Patents Assigned to Tektronix, Inc.
  • Virtual mask exposure system for CRT screen manufacture
    Patent number: 4223083
    Abstract: An improved method of screening a color cathode ray tube of the shadow mask type is disclosed. The shadow mask is used to form a corresponding virtual mask on the outer or viewing surface of the CRT faceplate. The virtual mask then is employed as a substitute for the shadow mask in the subsequent photoprinting of a color display screen on the faceplates's inner surface. Advantages include reduced handling of the fragile shadow mask, which reduces the costs associated with replacing such masks if they become damaged, and better defined and registered phosphor deposits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic R. Engstrom
  • System and method of minimizing velocity fluctuations in a synchronous motor shaft
    Patent number: 4219767
    Abstract: A system for controlling the amplitude of a drive signal applied to a stepping motor in a manner minimizing the effects of resonance on the resultant angular velocity of the motor shaft. Means are provided for comparing a desired motor drive frequency against one or more known resonant frequencies and, responsive to such comparison, for producing a motor drive signal at an amplitude predetermined to minimize oscillatory fluctuations in the motor shaft velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Guenther W. Wimmer
  • Narrow channel MOS devices and method of manufacturing
    Patent number: 4217599
    Abstract: Improved, high performance MOS transistors are provided by a method that includes providing an oxygen-impermeable mask on a selected region of a semiconductor substrate, oxidizing the unmasked portion of the surface to provide a thick oxide at least partially recessed in the substrate, which layer includes a smoothly tapered beak that extends between the margin of the mask and the underlying silicon surface, and, after removing the mask, implanting a selected impurity in the substrate beneath the selected region to form a thin impurity layer that terminates at a sloped portion of the substrate formed by the oxidation step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Shuichi Sato, Tadanori Yamaguchi, Arthur D. Ritchie
  • Variable start multiburst signal generator
    Patent number: 4217610
    Abstract: A multifrequency burst test signal generator for use in testing television equipment is described. The starting position of the multiburst signals is progressively delayed throughout the television field thereby filling the burst packets. Also the shape of the burst packets is modified to reduce the spurious sideband signals created by the signal generator switching circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Jurgensen, Howard A. Landsman
  • Thin-film microcircuits adapted for laser trimming
    Patent number: 4217570
    Abstract: Microcircuit structures including thin-film electrical components are provided with a multilayer passivation coating that permits laser trimming of the components through the coating without damaging it. Such a passivation coating suitably includes an underlayer of silicon oxide or other oxygen-containing material and an outer layer of silicon nitride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Holmes
  • Automatic intensity control circuit for an oscilloscope
    Patent number: 4215294
    Abstract: An automatic intensity control circuit is provided for maintaining a constant perceived display brightness in an oscilloscope under varied operating conditions. The circuit includes an averaging circuit, a translation circuit, and a multiplier circuit to develop a cathode-ray tube grid bias control voltage which is inversely proportional to the duty cycle of the time-base sweep gate signal. Two or more such automatic intensity control circuits may be multiplexed for multi-trace oscilloscopes to maintain a constant perceived brightness when alternating between two or more traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Taggart
  • Multilayer circuit board construction and method
    Patent number: 4211603
    Abstract: Multilayer circuit boards having large area through-hole electrical connections are provided by a process that begins with the fabrication by known means of a drilled and through-hole plated single layer board. Next, a layer of insulating material is applied to either side of the board, leaving at least the through-hole plating exposed. A continuous layer of metal is then deposited on the body, completely covering the insulating layer and through-hole plating. Finally, the deposited metal layer is selectively masked and etched to form conductive circuit patterns on the insulating layer, overlying the original circuit patterns and electrically connected to them by the multiple layer through-hole plating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Reed
  • Modular probe system
    Patent number: 4209742
    Abstract: A modular form of construction for electrical probes featuring releasably interconnected, standardized modules that can be individually replaced in the field. Included are a modular probe head, a probe cable, and both releasably locking and non-locking output terminations, including a panel mounting termination for inclusion in an electrical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Herman G. Bender, James E. Dikeman
  • Slow-wave high frequency deflection structure
    Patent number: 4207492
    Abstract: An electron beam deflection structure for a high frequency cathode-ray tube incorporates a meanderline slow wave circuit that is supported directly by the same glass rods used to support other portions of the CRT's beam forming and deflection system. To accomplish this, elongate loops that serially interconnect a plurality of deflection plate segments are bent away from the plane of the segments (and the beam axis) and joined by integral support strips to the rods. The elimination of a separate support structure for the deflectors greatly reduces manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Tomison, Bozidar Janko, Myron A. Bostwick, Jr., Aris Silzars
