For Flat Cathode-ray Tube Patents (Class 315/366)
  • Patent number: 6194838
    Abstract: A virtual non-thermionic cathode has the position of a space charge cloud associated with it fixed by the geometry of a fixed insulating layer. The layer can be made to accurate dimensions and hence the cathode to control grid dimension can be accurately controlled and will not change as a result of any mechanical, electrical or physical changes in the construction. The fixed insulating layer is located on a surface of the control grid facing the cathode. A space charge layer is built up on the surface of the insulating layer facing the cathode, and thus emission from the cathode is stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John Stuart Beeteson, Andrew Ramsay Knox, Christopher Carlo Pietrzak
  • Patent number: 5986627
    Abstract: Flat-panel type picture display device having a luminescent screen and a large number of electron propagation ducts operating by means of electron wall interaction. Electrons are withdrawn from the ducts by means of an addressing system, whereafter these electrons are directed towards desired locations on the luminescent screen. An apertured spacer plate of electrically insulating material for passing electrons is arranged between the addressing system and the screen. To enable large voltage differences to be applied across the dimension of thickness of the spacer plate, the spacer plate is provided with a high-ohmic layer, or with a pattern of a low-ohmic material, or with an equalization layer at one side and with a low-ohmic layer at the other side, and at least the walls of the apertures are preferably coated with a material having a low secondary emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Siebe T. De Zwart, Gerardus G. P. van Gorkom, Nicolaas Lambert, Petrus H. F. Trompenaars, Bernardus H. W. Hendriks, Gerardus A. H. M. Vrijssen
  • Patent number: 5939842
    Abstract: A virtual remote cathode has the position of a space charge cloud associated with it fixed by the geometry of a fixed insulating plate. The plate can be made to accurate dimensions and hence the cathode to control grid dimension can be accurately controlled and will not change as a result of any mechanical, electrical or physical changes in the construction. The fixed insulating plate is located on a surface of the control grid facing the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John Beeteson, Andrew Ramsay Knox, Christopher Carlo Pietrzak
  • Patent number: 5886474
    Abstract: A luminescent device (for example an autoluminescent flat display and particularly an organic electroluminescent device or display using an organic thin film as an electroluminescent layer) having a plurality of luminescing units (pixels PX) each selectively made to luminesce by a current is provided with a control part (current control circuit part 40) for accurately controlling the brightness of the luminescing units by controlling the current flowing through each luminescing unit on the basis of a brightness signal from outside, which is preferably supplied as pre-programmed memory information. As a result, it is possible to realize distinct luminescing (image display) at all times even with a passive matrix type pixel structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Nobutoshi Asai, Yasunori Kijima
  • Patent number: 5877597
    Abstract: A display device comprises a cathode and a permanent magnet. A two dimensional array of rows and columns of channels extends between opposite poles of the magnet for receiving electrons from the cathode. A screen has a plurality of phosphor pixels each corresponding to a different channel and each comprising a plurality of sub-pixels facing the side of the magnet remote from the cathode. Grid electrode means is disposed between the cathode means and the magnet. A plurality of pairs of anodes are disposed between the magnet and the screen and extending parallel to the columns of channels. Each pair corresponds to a different column of channels and each pair has first and second anodes extending along opposite sides of the corresponding column of channels. Address means supplies control signals to the grid electrode means to selectively control flow of electrons from the cathode through each channel to the corresponding pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John Beeteson, Andrew Knox
  • Patent number: 5859508
    Abstract: An improved cathodoluminescent device with a one piece spacer structure which is rigidly connected to two sets of grid electrodes. The spacer structure defines holes therein that spatially match pixel dots on an anode on a face plate. One set of grid electrodes comprises layers of electrically conductive material on surfaces within at least some of the holes of the spacer structure. The two sets of grid electrodes and different spacer layers may be attached together to form a one piece spacer structure integral with the two sets of grid electrodes. The display device is then simply assembled by matching each of the holes of the spacer structure with a pixel dot on the face plate, and attaching the structure to the face plate and a back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Pixtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Shichao Ge, Xi Huang, Yi Xu, Charles S. Leung
  • Patent number: 5838097
