Abstract: In an active matrix display device having an army of electro-optic, e.g. liquid crystal, display elements (12) which are each connected in series with a two-terminal non-linear device (15), such as a MIM type thin film diode, between associated row and column address conductors (16,17), and are driven by a circuit, (20,22) to produce a display effect by applying a selection signal to each row address conductor in turn and data signals to the column address conductors, a selection signal comprising a voltage pulse signal whose magnitude is increased gradually and in a controlled fashion to a maximum selection voltage amplitude is used so as to reduce the extent of ageing in the non-linear devices and differential ageing effects on display elements driven to different levels over a period of use by reducing peak currents flowing through the non-linear devices. The rising edge of the selection pulse signal is suitably shaped, for example by ramping or stepping, for this purpose.

Abstract: Color display device for projection of the type comprising a light-switching device, for example a device illuminated by successive light strips of different colors (sequential color single panel projector) in which a display device with a matrix of pixels driven by active switching elements is advantageously used for the light-switching device (based on, for example ferro-electric liquid crystal material), the drive being chosen to be such that there is no memory action to a subsequent sub-frame. Due to the voltage-independent capacitance, notably of ferro-electric pixels, a simple drive mode can be used in which a simple correction for possible capacitive effects is sufficient. Notably in a two-pole drive mode, use can be made of the relatively longer time available for (optical) reset. A combination of the two types of drive mode is possible. Compensation of DC effects within a small part of the frame period is also possible without affecting the contrast.

Abstract: A display device comprising a cathode ray tube is provided with a holder which comprises a faceplate and which is arranged in front of the display window. The space between the faceplate and the display window is filled with a liquid or a gel. An improved image display, in particular an improved contrast and a flatter image are obtained.

Abstract: A device for determining the displacement of a vehicle on wheels which are connected to a body via a wheel suspension. The device includes apparatus for measuring a quantity which is indicative of the instantaneous vertical velocity of a wheel relative to the body. Using this quantity, the vertical component of the wheel displacement is eliminated so that in the event of a bumpy road surface a higher accuracy is obtained for determining the displacement of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A detection device for data relating to the passage of vehicles over a road. The detection device is to be placed in a groove provided in the upper portion of the road and comprises a first profiled strip provided with an upper cavity in a U-shape, and a piezoelectric cable of the coaxial type arranged in the bottom of the cavity of the first profiled strip. A second profiled strip is arranged in the cavity of the first profiled strip on top of the coaxial cable. The second strip has a shape and dimensions such that it fills up the remaining volume of the cavity above the cable and seals this cavity.

Abstract: A picture display device comprises an evacuated envelope and is provided at a first side with an electroluminescent display screen and at an opposite side with an electron gun (6). Between the electron gun (6) and the display screen, the device comprises deflection means with which an electron beam generated by the electron gun (6) can be deflected during operation. The electron gun (6) has at least an electron beam-generating portion (20) and is provided with a main lens system (40) having a first electrode (41), a final electrode (45) and at least one intermediate electrode (42-44) across which a main lens voltage is gradually applied step-wise during operation so as to form an electron-optical main focusing lens. The gun is further provided with means for presenting a dynamic potential (V.sub.d) to at least an electrode (41) of the main lens system (40), which is the first electrode viewed in the direction of propagation of the electron beam (7-9).

Abstract: A monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) is produced by a method which forms multilevel conductive members, including thick low-loss metallic members. The low-loss metallic members are particularly useful for forming inductors and interconnecting circuit components. The MMIC is formed on a thick oxide layer of a silicon-on-insulator structure having a high-resistivity silicon substrate to inhibit RF interaction with the substrate.

Abstract: To prevent burn-in of images, notably with pixels (14) driven via non-linear two-pole switching elements (8), a display device is controlled in such a way that the charge transport through the two-pole element is substantially independent of the grey level. Capacitance variations due to pixel voltage variations are compensated by adapting the voltage change across the pixel (14) via extra reset signals and/or compensation signals.

Abstract: A single-panel matrix display has rows of pixels continually illuminated by scanning red, green and blue light bands. The transmissivity of the rows is modulated for each colored light band in turn by sequentially driving a group of closely-spaced rows of the pixels which are about to be illuminated by the color light band.

Abstract: The invention relates to the graphic reproduction of symbols on an imaging surface. These symbols can be controlled as regards position and/or scale. They are reproduced as successions of brightness values arranged in image lines. As a result of the use of brightness values between levels occurring in an ideal brightness profile of the symbol (for example, only black and white), high-resolution details are reproduced. In accordance with the invention, boundaries between successive image lines are used to reproduce transitions between the brightness levels as sharply as possible.

