Abstract: An improved cathode heater filament electrical connection and support system for a three in-line electron gun color television picture tube. A pair of identical, thin, electrically conductive support rails electrically connect in parallel the filament leads of the three cathode heaters, with the support rails being spaced apart and disposed parallel to each other and aligned with the in-line direction and respectively offset on opposite sides from an in-line plane passing through the three cathode centers. A pair of integral tabs extend from each of the support rails to permit supportive connection to a plurality of insulating rods.

Abstract: An electron gun cathode for a cathode ray tube in which the cathode has a fast warm-up characteristic to produce a visible raster within about 6 seconds. The emissively-coated cathode cap is of reduced mass, with the cathode heater coil disposed within the cathode cap having a high weight to length ratio, and with a darkened coating thereon to increase the emissivity therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electron gun for a color television picture tube which has a rapid heating characteristic to produce electron emission in a short time. The indirectly heated electron emission portion of the cathode is supported from thin contoured support straps which provide a low thermal conductivity to the electron gun body.

Abstract: A color television picture tube electron gun with an astigmatic lens element formed as an integral part of the second electrode. The astigmatic lens is a rectangularly configured ridge formed in the end closure surface of the second electrode, about a centralized circular aperture. The dimensions are selected to optimize the electron beam configuration impinging upon the screen of the picture tube with the beam being elongated a predetermined amount in the direction normal to the raster sweep direction.