Improvements in Electric Flash Light Apparatus for Photographic. Purpose
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 9th, Mar., 1896-Accepted, 6th June, 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Electric Flash Light Apparatus for Photographic
. Purposes.
A communication from WILLIAM BRUNS, of No. 5023 Calumet Avenue, City
of Chicago, County of Cook, and State of Illinois, United States of America,
Merchant.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT of 323' High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex,
Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to improvements in an apparatus to be used by
photographers for producing flash light, and it consists in certain peculiarities of
the construction, novel arrangement and operation of the various parts thereof; as
will be hereinafter more fully set forth and specifically claimed.
The objects of the invention are first, to provide a flash: light apparatus, which
shall be simple and inexpensive in construction, strong and durable, yet effective
in operation; second, such an apparatus the parts of which are so constructed and
arranged that they may be readily folded into a compact form, so that the device
can be conveniently carried; third, to furnish a flash light apparatus whose parts
may be so adjusted as to cause a uniform and equal diffusion of the light, thus
avoiding the formation of pronounced shadows, and also the reflection caused by
polished surfaces, which prevent the best results from being obtained, as is well
known; and fourth, to provide a flash light apparatus which shall produce
a light of great temporary power or luminosity, for photographic purposes,
the ignition of the powder used thereon being accomplished by means of an
electric current, and simultaneously with the exposure. Another object of
the invention is to dispense with as near as possible, the use of set-screws for
adjusting the various parts of the apparatus. Still another object is to provide a
means to ignite the powder on two or more of the. apparatuses at the same time,
when it is desired to photograph a vista, or when a greater light is required than
one apparatus will afford.
Figure 1, is a view in front elevation of the. invention, as it appears when
extended and ready for use, illustrating by dotted lines the adjustability of the
light supporting arms or pans.
Figure 2, is a view in elevation of the tripod, the supporting frame: and its
adjustable arms for the lights, and the movable bars for the support of screens
and reflectors, showing them detached from one another, yet in their folded
positions.
Figure 3, is an enlarged perspective view of one of the brackets, (showing it
foreshortened for convenience of illustration), and a portion of the adjustable bars
thereon for the support of the screen. or reflector.
Figure 4, is a perspective view (also foreshortened) of the supporting
frame, showing the method of making an. electric connection with. a portion
thereof.
Figure 5, is a rear view in elevation, partly.broken away, showing: a portion of
the supporting frame and a part of one of the light supporting arms or pans, and
its electric conductor.
Figure 6, is a plan view, partly in section: taken on line 6. 6. of Figure 5.

page_text: Figure 7, is a cross sectional view of one of the light supporting arms, taken
on line 7, 7, of Figure 5, and, showing the manner of igniting the flash light
powder.
"
Figure 8, is a plan view showing the method of making one of the fuses used in
this apparatus.
Figure 9, is a perspective view of a flexible or spring fuse.
Figure 10, is a vertical sectional view of the lower portion of the supporting
stand or tripod, showing the electric connections for the apparatus.
Figure 11, is a similar view of the upper part of said stand, and a portion
of the supporting frame, or standard, illustrating the upper part of the electric
connection.
Figure 12, is a vertical sectional view, showing a modification in the construction
of the lower portion of the supporting stand, and electric connections for the
apparatus.
Figure 13, is a similar view, showing a modification in [the construction of the
upper electric connection.
Figure 14, is a vertical sectional view of a portion of the lower part of the
supporting stand, showing the electric connections for the apparatus, an electro-
magnet connection for operating one or more apparatuses simultaneously. And
Figure 15, is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the electric connection
used with an electro-magnet showing it detached.
Similar letters refer to like parts throughout the different views of the
drawings.
A, represents the main supporting post of the tripod or stand, and is preferably
hollow to receive an auxiliary post or tube A¹, which telescopes therewith, and
may be secured in position by means of a set-screw a, in the upper portion of the
main post. Near the upper part of the main post A, are pivotally secured legs a¹,
which are suitably braced by means of bars a², pivotally secured to said legs and
to a sliding collar a³, on the main post, thus forming a tripod or stand which may
be folded together, as shown in Figure 2 of the drawing. The lower end of the
post A, is closed and is provided with hooks at, and as, or other attaching devices,
upon which the battery B, may be suspended, thus utilizing the weight thereof as
ballast, and also obtaining a direct electric connection through the suspending
devices by and b', with the supporting frame, as will be presently more fully
explained.
