occurrence of said energization of said terminals.
  • electromagnetic actuator means energizable in response to said terminal energization for actuating said switch.
  • An electronic flash unit for use with a flash camera having output terminals for producing a flashlamp igniting signal, comprising electronic flash discharge means having control terminals adapted toreceive a trigger signal and discharge circuit means coupled to said control terminals for producing a flash of light in response to a trigger signal applied to said terminals, a pair of input terminals adapted to be connected to the flashlamp igniting terminals of the camera, impedance means simulating a flashlamp connected between said input terminals, and trigger signal producing means responsive to a flashlamp igniting signal applied to said input terminals for applying a trigger signal to said control terminals;
  • said impedance means comprises a resistor
  • said trigger signal producing means comprises an electronic switch having actuating terminals connected to said input terminals and load terminals connected to said control terminals.
  • said trigger signal producing means is a relay having a winding connected to said input terminals and contacts connected to said control terminals.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Stroboscope Apparatuses (AREA)
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US00329371A 1972-04-24 1973-02-05 Adapter apparatus for flash firing system Expired - Lifetime US3858227A (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00329371A US3858227A (en) 1972-04-24 1973-02-05 Adapter apparatus for flash firing system
DE2319746A DE2319746C2 (de) 1972-04-24 1973-04-18 Schaltungsanordnung zur Zündung eines Elektronenblitzgerätes
GB1874573A GB1371887A (en) 1972-04-24 1973-04-18 Photographic flash apparatus
CA169,201A CA1003256A (en) 1972-04-24 1973-04-19 Camera adapter apparatus for flash firing system
FR7314657A FR2182493A5 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1972-04-24 1973-04-20
JP48046056A JPS6052411B2 (ja) 1972-04-24 1973-04-23 電子せん光装置の点火装置

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US24670672A 1972-04-24 1972-04-24
US00329371A US3858227A (en) 1972-04-24 1973-02-05 Adapter apparatus for flash firing system

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US3858227A true US3858227A (en) 1974-12-31

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Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4025933A (en) * 1975-11-03 1977-05-24 Acme-Lite Manufacturing Co. Multiple adapter plug for instamatic-type cameras
US4040069A (en) * 1976-04-08 1977-08-02 Polaroid Corporation Fixed time delay circuit for quench strobe
US4058818A (en) * 1976-04-08 1977-11-15 Polaroid Corporation Fixed time delay quench strobe
JPS5317724A (en) * 1976-08-02 1978-02-18 Polaroid Corp Electrical flashing device for a camera
US4095245A (en) * 1975-08-15 1978-06-13 Toshiba Photo Products Co., Ltd. Adapter for electronic flash apparatus
FR2423890A1 (fr) * 1978-04-03 1979-11-16 Polaroid Corp Assemblage de douille a double usage, lampes eclair/flash electronique, pour appareil de prise de vues photographiques
US4182561A (en) * 1978-08-03 1980-01-08 Polaroid Corporation Fast charging electronic flash device
US4184756A (en) * 1978-10-13 1980-01-22 Polaroid Corporation Strobe without primary storage capacitor
US4291964A (en) * 1980-01-28 1981-09-29 Polaroid Corporation Strobe switch with camera control feature
US4401375A (en) * 1981-10-26 1983-08-30 Senour Stephen D Flash adapter for folding camera
US4748462A (en) * 1984-12-13 1988-05-31 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Starting arrangement for flash device
WO1989006824A1 (en) * 1988-01-25 1989-07-27 Eastman Kodak Company Polarity insensitive electronic flash driver circuit
EP0427439A3 (en) * 1989-11-01 1992-01-15 Yuzo Tsuruta Switching mechanism for video lighting apparatus
WO1993025862A1 (en) * 1992-06-05 1993-12-23 Minovitch Michael Andrew Light gun
US5883471A (en) * 1997-06-20 1999-03-16 Polycom, Inc. Flashlamp pulse shaper and method