    Abstract: An image display apparatus comprises a plurality of electron-emitting devices and an image-forming member for forming an image upon irradiation of electron beams emitted from the electron-emitting devices. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of substrates having the electron-emitting devices arrayed thereon and being arranged side by side, and a deviating unit for deviating the electron beams emitted from the electron-emitting devices arrayed on the substrates. The deviating unit deviates the electron beams toward the boundary between the substrates. When the plurality of substrates are combined with each other to provide the image forming apparatus having a large-sized screen, a display incapable region is prevented from appearing at the boundary between the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Kasanuki, Osamu Takamatsu, Tetsuya Kaneko, Masahito Niibe, Mitsutoshi Hasegawa, Hidetoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5838119
    Abstract: A charge storage target (66) comprising an electron collector mesh (112) and a plurality of column conductors (86) affixed to a substrate (74) is bombarded with electrons from a row addressed array (12). The array (12) comprises a monolithic electrode (20) overlapped by a plurality of row electrodes (32). Associated with each row electrode (32) is a plurality of sources (44) comprising an electron emissive means (50) for emitting a plurality of electrons dependent upon a potential difference applied between the row electrode (32) and the monolithic electrode (20) by a sequencer (58). Electrons are accelerated toward and focused on target (66) in a high velocity equilibrium mode of writing. A potential control means (192) is provided to apply a potential to each column conductor (86).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Craig D. Engle
  • Patent number: 5831397
    Abstract: A deflecting apparatus for a flat-panel display having an evacuated display housing and a display screen. The display has phosphor stripes or dots for generating visible radiation when bombarded with electrons when accelerating voltage V.sub.1 is applied to stripes. The invention provides for an elongate electron source positioned in the back of the evacuated display housing for emitting electrons which are guided to the display screen through an anode grid or an electron gating grid located before the display screen. The deflecting apparatus for rendering the beam of electrons emitted from the elongate electron source uniform has a deflecting element or unit which is positioned at the back of the display housing and produces a spatially parabolic potential under the influence of steering potential V.sub.4. This spatially parabolic potential forces the electrons moving in the direction of the anode grid or gating grid to form a uniform beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Telegen Corporation
    Inventors: Jessica L. Stevens, W. Edward Naugler
  • Patent number: 5786669
    Abstract: An electron gun and a CRT capable of accomplishing a reduction in spot diameter of electron beams, an increase in drive speed and control of luminance while being simplified in structure. Field emission cathodes acting as the electron source for the electron gun are arranged in the form of or divided into plurality of the small regions S for matrix driving, to thereby control luminance of the CRT depending on the number of small regions S selected. Thus, luminance control over any desired number of gradations which exhibits satisfactory resistance to noise and linearity can be realized while simplifying the structure, resulting in the field emission cathodes being highly conveniently applied to the electron gun of the CRT, leading to an improvement in functionality of the CRT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Futaba Denshi Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Yoichi Kobori, Koji Onodaka, Katsuya Hiraga
  • Patent number: 5781166
    Abstract: A display device including a vacuum envelope having an electroluminescent screen, an electron source and a branched network of electron-transport ducts having at least one entrance for electrons and at least two exits at end portions of the network. An electron current flows from the entrance to a desired one of the exits via nodes in the network. The network exits corresponding to one entrance form a two or three dimensional array of exits. Preferably, the distance, via the network, between an entrance and its corresponding exits is equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Siebe T. De Zwart, Nicolaas Lambert, Gerardus G.P. Van Gorkom, Petrus H.F. Trompenaars
  • Patent number: 5760548
    Abstract: An electron source comprises cathode means and a permanent magnet. A plurality of channels disposed in the magnet in a two dimensional array of rows and columns and extending between opposite poles of the magnet. The magnet generates, in each channel, a magnetic field which forms electrons received from the cathode means into an electron beam for guidance towards a target. Grid electrode means are disposed between the cathode means and the magnet for controlling flow of electrons from the cathode means into each channel. The grid electrode means comprises a plurality of parallel row conductors and a plurality of parallel column conductors arranged orthogonally to the row conductors. Each channel is located at a different intersection of a row conductor and a column conductor. Electric field isolation means reduces leakage of electric fields from each intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John Beeteson, Andrew Knox
  • Patent number: 5742266