Within the lower portion of the post A, is a cylinder B', which is open at its
bottom and closed at its top, and is adapted to be raised against the contact point
or piece 6, by means of pneumatic pressure or air forced through the hose or
pipe, connected to the lower end of the post, by means of the bulb 6, which
bulb inay also simultaneously operate the shutter of the camera through the pipe
or hose 6, in the ordinary manner. Just above the top of the cylinder B', and
within the post is located an insulator 66, in which is fixed the terminal 67, of the
conductor 132, the other end of which is passed through the post A', and secured
to the piece 8, attached to and insulated from the said post and adapted to engage
with the hollow and slotted piece F, on the supporting standard. To the hook a³,
which is insulated from the post A, is secured a spring a', which extends through
an opening a, in said post and is provided with the contact piece or point 6, to
be pressed against the point or terminal 6', by means of the cylinder B', thus
completing the circuit. The upper end of the auxiliary post or joint A', is formed
with a socket as, for the reception of the lower end of the supporting frame or
standard C, which is made of metal and preferably hollow. This frame or standard C,
is preferably constructed of two pieces c, which are united and reduced at their
lower portions, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, of the drawing, and are divided
or separated to near their upper ends to form a vertical slot or guide-way c¹, for
the reception and operation of the light supporting arms or paus D. To the upper
ends of the pieces c, forming the standard C, and usually between said pieces, is
secured a piece c², substantially "I"-shaped in cross-section, which piece together

page_text: with the upper end of the pieces c, form grooves or sockets c³, and 4, for the
reception of brackets E, which have their inner ends downturned and formed with
prongs e, to fit within the sockets c³, and c, on the face and back of the supporting
frame or standard. The lower portion of the rear part of the piece c², is bent
outward from the standard and formed with an arm c, on which is secured a hollow
piece F, which is provided on its side adjacent to the standard with a vertical
slot f, through which passes and operates the conducting wires G, for the flash
light supporting arms or pans D, the inner ends of which arms operate on the
pieces c, forming the standard. To the rear surface of the standard C, and near
the juncture of the pieces c, thereof, is secured a bracket c, having an upturned
arm c', which supports the lower end of the piece F, which piece is provided with
an insulator f, at its top and bottom and is connected to an electric conductor B³,
through the piece 8, from the battery B, by means of a spring clasp ', or
otherwise, which clasp is secured to the rear surface of said piece. The arms
or pans D, for the reception of the powder are formed angular in cross-section,
as shown in Figures 1 and 7, of the drawing, and when placed in position for use
will present a vertical wall d, from which will extend forwardly a floor d', in the
angle of which floor and wall the magnesium or other powder d, represented by
dotted lines in Figure 7, will rest. The upper edge of the wall d, of each of the
pans or arms D, is bent outwardly to form a tube d³, for the reception of the
conducting wire G, which is insulated from said tube. The walls d, of the pans D, are
provided at proper points with slots or openings d', for the reception and retention
of suitable fuses h, which fuses are provided with a platinum wire , to unite the
circuit. The conductor G, is exposed to the fuses at the slots d', in the pans, as
is clearly shown in Figure 5, and the rear surface of the walls d, of the pans are
provided with springs i, to press the fuses against the exposed portions g, of the
conductors G, thus causing the ignition of the powder. The inner ends of the
conductors G, are bent rearwardly so as to extend into the slot f, of the piece F,
and then laterally, as at g', as shown in Figures 5 and 6, of the drawing, and are
provided with washers 92, to prevent accidental dislocation from the piece F. The
inner portion of the arms or pans D are provided with projections D¹, which stride
one of the pieces c, of the standard or supporting frame, and are secured together
by means of a rivet or pin D3, which passes through he slot c', in the standard,
thus pivotally but movably securing the pans or arms D, thereto.