Citations (7)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2740339A (en) * 1951-06-06 1956-04-03 Melville J Carter Photo-flash unit
US3369149A (en) * 1966-11-10 1968-02-13 Peerless Instr Company Ignition timing light with a saturated core transformer for plural voltage inputs
US3424071A (en) * 1965-03-12 1969-01-28 Zeiss Ikon Ag Photographic camera with selectively attachable flash units
US3521540A (en) * 1968-08-26 1970-07-21 William C Cavallo Electronic flash unit for cameras adapted to receive flashcubes
US3559549A (en) * 1968-01-22 1971-02-02 Perfect Film & Chem Corp Rechargeable flash attachment
US3618492A (en) * 1969-10-30 1971-11-09 Polaroid Corp Flash photographic system
US3676045A (en) * 1971-01-25 1972-07-11 Gen Electric Sequencing static electronic flashing circuits for photoflash lamp array

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US3559548A (en) * 1967-06-19 1971-02-02 Perfect Film & Chem Corp Time-delay means for rechargeable stroboscopic flash attachment
US3699861A (en) * 1969-07-24 1972-10-24 Polaroid Corp Flash synchronization circuit for sequential firing of an array of flashbulbs
DE2018033B2 (de) * 1970-04-15 1974-02-21 General Electric Co., Schenectady, N.Y. (V.St.A.) Schaltung zum sequentiellen Blitzen von Blitzlampen
NL7016114A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1970-11-04 1972-05-08

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2740339A (en) * 1951-06-06 1956-04-03 Melville J Carter Photo-flash unit
US3424071A (en) * 1965-03-12 1969-01-28 Zeiss Ikon Ag Photographic camera with selectively attachable flash units
US3369149A (en) * 1966-11-10 1968-02-13 Peerless Instr Company Ignition timing light with a saturated core transformer for plural voltage inputs
US3559549A (en) * 1968-01-22 1971-02-02 Perfect Film & Chem Corp Rechargeable flash attachment
US3521540A (en) * 1968-08-26 1970-07-21 William C Cavallo Electronic flash unit for cameras adapted to receive flashcubes
US3618492A (en) * 1969-10-30 1971-11-09 Polaroid Corp Flash photographic system
US3676045A (en) * 1971-01-25 1972-07-11 Gen Electric Sequencing static electronic flashing circuits for photoflash lamp array

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4095245A (en) * 1975-08-15 1978-06-13 Toshiba Photo Products Co., Ltd. Adapter for electronic flash apparatus
US4025933A (en) * 1975-11-03 1977-05-24 Acme-Lite Manufacturing Co. Multiple adapter plug for instamatic-type cameras
US4040069A (en) * 1976-04-08 1977-08-02 Polaroid Corporation Fixed time delay circuit for quench strobe
US4058818A (en) * 1976-04-08 1977-11-15 Polaroid Corporation Fixed time delay quench strobe
JPS5317724A (en) * 1976-08-02 1978-02-18 Polaroid Corp Electrical flashing device for a camera
US4185905A (en) * 1978-04-03 1980-01-29 Polaroid Corporation Dual purpose flash/strobe socket assembly for a photographic camera
FR2423890A1 (fr) * 1978-04-03 1979-11-16 Polaroid Corp Assemblage de douille a double usage, lampes eclair/flash electronique, pour appareil de prise de vues photographiques
US4182561A (en) * 1978-08-03 1980-01-08 Polaroid Corporation Fast charging electronic flash device
US4184756A (en) * 1978-10-13 1980-01-22 Polaroid Corporation Strobe without primary storage capacitor
US4291964A (en) * 1980-01-28 1981-09-29 Polaroid Corporation Strobe switch with camera control feature
US4401375A (en) * 1981-10-26 1983-08-30 Senour Stephen D Flash adapter for folding camera
US4748462A (en) * 1984-12-13 1988-05-31 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Starting arrangement for flash device
WO1989006824A1 (en) * 1988-01-25 1989-07-27 Eastman Kodak Company Polarity insensitive electronic flash driver circuit
EP0427439A3 (en) * 1989-11-01 1992-01-15 Yuzo Tsuruta Switching mechanism for video lighting apparatus
WO1993025862A1 (en) * 1992-06-05 1993-12-23 Minovitch Michael Andrew Light gun
US5883471A (en) * 1997-06-20 1999-03-16 Polycom, Inc. Flashlamp pulse shaper and method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1371887A (en) 1974-10-30
JPS4955328A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1974-05-29
CA1003256A (en) 1977-01-11
DE2319746A1 (de) 1973-11-15
DE2319746C2 (de) 1982-11-25
JPS6052411B2 (ja) 1985-11-19
FR2182493A5 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1973-12-07

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