Patents by Inventor Robert Adler

Robert Adler has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5059147
    Abstract: Process and apparatus are disclosed for use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel. The mask aperture pattern is registered with a cathodoluminescent screen pattern of corresponding geometry and position on an inner surface of the panel. The shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable. In a preferred arrangement, signals are developed which are indicative of the positions of a mechanically stretched mask aperture pattern and an associated front panel screen pattern relative to a reference or to each other. Responsive to such signals, there is effected a relative positioning of the mask and screen until registration between the patterns is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Adler, James R. Fendley, Howard G. Lange, Charles J. Prazak, Johann Steiner, Paul Strauss
  • Patent number: 5039907
    Abstract: A color display is disclosed that has on an inner display surface a periodic pattern of luminescent deposits having a smallest deposit-to-adjacent-deposit pitch "P-D". The display has on an outer surface glare reduction means in the form of an undulating periodic pattern of light-scattering elements whose smallest element-to-adjacent-element pitch "P-E" is significantly less than the pitch "P-D" to avoid moire effects, but significantly greater than the longest wavelength of visible light to minimize diffraction effects. The color display according to the invention may comprise a color cathode ray tube havbing a touch panel on its front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Adler
  • Patent number: 4998901
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a foil tension mask with a central pattern of apertures. A transparent flat front panel has a cathodoluminescent screen pattern on its inner surface. A plurality of mask support means, located on opposed sides of the screen pattern, have respective mask-receiving surfaces for receiving a shadow mask in tension. Q-height error data is developed according to the invention, and the aperture pattern of the mask in expanded and positioned in response to the error data to compensate for errors in Q-height to bring the mask apertures into registry with the screen pattern. Apparatus for measuring Q-height is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Adler, James R. Fendley, Howard G. Lange, Charles J. Prazak, III, Johann Steiner, Paul Strauss
  • Patent number: 4973280
    Abstract: Process and apparatus are disclosed for use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel. The mask aperture pattern is registered with a catholdoluminescent screen pattern of corresponding geometry and position on an inner surface of the panel. The shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable. Signals are developed which are indicative of the positions of a mechanically stretched mask aperture pattern and an associated front panel screen pattern relative to a reference or to each other. Responsive to such signals, there is effected a relative positioning of the mask and screen until registration between the patterns is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Adler, James R. Fendley, Howard G. Lange, Charles J. Prazak, Johann Steiner, Paul Strauss
  • Patent number: 4973283
    Abstract: A slit-type foil tension mask and associated front assembly for a color cathode ray tube comprise a series of parallel strips separated by slits. The strips are loosely coupled by widely spaced ties, the wide tie spacing being such as to produce a strip coupling which promotes handleability of the mask during mask and tube fabrication and facilitates damping of strip vibration when mounted in a tube, but which is insufficient to induce unacceptable Poisson contraction of the mask when uniaxially tensed along the direction of the strips in the plane of the mask, or to permit an unacceptable thermal expansion perpendicular to said strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Adler, John H. Coult, Paul Strauss
  • Patent number: 4972117
    Abstract: Glare-reduction means are disclosed for use on, in or with a transparent visual display panel structure having an inner display surface which comprises a periodic pattern of luminous elements. The glare-reduction means on an outer surface of the panel structure has an irregularly rippled surface whose spatial frequency spectrum exhibits a suppression of spatial frequencies in a predetermined band of frequencies related to the spatial frequencies of the pattern of luminescent elements to prevent or reduce visible interference between the patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Adler, Hua-Sou Tong
  • Patent number: 4942332
    Abstract: A slit-type foil tension mask and associated front assembly for a color cathode ray tube comprise a series of parallel strips separated by slits. The strips are loosely coupled by widely spaced ties, the wide tie spacing being such as to produce a strip coupling which promotes handleability of the mask during mask and tube fabrication and facilitates damping of strip vibration when mounted in a tube, but which is insufficient to induce unacceptable Poisson contraction of the mask when uniaxially tensed along the direction of the strips in the plane of the mask, or to permit an unacceptable thermal expansion perpendicular to said strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Adler, John H. Coult, Paul Strauss
