Abstract: A laser probe for measuring apertures in a sheet of material has a laser beam and a detection system. The laser beam has a major axis and a minor axis which are orthogonal to each other. The major axis is much larger than the minor axis. The dimensions of the apertures are determined from the fraction of the laser beam which passes through the sheet of material. Slot widths are measured by identifying relatively constant amounts of light passing through the sheet as the sheet moves relative to the laser beam.

Abstract: A color CRT has a strip-type shadow mask and a magnetic shield internal to the funnel. At least one wire is suspended between the walls of the magnetic shield in contact with the strips of the mask to dampen image-distorting vibration of the strips.

Abstract: A striped-screen tension mask color CRT has a flat glass face with stripes of trios of colored-light-emitting phosphors deposited on its inner surface. An associated strip-type shadow mask has a predetermined downward curvature from center to sides effective to alleviate degrouping of electron beams when the tube is activated.

Abstract: An annulus attached adjacent the edge planes of a CRT front panel provides screen area savings, and in the preferred embodiment, panel protection, strengthening, and anti-implosion properties. The annulus is preferably composed of a plurality of sections and incorporates a shadow mask support. The annulus is attached to the front panel before receiving the shadow mask becomes a part of the CRT envelope. In a preferred embodiment, the annulus is composed of ceramic and is x-ray shielded by an application of lead-based frit.

Abstract: A system for standardized printing of CRT screens is disclosed. A preferred embodiment utilizes a standardized photoexposure stencil made without the use of a shadow mask aperture pattern and projection printing. The stencil is then placed in proximity to the screening surface during exposure. Front panel and mask support topography preparation methods and apparatus are disclosed, as are means and methods for compensating for variations among panel assemblies utilized in standardized printing of the screens. The system thereby produces high resolution screens which may accept interchangeable shadow masks.

Abstract: An annulus attached adjacent the edge planes of a CRT front panel provides screen area savings, and in the preferred embodiment, panel protection, strengthening, and anti-implosion properties. The annulus is preferably composed of a plurality of sections and incorporates a shadow mask support. The annulus is attached to the front panel before receiving the shadow mask and becomes a part of the CRT envelope. In a preferred embodiment, the annulus is composed of ceramic and is x-ray shielded by an application of lead-based frit.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are disclosed for use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel. The mask aperture pattern is registered with a cathodoluminescent screen pattern of corresponding geometry and position on an inner surface of the panel. The shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable. In a preferred arrangement, signals are developed which are indicative of the positions of a mechanically stretched mask aperture pattern and an associated front panel screen pattern relative to a reference or to each other. Responsive to such signals, there is effected a relative positioning of the mask and screen until registration between the patterns is achieved.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for use in the manufacture of a tension mask color cathode ray tube that includes a glass faceplate having an inner surface with a centrally disposed screening area. A multi-color phosphor screen is formed on the screening area and thereafter there is secured to the inner surface on opposed sides of the screen a shadow mask support structure having Q-height adjustment means for receiving and securing the mask. The Q-height adjustment means is adjusted and affixed at a predetermined Q-height and a foil mask in tension is affixed to the Q-height adjustment means.

Abstract: A color cathode ray tube includes a glass faceplate having on its inner surface a centrally disposed, rectangular screen. A shadow mask support structure located on opposed sides of the screen includes Q-height adjustment means for receiving and securing the shadow mask. The Q-height adjustment means provides for Q-height adjustment of the mask support structure prior to the securing of the mask. A fixture sets and holds the support structure at a predetermined Q-height.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a foil tension mask with a central pattern of apertures. A transparent flat front panel has a cathodoluminescent screen pattern on its inner surface. A plurality of mask support means, located on opposed sides of the screen pattern, have respective mask-receiving surfaces for receiving a shadow mask in tension. Q-height error data is developed according to the invention, and the aperture pattern of the mask in expanded and positioned in response to the error data to compensate for errors in Q-height to bring the mask apertures into registry with the screen pattern. Apparatus for measuring Q-height is also disclosed.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are disclosed for use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel. The mask aperture pattern is registered with a catholdoluminescent screen pattern of corresponding geometry and position on an inner surface of the panel. The shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable. Signals are developed which are indicative of the positions of a mechanically stretched mask aperture pattern and an associated front panel screen pattern relative to a reference or to each other. Responsive to such signals, there is effected a relative positioning of the mask and screen until registration between the patterns is achieved.