    Abstract: An image display device has a control electrode which comprises an X-Y grid assembly composed of planar two-layer conductive grids which define electron passage holes at junctions thereof. The control electrode have capacitive bodies disposed at the junctions for storing a control voltage to control electrons emitted from a planar cathode and having passed through the electron passage holes. A high-voltage electrode applies a high voltage to a planar light emitting layer to attract the electrons that have passed through the electron passage holes and have been controlled by the control voltage, to the planar light emitting layer for emitting light in response to bombardment of the electrons thereon. The electrons are supplied at all times by the control electrode for continuous emission of light from the planar light emitting layer. Since the cathode and the electrodes are of a planar structure, the image display device is lightweight and of a low profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kuniharu Onozuka
  • Patent number: 5674351
    Abstract: Holes are formed in a structure (116) by a technique in which a die (118) having openings (119) at desired locations for the holes is first placed over one side of the structure. Fluid pressure is applied to the other side of the structure to cause material to be sheared away from the structure at the desired hole locations, thereby forming the holes. A die (117) having openings (119) at the desired hole locations can also be placed over the side subjected to the fluid pressure to facilitate the hole-formation process. With two such die in place, fluid containing an abrasive material can be passed through unfinished holes to remove rough edges and finish the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Candescent Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Paul A. Lovoi
  • Patent number: 5621284
    Abstract: A cathodoluminescent device employs elongated grid electrodes such as small gauge wires for addressing and controlling the brightness of the display, thereby increasing the osmotic coefficient of the grid electrodes. End portions of the cathode filaments are bent into springs to reduce cold terminal effects. The edges of the face plate of the device are curved to reduce the visual effects of mosaic slots. The display may be operated at low anode voltage with increased luminescence so that full screen scanning is possible. Different sections of narrow strips forming a staggered structure strengthens the integrity of the device and reduces dark areas in the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignees: Pixtech, Inc., Hangzhou University
    Inventors: Ge Shichao, Victor Lam, Huang Xi, Jin Weicheng, Ruan Shiping
  • Patent number: 5606225
    Abstract: An anode plate 40, suitable for use in a field emission display tetrode, includes a transparent planar substrate 42 having thereon a layer 46 of a transparent, electrically conductive material, which comprises the anode electrode of the display tetrode. Barrier structures 48 comprising an electrically insulating, preferably opaque material, are formed on anode electrode 46 as a series of parallel ridges. Atop each barrier structure 48 are a series of electrically conductive stripes 50, which function as deflection electrodes. Luminescent material 52 overlies anode electrode 46 in the channels between barrier structures 48. Conductive stripes 50 are formed into three series such that every third stripe 50 is electrically interconnected. Deflection voltage controller 70 permits selective deflection of electrons toward the proper luminescent material 52.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Jules D. Levine, Bruce E. Gnade
  • Patent number: 5565742
    Abstract: In a cathodoluminescent display device, spacer elements are used to provide rigid mechanical support between the face and back plates when the chamber of the device is evacuated so that thin face and back plates may be used even for large-screen displays. The spacer support includes a spacer plate having holes therein for passage of electrons between the anode and cathode where a predetermined small number of one or more pixel dots corresponds to and spatially overlaps one hole, thereby reducing crosstalk. Shadow-reducing electrodes are employed on the back plate and spacer members alongside the cathode to cause the path of electrons from the cathode to the anode to spread out in order to reduce shadows caused by the presence of the spacer members. Various configurations of the two or three sets of grid electrodes may be employed to improve resolution and focusing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: PanoCorp Display Systems
    Inventors: Ge Shichao, Victor Lam, Jemm Y. Liang
  • Patent number: 5561353
    Abstract: Beam control pulse modulation in an RF transmitter tube is provided by a solid state switch connected between the cathode power supply and the cathode of the transmitter tube. The beam controlling element is returned to the normal cathode power source such that closing the switch between the cathode and the cathode power source brings the beam controlling element voltage to cathode potential causing beam current to flow, while opening the switch provides a very high equivalent cathode resistance, which self-biases the tube in the cutoff region, eliminating the need for a separate "off" voltage power supply. Off-edge performance may be further improved by providing an off switch connected between the cathode and a collector tap on the cathode power supply, and closing the switch when the on switch is opened to accelerate return of the cathode potential to the cutoff voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. Brichta, Robert M. Zawislak, Neils A. Kruse