  • Patent number: 4902257
    Abstract: This disclosure describes method and apparatus useful in the manufacture of shadow mask color cathode ray tubes of the flat tension mask type, wherein the shadow masks and associated glass front panels are respectively interchangeable during mask-panel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Adler, James R. Fendley, Howard G. Lange, Charles J. Prazak, III, Johan Steiner, Paul Strauss
  • Patent number: 4880665
    Abstract: A system for recognizing touch positions along a predetermined coordinate axis on a surface of a touch panel display apparatus comprises a substrate having a surface capable of propagating surface acoustic waves and is so characterized that a touch on that surface causes amplitude damping of a surface wave passing through the region of touch. An input surface wave transducer, coupled to the substrate surface launches a burst of surface waves on the surface in a first direction parallel to the aforesaid axis. An output surface wave transducer is also coupled to the substrate. A first surface wave reflecting means derives wave components from the launched wave and reflects them across the display surface to a second wave reflecting means that redirects the reflected components in a second direction opposite to the aforesaid first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Adler, Mark Fogelson, Sam Kaplan
  • Patent number: 4859996
    Abstract: A system for recognizing touch positions along a predetermined coordinate axis includes a surface wave propagating substrate on which is disposed at least one surface wave transducer. An array of surface wave reflective elements directs the surface wave from the transducer. The reflective elements are composed of a frit material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Adler, Mark Fogelson, Sam Kaplan
  • Patent number: 4827179
    Abstract: A cathode ray tube which includes a faceplate having on its inner surface a centrally disposed phosphor screen, and a flat color selection electrode supported in tension, spaced from the screen. The electrode has a central apertured portion and a peripheral portion, and is susceptible to vibration. A vibration damping system is located on the peripheral portion of the electrode for damping vibrations in the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Adler, Peter C. J. Desmares
  • Patent number: 4825212
    Abstract: A touch control system for a cathode ray tube, or other touch-controlled device capable of recognizing touch positions along a predetermined coordinate axis on a three-dimensionally curved touch surface, includes a substrate comprising a segment of a three-dimensionally curved surface having a touch surface capable of propagating surface acoustic waves. An input surface wave transducer serves to launch a collimated beam of surface acoustic wave energy on the touch surface. If undisturbed, the beam would travel along a path that corresponds to a great circle on the curved surface. An output surface wave transducer develops an electrical output signal upon receipt of surface acoustic wave energy derived from the beam. A reflective array is provided which establishes travel of the beam of energy along a desired path on the touch surface having a contour intermediate a great circle and a parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Adler, Peter C. J. Desmares
  • Patent number: 4791416
    Abstract: A system for recognizing touch positions along an axis on a surface associated with a touch control apparatus comprises a substrate having a surface capable of propagating surface acoustic waves and so characterized that a touch on that surface causes a perturbation of a surface wave passing through the region of touch. An input surface wave transducer coupled to the substrate surface launches a burst of surface waves on the surface. An output surface wave transducer coupled to the substrate detects received surface waves. Wave redirecting gratings derive wave components from the launched wave and redirect them across the substrate surface to the output transducer. The wave components are caused to traverse the axis along a progression of paths associated with different touch positions along the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Adler
  • Patent number: 4767962
    Abstract: A shadow mask blank is disclosed for use in the manufacture of an ultra-high resolution color cathode tube. The mask blank is adapted to be expanded and secured under tension in spaced adjacency to the screen of the tube. The blank comprises a central field of electron-beam-passing apertures, an outer band adapted to be gripped during the expanding, and at least one field of selectively weakened metal between the central field and the outer band. The selectively weakened metal is effective to equalize stress and prevent wrinkling of the blank under electron beam heating when the blank is expanded and secured under tension. An inner band peripheral to the central field may be provided for mounting the blank on a support structure and securing it thereto. Means may also be provided for linking the inner band with the outer band to selectively strengthen weakened areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Adler, Charles J. Prazak, III
  • Patent number: 4766424
