Abstract: This invention provides a substrate processing apparatus and a substrate processing method for improving the adhesion of a patterned region which is a relatively thin region of a metal mask to a substrate. According to one embodiment of this invention, in a method for fixing a metal mask (006) to be in intimate contact with a surface to be processed of a substrate (005) using a magnet (007), the metal mask (006) has a thick region and a thin region. The magnet (007) has at least one border between N and S poles on a side facing the substrate (005) and is formed such that the border faces only a thick region of the metal mask (006).

Abstract: A method for making a shadow mask array is taught. Producing a plurality of shadow mask sections; inspecting the plurality of shadow mask sections to determine which shadow mask sections are acceptable as meeting predetermined criteria; positioning a predetermined number of the acceptable mask sections into predetermined locations relative to one another to form a mask section array thereby distributing any error in individual mask sections across the mask section array; and attaching the individual mask sections of the mask section array to a support structure. The support structure allows for expansion and/or contraction of the individual mask sections of the mask section array while maintaining relative positioning of the individual shadow mask section in the shadow mask array.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for measuring alignment and tilt of a CRT neck (14) attached to a recycled CRT funnel portion (11) includes a support structure (21) that engages and supports a seal edge (24) of the CRT funnel portion (11), and a plurality of stopper pads (28-30) which engage respective alignment stoppers (34-36) molded on the CRT funnel portion (11). Distance measuring gauges (45-48) contact lower and upper points on two sides of the CRT neck (14). The alignment of the CRT neck (14) is determined by readings from the lower gauges (45, 47) on the first and second sides of the CRT neck (14). The tilt of the CRT neck (14) is measured by comparing the readings from the lower and upper gauges (45-48) on each of the first and second sides of the CRT neck. The stopper pads (28-30) on the support structure (21) can be changed to accommodate different sizes of CRT funnel portions (11, 11′).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a tension mask to a mask frame. The apparatus is comprised of a clamping plate upon which is mounted a frame clamp and a frame deflector assembly. Above the clamping plate is located a mask clamp assembly comprising a forming slide. A mask frame is inserted into the frame clamp and secured on a plurality of axes to the top of the clamping plate. As the mask frame is secured, a compression force is applied to the mask frame by the frame deflector assembly and a tension mask is aligned and positioned to the top of the mask frame. While the mask frame is in compression, a forming edge on the forming slide conforms an edge of the tension mask to the mask frame where it is then affixed. The compression force on the mask frame is then released causing the frame to impart a tension force on the tension mask.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a CRT panel (12) to facilitate inspecting a seal edge (13) thereof includes a support structure (30) rotatably connected to a base frame (21) for rotation about a horizontal axis (31). The CRT panel (12) is placed into the support structure (30) with the seal edge (13) positioned in a holding groove (77) formed on a bottom door assembly (40). A top door assembly (58) is slidable to a closed position to enclose and support the CRT panel (12) while the support structure (30) is rotated 180 degrees. The bottom door assembly (40) is movable to an open position to inspect the seal edge (13). The door assemblies (40, 58) are both arranged to engage the base frame (21) and prevent rotation of the support structure (30) relative to the base frame (21) when the door assemblies are moved to their respective open positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying crosswires to a tension mask. The method includes winding crosswires around various drum assemblies and then using transfer devices to remove sections of crosswires and transfer them to tension mask frame assemblies.

Abstract: A position of an inner surface of a panel (10) is measured with the panel being held, and a position of a main surface of a color selection electrode (30) is measured with a color selection electrode frame (40) being held, so that the measured positional data provide a measured value corresponding to a spacing between the panel inner surface and the main surface of the color selection electrode. In a state that the engaging holes of the supporting members are engaged with dummy pins (200) arranged in a predetermined positional relationship to the panel pins (20) on the condition that the panel is held, the position of the main surface of the color selection electrode is adjusted with respect to engaging holes on the basis of the predetermined positional relationship and the measured value, and supporting members are fixed by welding to the color selection electrode frame.

Abstract: A device for measuring a distance between a panel and a shadow mask included in a color CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) of the present invention includes a range finder having an emitter for emitting an ultrasonic pulse, and a receiver for receiving it. The emitter emits the ultrasonic pulse toward the inner surface of the panel on which the shadow mask is mounted. The distance or so-called Q value is measured on the basis of a lag between the time when a first reflection from the shadow mask reaches the receiver and the time when a second reflection from the inner surface of the panel reaches the receiver. The device is capable of measuring the Q value without resorting to the removal of the shadow mask, and measuring Q values even smaller than 5 mm without contacting the shadow mask. In addition, the device is easy to handle and small size.