By reference to Figure 5 of the drawing, it will be seen and understood that the
pivot points of the arms D, are somewhat above the floor d', thereof when said
arms are in a horizontal position, and that said construction affords a very strong
brace for the arm, which may be secured at any desired point on the standard, as
is illustrated by dotted lines in Figure 1 of the drawing. The arms or pans D,
may be made extensible if desired by pivotally securing on their ends additional
pieces D³, (shown in Figure 1) which may be of the same construction as above
described. The outer ends of the brackets E, are provided with adjustable arms E',
on the ends of which may be secured hooks or rests e, for the bars for screens
and the like. It will be understood that one of the brackets E, may be fitted in
the socket 3, or otherwise secured to the top of the standard, thus holding the
adjustable rods or arms E', some distance in front of the flash light arms or pans,
and that a like bracket provided with like arms may be secured in the socket or
grooves e, to extend to the rear of the standard, when a suitable reflector may be
attached to the arms E', on the rear bracket, and a translucent material attached
to the arms E', on the front bracket. It is apparent that as the rods or arms El,
are pivotally secured on their respective brackets, that the pieces of the
translucent material or reflectors may be readily shifted as desired.
From the foregoing and by reference to the drawings, it will be seen and clearly
understood that the standard may be provided with any number of arms or pans
for the flash light powder, and that said arms may extend on either side of the
standard and be raised or lowered to any suitable position to give the desired

page_text: effect, yet when not in use may be folded to the standard, as shown in Figure 2, of
the drawing. The current passing through the conductor or suspending device b,
will charge the supporting standard, and the conductor or device ', and pieces a', B²,
and 6, will charge the piece F, and through its conductors G, within the tubes of
the flash light pans.
In Figure 8, is shown a fuse and the manner of making the same, which my
correspondent prefers to use with his apparatus, and the said fuse consists of a strip
of card board or other suitable material around which is diagonally wound a
wire l', so that the same will cut or imbed itself into the edges of the card board
or piece 1, forming indentations or slots 12. The piece or board 1, is then cut
into parts of the form illustrated by continuous lines in Figure 8, thus affording an
extended portion 13, having shoulders . The extended piece 13, of the fuse is
adapted to be inserted into the slots d', of the arms or pans until the shoulders,
of the fuses rest against the walls d, thus affording uniform lengths of the fuse
wire exposed.
In Figure 9, is shown in perspective, a fuse which is composed of a flexible
piece m, bent back upon itself, as shown, to form a spring, and is provided with an
external covering m¹, of asbestos or other fire-proof material. On this covering
is placed a wire n, which when the fuse is placed in position, will complete the
circuit between the conductor G, and the spring i, on the pan or arm.
On
account of the spring of this fuse, it is obvious that the contact will be absolute,
and for this reason my correspondent may use it instead of the one shown in
Figure 8.
Instead of using the hollow and slotted piece F, as shown aud described, a wire
may be employed in lieu thereof, and loop or otherwise movably connect the
inner ends of the conductors G, therewith. My correspondent may also sometimes
form the upper portion of the auxiliary post A', with a square socket for the
reception of the lower end of the standard C, and also for the lower portion of
the piece F, which piece must be insulated from the standard C, and the connection
with the conductor B2, may be made within the auxiliary post.
As shown in Figures 12 and 13, which represent modifications embodying said
feature, and in which is employed a rod o, instead of the wire B2, which rod
extends through an insulated tube O, within the post A', which tube is secured at
its lower part to an insulated washer o', fixed in the post A, by means of a contact
screw o, to the lower part of which is secured a contact piece o³, which is insulated
from the post A, and formed at its lower end with a hook a, for the suspending
device b, of the battery. On the opposite side of the post A, is secured a contact-
piece o¹, insulated from the said post, and formed at its lower part with a hook a',
for the suspending device b. Just above the piece of, a spring 0%, is secured at its
upper end to the post A, and thrown into contact with the piece of, by means of a
dogo, pivoted in the post A, and which is raised by means of the cylinder B',
which is forced upward by air pressure through the tube d³.
