Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (70) and method for removing particles from an interior of a CRT envelope (12). The CRT envelope includes a faceplate panel (14), with a color selection electrode assembly (30) detachably mounted therein, sealed to a funnel (18). The apparatus comprises a plurality of thumper mechanisms (84, 184 and 284) for imparting asynchronous vibrations to the funnel of the envelope while the interior of the funnel is flushed with a suitable fluid. The embodiment further includes a plurality of vibrators (51) for imparting asynchronous vibrations to the color selection electrode assembly to remove particles therefrom, before the color selection electrode assembly is mounted into the panel and sealed to the funnel. A method for removing particles using the apparatus also is described.

Abstract: An apparatus (38) for rapidly and uniformly electrostatically charging a photoconductive layer (34) disposed on a conductive layer (32) provided on an interior concave surface of a viewing faceplate (18) of a CRT faceplate panel (12) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing (40) having a faceplate panel support surface (42), an electrical contact (52) for grounding the conductive layer, a corona charger (48), and power supplies (200, 204) for corona charging. The corona charger (48) includes a charging head (46) that substantially conforms to the contour of the interior concave surface of the viewing faceplate (18). The charging head comprises a base plate (54) having a mounting surface (56) to which a plurality of discrete charging modules (82) are attached. Each of the charging modules includes a focusing blade (86) and a charging blade (88, 188) insulated from the focusing blade. An ultimate focusing blade (186) is attached to the ultimate discrete charging module.

Abstract: An apparatus for centering a shadow mask frame in a faceplate panel includes a fixed plate and a slidable plate. A set of blades is rotatably mounted in the fixed plate. The blades are coupled to the slidable plate by coupling members whereby motion between the plates simultaneously rotates the blades. The blades extend into a space between the frame and the panel and urge the frame into a centered orientation in the panel.

Abstract: A system for uniformly dispensing a frit material onto the seal edge of a CRT funnel includes a motor for rotating the funnel. The motor also drives a pulse generator which provides a selected number of input pulses for each increment of rotation. The input pulses are provided to two programmable BCD counters. One counter controls the funnel motor and is programmed to change the motor speed around the funnel corners. The other counter controls the feed screw dispenser and is programmed to maintain the ratio of motor speeds within a selected range of values.

Abstract: A frit dispensing device includes a hopper which dispenses the frit material to the seal edge of a CRT funnel. The device centers the funnel and raises the funnel to place the seal edge in a reference plane a desired distance from the hopper. Funnel orientation members engage the funnel to place the funnel in the desired orientation with respect to the hopper. The funnel is rotated beneath the hopper and frit material is uniformly dispensed to the entire seal edge.

Abstract: A welding apparatus for welding a washer to a frame retaining spring while the washer and the spring are in engagement with a stud affixed to the sidewall of a kinescope panel. A welding head is suspended by an articulated joint and by flexible straps whereby the welding head is free to pivot and to flex to assure engagement with the parts to be welded when the spring is out of alignment with the welding head.

Abstract: A cathode ray tube includes a faceplate panel with a plurality of electrode support studs distributed about and attached to the panel. A color selection electrode having a plurality of support springs is disposed within the panel. Each of the support springs comprises a strap-like element having a proximal end secured to the electrode and a distal end spaced from the electrode. A washer-like element is located between the panel and the distal end of at least one of the strap-like elements. The washer-like element has a frustoconically-shaped portion with an aperture therein for snugly receiving one of the studs. The base portion of the washer-like element is substantially flat and is permanently secured to the strap-like element near its distal end.