Abstract: When three or four panel attachment springs 3 are welded to side portions of an aperture grill 1 (or 21), the aperture grill is disposed so that a grill 107 should be opposed to a predetermined reference plane. The springs are disposed by three or four spring positioning means. A posture of the aperture grill 1 (or 21) is adjusted based on measured results of the respective measurement position Z.sub.0 to Z.sub.4 of the grill 107. Positions of spring pins for supporting springs on the spring positioning means are agreed with positions of panel pins provided on a panel. Thereafter, the respective springs are simultaneously welded to the side portions of the aperture grill. Thus, it is possible to precisely weld the springs to side-portion positions of the aperture grill. When the four springs are welded, it is possible to simultaneously weld the four springs by one equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure device to press a pair of members facing each other of a frame under the same pressure condition. A pressure device 5 for pressing top and bottom members 103 of a frame 101 for apertured grills, provided with a pair of pressure blocks 31 provided movably in the direction to bring the pressure blocks closer to and farther from each horizontal member 103 at the position facing to the top and bottom horizontal members respectively outside the frame 101, driving means 15 for moving synchronously each pressure block 31 in the direction to bring each pressure block 31 closer to and farther from each horizontal member 103, and pressure rolls 33 for contacting with each horizontal member 103 and supported on each pressure block 31, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus 50 for pre-stressing a material of a CRT tension mask 24 to induce creep. The apparatus 50 includes a support frame 52 having a first major surface 54 and an oppositely disposed second major surface 56. A boss 58 is provided on the first major surface 54. A primary clamp 60 having a first jaw 62 is spaced from the boss 58 and attached to the first major surface 54. The primary clamp 60 further includes an adjustable second jaw 64 communicating with the first jaw 62 to clamp the material of the mask 24 therebetween. A movable secondary clamp 70 is located in proximity to the boss 58. The secondary clamp 70 has a third jaw 72 attached to an axle 74 that is disposed within an elongated aperture 82 formed in a support post 84 attached to the support frame 52. An adjustable fourth jaw 86 communicates with the third jaw 72 to clamp the mask material therebetween. A cam 78 having a boss engaging surface 90 is secured to the axle 74.

Abstract: A shadow mask assembling apparatus assembles an election beam selection mask for a color cathode ray tube by welding a mask sheet to a frame. The electron beam selection mask assembling apparatus comprises: a bed; a frame support for supporting the frame on the bed with the mask sheet support surfaces of the support members facing upward; a frame positioner for positioning the frame on the frame support; a mask sheet positioner for positioning the mask sheet on the support members of the frame; a fixer for fixing the mask sheet in place on the mask sheet support surfaces of the support members of the frame; a mask sheet support for supporting the central portion and peripheral portions extending beyond the support members of the frame of the mask sheet; and an attaching structure for attaching the mask sheet to the mask sheet support surfaces of the support members of the frame.

Abstract: A process for forming a color selection mask for a CRT, in a press containing a punch and a counter-punch, after a temperature build-up stage in a shaping chamber, through the circulation of pressurized hot gas injected by inlets placed on the walls of the counter-punch, includes the step of distributing the hot gas through a distribution device to uniformly heat the mask's surface.

Abstract: A foil-type shadow mask stretching apparatus for a flat cathode ray tube comprises a clamping device in the shape of an elipse, a circle, other similar shapes. The clamping device has a clamping lane with inclined projections arranged in a tooth-like manner; a ring-shaped push pad having a shape abuttingly compatible with to the clamping lane, and C-shaped clamping rings for tightly pressing the push pad onto the clamping lane, whereby the shadow mask is clamped between the clamping lane and the push pad. The shadow mask stretching apparatus prevents abnormal deformation and wrinkling caused by contraction of a shadow mask.

Abstract: A shadow mask heating apparatus for a color CRT of the flat faceplate type includes upper and lower heated platens, each provided with heating means therein. One of the platens includes a plurality of mask support elements having a predetermined height radially disposed in an equally spaced relation on the top surface. The mask support elements preferably consist of a plurality of long and short, in length, mask support element. A plurality of passages radially formed on the top surface result between the mask support element. A plurality of adjusting pins disposed on the peripheral area of the top surface thereof of the one platen keeps the two platens separated a precise distance. The arrangement of radially disposed mask support elements minimizes shadow mask deformation during manufacture.

