Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for optimizing the output of at least two electron guns in a cathode ray tube for aging the cathode ray tube during manufacture. The system comprises at least two electron guns located in the cathode ray tube and a memory configured to store an offset value that is representative of a difference between a maximum output level and a detected output level for each of the electron guns. The system further comprises a processor coupled to the memory. The processor generates a first scaled signal by adding a first signal representative of an input voltage corresponding to the detected output level of the first electron gun and an offset signal representative of the offset value, and a second scaled signal by adding a second signal representative of an input voltage corresponding to the detected output level of the second electron gun and the offset signal.

Abstract: A field emission cathode and methods for fabricating such a cathode from at least one body containing a first substance. The steps include a preparation of at least one irregularity in an emitting surface of the body, adding to the emitting surface of the body ions of a second substance with a low work function, and modifying the emitting surface by inducing field emission in applying a variable electric field to the body and increasing the field strength in steps.

Abstract: The invention provides a means by which a gas discharge lighting display can be made of virtually any material which can withstand temperatures over 110.degree. F. This display uses a bypass tube to isolate heat and contamination from the main channel of a gas discharge lighting display during its manufacture. The bypass tube is then removed to force the luminous discharge to pass through the main channel, providing a lighting or advertising display of high quality and reliability.

Abstract: This method produces a field emitter material having a uniform electron emitting surface and a low turn-on voltage. Field emitter materials having uniform electron emitting surfaces as large as 1 square meter and turn-on voltages as low as 16V/.mu.m can be produced from films of electron emitting materials such as polycrystalline diamond, diamond-like carbon, graphite and amorphous carbon by the method of the present invention. The process involves conditioning the surface of a field emitter material by applying an electric field to the surface, preferably by scanning the surface of the field emitter material with an electrode maintained at a fixed distance of at least 3 .mu.m above the surface of the field emitter material and at a voltage of at least 500V. In order to enhance the uniformity of electron emission the step of conditioning can be preceeded by ion implanting carbon, nitrogen, argon, oxygen or hydrogen into the surface layers of the field emitter material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a color cathode ray tube having an electron gun with plural electrodes is disclosed. The method includes the steps of aging a color cathode ray tube and knocking the aged color cathode ray tube, wherein in the knocking step, a high voltage is applied to the anode, a low voltage electrode is grounded, and the remaining electrodes are floated by a potential.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for aging a field emission cold cathode, wherein a gate electrode of the field emission cold cathode is not applied directly with the voltage. The gate electrode remains floated electrically. A high voltage is applied to either an anode electrode or a convergence electrode so as to generate a field with a sufficiently large intensity for causing electron emission from a pointed top of a cone-shaped cathode toward the anode electrode or the convergence electrode.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an arc tube which obtains a high luminous flux retention rate by completely removing impurities, such as oxides, from the surfaces of the electrodes within the arc tube. An exhaust tube is connected to a glass tube of an arc tube in which a pair of electrodes are oppositely disposed. After gas is exhausted through the exhaust tube from the glass tube, inert gas is introduced. An arc discharge generating circuit is connected to the oppositely disposed electrodes, and an ion bombardment process is carried out in which an arc discharge is caused between the electrodes in the inert gas atmosphere at a current density of 30 to 100 A/mm.sup.2. Due to the arc discharge process, impurities (oxides), which lead to a reduction of the luminous flux retention rate, are completely removed from the electrode surfaces.

Abstract: An electron-emitting device has a pair of device electrodes and an electroconductive thin film including an electron emitting region arranged between the electrodes. The device is manufactured via an activation process for increasing the emission current of the device. The activation process includes steps of a) applying a voltage (Vact) to the electroconductive thin film having a gap section under initial conditions, b) detecting the electric performance of the electroconductive thin film and c) modifying, if necessary, the initial conditions as a function of the detected electric performance of the electroconductive thin film.

Abstract: An improved field emission cathode and methods for fabricating such an cathode are disclosed. In the methods of the invention, the field emission cathode is made from at least one body containing a first substance. The method steps include a preparation of irregularities in an emitting surface of the body, adding to the emitting surface of the body ions of a second substance with a low work function, and modifying the emitting surface by inducing field emission in applying a variable electric field to the body and increasing the field strength in steps.

Abstract: A method for recrystallization of tungsten filaments for incandescent lamps includes the steps of providing a tungsten filament fixed to lead-in wires, providing a light-transmitting glass envelope having a closed first end and an open second end, the first end being closed by an envelope press portion integral with the remainder of the envelope, the press portion having the lead-in wires sealed therein and extending therethrough into the envelope, introducing a forming gas into the envelope, flushing the envelope with infusions of the forming gas, flashing the filament in the presence of the forming gas to recrystallize the filament, evacuating the forming gas from the envelope, introducing fill gas into the envelope, and closing the envelope second end.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a display device is available that is capable of remarkably improving life characteristics of a display device. A display device placed in a chamber is evacuated to about 10.sup.-7 Torr. Then, reducing gas is introduced into the display device and held therein for several minutes, followed by evacuation of the display device to about 10.sup.-5 Torr. The reducing gas introducing and discharge steps are repeated several times. Thereafter, evacuation of the display device is carried out while keeping the chamber at about 300.degree. C., followed by sealing of the display device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a getter-containing CRT is disclosed which permits the getter flash process time to be reduced without posing any problem such as melting of getter container that might otherwise result from excessive temperature increase and thus productivity can increase. In a process of thermally flashing of the getter material, the temperature rise slope is reduced after reaching of the flash start temperature of the getter material.