  • Patent number: 5557177
    Abstract: A electron beam row at a time addressed storage target includes substrate with a plurality of column electrodes affixed to the substrate by a suitable means. Adjacent column electrodes are displaced by a first period.The target includes a grid for collecting secondary electrons generated by bombarding the secondary electron emission means affixed to the substrate with a plurality of electron beams. Each beam strikes the target at a beam landing area. The beam landing areas of adjacent electron beams are displaced by the first period.The beam landing areas are positioned so each beam landing area is overlapped by a respective column electrode. A respective potential difference is applied between each electrode and the grid. Charge acquired by the target at each beam landing area is dependent upon the respective potential difference applied between the electrode which overlaps the beam landing area and the grid. Charge transfer is an equilibrium process involving secondary emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Craig D. Engle
  • Patent number: 5543691
    Abstract: A field emission display having a plurality of pixels is disclosed wherein each pixel includes a cathode with a plurality of field emitters and corresponding gate electrodes to emit electrons, an anode distally disposed with respect to the cathode, the anode and the cathode capable of having a voltage difference greater than 6000 volts, and a focus grid disposed between the anode and the cathode, the focus grid having an aperture and disposed in proximity with the cathode to focus electrons from the plurality of field emitters of the cathode toward the anode. With such an arrangement, a field emission display is provided having greater brightness and efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Alan Palevsky, Peter F. Koufopoulos
  • Patent number: 5525873
    Abstract: Picture display device includes a display unit having a vacuum envelope which is provided with a transparent face plate with a luminescent screen and a rear plate. The display unit includes a plurality of juxtaposed sources for emitting electrons, a plurality of electron transport ducts cooperating with the sources and extending substantially parallel to the face plate for transporting the electrons in the form of electron currents, and an active selection structure for withdrawing each electron current at predetermined locations from its transport duct and for directing the current towards desired pixels of the luminescent screen.The picture display device further includes a video signal processing circuit for receiving an incoming video signal having a given line number, for processing the video signal to a video signal which is suitable for the luminescent screen, and for applying the processed video signal to a video drive circuit coupled to the sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Nicolaas Lambert, Henricus J. Ligthart, Siebe T. De Zwart, Petrus H. F. Trompenaars, Gerardus G. P. Van Gorkom
  • Patent number: 5497053
    Abstract: An electron deflection device responsive to an electrical input signal for producing an output signal includes a focusing array for producing a collimated electron beam input ribbon in the direction of a propagation axis, the input ribbon being elongated along an array axis perpendicular to the propagation axis, and being relatively thin along a deflection axis perpendicular to the array axis and to the propagation axis. The focusing array is preferably a linear array of gated cold cathode units with lens electrodes. The deflection device further includes first and second electrically conductive deflector faces, forming a deflection region therebetween and being disposed so that the propagation-axis passes through the deflection region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Cha-Mei Tang, Antonio C. Ting, Thomas A. Swyden
  • Patent number: 5489815
    Abstract: Flat-panel type picture display device having a face plate with a luminescent screen at the inner side and, arranged at a short distance therefrom, a rear plate adjoined by a large number of electron transport ducts operating by means of wall interaction of electrons. An active selection structure for directing electrons from transport ducts towards pixels on the luminescent screen comprises an apertured preselection plate and an apertured fine-selection plate, each preselection aperture being associated with at least two fine-selection apertures. Special auxiliary (or dummy) electrodes between the preselection plate and the selection plate, and/or a special geometry of the preselection apertures, ensure that color purity and contrast are maximal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Gerardus G. P. Van Gorkom, Siebe T. De Zwart, Petrus H. F. Trompenaars, Nicolaas Lambert
  • Patent number: 5436530
    Abstract: A flat display apparatus is disclosed which includes a grid interposed between and spaced apart from control electrodes and an electron source. The grid which includes holes has a higher potential applied than the one applied to a cathode so as to enable electrons to pass through the holes. An additional grid may be interposed between and spaced apart from the grid and the control electrodes. Alternatively, a rear electrode is located between adjacent porous cover electrodes to connect them, and a second rear electrode is located near the rear electrode and has a lower potential applied than the one applied to the cover electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryo Suzuki, Masato Saito, Tetsuya Shiroishi, Takuya Ohira, Yoshiko Fujima, Keiji Fukuyama, Keiji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5410218