In Figure 14, is shown another modification in the connections of the lower part
of the apparatus, which is used to flash the powder when more than one apparatus
is employed, or when it is desired to operate another located at some distance. In
this modification practically the same construction is used, as shown in Figures 12
and 13, except the dog o, is omitted, and an electro-magnet P, having connections p,
with the distant apparatus is secured on the post A, from which it is insulated.
Below the magnet P, is pivoted on the post A, and insulated therefrom, a spring-
actuated-lever p, which engages with a spring p², secured at its lower part to a
piece, attached to the piece o, on the post or standard. On the inner surface of
the piece p³, and insulated therefrom is secured a meta! piece p', formed at its
upper end with a yoke po, to engage the spring 2, when released from the lever p',
when said lever is raised by the magnet, which operation charges the post A,
through the strip, located between the piece pt, and post A, or standard.
While my correspondent has shown and described a pneumatic connection

page_text: between the lower portion of the frame and camera, yet he does not desire to be
limited to such a device, as other and equivalent means may be employed to
complete the circuit and make the exposure simultaneously.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven--
tion, as communicated to me by my foreign correspondent and in what manner the-
same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :
1. An electrically connected supporting frame or standard in combination with.
an electrically connected piece secured parallel with said standard, a series of arms
or pans movably and adjustably secured to the standard, each carrying an electric
conductor, and a number of fuses adapted to complete the circuit on the pans or
arms and to ignite the powder, substantially as described.
2. The combination of an electrically connected supporting frame or standard
with an electrically connected piece secured parallel with said standard, a series of
arms or pans movably and adjustably secured to the standard, each carrying an
electric conductor, engaging at their inner ends with said piece, and a number of
fuses adapted to complete the circuit on the pans or arms and to ignite the powder,.
substantially as described.
3. The combination of a supporting frame or standard with a battery electrically
connected thereto, a piece secured parallel with said standard, and having an
electric connection with the battery, a series of arms or pans movably and.
adjustably secured to the standard, each carrying an electric conductor engaging
at their inner ends with said piece, and a number of fuses adapted to complete
the circuit on the pans or arms and to ignite the powder, substantially as
described.
4. The combination of a supporting frame or standard with a battery suspended
thereon and having one of its connections therewith through one of its suspending
devices, a piece secured parallel with said standard and having an electric con-
nection with the battery, a series of arms or pans movably and adjustably secured
to the standard, each carrying an electric conductor, engaging at their inner ends.
with said piece, and a number of fuses adapted to complete the circuit on the pans
or arms and to ignite the powder, substantially as described.
5. The combination of a supporting frame or standard having an electric
connection, with an adjustable and folding stand, a piece secured parallel with said
standard and having an electric connection, a series of arms or pans movably and
adjustably secured to the stand and each carrying an electric conductor engaging
at their inner ends with said piece, and a number of fuses adapted to complete
the circuit on the pans or arms and to ignite the powder, substantially as
described.
6. The combination of a supporting frame or standard mounted on an adjustable
stand, with a battery suspended thereto and having a connection therewith, a piece
secured parallel with said standard and having an electric connection, a series of
arms or pans movably and adjustably secured to the stand and each carrying an
electric conductor engaging at their inner ends with said piece, and a number of
fuses adapted to complete the circuit on the pans or arms and to ignite the powder,.
substantially as described.
7. The combination of an electrically connected supporting frame or standard
with a hollow and slotted piece secured parallel therewith having an electric
connection, a series of arms or pans movably and adjustably secured to the
standard and having receptacles for the fuses an electric conductor, on each pan
or arm, extending at its inner end through the slot and into the hollow of said
piece and adapted to contact therewith, and a number of fuses adapted to complete
the circuit on the pans or arms and to ignite the powder, substantially as
described.
8. The combination of an electrically connected supporting frame or standard
with a hollow and slotted piece secured parallel therewith having an electric
connection; a series of arms or pans movably and adjustably secured to the

page_text: standard and having openings in their walls to receive the fuses, an electric con-
ductor, on each pan or arm, extending at its inner end through the slot and into
the hollow of said piece and adapted to contact therewith, and a number of fuses
adapted to complete the circuit on the pans or arms and to ignite the powder,
substantially as described.
