Abstract: Apparatus for applying a conductive coating of DAG material to the inner surface of a cathode ray tube (CRT) funnel includes a stationary DAG spray gun and a movable DAG rotating slinger. The CRT funnel is rotated to allow the stationary spray gun to deposit a first DAG coating on an intermediate flared portion of the inner surface of the funnel, including the location of its anode button. The DAG slinger, which includes a rotating disc for radially discharging the DAG, is then displaced through the neck portion of the CRT funnel toward the open, enlarged end of the funnel to deposit a second DAG coating which overlaps the first DAG coating. The apparatus includes a variable DAG flow control arrangement for depositing a DAG coating of uniform thickness over the inner surface of the CRT funnel, as well as a DAG cleaning and recovery arrangement for preventing DAG not deposited on the CRT funnel from escaping to the environment and for recovering this DAG for re-use.

Abstract: For use in the manufacture of flat tension mask cathode ray tubes, a method for forming on a mask support structure a mask receiving surface in a plane parallel to and at a precise fixed distance from the plane of the inner surface of a glass front panel embodying the tube's viewing screen.

Abstract: A faceplate assembly for a color cathode ray tube is disclosed that includes a glass faceplate having on its inner surface a centrally disposed phosphor screen. A foil shadow mask is mounted in tension on a mask-support structure of tightly controlled uniform height located on opposed sides of the screen and secured to the inner surface by a devitrified solder glass. The assembly according to the invention has a plurality of spacing elements of tightly controlled uniform height located between the support structure and the inner surface of the faceplate, and extending through the solder glass to provide intimate contact with the inner surface. The tightly controlled uniform heights of the support structure and the spacing elements provide for tightly controlled uniform spacing between the mask and screen throughout the length of the support structure. A process for manufacturing a faceplate assembly according to the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reusable factory fixture frame is disclosed for use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a flat faceplate and a tensed foil shadow mask. The frame provides for mounting an in-process shadow mask during photoexposure of an in-process faceplate in a lighthouse. The frame includes a generally rectangular frame structure having grooves thereabout for receiving an edge of the shadow mask. Spring-loaded mechanical mask-retaining devices are secured to the side of the factory fixture frame for temporarily and removably supporting the in-process shadow mask in tension in the grooves. The shadow mask is heated and allowed to expand prior to being temporarily and removably supported on the frame, and the shadow mask is allowed to cool and shrink in tension while so being supported to effect tensing of the shadow mask in clamped condition on the frame.

Abstract: An improved front assembly for a color cathode ray tube having a tension foil shadow mask is disclosed. The faceplate of the tube has on its inner surface a centrally disposed phosphor screen surrounded by a peripheral sealing area adapted to mate with a funnel. A shadow mask support structure secures a shadow mask in tension on the structure and spaces the shadow mask from the screen. The support structure is a generally L-shaped support member having one leg projecting from the faceplate and defining a ridge for securing the shadow mask to the support member. The other leg of the L-shaped support member projects along the screen for securing the support structure to the faceplate. Stiffening ribs span the legs of the support member.

Abstract: A proceses is disclosed for use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a rectangular flat faceplate. The process comprises positioning the faceplate in a predetermined x-y plane by referencing faceplate a-b-c reference areas on two adjacent edges or sides of the faceplate with complementary a-b-c reference points on a faceplate locating fixture; the fixture also has three spaced six-point precision indexing means. With the faceplate a-b-c reference areas and the faceplate locating fixture a-b-c points mutually referenced, six-point precision indexing means are attached to the faceplate in registation with the precision indexing means on the faceplate locating fixture. Using the precision indexing means attached to the faceplate, a shadow mask is registered with the faceplate through the use of complementary precision indexing means to provide a faceplate-shadow mask assembly in mutual precise registry.

Abstract: An improved front assembly for a color cathode ray tube having a tension foil shadow mask is disclosed. The faceplate of the tube has on its inner surface a centrally disposed phosphor screen surrounded by a peripheral sealing area adapted to mate with a funnel. A shadow mask support structure is provided for securing a shadow mask in tension on the structure and spacing the shadow mask from the screen. The support structure includes an upper, flattened ridge for securing the shadow mask to the support structure. A plurality of legs depend from the ridge and at least a series of the legs is flared outwardly from one side of the ridge to facilitate securing the support structure to the faceplate and to stabilize the support structure under the tension of the shadow mask.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically aligning a tri-beam electron gun mount, which mount includes an electrode having an optical passage therethrough, relative to the phosphor pattern in a CRT bulb destined to receive the mount. The gun mount is rotatably supported, with its geometric axis coincident with an extension of the bulb's neck axis, for presentation to a driver. A laser beam is split to form a pair of beams which are directed along paths which intersect within the optical passage and are thereafter individually intercepted by an assigned light detector. The detectors develop signals which are applied to an error detector comprising a differential amplifier. A central signal derived from the amplifier energizes the gun mount driver which rotates the gun mount until identical signals are outputed by the light detectors. With the gun mount then optimally oriented, it is locked preparatory to its insertion in the CRT bulb.