Abstract: A production system is disclosed for registering flat tension masks to screen bearing face panels in the manufacture of cathode ray tubes. Both the panel and mask are supported in modules with identical registration features at loading stations and alternately conveyed to an assembly station with a top mounted laser welder for welding the mask to panel rails. A lift assembly up loads the modules into the assembly station where they are registered with the same registration elements. Screen location on the panel is interrogated by panel module associated cameras that view spaced fiducial marks on the panel previously located with respect to the screen. Mask interrogation is also accomplished by a camera array. Early screen interrogation enables the mask to be preliminarily positioned very close to final positioning.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for differentially stretching a flat tension mask to register apertures in the mask with an undedicated screen on a CRT faceplate. Stretching is accomplished biaxially on the mask with a plurality of separate clamping elements along all four sides of the mask. Various methods and means are disclosed for applying a fixed ratio of forces to the clamps to maintain strain in the mask substantially uniform across the entire mask, such as a "wiffle tree" linkage and selected spring rate springs. Growth of the mask during stretching is accommodated by allowing the clamps to move laterally or perpendicular to the stretching forces. Fragile slit aperture masks are stretched with clamps having tangential component stretching forces. Individual and/or groups of clamps can be controlled independently of others to correct for localized mask or screen defects. The clamps move in unison toward the mask to a clamp engagement position where they are precisely aligned in a starting position.

Abstract: An optical interrogation system has camera arrays useful for determining the locations of a plurality of apertures on a flat tension shadow mask and fiducial marks on a screened front panel of a CRT. The system determines the actual location of apertures or fiducial marks with respect to the cameras' field of view. By eliminating gray scaling, the processing only for light/dark transitions in single-bit binary valued pixels from each of the cameras in parallel, i.e., simultaneously, remarkable rapidity is obtained in the interrogation of widely spaced fields with minimal hardware. The system may also be used to interrogate mask support surfaces on the front panel prior to welding the mask thereto.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for tensioning uniform foil shadow masks by clamping the edges of a mask and moving the clamps through a preselected fixed displacement, thereby obviating the need for extensive controls on the tensioning process.

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: 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.

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. Quick-release mechanical spring clips are provided 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: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a cathode-ray tube panel includes a pair of holders movable to come close to each other and to be separated from each other. Each holder includes elastic rollers. The panel is located between the rollers of the pair of holders. After the panel is located between the rollers of the holders, the holders are moved to a surfaces of the panel. The rollers of the holders are brought into contact with the surfaces of the panel. The holders are interlocked with an actuator. The actuator is interlocked with a lock plate through a ratchet mechanism. The holders can freely come close to each other by the ratchet mechanism although the lock plate is not pivoted. The holders can be brought into contact with panels having different sizes. In a contact state, the actuator locked with the lock plate through the ratchet mechanism is pivoted by a predetermined angle so as to cause the holders to come closer to each other. When the holders are thus moved, they are locked.

Abstract: A device for warm press forming a plate-like member into a shadow mask for a color cathode ray tube comprises a mold for applying pressure to the plate-like member, including a heated inner section and an outer section, and insulation means between the inner and outer sections for reducing heat transmission from the inner section to the outer section for increasing the thermal efficiency of the device.

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 comprises generally rectangular frame means and quick-release mechanical mask-retaining means for temporarily and removably supporting an in-process shadow mask in tension. The frame has at least first six-point indexing means on a first side for registration with complementary registration-affording means on an exposure lighthouse, and second six-point indexing means on a second, opposed side for registration with complementary registration-affording means on an in-process faceplate. As a result, the in-process shadow mask can be precisely registered and re-registered with the lighthouse and the in-process faceplate for the photoexposure of the in-process faceplate while retaining the in-process shadow mask in tension.