Abstract: Within an ion implanter, a source element or filament may be cured outside of the ion implanter. This may be accomplished within a vacuum chamber using the same source assembly or canister to hold the filament as is used within the ion implanter. The filament within the source canister is inserted into the vacuum chamber and a vacuum is produced at a first set point. Then, the current is gradually increased while monitoring the pressure compared to a second set point. The current is decreased where the second pressure set point is reached to prevent oxidation. Where the chamber pressure is below the second set point, the current is allowed to increase. The curing of the filament is indicated when the filament increases to the third set point, without chamber pressure exceeding the second set point.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically evacuating and filling neon tubing is disclosed wherein an electrical controller is provided to automatically control the evacuation and fill cycles. For this purpose, pneumatic actuator valves are utilized in the manifold system to selectively control the flow functions in the process during the evacuation and fill cycles. A bombarder signal is delivered to a bombarder unit by the controller, which generates electrical current through the electrodes of the tubing being processed to heat the tubing. A pressure gauge is placed in the manifold system to sense tube pressure and generate an electrical pressure signal which is transmitted to the electronic controller. A temperature sensor is placed in temperature sensing relation with the tubing to sense the temperature of the tubing and generate an electrical temperature signal also transmitted to the controller.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from an arc tube includes introducing an inert gas into the arc tube through a conduit extending through the lamp tubulation and exhausting the gas through the space between the conduit and the wall of the lamp tubulation. Contaminated gas thereby always flows away from the arc tube. The arc tube can be heated during the gas flushing process to release adsorbed water and vaporize volatile oxides. Gas is preferably flushed through the lamps tubulation during and after press sealing of electrodes into the arc tube to remove contaminants introduced during press sealing.

Abstract: An electrode of a discharge lamp which has an improved adhesion between an emitter material and a filament is formed in accordance with the following method. That is, a Fe-Cr-Al alloy is used as the filament. The filament is placed in a heated oxidizing environment to precipitate an aluminum oxide layer uniformly in a surface thereof. Thus precipitated aluminum oxide layer has good adhesion with the filament without flaking thereof. The aluminum oxide layer is coated with triple carbonates consisting of barium carbonate, calcium carbonate and strontium carbonate, so that a carbonate coated filament is obtained. And then, the coated filament is heated in vacuum to reduce the carbonates to their alkaline earth oxides of the emitter material, and also to form a complex oxide consisting of the aluminum oxide and the alkaline earth oxides.

Abstract: A method of high voltage treatment for a cathode ray tube having a neck including one end closed with a stem and housing an electron gun and stem pins for a focus electrode, and other electrodes of the electron gun, establishes a high pressure gas atmosphere around the neck, and establishes a voltage which is sufficiently higher than the operating voltage of the cathode ray tube between the stem pins when the high pressure gas atmosphere. In order to prevent a creeping discharge due to the voltage applied to the stem pins, the temperature of the neck is maintained above the temperature of said high pressure gas atmosphere during the voltage application. In an alternative method, the dew point of the high pressure gas atmosphere is set at, at most, 25.degree. C.

Abstract: In a flat panel display using a field emission type cathode array, a flat fluorescent screen is arranged between a cathode array formed on a flat substrate and a screen comprising a glass plate having a convex curved shape in parallel with the substrate. The space between the fluorescent screen and the cathode array and the space between the fluorescent screen and the substrate has a vacuum thereon. In a method of manufacturing the display, a plurality of cathodes are formed on a conductive substrate, after the plurality of cathodes were formed, a field evaporation is caused from tips of the plurality of cathodes by applying a predetermined voltage to the plurality of cathodes.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from an arc tube includes introducing an inert gas into the arc tube through a conduit extending through the lamp tubulation and exhausting the gas through the space between the conduit and the wall of the lamp tubulation. Contaminated gas thereby always flows away from the arc tube. The arc tube can be heated during the gas flushing process to release adsorbed water and vaporize volatile oxides. Gas is preferably flushed through the lamps tubulation during and after press sealing of electrodes into the arc tube to remove contaminants introduced during press sealing.