    Abstract: A Field Emission Display ("FED") is disclosed having an array of display grids formed within a region of a semiconductor substrate. The array is defined by a number of rows and a number of columns. Further, a multiplicity of field emitter tips are incorporated for driving the array, each of the tips being coupled with a display grid of the array. To select any row of the array, a row select switch is employed. The row select switch is preferably formed outside the region of the substrate. In operation, a row is selected when a row control signal is received by the row select switch. Further, a column select switch for selecting any of said columns is also employed, formed outside the region. In operation, a column is selected when a column control signal is received by the column select switch. Moreover, a plurality of constant current sources, formed outside the region, are provided for generating a constant current to each of the tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Micron Display Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen F. Hush
  • Patent number: 5394066
    Abstract: The source includes columns (4) emitting electrons and lines (6) whose potential evolves up to a positive value Vl. The screen also includes at least one additional column (24) common to all the lines, means (28) to bring this additional column to a negative potential so that, irrespective of the potential of the lines it crosses, electrons may be emitted in the crossing zones, at least one additional anode (26) opposite the additional column, and means (30) to bring this additional anode to a positive potential of less than Vl. Each line is controlled by a single output transistor (32) which brings it to Vl when it is activated and disconnects it from the voltage source Vl when it is disactivated. Application for microtip screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Thierry Leroux
  • Patent number: 5363021
    Abstract: A massively parallel electron beam array for controllably imaging a target includes a multiplicity of emitter cathodes, each incorporating one or more micron-sized emitter tips. Each tip is controlled by a control electrode to produce an electron stream, and its deflection is controlled by a multielement deflection electrode to permit scanning of a corresponding target region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Noel C. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 5347201
    Abstract: This invention is about new cathode structures involving the FEAs (field emitter arrays) and the application of these new cathode structures in EFD (Electron Fluorescent Display), EFLCD (Electron Fluorescent Liquid Crystal Display) and MFD (Microtip Fluorescent Display) type direct matrix addressed type display. One aspect of this invention is related to eliminating the difficulty large area FEA cathode manufacturing by combining the control apparatus of EFD and EFLCD with the efficient electron emission process of the FEA. The second aspect of this invention is related to the employment of local embedded circuit components to help enhancing the uniformity of the electron emitting process of FEA. The preferred embodiments of the invented cathode structure in EFD or EFLCD employ multiple pieces of field emitter arrays sparsely disposed inside a vacuum chamber to generate the electron clouds which is then accelerated and controlled by other control means of EFD or EFLCD structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Panocorp Display Systems
    Inventors: Jemm Y. Liang, Shichao Ge
  • Patent number: 5270617
    Abstract: In a planar type display device, deterioration of the picture quality caused by distortion of laminated electrodes due to temperature rise in use is prevented by laminating the electrodes having such a structure that each electrode plate is free from expansion and contract by thermal expansion. Securing means spacers 23 thicker slightly than electrode plates are inserted in holes of the electrode plates 21a to 21e, securing means pin 24 is passed therethrough holding electrode plate spacers 22 therebetween, forming laminated electrode group 5. Since the respective electrode plates have slight gaps in a thickness direction and the electrode plates are free from expansion and contraction and do not distorted at the time of thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kinzo Nonomura, Kiyoshi Hamada, Jumpei Hashiguchi, Ryuichi Murai, Satoshi Kitao
  • Patent number: 5254911
    Abstract: A novel parallel-filament type electron gun for electron beam irradiation accelerators or generators and the like having a plurality of longitudinally extending parallel transversely spaced substantially co-planar similar filaments for generating electrons and disposed between a lower co-extensive extractor grid and an upper co-extensive electrostatic lens surface for shaping the electron beam profile, and with constructional features that enable variable width and extremely wide guns to be achieved and with improved beam uniformity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Energy Sciences Inc.
