Patents Examined by Shive Beck
  • Patent number: 6171650
    Abstract: A phosphor particle has thereon a moisture resistant treatment of a metallic nitride. By moisture resistant is meant a condition allowing the phosphor particle to function in a humid atmosphere for a significantly longer period of time than an untreated particle. The method of making such phosphors comprises the steps of introducing an inert gas into a reaction vessel; charging phosphor particles into the reaction vessel; heating the reaction vessel to a reaction temperature; introducing a nitride coating precursor into the reaction vessel in a manner to avoid restrictive reactions; introducing a co-reactant into the reaction vessel; and maintaining the inert gas flow, co-reactant flow and precursor supply for a time sufficient to moisture-proof the phosphor particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Richard G. W. Gingerich, Chen-Wen Fan