Selective firing mechanism for array of percussive flashlamps

Abstract

For a device comprising a plurality of percussively-ignitable flashlamps mounted on a support member and arranged in an array, a selective mechanism for sequentially firing respective flashlamps in response to successive indexing. The selective firing mechanism comprises a spring-loaded ratchet bar retained in a longitudinal channel in the support member in combination with a slidable member which is also retained in the channel in engageable contact with the ratchet bar. The lamps have respective depending primer tubes and are mounted in a row parallel to the channel with the primer tubes overlying the channel. The slidable member may comprise a helical torsion spring having a first leg for engaging the ratchet bar and a second leg projecting as a striker in alignment with the overlying primer tubes and adapted for resiliently engaging them. Upon successive actuation of the ratchet bar, the slidable member is indexed along the channel so that the resilient striker projecting therefrom sequentially fires the flashlamps.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.