Patents Represented by Attorney Cornelius J. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 4728854
    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 screen surrounded by a peripheral sealing area adapted to mate with a funnel. A shadow mask support structure is secured to the faceplate for securing a shadow mask in tension on the structure and spacing the shadow mask from the screen. The support structure includes an undulated member defining peaks and valleys. The valleys are flattened in a common plane and provide means for securing the support structure to the faceplate. The peaks are flattened in a common plane and provide means for securing the shadow mask to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Fendley
  • Patent number: 4723089
    Abstract: A novel color selection electrode assembly is utilized in screening a pattern of phosphor areas upon the faceplate of a color cathode ray tube. The faceplate, which is formed of a material having a predetermined temperature coefficient of expansion, has registration affording means. The aforesaid assembly comprises an auxiliary mount formed of a material having a temperature coefficient of expansion greater than that of the faceplate and has a central opening of such span as to enable the mount to surround the periphery of the faceplate. Index bosses, cooperable with the faceplate registration affording means, are detachably secured to the mount. A planar metal foil having a predetermined pattern of apertures and formed of a material having a temperature coefficient of expansion not greater than that of the mount is secured to the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Kazimir Palac
  • Patent number: 4721488
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in fabricating the faceplate section of a color cathode ray tube, which faceplate comprises a target surface and a shadow mask foil support frame affixed to and circumscribing the target surface. The apparatus comprises a pedestal having registration affording means associated therewith and a tensing structure which includes a fixture comprising a pair of collars for clamping the edge of the shadow mask foil to support and maintain the foil taut. An anvil is provided for engaging a peripheral portion of the clamped foil to induce a deflection of the foil and, thereby, a predetermined tension in the foil. A first indexing means effects repeatable registrations between the clamping fixture and the pedestal registration affording means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Dougherty, James R. Fendley
  • Patent number: 4721879
    Abstract: A novel color selection electrode assembly is utilized in screening a pattern of phosphor areas upon the faceplate of a color cathode ray tube. The faceplate, which is formed of a material having a predetermined temperature coefficient of expansion, has registration affording means. The aforesaid assembly comprises an auxiliary mount formed of a material having a temperature coefficient of expansion greater than that of the faceplate and has a central opening of such span as to enable the mount to surround the periphery of the faceplate. Index bosses, cooperable with the faceplate registration affording means, are detachably secured to the mount. A planar metal foil having a predetermined pattern of apertures and formed of a material having a temperature coefficient of expansion not greater than that of the mount is secured to the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Kazimir Palac
  • Patent number: 4710820
    Abstract: A single layer optical coupler pad is disposed between and in intimate contact with the window of a cathode ray tube (CRT) and a multi-lens assembly for transmitting a video image on the CRT's window to the lens assembly for display on the screen of a projection television receiver. The optical coupler pad has a refractive index closely matching those of the CRT window and lenses and high compressibility to allow for tight-fitting lens-CRT mounting without damage to either. The single layer configuration of the optical coupler pad allows it to be produced at low cost, simplifies its installation during projection television receiver CRT/lens assembly and its removal and retrofitting following television receiver repair, and eliminates the possibility of fluid leakage under extreme environmental conditions. The optical coupler is comprised of a unique combination of first and second resins and first and second catalysts to yield a durable, yet pliable, transparent sheet which is dry and easily handled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: William N. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4710669
    Abstract: A conductive connector arrangement for use in a CRT comprising a funnel having an internal Aquadag coating, a faceplate having a luminescent screen deposited upon its display surface, a ring formed of a non-conductive material having at least one recess thereon and interposed between the funnel and faceplate for supporting a mask in registration with the screen and an internal magnetic shield disposed within the funnel. The connector arrangement serves to establish the Aquadag, the screen, the mask and the shield at a common electrical potential. To this end the connector comprises a clip formed of a resilient conductive material and configured for retention in the ring recess. A first contact supported by the clip effects a conductive engagement between the screen and the clip. A second contact, also supported by the clip, effects a conductive engagement between the funnel coating and the clip. An electrical connection is effected between the clip and the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred Adamski, Thomas P. DeFranco, Lawrence W. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 4710707
