Abstract: A flat-panel display having a backplate structure (330), a faceplate structure (320), and a spacer (340) situated between the two plate structures is configured so that the electric potential field along the spacer approximates the potential field that would be present at the same location in free space, i.e., in the absence of the spacer, between the two plate structures. Consequently, the presence of the spacer does not significantly affect the trajectories of electrons moving from the backplate structure to the faceplate structures. Alternatively, the spacer is arranged to produce electron deflection that largely compensates for undesired electron deflection which occurs during earlier electron travel from the backplate structure to the faceplate structure. The net electron deflection is small.

Abstract: A flat panel display has a faceplate structure, a backplate structure, a focusing structure, and a plurality of spacers. The backplate structure includes an electron emitting structure which faces the faceplate structure. The focusing structure has a first surface coupled to the electron emitting structure, and a second surface which extends away from the electron emitting structure. The electrical end of the combination of the focusing structure and the electron emitting structure is located at an imaginary plane located intermediate the first and second surfaces of the focusing structure. A spacers is located between the focusing structure and the light emitting structure. The spacer is typically located within a corresponding groove in the focusing structure such that the electrical end of the spacer is coincident with the electrical end of the combination of the focusing structure and the electron emitting structure.

Abstract: A voltage-adjustment section (20) of an electronic device converts an input control voltage (V.sub.1) into an output control voltage (V.sub.0) in such a way that a collector current (I.sub.CP) form with electrons emitted from an emitter (EP) of an emission/collection cell (26), or triode, varies in a desired, typically linear, manner with the input control voltage. The triode further includes a collector (CP) that carries the collector current and a gate electrode (GP) that regulates the collector current as a function of the output control voltage. Control of the collector current so as to achieve the desired current/voltage relationship is achieved with an analog control loop containing the triode and an amplifier (28) coupled between the triode's collector and gate electrode. The triode thus typically has a linear gamma characteristic relative to the input control voltage. The voltage-adjustment section is suitable for use in a display device such as a flat-panel display.

Abstract: A flat panel display includes a faceplate and an opposing backplate. The two are sealed together and a sealed envelope is created that includes an active area of length L.sub.1. The active layer includes addressable pixels on the faceplate. Spacers are perpendicular to the faceplate and backplate. The length of a spacer is in a direction parallel to the plane of the faceplate. At least one spacer is positioned in the envelope and provides rigidity to the display. This is required because of the high vacuum which is maintained within the envelope. One or more electrodes are formed on an exterior surface of the spacer. The electrodes extend a length of L.sub.2 along a side of the spacer that is at least equal to L.sub.1. Voltages applied to the electrodes are controlled to achieve a desired voltage distribution between the backplate and the faceplate. The electrode is made of a material with a sheet resistance of less than about 10.sup.5 to 10.sup.7 .OMEGA./.quadrature..

Abstract: Medical treatment device for treating a target in a living body which takes the form of an undesired solid formation, such as a kidney stone (13). The device comprises a chamber (7) for accommodating a charge (5) of low density material , such as a liquid, semi-liquid material or a gel, a nozzle (11) forming an outlet from the chamber, and a receiving aperture closed by a diaphragm (9) which communicates with the chamber (7) and which is arranged to receive a slug (3) of relatively high density material projected at high speed towards the aperture, thereby to transmit the impacting force of the slug to the charge in the chamber so that the charge is extruded through the nozzle (11) as a pulsed jet.