9. The combination of an electrically connected supporting frame or standard
with a hollow and slotted piece secured parallel therewith, having an electric
connection, a series of arms or pans movably and adjustably secured to the
standard, each of said arms or pans being provided with a tube to receive a
conductor, and receptacles for the fuses, an electric conductor, in each of said
tubes, extending at its inner end through the slot and into the hollow of said piece
and adapted to contact therewith, and a number of fuses adapted to complete
the circuit on the pans or arms and to ignite the powder, substantially as
described.
10. The combination of an electrically connected supporting frame or standard
having a vertical slot or guide-way with a hollow and slotted piece secured parallel
therewith having an electric connection, a series of arms or pans having forked
projections at their inner ends to stride the standard and rivets to movably and
adjustably secure them thereto, so that when lowered to a horizontal position they
will be firmly braced, an electric conductor, on each of said arms or paus, extending
at its inner end through the slot and into the hollow of said piece and adapted to
contact therewith, and a number of fuses adapted to complete the circuit on the
pans or arms and to ignite the powder, substantially as described.
11. The light supporting arms or pans D, having the tubes d', the conductors G,
in said tubes, and receptacles on the tubes for the reception of the fuses, the same
contacting with the conductors, substantially as described.
12. The light supporting arms or pans D, having the tubes d³, the conductors G,
in said tubes, the slots d', and springs i, for the fuses, substantially as described.
13. The combination with the supporting standard C, of a hollow and slotted
piece F, secured parallel therewith and each having an electric connection, and
the arms or pans D, pivotally and movably secured on said standard, and having
the tubes d³, and receptacles for the fuses, the conductors G, located in said
tubes and extending at their inner ends into the piece F, substantially as
described.
14. The combination with an electric conducting supporting frame provided at
its lower portion with attaching devices for the battery, of said battery suspended
thereon by means of conductors, a piece secured parallel with the frame and near
the same and electrically connected with the battery, a pneumatic device in the
lower portion of the frame to complete the circuit when desired, substantially as
described.
15. The combination with an electric conducting supporting frame provided at
its lower portion with attaching devices for the battery, of said battery suspended
thereon by means of conductors, a piece secured parallel with the frame and near
the same and electrically connected with the battery, a pneumatic connection
between the lower portion of the frame and camera to complete the circuit and
make the exposure simultaneously, substantially as described.
16. The combination with an electric conducting supporting frame provided at
its lower portion with attaching devices for the battery, of said battery suspended
thereon by means of conductors, a piece secured parallel with the frame and near
the same and electrically connected with the battery, a pneumatic device in the
lower portion of the frame to complete the circuit when desired, a series of pans
or arms movably and adjustably secured on the frame and having receptacles for
the fuses, an electric conductor on each pan or arm, adapted to engage a conductor
at its inner end, and a number of fuses to complete the circuit on the pans or arms
and to ignite the powder, substantially as described.
17. The combination of the main supporting post A, provided at its lower
portion with the hooks a', and a, and internal cylinder B', with the battery B,

page_text: having the devices b, and 61, to engage the said hooks and to form an electric
connection, the pneumatic bulb b, having the pipe 63, connected to the post and
adapted to raise the cylinder B', and complete the circuit, substantially as
described.
18. The combination of the main supporting post A, provided at its lower
portion with the hooks a', and as, and internal cylinder B', with the battery B,
having the devices b, and b', to engage the said hooks and to form an electric
connection, the bulb 64, having a pneumatic connection with the lower part of the
post A, and camera and adapted to complete the circuit and to make the exposure,
substantially as described.
19. A fuse consisting of a piece of material, having shoulders ', and a projection !',
with a wire wound diagonally around said piece and imbedded in its edges, sub-
stantially as described.
20. An electrically connected supporting frame or standard, in combination with
an electrically connected piece secured along said standard, a series of arms or
pans movably and adjustably secured to the standard, each carrying an electric
conductor, and a number of fuses adapted to complete the circuit on the pans or
arms and to ignite the powder, and an electro-magnet on the frame or standard
having an electric connection with one or more distant apparatuses, whereby the
same may be operated simultaneously, substantially as described.
Dated this 9th day of March 1896.
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.