    Abstract: A high voltage electronic component test apparatus includes a test chamber containing a pair of electrodes across which a high voltage is applied and between which a component is placed in circuit by means of a movable component gripper assembly for the testing thereof. Voltage generating and electrical measurement apparatus is coupled to the electrodes for applying a high voltage thereacross and for measuring the resulting current within the electronic component. From the component testing, the remotely operated gripper assembly then removes the tested component from the test chamber and introduces another component for testing therein. A closed, circulating liquid-vapor system coupled to the test chamber introduces an electrically inert vapor, such as Freon or a fluorinated hydrocarbon, into the test chamber to prevent arcing and eliminate leakage currents therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Terence J. Knowles, Francis M. Ray, Charles E. Shewey
  • Patent number: 4700176
    Abstract: A system for recognizing touch positions along a coordinate axis on a surface associated with a touch control apparatus comprises a substrate having a surface capable of propagating surface acoustic waves and is so characterized that a touch on that surface causes a partial absorption of energy of a surface wave passing through the region of touch. An input surface wave transducer coupled to the surface launches a burst of surface waves on the surface in a first direction parallel to the axis. An output surface wave transducer coupled to the surface receives the burst of surface waves. A first surface wave reflecting arrangement derives wave components from the launched wave and reflects them across the surface to a second wave reflecting arrangement that redirects the reflected components in a direction opposited the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electronis Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Adler
  • Patent number: 4695523
    Abstract: A method of screening a tensed mask CRT faceplate to correct for color purity errors resulting from screening of the tube through a tension mask whose supporting frame is distorted by the tensile forces exerted by the mask on the frame. The method includes heating the tensed mask during photoscreening of the tube to a temperature sufficient to substantially reduce the strain imparted to the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electonics Corporation
    Inventor: Kazimir Palac
  • Patent number: 4691765
    Abstract: A heat sink positioned on a printed circuit (PC) board includes a generally planar center portion and first and second pluralities of spaced planar ribs extending generally transversely from respective lateral edges of the center portion. The heat sink is adapted for generally perpendicular mounting on the PC board and includes first, second and third mounting tabs respectively extending from the lower edges of the bottom lateral ribs of the first and second pluralities of lateral ribs as well as from the lower edge of the planar center portion. Each mounting tab is adapted for insertion within a respective aperture in the PC board and includes an elongated proximal portion and a distal end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: George Wozniczka
  • Patent number: 4687092
    Abstract: First and second walking beams are coupled by a proportional displacement arrangement to a reciprocating drive mechanism. Respective ends of the first and second walking beams are positioned in close proximity to one another to permit an article positioned on the first walking beam to be transferred to the second walking beam. The first walking beam has a close or narrow pitch between adjacent article-bearing slots thereon, while the second walking beam has a wide pitch. Inter-article spacing on the second walking beam is thus greater than the spacing between adjacent articles on the first walking beam. This arrangement permits a large number of closely spaced articles to be simultaneously deposited upon the first walking beam while standard spacing may be provided between the articles on the second walking beam for improved efficiency in the automatic positioning and handling of the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Francis M. Ray
  • Patent number: 4688079
    Abstract: In a color cathode ray tube (CRT) having three electron beams each incident upon a respective primary color phosphor dot of red, green or blue, wherein the color dots are arranged in spaced, periodic groups of three dots, color purity which is determined by the accuracy with which each electron beam impacts its associated phosphor dots is measured by an adaptive process which measures six electron beam deflection vectors from which a beam landing calibration vector may be determined to correct for electron beam misalignment. After measuring beam landing error for each of the three electron beams, the center electron beam is deflected either right or left as determined by its previously measured beam landing error to the nearer of the two remaining dots. The electron beam associated with the remaining dot is then laterally displaced to the center dot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Fendley
  • Patent number: 4686415
    Abstract: A support frame for supporting a tensed mask adjacent to a flat panel tube and wholly within the tube includes an outer flange, a shelf extending from the flange parallel to the flat panel and providing a support surface for the tensed mask and a skirt directed away from the flat panel and adapted to join with the remainder of the tube. The configuration provides a very rigid support frame for resisting deformation when not bonded to the other tube elements, such as during screening of the panel when the support frame alone bears the forces exerted by the tensed mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Strauss