  • Coaxial switch
    Patent number: 4206332
    Abstract: A coaxial switch comprising a metallic cylindrical body and cover assembly having a metallic rotor disposed therein includes transmission line portions having a uniform constant impedance characteristic over the lengths thereof. Both double pole, double throw and single pole, multiple throw switch configurations may be provided. The rotor may be driven either manually or electrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Cornelis T. Veenendaal
  • Wideband instrumentation amplifier with high common mode rejection
    Patent number: 4206416
    Abstract: A high performance, wideband instrumentation amplifier includes a main differential amplifier channel which receives an input signal having both differential and common-mode signal components, and a compensation amplifier channel which effectively removes the common mode signal component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Kellogg
  • Multiple circuit switch assembly
    Patent number: 4204098
    Abstract: A switch apparatus is provided which closely approximates transmission medium parameters for reducing impedance discontinuities by utilizing a high frequency contact arrangement permitting high bandwidth operation. The apparatus is adaptable for use with both high and low impedance circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Strande
  • Cathode ray tube having image transfer means
    Patent number: 4201996
    Abstract: A cathode ray tube is provided with a faceplate having a phosphor screen for visibily displaying information thereon and is also formed with an image transfer means along an edge of the faceplate. When it is desired to record the visibly displayed information from the phosphor screen, the information is scrolled along the image transfer means which transfers the image to a recording medium whereon the image is recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: William W. Stein
  • Multiple waveform storage system
    Patent number: 4198683
    Abstract: A system for storing waveforms in which each waveform is converted to digital data and stored in a memory sector under the control of a history controller to select the sector and memory counter to select the individual address locations in each sector. When the memory capacity is exceeded, the oldest waveform data is replaced by the newest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Dagostino
  • Operating parameter selection and entry device
    Patent number: 4196345
    Abstract: A parameter entry device for electronic instruments that also displays the current user definable system parameters is described. This device allows the user to change those parameters without using conventional rotary switches, internal straps, jumpers, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Guenther W. Wimmer, Douglas B. Bingham
  • Shock-absorbing means for mesh-carrying member of a cathode ray tube
    Patent number: 4196371
    Abstract: A cathode ray tube includes improved means for supporting scan expansion mesh electrode means, the supporting means comprising knitted metal mesh means in the form of metal braid secured to the mesh electrode means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. McGrath, Jr.
  • Zero delay trigger view
    Patent number: 4195252
    Abstract: An apparent zero delay of a trigger view signal with respect to a normal vertical signal in an oscilloscope is provided by horizontally shifting the trigger view display to coincide with the normal vertical display. This is achieved by injecting a predetermined offset current into the sweep sawtooth output amplifier only when the trigger view signal is being displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald W. Roberts
  • Digital diagnostic system employing signature analysis
    Patent number: 4192451
    Abstract: A digital diagnostic system employs signature analysis for locating faults at the system, module, or circuit component level in electronic equipment. Predetermined correct signatures and diagnostic decision tree information for a particular device under test are stored in system memory. The diagnostic system exercises the device under test to generate signatures which are obtained at various predetermined test points and electronically compared with a stored signature. From the diagnostic decision tree information, a troubleshooting sequence is automatically established which leads directly to a faulty module or component. In-circuit microprocessor emulation may be utilized to generate one or more of the signature signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Swerling, Steven R. Smith, Thomas W. Wiesmann
  • Apparatus and method for testing color sequencing of secam color television signals
    Patent number: 4191965
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing color sequencing of SECAM color television signals whereby any reversed color sequences will be immediately identifiable is provided. Specifically, the color sequence of SECAM picture monitor determined by white lead-in during the back porch interval or by Line Identification Signals during the vertical blanking interval is compared to a reference which can be internally derived and/or derived from another picture monitor or generator. If a difference is obtained, means are provided for visually or audibly indicating the color sequence error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry A. Nelson
  • Circuit and method for producing a full-screen cross-hair cursor on a raster-scan type display
    Patent number: 4190834
    Abstract: A circuit and method for receiving and sequentially decrementing the x and y coordinates of a desired cursor location so as to produce in a raster-scan display system a cross-hair cursor the component parts of which extend the full height and width of the display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1980
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas J. Doornink