Abstract: Negative interference fixturing means and process are disclosed for use in the photoexposure of an in-process faceplate assembly for a color cathode ray tube, and the attachment of a shadow mask to its support. The assembly includes a flat glass faceplate having on its inner surface a centrally disposed screening area for receiving a predetermined pattern of phosphor deposits, a shadow mask having a pattern of apertures corresponding to the pattern of phosphor deposits, and a shadow mask support structure located on opposed sides of the screening area for supporting the mask in tension.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in manufacturing color picture tubes to mount a shadow mask within the tube panel to enable repeated removal and replacement. The panel is placed into position overlying the shadow mask so that the inwardly-directed pins on the interior of the panel are in general vertical registry with the apertured spring elements about the outer periphery of the shadow mask. An alignment stand is provided for each spring element to vertically align each spring element with its corresponding panel pin. Each alignment stand includes a dummy pin which may be inserted into the aperture of the spring element of the shadow mask and a rod arm having a guide groove which may be raised so that at its upper limit position the arm provides guide grooves in which the inwardly projecting pins of the panel may be engaged.

Abstract: A novel color selection electrode assembly is utilized in screening a pattern of phosphor areas upon the faceplate of a color cathode ray tube. The faceplate, which is formed of a material having a predetermined temperature coefficient of expansion, has registration affording means. The aforesaid assembly comprises an auxiliary mount formed of a material having a temperature coefficient of expansion greater than that of the faceplate and has a central opening of such span as to enable the mount to surround the periphery of the faceplate. Index bosses, cooperable with the faceplate registration affording means, are detachably secured to the mount. A planar metal foil having a predetermined pattern of apertures and formed of a material having a temperature coefficient of expansion not greater than that of the mount is secured to the mount.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus for pallet carrying a panel of a color CRT and a shadow mask, with the pallet 9 is used conveniently in attaching and detaching the shadow mask to and from the panel and in conveying the panel 4 and the shadow mask 8 in both of combined and separated configurations along a floor conveyor. The pallet has upper and lower reference plates for precisely locating the pallet vertically and horizontally with respect to the exposure apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray picture tube, the apparatus providing for inserting a shadow mask into the face panel of the tube. Means are disclosed for seeking the apertures of the leaf-type springs extending from the frame and locating the axes of the apertures and locking the apertures at predetermined points in a first substantially horizontal plane. The stud-locating means include V-groove tip means for locating, positioning and cradling the studs in the second plane with the axes of the studs in approximate vertical alignment with the predetermined points. Elevator means provide for raising the mask to an upper assembly position to translate the planes into approximate coplanarity, and bring the axes of the apertures into approximate coincidence with the axes of the studs before release of the springs.

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 cathode-ray tube shadow mask mounting system that allows the mask to be removed from the faceplate and replaced in exactly the same position as it occupied before removal includes screw-receiving inserts permanently embedded in the inner surface of the faceplate outside the viewing area of the display screen. Tubular screw guides are secured to the shadow mask frame in corresponding positions, the guides and the inserts having complementary beveled surfaces for drawing them into alignment when a screw is inserted through the guide and threaded into the insert.

Abstract: A pallet constructed to have a panel placed on its surface and formed with a through hole for storing a shadow mask, located below the panel placed on the pallet, and a conveying method using such pallet. The conveying method consists in conveying the pallet supporting the panel to the vicinity of a treating device, removing the shadow mask from the panel by moving same downwardly and holding same in the through hole of the pallet, conveying the panel to the treating device to subject same to a predetermined treatment, and placing the treated panel on the pallet. An apparatus for removing the shadow mask from the panel on the pallet and having same held by the pallet is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus is provided for inserting a mask assembly into a cathode ray tube faceplate panel. The mask assembly includes an apertured shadow mask having at least three springs attached to it with each spring including an aperture. The faceplate panel includes a viewing faceplate portion and a peripheral sidewall. The sidewall includes at least three studs embedded therein for engagement with the spring apertures. The automatic apparatus includes a subassembly at each mask spring location. At least three of said subassemblies are movable horizontally and include a stop for contacting the lower edge of a mask spring. Each movable subassembly also includes a locator pin movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The locator pin, when in an engaged position, is spaced from the stop a predetermined spacing equal to a standard spacing between a lower edge of a spring and the centerline of the spring aperture plus a predetermined lifting distance.

Abstract: A system for removing shadow mask assemblies from kinescope panels of all sizes includes slidable blade mounts arranged to move parallel to the axes of the panel toward the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock stud positions of the panel. The motion along the major axis is independent of the motion along the minor axis. Each blade mount supports a plurality of blades determined by the number of stud positions for the various sizes of panels. The system includes means for sensing the panel to establish the size of the panels and means for centering the panels. The blades required for a particular size panel are actuated and the shadow mask assembly removed from the panel.