Abstract: A method and apparatus of maintaining spacing between tension mask strands in a tension mask. The method includes providing a tension mask with strands connecting therebetween and attaching a set of barrier ridge elements to a first side of the strands. Next, the tension mask is tensioned and affixed to a mask frame to form a mask frame assembly.

Abstract: A color picture tube having a tensioned mask supported by a frame mounted within the tube. The frame is constructed of a carbon steel material, and the mask is constructed of a nickel alloy material that expands substantially less per unit length than does the frame in the normal operating temperature range of the tube, and expands substantially the same per unit length as the frame in the higher thermal cycling temperature range used during tube processing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of maintaining spacing between tension focus mask strands in a tension focus mask. The method includes providing a tension focus mask comprising busbars with crosswires connected therebetween. A permanent adhesive is applied to the screen-side of the mask strands. Next, novel non-permanent horizontal guide members are attached to the gun-side of the mask strands, where an adhesive is applied to the guide member before the guide members are applied to the mask. The guide members maintain the vertical mask strand spacing during: (1) the application of the horizontal crosswires to the screen-side of the mask and (2) the subsequent thermal processing. The thermal processing cures the adhesive on the screen-side of the mask, thereby: (1) permanently attaching the crosswires to the mask strands and (2) volatilizing the adhesive on the gun-side of the mask strands such that the non-permanent guide member detach from the mask strands.

Abstract: A color cathode-ray tube (CRT) having an evacuated envelope with an electron gun therein for generating at least one electron beam is disclosed. The envelope further includes a faceplate panel having a luminescent screen with phosphor lines on an interior surface thereof. A tension focus mask, having a plurality of spaced-apart first electrodes, is located adjacent to an effective picture area of the screen. The plurality of spaced-apart first electrodes has a screen-facing side having a predetermined width and a relatively wider electron-gun-facing side. Each side forming sharp corner edges extending along the length of each first electrodes. A substantially continuous insulating material is deposited on the screen-facing side and on the corners of the first electrodes to shield the sharp corner edges of the first electrodes. A plurality of second electrodes are oriented substantially perpendicular to the plurality of first electrodes and are bonded thereto by the insulating material layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a focus mask and frame assembly for a cathode ray tube. The cathode ray tube includes an evacuated envelope enclosing a luminescent screen, a focus mask, and a support frame having at least two long sides for supporting the focus mask between the electron gun and the screen within the cathode ray tube. The focus mask has an active array area formed of a plurality of strands and cross wires separated by an insulating material and defining a plurality of focusing apertures within the array area. A border is attached to the strands opposite the insulating material along the upper and lower outer edges of the active array area. The borders extend into the active array area such that the cross wires overlie a portion of the borders and the borders form focusing apertures with the strands along the upper and lower edges of the array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying crosswires to a tension mask. The method includes winding crosswires around various drum assemblies and then using transfer devices to remove sections of crosswires and transfer them to tension mask frame assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in a color picture tube having a tension mask supported by a support frame mounted within said tube. The mask has a significantly lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the frame. The frame has two substantially parallel cantilevered members, each member has a distal edge to which the tension mask is attached. At least one of the distal edges has two sections separated by a gap therebetween. The two sections include an inner section and an outer section. The mask is glued to the inner section and is welded to the outer section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of electrophotographically manufacturing a phosphor screen 22 comprising a multiplicity of color-emitting screen elements arranged in color groups on an interior surface of a faceplate panel 12 of a color CRT 10. The multiplicity of screen elements is exposed to a source 35 of UV radiation to stimulate the screen elements to emission. The emission from the screen elements is utilized to determine, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, a first emission characteristic of each color group of screen elements. Then, a subsequent manufacturing step (58, 62) is performed that affects the screen elements, and the multiplicity of screen elements is re-exposed to the source of UV radiation to stimulate the screen elements to emission. The resultant emission is utilized to determine, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, a second emission characteristic from each color group of screen elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the quality of an aluminized, luminescent screen 22 for a CRT 10. The luminescent screen 22 is disposed on an interior surface of a faceplate panel 12 with an aluminum layer 23 overlying the screen. The method includes the steps of: exposing the aluminum layer to ultraviolet radiation; and measuring the luminescence emitted by the screen through the aluminum layer.