Abstract: A Flat Panel Display apparatus has a spacing component composed of a ceramic material which creates an accurately controllable and variable compressive strain on prescribed critical areas of the inner surface of the display panel and backplane which strengthens the assembly and permits the use of thiner and lighter materials.

Abstract: A composite sealing frame structure and a method for forming a composite sealing frame structure. In one embodiment, a rigid backbone component is provided with a first surface and a second surface. A first sealing material is disposed on the first surface of the rigid backbone component. A second sealing material is disposed on the second surface of the rigid backbone component. The first sealing material is adapted to seal the rigid backbone component to a first portion of a flat panel display. The second sealing material is adapted to seal the rigid backbone component to a second portion of a flat panel display such that the first portion and the second portion of the flat panel display are secured together by the rigid backbone component and the first and the second sealing material.

Abstract: Seal material bars and methods for forming seal material bars, a seal material frame and a method for forming a seal material frame, and a method for forming a flat panel display. Bars of seal material are made by extruding a mixture of glass frit and organic compound. In one embodiment, the glass frit bars have joining features formed in them. Ceramic material is also extruded so as to form seal material bars. The seal material bars are placed between the backplate and the faceplate and glass frit slurry is placed between adjoining seal material bars. Alternatively, seal material bars having joining features are used by mating joining features of adjoining seal material bars. A heating step melts the seal material so as to form a sealed interior region. Alternatively, the bars of seal material are used to form a seal material frame that is disposed between the faceplate and the backplate.

Abstract: A faceplate assembly for a color CRT includes a glass panel with a phosphor screen thereon and a plated mask support structure attached to the faceplate, with a foil shadow mask welded in tension to the mask support structure. The mask support structure comprises an inert substrate to which is electroformed a weld land suitable for accepting welds and retaining the mask thereby. A minimal amount of metal is used and the shape and size of the mask support are readily controllable.

Abstract: A covering for a discontinuity in a mask support frame for a tension mask cathode ray tube comprises a stiff yet flexible (or bendable) metal strip having a first surface for facing a mask frame surface which is proximal to a phosphor screen, and attachment to the mask frame on at least one side of the discontinuity, and a second surface facing the phosphor screen. A portion of the covering may be formed to match the cross-section profile of the mask frame surface to which it is attached. The covering may be formed in a continuous rectangle to form a rectangular frame assembly capable of attachment to a faceplate.

Abstract: An annulus attached adjacent the edge planes of a CRT front panel provides screen area savings, and in the preferred embodiment, panel protection, strengthening, and anti-implosion properties. The annulus is preferably composed of a plurality of sections and incorporates a shadow mask support. The annulus is attached to the front panel before receiving the shadow mask becomes a part of the CRT envelope. In a preferred embodiment, the annulus is composed of ceramic and is x-ray shielded by an application of lead-based frit.

Abstract: Accelerated thermal upshock rates in the exhaust cycle of a CRT envelope are attained for a tension mask CRT having a shadow mask supporting rail frame affixed to the front panel. The actual corners of the rail frame are chamfered or left open to provide an increased separation distance from the corners of the funnel seal land. Panel fracturing stresses generated in the funnel seal area corners during upshock are thus alleviated allowing for faster CRT throughput during manufacture, without increasing the size of the CRT components.

Abstract: A CRT bulb with a flat front surface is utilized to provide a video display device having a planar front surface. The display device thus provided is easy to clean, easy to mount flush with planar surfaces, and requires no separate bezel over the display area.

Abstract: A color cathode ray tube is disclosed that includes a glass faceplate having on its inner surface a centrally disposed, rectangular screen. On each of opposed sides of the screen is plurality of discrete ceramic mask support segments to which are secured a tensed foil shadow mask. A process for fabrication is also disclosed.

Abstract: A means for attaining a predetermined CRT front panel configuration is disclosed as being particularly suitable for use with tensioned-mask CRTs having mask support means affixed to the front panel. A ceramic rail or the like is affixed to the front panel in opposition to the mask support to produce panel deformation forces counteracting those produced by the mask supports. In one embodiment, the panel is deformed more than is ultimately desired and the deformation structures are then ground to produce the desired panel configuration. Repeatability of screen curvature is thereby attained, allowing for interchangeable shadow mask and screen construction of the CRT.

Abstract: An annulus attached adjacent the edge planes of a CRT front panel provides screen area savings, and in the preferred embodiment, panel protection, strengthening, and anti-implosion properties. The annulus is preferably composed of a plurality of sections and incorporates a shadow mask support. The annulus is attached to the front panel before receiving the shadow mask and becomes a part of the CRT envelope. In a preferred embodiment, the annulus is composed of ceramic and is x-ray shielded by an application of lead-based frit.

Abstract: A mask support structure is installated as a prefabricated unit in a tension mask color cathode ray tube having a faceplate with a centrally located screening area. The structure has a predetermined Q-height for ultimate affixation on opposed sides of the screening area by means of an inventive fixture and process, which is characterized by Q-height spacers. The structure has a base with a hardened layer of cement of selected thickness thereon for affixing the structure to the faceplate, and on an opposed side, a surface for receiving and securing the mask.

Abstract: A tension mask color CRT has a mask support structure so composed, configured and arranged as to create an accurately controllable and widely variable compressive strain in prescribed critical areas of the faceplate inner surface which strengthens the bulb.

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: A method of making a mask support structure for a cathode ray tube includes the steps of slowly rotating a quantity of sdolder glass paste in a container continuously over an extended period of time so that its viscosity is significantly below an original value, permitting the rotated solder glass paste to stand substantially still until it returns near its original viscosity value, dispensing the solder glass paste in a metallic mask support rail having a generally hollow cross-section, and securing the rail to a CRT faceplate.

Abstract: A method of making a CRT mask support structure with a faceplate mounted metal alloy rail filled with solder glass, including the step of coating the interior of the rail with a surfactant prior to filling to promote wetting of the rail by the solder paste.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a flat faceplate and tensed foil shadow mask. The process comprises providing a trough-like shadow mask support structure for receiving and securing the mask and filling the structure with a devitrifying solder glass paste of relatively low viscosity. The structure is then over-filled with devitrifying solder glass paste of relatively high viscosity. The structure is joined with the faceplate with the plate of relatively high viscosity in contact with the faceplate. The faceplate and the structure is heated to a temperature effective to shrink the solder glass paste into the structure and devitrify the paste to permanently secure the structure to the faceplate.

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 faceplate assembly for a color cathode ray tube includes a glass faceplate having on its inner surface a centrally disposed phosphor screen. A metal foil shadow mask is mounted in tension on a mask support structure located on opposed sides of the screen and secured to the inner surface of the faceplate. The support structure according to the invention comprises a hollow shell filled with at least two devitrified solder glass compositions each having a different viscosity when in the form of an undevitrified solder glass paste. A process for manufacturing the inventive mask support structure is also provided.