Abstract: A front assembly for a color cathode ray tube is disclosed. The tube includes a faceplate having on its inner surface a centrally disposed phosphor screen embraced by a peripheral sealing area adapted to mate with a funnel. A faceplate-mounted frame-like shadow mask support structure secured to the inner surface of the faceplate between the sealing area and the screen has a mask-receiving surface for receiving and supporting a foil shadow mask and holding the mask in tension by laser weldments. The weldments according to the invention are spaced close enough to hold the mask in tension without distortion, yet spaced widely enough to provide for relatively rapid welding and strong, independent welds.

Abstract: For use in the manufacture of flat tension mask cathode ray tubes, a method for forming on a mask support structure a mask receiving surface in a plane parallel to and at a precise fixed distance from the plane of the inner surface of a glass front panel embodying the tube's viewing screen.

Abstract: This disclosure describes method and apparatus useful in the manufacture of shadow mask color cathode ray tubes of the flat tension mask type, wherein the shadow masks and associated glass front panels are respectively interchangeable during mask-panel assembly.

Abstract: A reusable factory fixture frame is disclosed for use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a flat faceplate and a tensed foil shadow mask. The frame provides for mounting an in-process shadow mask during photoexposure of an in-process faceplate in a lighthouse. The frame includes a generally rectangular frame structure having grooves thereabout for receiving an edge of the shadow mask. At least one elongatge rod-like member extending lengthwise of and complementarily mating with the grooves temporarily and removably support an in-process shadow mask in tension. The shadow mask is heated and allowed to expand prior to being temporarily and removably supported on the frame, and the shadow mask is allowed to cool and shrink in tension while so being supported to effect tensing of the shadow mask in clamped condition on the frame.

Abstract: A front assembly is disclosed for a tension mask color cathode ray tube. The assembly comprises a faceplate having a tensed foil shadow mask supported by mask support means, and means for shielding the faceplate from a high-energy beam used to trim waste material from the mask following its attachment to the mask support means.

Abstract: A faceplate assembly for a color cathode ray tube includes a glass faceplate having on its inner surface a centrally disposed phosphor screen. A metal foil shadow mask is mounted in tension on a mask support structure located on opposed sides of the screen and secured to the inner surface of the faceplate. The support structure according to the invention has an open side facing the screen filled with a reinforcing material effective to render the structure mechanically rigid and prevent flexure of the structure toward the screen under the tension of the shadow mask. A process for manufacturing the inventive structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A front assembly for a cathode ray tube includes a substantially flat faceplate having on its inner surface a centrally disposed phosphor target surrounded by a peripheral sealing area adapted to mate with a funnel. The front assembly includes a stiff faceplate-mounted support structure with a weldable metal surface secured to the inner surface of the faceplate between the sealing area and the target for supporting a high-tension foil shadow mask at a predetermined distance from the inner surface of the faceplate. The mask has a central apertured area and a peripheral area which is welded to the support structure.

Abstract: A front assembly for a color cathode ray tube is disclosed. The tube includes a faceplate having on its inner surface a centrally disposed phosphor screen embraced by a peripheral sealing area adapted to mate with a funnel. A faceplate-mounted frame-like shadow mask support structure secured to the inner surface of the faceplate between the sealing area and the screen has a mask-receiving surface for receiving and supporting a foil shadow mask and holding the mask in tension by laser weldments. The weldments according to the invention are spaced close enough to hold the mask in tension without distortion, yet spaced widely enough to provide for relatively rapid welding and strong, independent welds.

Abstract: An improved front assembly for a color cathode ray tube having a tension foil shadow mask is disclosed. The faceplate of the tube has on its inner surface a centrally disposed phosphor target surrounded by a peripheral sealing area adapted to mate with a funnel. A separate metal faceplate frame is secured to the inner surface of the faceplate between the sealing area and the target. The separate metal frame according to the invention supports a welded-on tension foil shadow mask a predetermined distance from the inner surface of the faceplate. The separate faceplate-mounted metal frame may have according to the invention a plurality of slurry-passing structures contiguous to the inner surface of the faceplate for passing any surplusage of slurry during the radial-flow slurry-deposition process used in screening the faceplate. Various configurative embodiments of the faceplate-mounted metal frame according to the invention are also disclosed.