    Inventors: Tzvi Avnery, Willem van de Stadt, Michael J. Souza
  • Patent number: 5229691
    Abstract: In a cathodoluminescent display device, spacer elements are used to provide rigid mechanical support between the face and back plates when the chamber of the device is evacuated so that thin face and back plates may be used even for large-screen displays. The spacer support includes a spacer plate having holes therein for passage of electrons between the anode and cathode where a predetermined small number of one or more pixel dots corresponds to and spatially overlaps one hole, thereby reducing crosstalk. Shadow-reducing electrodes are employed on the back plate and spacer members alongside the cathode to cause the path of electrons from the cathode to the anode to bend towards the spacer members in order to reduce shadows caused by the presence of the spacer members. Various configurations of the two or three sets of grid electrodes may be employed to improve resolution and focusing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Panocorp Display Systems
    Inventors: Ge Shichao, Victor Lam
  • Patent number: 5218274
    Abstract: CRT display data output by a CRT controller is written in a frame memory at display timings of a CRT, and is read out of the frame memory at display timings of a flat panel display. The frame memory is comprised of by a dual-port memory. A flat panel display-controlling circuit writes the display data, output by the CRT controller, in the frame memory through the data write port of the dual-port memory, and reads the display data out of the frame memory through the data read port of the dual-port memory in synchronism with the display timings of the flat panel display. The data writing operation and the data reading operation are performed concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hiroki Zenda
  • Patent number: 5202609
    Abstract: In a flat configuration color display CRT in which one or more rows of electron beams are generated with the electron beams passing through respective apertures in successively disposed electrodes including horizontal deflection electrodes, apertures formed in an electrode positioned adjacent to the horizontal deflection electrodes have a central axis position displacement with respect to corresponding apertures of the horizontal deflection electrodes. A trajectory correction voltage which varies during each vertical scanning interval is applied to that adjacent electrode to execute dynamic adjustment of electron beam landing positions and thereby correct for an angular positioning error between a fluorescent layer pattern of the CRT and the electrode structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Tomii, Hiroshi Miyama, Yoshikazu Kawauchi
  • Patent number: 5177410
    Abstract: An image display device includes comb-shaped horizontal deflection electrodes disposed interleavingly in a first plane with a space therebetween for forming electron beam passages and comb-shaped vertical deflection electrodes disposed interleavingly in a second plane adjacent and parallel to the first plane. The capacitance between the horizontal deflection electrode confronting the vertical deflection electrodes and the capacitance between the horizontal deflection electrode confronting the vertical deflection electrode are made equal to each other. Also, the capacitance of the vertical deflection electrode confronting the horizontal deflection electrodes and the capacitance of the vertical deflection electrode confronting the horizontal deflection electrodes are made equal to each other, whereby the voltage effect induced by the other deflection electrode can be canceled and a good quality image can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jumpei Hashiguchi, Kiyoshi Hamada, Kinzo Nonomura, Ryuichi Murai, Satoshi Kitao
  • Patent number: 5170100
    Abstract: A cathodoluminescent device employs elongated grid electrodes such as small gauge wires for addressing and controlling the brightness of the display, thereby increasing the osmotic coefficient of the grid electrodes. End portions of the cathode filaments are bent into springs to reduced cold terminal effects. The edges of the face plate of the device are curved to reduced the visual effects of mosaic slots. The display may be operated at low anode voltage with increased luminescence so that full screen scanning is possible. Different sections of narrow strips forming a staggered structure strengthens the integrity of the device and reduces dark areas in the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignees: Hangzhou University, Panocorp Display Systems
    Inventors: Ge Shichao, Victor Lam, Huang Xi, Jin Weicheng, Ruan Shiping
  • Patent number: 5160871
    Abstract: A flat configuration image display apparatus electron beam generator equipped with cold cathodes for generating a plurality of electron beams in response to image signals fed from an image signal supply circuit, and electron beam control electrodes for selectively energizing the cold cathodes of the electron beam generator in accordance with a scanning line selection signal. The electron beam generator is further equipped with at least an array of n base electrodes extending in vertical directions of a screen of the image display apparatus where n is an integer equal to or greater than 3, and a predetermined number of the cold cathodes are disposed on each of the base electrodes. The image signals are independently applied through terminal leaders to the base electrodes, the terminal leaders being led up to outsides of a vacuum housing of the image display apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Tomii, Akira Kaneko
  • Patent number: 5155416