  • Patent number: 4686614
    Abstract: A grounded capacitor in a switched-mode power supply provides AC line EMI filtering, reduced current leakage, and high voltage isolation. The capacitor is coupled between an AC rectifier circuit and the controlled switching devices of the power supply to provide the capacitor with a lower conduction angle, i.e., the grounded capacitor will only conduct a leakage current during periods when diodes within the rectifier circuit are conducting. The low impedance ground return path for the switching device output signal permits the use of a filter capacitor having a large capacitance which affords improved power supply line isolation and enhanced safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Louis B. Costello
  • Patent number: 4686429
    Abstract: A computer controlled system for measuring convergence in a multi-electron beam color cathode ray tube (CRT) provides a high speed coarse search and fine search sequence for locating the position of incidence of the electron beams on the CRT's faceplate. The coarse search involves a binary, step-wise procedure wherein a first half of the CRT's faceplate is illuminated by the electron beams with the remaining half of the faceplate then subjected to a divide-by-two binary search procedure which continues with the remaining CRT area halved at each subsequent step until resolution of electron beam position is determined to within approximately 2 horizontal and vertical lines by a photodetector whereupon the fine search procedure is automatically initiated. The fine search procedure involves the electronic position stepping of line images upon a quadrant type or otherwise split photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Fendley
  • Patent number: 4673918
    Abstract: An improved light collector for use in a touch panel device which has a plurality of substantially parallel light beams directed across a display surface thereof, which collector collects the light in the light beams and redirects it in a direction substantially perpendicular to the light beams for detection by a light detector positioned adjacent one end of the light collector. The collector comprises a multi-sided elongated strip of light transmissive material having a longitudinal axis, and being terminated by a light collection station. A plurality of longitudinally spaced light focusing elements are disposed along a first side of the strip. A like plurality of longitudinally spaced light redirecting elements, likewise disposed along the first side of the strip, are individually paired with an assigned one of the light focusing elements and each such redirecting element has a light intercepting surface having transverse dimensions small in comparison to the cross-sectional dimensions of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Adler, John M. Jarosz
  • Patent number: 4673906
    Abstract: Magnetic field formers in a cathode ray tube (CRT) deflection yoke for controlling the position of an electron beam in the CRT are secured to and maintained in position on the yoke by means of a foamed hot melt adhesive. An inert gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide is introduced in a volumetrically metered manner into a hot melt adhesive which may be polyethylene, polypropylene or any number of other thermoplastics to form a foamed adhesive containing a large volume of gas bubbles. The foamed hot melt fluid is then deposited between the magnetic field formers and various other portions of the deflection yoke to provide magnetic field former support and yoke strength, eliminate deflection yoke hot spots, dampen out yoke vibration modes, and reduce the cost of the deflection yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: William M. Petrow
  • Patent number: 4671722
    Abstract: An arrangement for the automatic positioning of axial lead electronic components upon a walking beam includes a tray positioning mechanism and a tray removal mechanism. The tray positioning mechanism in positioned above the walking beam and includes a pair of facing end guides for receiving a plurality of component positioning trays in a stacked arrangement whereon are positioned a plurality of aligned electronic components. The tray positioning mechanism further includes a pair of vertically displaceable support rails for engaging each tray in turn and lowering it beneath the walking beam whereupon all of the components positioned on the tray are removed from the tray and are deposited upon the walking beam. The thus empty tray is then removed from a position adjacent to and straddling the walking beam by a roller assembly which sequentially displaces each emptied tray onto the tray removal mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Francis M. Ray, Ingard B. Hodne
  • Patent number: 4669053
    Abstract: A unitary portable compact computer comprises a cabinet which encloses computer circuitry and a CRT having a display panel. A detachable keyboard, electrically connectable to the computer circuitry, is attachable to the cabinet for storage and transit therewith. A stowable disk drive deck having disk receiving ports is pivotally supported atop the cabinet for displacement between a retracted storage position, in which the deck is received by and contributes to the symmetry of the cabinet and an extended operating position in which the disk receiving ports are presented for receiving a disk. A latching arrangement serves to stably maintain the deck in its storage or operating positions and is actuatable to permit removal of the deck from the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Horst M. Krenz
  • Patent number: D291312
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy J. Wiener