Abstract: An apparatus ideally suited for the small mailing service is disclosed. The apparatus can take pro-printed, un-addressed mail pieces of non-identical size delivered to the mailing service from different merchants and combine the mail pieces to create mailing bundles at the lowest postal rate and group the bundles to create a single mailing. In the apparatus a computer serves to take the merchant mailing lists, merge and sort the entries thereon into lowest postal rate groupings, and use this merged data base to enable a sequence controller and associated machinery to physically commingle and address the non-identical mail pieces into the single mailing bundle. Provision is also made for generating required postal service documentation and invoices from the mailing service to the merchants.

Abstract: A CRT bulb that has been preloaded to counter the atmospheric load placed on the seal area of an evacuated and sealed CRT is disclosed along with methods of constructing the bulb. The front panel is simply supported on the funnel and deflected inwardly during affixation of the panel to the funnel to form the bulb. When the deflection load is removed from the affixed panel, the resultant strain energy imparted to the bulb seal area offsets at least some of the atmosphericly induced strain on the sealed CRT. The bulb has a more evenly balanced stress distribution between the front panel and the funnel seal area than previous flat panel CRTs, enabling the use of thinner front panels and seal land.

Abstract: An anvil having a uniquely configurable support surface is provided for use in the manufacture of a face panel for a tension mask color cathode ray tube. The anvil is uniquely configurable for the panel and provides for contacting and conformably supporting the panel and preserving its intrinsic contour against gravitational deflection or other loading.

Abstract: A component-in-process comprises an ultra-thin foil shadow mask having on at least one side thereof a lamina having a composition and thickness effective to physically support and protect the mask during subsequent processing operations. Such operations include forming apertures in a foil mask blank mounted on a lamina, electroforming a foil mask on a lamina, and etching a mask mounted on a lamina to reduce overall thickness or selectively thin it.

Abstract: A tension mask color cathode ray tube includes a glass faceplate having on its inner surface a centrally disposed, rectangular screening area, and on opposed sides thereof a non-metal shadow mask support structure of predetermined Q-height. The mask support structure has a metal element embedded in the apex of the structure. The apex of the structure and the metal element are ground to define a surface for receiving a tensed foil shadow mask. The surface contains a metal portion to which the mask may be welded, and a non-metal portion which supports the metal portion.

Abstract: A tension mask color cathode ray tube includes a glass faceplate having on its inner surface a centrally disposed, rectangular screening area. A shadow mask support structure located on opposed sides of the screening area has a mask-receiving member embedded therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for use in the manufacture of a tension-mask color cathode ray tube provides for mechanically severing a waste portion from the useful portion of an in-process foil mask secured to mask-support means extending from a faceplate. The apparatus comprises means for support mask-servering means adjacent ot the mask outside the mask support means, and means for translating the mask-severing means into engagement with the mask to sever the mask from the mask support means adjacent all points along the mask-support means.

Abstract: A color cathode ray tube has a faceplate assembly which includes a flat glass faceplate having on its inner face a centrally disposed phosphor screen. A metal color selection electrode support structure is located on opposed sides of the screen and secured to the inner face. The support structure is secured thereon in tension by meltable filler metal on a planar metal foil color selection electrode.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube in which an in-process flat glass faceplate has on its inner face a centrally located phosphor screen. A metal color selection electrode support structure with an electrode-receiving surface is secured to the inner face of the faceplate on opposed sides of the screen. A foil color selection electrode composed of hardened metal is provided which has a surface for engaging the electrode-receiving surface of the support structure. The electrode-receiving surface of the support structure, and a surface of the electrode engaging the support structure, are preconditioned with filler metal means. The color selection electrode is expanded and the preconditioned surfaces are placed in conjunction. Heat is applied to the preconditioned surfaces by means effective to melt the filler metal means with minimal annealing of the hardened metal of the electrode.

Abstract: A CRT implosion protection system having a resin system releasably bonding an implosion panel to the faceplate of a flat or concave CRT and a tension band system secured around the periphery of the faceplate which exerts compression thereon. The tension band system includes a pair of keeper bars which prevent the tension band from slipping, and which secure an external magnetic shield to the CRT.

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 front assembly is disclosed for a tension mask color cathode ray tube. The assembly comprises a faceplate having a tensed foil shadow mask supported by mask support means, and means for shielding the faceplate from a high-energy beam used to trim waste material from the mask following its attachment to the mask support means.

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: Apparatus for use in fabricating the faceplate section of a color cathode ray tube, which faceplate comprises a target surface and a shadow mask foil support frame affixed to and circumscribing the target surface. The apparatus comprises a pedestal having registration affording means associated therewith and a tensioning structure which includes a fixture comprising a pair of collars for clamping the edge of the shadow mask foil to support and maintain the foil taut. An anvil is provided for engaging a peripheral portion of the clamped foil to induce a deflection of the foil and, thereby, a predetermined tension in the foil. A first indexing means effects repeatable registrations between the clamping fixture and the pedestal registration affording means.

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: A color cathode ray tube is disclosed having an envelope including a faceplate with an electrically conductive screen, and a funnel having an electrically conductive film on its inner surface charged to a high electrical potential. An electrically insulative glass shadow mask support assembly is sealed between the faceplate and the funnel has a shelf extending into the envelope for mounting a metallic foil shadow mask in tension adjacent to the screen. The shelf has at least one hole therethrough for receiving electrical conduction means according to the invention. The electrical conduction means includes a center member for insertion into the hole, and contacting means at both extremities for contacting the electrically conductive coating on the funnel, the shadow mask, and the metallic film on the screen.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in fabricating the faceplate section of a color cathode ray tube, which faceplate comprises a target surface and a shadow mask foil support frame affixed to and circumscribing the target surface. The apparatus comprises a pedestal having registration affording means associated therewith and a tensing structure which includes a fixture comprising a pair of collars for clamping the edge of the shadow mask foil to support and maintain the foil taut. An anvil is provided for engaging a peripheral portion of the clamped foil to induce a deflection of the foil and, thereby, a predetermined tension in the foil. A first indexing means effects repeatable registrations between the clamping fixture and the pedestal registration affording means.

Abstract: A front assembly system for a tension mask color cathode ray tube is disclosed wherein a novel high-voltage conduit is formed between the funnel coating of the tube and the mask to a shadow-mask supporting frame. Also, a magnetic shielding combination is formed comprising an internal magnetic shield and the frame. The magnetic shield effectively extends from the inner surface of the faceplate through the frame and into the funnel a predetermined distance. The frame multi-functionally serves to mechanically support the mask, the shield and the interconnecting means to electrically interconnect the conductive funnel coating, the conductive screen and the mask, and to magnetically interconnect the shield and the mask. The magnetic shielding combination according to the invention is formed by the frame and the shield to enhance the shielding of the electron beams from stray magnetic flux transverse to the tube axis.

Abstract: A conductive connector arrangement for use in a CRT comprising a funnel having an internal Aquadag coating, a faceplate having a luminescent screen deposited upon its display surface, a ring formed of a non-conductive material having at least one recess thereon and interposed between the funnel and faceplate for supporting a mask in registration with the screen and an internal magnetic shield disposed within the funnel. The connector arrangement serves to establish the Aquadag, the screen, the mask and the shield at a common electrical potential. To this end the connector comprises a clip formed of a resilient conductive material and configured for retention in the ring recess. A first contact supported by the clip effects a conductive engagement between the screen and the clip. A second contact, also supported by the clip, effects a conductive engagement between the funnel coating and the clip. An electrical connection is effected between the clip and the mask.