    Abstract: An improved light collector, for collecting the light in a plurality of parallel light beams directed across the display surface of a touch panel apparatus and for redirecting it in a direction substantially perpendicular to the light beams for detection by a common detector positioned adjacent one end of the collector, comprises an elongated strip of light transmissive material terminated by a light collection station. A plurality of light reflecting elements is disposed inside and spaced along one side of the strip and each has a transverse dimension small in comparison to cross-section of the strip. The surface of each reflecting element is tilted with respect to the longitudinal axis of the strip. A like plurality of focusing elements is also disposed along the strip and each such element is individually associated with an assigned one of the reflecting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Adler, Paul Strauss
  • Patent number: 4746914
    Abstract: A cathode ray tube for use in a touch panel system that is capable of recognizing touch positions along a coordinate axis of a touch display surface of the system has a flat glass faceplate capable of propegating surface acoustic waves. An input surface wave transducer, acoustically coupled to the touch display surface, serves to launch a burst of surface waves on that surface. At least one array of wave reflective elements are disposed in or on the touch display surface for directing the surface waves derived from the input trasnducer across the touch display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Adler
  • Patent number: 4700176
    Abstract: A system for recognizing touch positions along a coordinate axis on a surface associated with a touch control apparatus comprises a substrate having a surface capable of propagating surface acoustic waves and is so characterized that a touch on that surface causes a partial absorption of energy of a surface wave passing through the region of touch. An input surface wave transducer coupled to the surface launches a burst of surface waves on the surface in a first direction parallel to the axis. An output surface wave transducer coupled to the surface receives the burst of surface waves. A first surface wave reflecting arrangement derives wave components from the launched wave and reflects them across the surface to a second wave reflecting arrangement that redirects the reflected components in a direction opposited the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electronis Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Adler
  • Patent number: 4692660
    Abstract: Indexing means are disclosed for use in the indexing of components having planar mating areas. The indexing means comprising three V-grooves located in the mating area of a first of said components, and three indexing protuberances fixed in the mating area of a second of said components in apposition to said V-grooves for mating in registration with said V-grooves. The indexing means according to the invention are characterized by the grooves each having a subtended angle in the range of 34 to 75 degrees, and preferably, 53 degrees. The indexing means according to the invention are especially suited for application to television manufacturing, particularly in the precision indexing components of a color cathode ray tube having a tension foil shadow mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Adler, Paul Strauss
  • Patent number: 4673918
    Abstract: An improved light collector for use in a touch panel device which has a plurality of substantially parallel light beams directed across a display surface thereof, which collector collects the light in the light beams and redirects it in a direction substantially perpendicular to the light beams for detection by a light detector positioned adjacent one end of the light collector. The collector comprises a multi-sided elongated strip of light transmissive material having a longitudinal axis, and being terminated by a light collection station. A plurality of longitudinally spaced light focusing elements are disposed along a first side of the strip. A like plurality of longitudinally spaced light redirecting elements, likewise disposed along the first side of the strip, are individually paired with an assigned one of the light focusing elements and each such redirecting element has a light intercepting surface having transverse dimensions small in comparison to the cross-sectional dimensions of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Adler, John M. Jarosz
  • Patent number: RE33151
    Abstract: A system for recognizing touch positions along an axis on a surface associated with a touch control apparatus comprises a substrate having a surface capable of propagating surface acoustic waves and so characterized that a touch on that surface causes a perturbation of a surface wave passing through the region of touch. An input surface wave transducer coupled to the substrate surface launches a burst of surface waves on the surface. An output surface wave transducer coupled to the substrate detects received surface waves. Wave redirecting gratings derive wave components from the launched wave and redirect them across the substrate surface to the output transducer. The wave components are caused to traverse the axis along a progression of paths associated with different touch positions along the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Adler