Abstract: A protective cover is placed over a rack of cathode ray tube components to prevent contamination of the components and/or moisture damage to the components. Some cathode ray tube components, particularly funnels, are stockpiled so that assembly lines can be kept running even if the supply of the component becomes temporarily exhausted. However, these stockpiled funnels must be protected while in storage. The protective cover described herein can be fastened in place around a rack or pallet containing a stockpile of funnels. The protective cover can also incorporate moisture-absorbent elements to prevent moisture damage to the stockpiled funnels.

Abstract: A protective cover is placed over a rack of cathode ray tube components to prevent contamination of the components and/or moisture damage to the components. Some cathode ray tube components, particularly funnels, are stockpiled so that assembly lines can be kept running even if the supply of the component becomes temporarily exhausted. However, these stockpiled funnels must be protected while in storage. The protective cover described herein can be fastened in place around a rack or pallet containing a stockpile of funnels. The protective cover can also incorporate moisture-absorbent elements to prevent moisture damage to the stockpiled funnels.

Abstract: A jig incorporates a thermocouple clamp for measuring the temperature of a soldering iron. With the jig and the thermocouple clamp, the method of taking the temperature of the soldering iron is made consistent. Consequently, any variations in temperature readings can be attributed to an actual change in soldering iron temperature and not to a variation in the technique for measuring the temperature. Thus, the temperature of the soldering iron can be controlled with high accuracy. This is important particularly in high-precision manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A jig is used in place of a master Cathode Ray Tube (“CRT”) for calibrating a Stray Emissions Detection System (“SEDS”). Light Emitting Diodes (“LEDs”) are placed in the neck portion of a CRT, where the electron gun would normally be disposed, to form the test jig. These LEDs are activated during the calibration process to simulate the stray emissions that would be released through defects in a CRT. Because the number, pattern and light output of the LEDs can be controlled, and are not changed by the calibration procedure itself, the jig can be used to more reliably and effectively calibrate the SEDS for CRT manufacture.

Abstract: A novel test lead can be used to connect an aging line with a voltage or multi-meter in order to monitor the voltage output by the aging line. The aging line is used to age electronic devices and components, particularly cathode ray tubes, during the manufacturing process. The test lead includes a plug adapted for ready connection to an output socket of the aging line without requiring any disassembly of the socket. The other end of the test lead preferably includes a number of clips, banana or alligator, for connecting the lead to the voltage or multi-meter. In this way, the output voltage of the aging line can be easily and rapidly tested for conformance with predetermined specifications.

Abstract: An improved chemical wash is used to cleanse the interior of an open Cathode Ray Tube (“CRT”) funnel before a coating of a carbon material is applied. The traditional ammonium bifloride wash for CRT funnels can be replaced with an aqueous solution of trisodium phosphate (“TSP”). The TSP solution is preferably sprayed under pressure into the open CRT funnels to cleanse each funnel before the interior coating of carbon material is applied. The TSP solution cleanses the funnels as well as the ammonium bifloride wash previously used, but does not tend to clog the wash sprayers. Moreover, the TSP solution does not need to be treated before it is released as waste and costs significantly less that the previous ammonium bifloride wash.

Abstract: An insulating diaphragm can be disposed on the saddle of getter flash turntable or other fixture used to support a cathode ray tube during frit knocking with a high voltage. The diaphragm protects the integrity of the cathode ray tube by preventing arcing of the high voltage through the neck of the cathode ray tube and into the supporting saddle.