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 colour purity and contrast are maximal.

Abstract: Semiconductor device for the microwave frequency ranges includes a semiconductor element of the "flip chip" type which comprises a semiconductor substrate having an active surface with at least one integrated circuit, a plurality of metal input-output pads and a circuit of transmission lines of the coplanar type having conductor strips and ground metallizations disposed on the active surface. A circuit of transmission lines of the microstrip type with conductor strips disposed on a surface opposed to the active surface and whose ground metallizations are formed by the ground metallization of the active surface. A base plate comprising an insulating substrate having a front surface with a plurality of metal input-output pads and ground metallizations patterned so as to be in electrical contact with the ground metallizations of the active surface of the semiconductor element when the latter is bonded to the base plate.

Abstract: A cathode ray tube in which the pre-focusing field, the main lens field, a quadripolar field in the pre-focusing portion of the electron gun and a quadripolar field in the main lens are dynamically varied by means of only one dynamic voltage.

Abstract: In a ferro-electric liquid crystal display, in which the pixels in one row first receive a reset or "blanking" signal, this reset signal is presented by providing the counter electrode, prior to selection, with a reset voltage while simultaneously selecting the row of pixels to be reset. When a single counter electrode is used, it switches to a reset voltage during each selection period. If the counter electrode is divided into sub-strips, these strips switch to a reset voltage once per picture period.

Abstract: A respective power semiconductor switch (M1, M2, M3) is provided for each ignition coil (20) of an internal combustion engine. Each such switch (M1, M2, M3) has a first main electrode (C) for coupling the primary winding (20a) of the associated ignition coil (20) to a first voltage supply line (1), and a control electrode (G) coupled to an respective ignition control line (Ign1, Ign2, Ign3) for rendering these switches (M1, M2, M3) conducting in a given sequence. A further semiconductor device (M4) has first and second main electrodes (d and s) coupled between second main electrodes (E) of the power semiconductor switches (M1, M2, M3) and a second voltage supply line (2), and a control electrode (g) for a drive signal controlling the current flow through the device (M4). A current sensing arrangement (Rs) senses the current flowing through this further device (M4).

Abstract: A 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 wall adjoined by a large number of electron transport ducts operating by means of wall interaction of electrons. A selection structure for withdrawing electrons from transport ducts and for directing them towards pixels on the luminescent screen comprises a preselection structure provided with preselection locations and a fine-selection plate provided with fine-selection apertures, each preselection location being associated with at least two fine-selection apertures. To improve contrast and/or color purity, an apertured obstruction plate forming chicanes in the electron paths is arranged between the preselection plate and the fine-selection plate.

Abstract: A display device comprising electron-transport ducts having entrance apertures for electrons and means for generating electrons and injecting electrons into the transport ducts via the entrance apertures. Measures have been taken to improve the picture quality. For example, the location of the entrance aperture is not the same for each transport duct, but instead shows a variation. This enables an improved control of the electron flow in the transport ducts to be achieved; in particular crosstalk between the transport ducts can be reduced.

Abstract: A circuit assembly is made by overmolding, with an electrically insulating material, a unitary framework of electrically conductive material forming coplanar conductors which are connected to each other by an integral structural member. The overmolded material secures the conductors relative to each other and enables portions of the structural member to be severed, electrically isolating the conductors from each other. The overmolded material also positions electrical components having leads that are electrically connected to the conductors. Ends of the conductors are formed into terminals which extend out of a hinge formed in the overmolded material. The hinge enables the terminals to be oriented in a different plane than the conductors.

Abstract: A display device comprising electron-transport ducts having entrance apertures for electrons and means for generating electrons and injecting electrons into the transport ducts via the entrance apertures. Measures have been taken to improve the picture quality. For example, the location of the entrance aperture is not the same for each transport duct, but instead shows a variation. This enables an improved control of the electron flow in the transport ducts to be achieved; in particular crosstalk between the transport ducts can be reduced.

Abstract: A color display tube system comprising an electron gun for producing three co-planar electron beams, and including a main deflection system which in operation generates deflection fields of the self-convergent type, and an auxiliary deflection system which in operation generates a 45.degree. magnetic 4-pole field facing the electron gun and moving the outer electron beams away from each other, and a 45.degree. magnetic 4-pole field facing the display screen and moving the outer beams towards each other.