    Abstract: An electron beam emitting device, includes a surface conduction type of thin film device having an electron emitting area and at least a pair of electrodes for passing current through the electron emitting area, and a voltage applicator for applying a voltage independently on each of the electrodes, the voltage applicator applying a voltage on each electrode so that each of the electrodes may become higher or lower in potential relative to the other electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Suzuki, Ichiro Nomura, Tetsuya Kaneko, Toshihiko Takeda, Yoshikazu Banno, Kojiro Yokono
  • Patent number: 5140230
    Abstract: A flat configuration CRT having positioned behind one or more line cathodes an array of control electrodes for electron beam modulation and shield electrodes for mutually shielding the control electrodes, in which the shield electrodes are connected as a plurality of electrically separate blocks. DC voltages applied to the respective blocks are adjusted such as to establish identical levels of beam current for electron beams which are generated by emission from the line cathodes, thereby enabling accuracy requirements for spacing between these electrodes and the line cathodes to be substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Tomii, Hiroshi Miyama, Yoshikazu Kawauchi
  • Patent number: 5130614
    Abstract: A cathode ray tube apparatus uses a ribbon electron beam to illuminate one line of information at a time on the display surface of the tube. The resulting increase in scanning speed allows for a reduced beam current density and corresponding reduction in electrostatic spreading. The beam is focusable to a smaller spot which allows enhanced image resolution. Velocity filters enhance resolution in the plane of the ribbon beam. A linear modulation assembly allows the ribbon beam to be modulated prior to deflection, removing the need for a full modulation grid. Thin septa are provided to support the tube against compressive external forces. The septa are tapered near the display surface where septum electrodes draw electrons of the beam toward the septa near the display surface to prevent image discontinuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: David H. Staelin
  • Patent number: 5117159
    Abstract: A flat panel type display provided with a screen, control electrodes divided in a horizontal direction of the screen, light emitting fluorescent material formed on the control electrodes, a mesh-like electrode, scanning electrodes each divided in a vertical direction of the screen and facing the mesh-like electrode, an electron source for generating electron beams in the horizontal direction of the screen and deflection unit for deflecting the beams in the vertical direction. The deflection unit is provided with a signal supply device for applying first and second voltage levels to each scanning electrode. The first voltage level is at a level similar to that applied to the control or mesh-like electrode. The second voltage level is substantially less than the first voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Tomii, Hiroshi Miyama, Yoshikazu Kawauchi, Jun Nishida
  • Patent number: 5103144
    Abstract: An apparatus is disposed for controlling the brightness of a matrix-addressed flat panel CRT display of a type having intersecting column and row conductors forming, respectively, the gate and cathode electrodes of a field electron emission array. The brightness control is effected by controlling both the duty cycle and the voltage applied to the drive lines of the intersecting conductors. A periodic staircase waveform having progressively increasing voltage steps is sequentially applied to the row conductors. The voltages at each of the steps are preferably selected to enable electron beam currents which provide brightness levels which are twice the brightness of the previous step. Binary-coded video brightness data are simultaneously applied to all of the column conductors. The combined voltages at the intersections of the selected conductors cause a sequence of electron emissions onto luminescing means which result in a corresponding sequence of illumination intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Peter C. Dunham
  • Patent number: 5103145
    Abstract: A field emission cathode for use in a cathode-ray tube (CRT) includes groups of electron emission cells that produce different degrees of luminance on the phosphor-coated CRT screen. The cells replace the conventional CRT cathode and are fabricated on a planar surface. Each cell comprises a fixed number of discrete electron emitters, and the groups comprise different numbers of cells, typically in binary relation to one another. The cell groups of are interconnected via separate drive lines; each group is activated by applying voltage to its line. Different combinations of groups may be activated to achieve different brightness intensities on the CRT screen. A cathode having fifteen cells arranged in four groups (1, 2, 4 and 8 cells) is capable of producing sixteen shades of gray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Robert W. Doran
  • Patent number: 5068580
    Abstract: An electrical beam switch for interconnection between a plurality of inputs and outputs and includes a two-dimensional array of electrically charged particle emitters and an array of detectors facing the emitter array for receiving charged particles from various of the emitters. X and y electrical deflectors are positioned adjacent each of the emitters for directing the charged particles from each of the emitters to a selected one or more of the detectors. A screen lens may be positioned adjacent the array of detectors for focusing the directed beams on to the selected detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence N. Smith, Ollie C. Woodard, Sr., Dennis J. Herrell
  • Patent number: 5068579
    Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a flat configuration CRT which is provided with a second set of horizontal deflection electrodes in addition to the main horizontal deflection electrodes. A sawtooth waveform correction deflection voltage is applied to the second electrodes such as to slow the rate of electron beam scanning each time a portion of a fluorescent layer pattern of the screen is scanned, thereby increasing display brightness, while in addition the correction deflection voltage and the electron beam modulation signals are phase shifted by a mutually identical amount once in each scan line such as to compensate for a position deviation between the main horizontal deflection electrodes and the fluorescent layer pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Tomii, Hiroshi Miyama, Yoshikazu Kawauchi
  • Patent number: 5061880
    Abstract: A method of driving an image display device is disclosed in which electron beams from line cathodes are impinged upon a display screen through beam modulating and deflecting electrodes to display an image. Each beam roughly lands onto a predetermined position on the screen by a stepped deflection voltage waveform to form a spot on the screen while the beam is deflected around the predetermined position by an unstepped deflection voltage waveform. The timing of application or the pulse width of a driving pulse signal for the beam modulating electrode is controlled in a form temporally related to the driving of the beam deflecting electrode to control the landing position or diameter of the spot on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jumpei Hashiguchi, Kinzo Nonomura, Kiyoshi Hamada, Satoshi Kitao, Masayuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5029258
    Abstract: A large screen image display device has a rear wall on which a plurality of striped vertical addressing electrodes are formed, a front wall to which a conductor and phosphor are laminated, and mutually spaced side walls to form an evacuated enclosure wherein the conductor and the addressing electrodes confront each other. Linear thermal cathodes are disposed in rows orthogonal to the addressing electrodes for emitting thermal-electrons. At least one modulation electrode is located between the thermal cathodes and addressing electrodes in parallel to the respective thermal cathode. Horizontal focusing deflection electrodes are arranged opposite to and in parallel to both sides of the thermal cathodes. A control circuit supplies control signals to the above mentioned electrodes for operating the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignees: NEC Home Electrons Co., Ltd., NEC Kansai, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasutada Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 5017842
    Abstract: An image display apparatus which controls electron beams emitted from an electron source by electrodes having an arrangement of electron beam passage apertures and displays an image by irradiating the electron beams onto phosphors on a screen. The image display apparatus includes a means which changes at least a position of the electron beam passage aperture of a second electrode of the electrodes corresponding to the electron beam passage aperture of a first electrode of the electrodes in accordance with the position on the screen and controls the potential difference between the two electrodes, thereby making it possible to control the landing position of the electron beams on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Hamada, Kinzo Nonomura, Masayuki Takahashi, Jumpei Hashiguchi, Satoshi Kitao
  • Patent number: 4980613
    Abstract: A flat CRT apparatus has a set of vertical scanning deflection electrodes arrayed down one flat inner face of the CRT, spaced apart from an opposing face having a photo-emissive layer formed thereon, and an electron gun for emitting a single flat electron beam or a row of narrow line electron beams into the space between the scanning electrodes and the photo-emissive layer. Vertical scanning of a raster display is executed by scanning voltages sucessively applied to the scanning electrodes, with the deflected electron beams thus obtained being then horizontally swept in common by a horizontal deflection electrode, so that each electron beam is utilized to display a large number of picture elements of each horizontal scanning line of the display picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Miyama, Yoshikazu Kawauchi, Kaoru Tomii, Jun Nishida
  • Patent number: 4973888
    Abstract: An image display device capable of uniforming luminance over a whole display plane. The image display device includes a plurality of vertical selecting electrodes each adapted to adjust an intensity of each of electron beams for every one of a plurality of cathodes. The device may include a protective electrode for insulating a low voltage region for selecting and deflecting of each electron beam and a high voltage region for accelerating the electron beam from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Futaba Denshi Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Morimoto, Hiroshi Watanabe, Yukio Ogawa
  • Patent number: 4973889
    Abstract: A flat configuration CRT having positioned behind one or more line cathodes an array of control electrodes for electron beam modulation and shield electrodes for mutually shielding the control electrodes, in which the shield electrodes are connected as a plurality of electrically separate blocks. DC voltages applied to the respective blocks are adjusted such as to establish identical levels of beam current for electron beams which are generated by emission from the line cathodes, thereby enabling accuracy requirements for spacing between these electrodes and the line cathodes to be substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Tomii, Hiroshi Miyama, Yoshikazu Kawauchi