Abstract: Magnetization of a magnetic member used for correcting the static convergence and color purity of a color cathode ray tube apparatus must be performed in consideration of the influences of geomagnetism. A magnetization unit used for magnetizing the magnetic member changes the state of geomagnetism around the neck of the apparatus. However, the magnetization unit can establish the same state of geomagnetism as that obtained when the magnetization unit is not arranged. This allows accurate correction of the static convergence and the color purity.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacture of a cathode-ray tube where an electron gun for emitting a plurality of electron beams is enclosed in a tube body with discrete electrodes disposed individually to such beams and joint electrodes disposed commonly to the beams. The method comprises the steps of incorporating the electron gun in the tube body and applying high-frequency induction heat principally to the joint electrodes to thereby evacuate and seal up the tube body; flashing a getter material; and disposing at least a pair of cored coils on both sides of the tube body at positions opposite to the discrete electrodes disposed individually to the plurality of beams, and applying high-frequency induction heat principally to the discrete electrodes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cathode ray tube which includes an electron gun (3) having a number of electrodes (7, 8) and a resistive-layer lends system (5), characterized in that the electron gun is sparked in a manufacturing step in which a pulse voltage is applied to an electrode (8) and a direct voltage is applied to a part (9) of the resistive-layer lens system adjacent to said electrode (8) through supply leads. During the sparking step measures are taken to prevent the occurrence of sparks in the resistive-layer lens system (5) per se, which in turn prevents damage to the resistive-layer lens system.

Abstract: A method for producing a gas discharge light source for emitting an electromagnetic radiation comprising a gas discharge tube filled with at least one discharge gas material and having a means for generating a gas discharge includes the following method steps: igniting the gas discharge tube filled with the discharge gas material, performing a forming operation in which the electrical operating power of the gas discharge light source is at least as high as the desired continuous operation power, the gas discharge tube is held at a temperature which is at least as high as the subsequent operating temperature, the intensity of the emitted electromagnetic radiation in the region of the desired wavelengths is monitored and the partial pressure of the vaporized discharge gas material is varied until the intensity of the selected electromagnetic radiation has reached a maximum value, whereupon a reservoir with excess discharge gas material is separated from the gas discharge tube in such a manner that the gas disch

Abstract: A method for optimizing the photo-response of a photocathode having a gallium-arsenide layer and a cesium-oxide surface coating includes the steps of overcesiating the photocathode, sealing it in a vacuum tube and baking the assembly in an oven. The photo-response of the photocathode is measured while it is baked, such measurements comprising an input to a microprocessor which controls the baking process by varying the temperature and/or time of baking. The rate of increase of photo-response due to heating and optimizing the photo-response attributable to the cesium-oxide coating is determined by utilizing a formula which relates temperature and photo-response and permits room temperature photo-response to be projected from a measurement taken during the baking process. When the rate of increase shows a characteristic diminishing pattern, the photo-response has been maximized and the baking is terminated.

Abstract: A RF electron gun, such as for use in a linear electron accelerator, having a cathode activating device which, in one embodiment, includes means for altering the phase of the accelerating electric field to accelerate emitted electrons in the reverse direction to cause them to strike the cathode, thereby activating the cathode. In another embodiment, laser light is directed onto the cathode for activation thereof and, in a further embodiment, the electric field is positioned and directed at the cathode to cause the activation thereof.

Abstract: So as to detect and remove tubes having too low a vacuum before gettering, a d.c. voltage which continuously increases from a low value to a maximum value is applied between the anode (g4) and a second electrode (g3) of a television display tube, the increase in this voltage being stopped as soon as a spark discharge current flows in the tube. The associated value of the d.c. voltage is evaluated as a criterion for the selection of the tubes.

Abstract: A method is provided for constructing an electric lamp such as, for example, a tungsten halogen capsule, using carbon monoxide as a reducing gas to remove oxides from lamp components during the manufacture thereof. To this end, prior to evacuation the lamp envelope is filled with a forming gas such as, for example, a carbon monoxide- nitrogen mixture, and the envelope is given one or more light-ups to thereby deoxidize the lamp components.

Abstract: A method of preageing vacuum devices comprises discharging, through the gap between the electrodes (14, 15) of a vacuum device (16) upon breakdown of said gap, an open long-line length (4) precharged to a voltage lower than the breakdown voltage and disconnected after breakdown in a time interval determined by the parameters of the long-time length (4).An apparatus for preageing vacuum devices comprises terminals (1, 2) to connect a vacuum device (16) thereto, a breakdown voltage power supply (3) connected to the terminals (1, 2) also connected to which, through a diode (8), is an open long-line length (4) coupled with a charge voltage power supply (5). The long-line length (4) is discharged through the interelectrode gap of a vacuum device (16), upon breakdown of the gap, during a time interval equal to twice the time of propagation of an electromagnetic wave along the long-line length (4), after which the voltage across the latter changes its sign, causing a cuttoff state of the diode (8).

Abstract: An aging drive method for a thin film EL panel includes the performing a preparatory step of short-circuiting all transparent electrodes by a first connecting line, short-circuiting every other metal electrodes by a second connecting line and short-circuiting the other metal electrodes by a third connecting line. Thereafter four fields are repeatedly periodically executed for a specified period of time to thereby cause all picture elements of the panel to luminesce for aging. Each of the four fields includes a first step of applying a first voltage across the first and second connecting lines and across the first and third connecting lines to charge all the picture elements. Further a second step is included of applying a second voltage across the second and third connecting lines while holding the transparent electrodes in a floating state.

Abstract: In the processing of cathode ray tubes, both the incidence of dark center cathode and residual gas can be reduced by including the step of scanning the mask and screen of the tube with a weak, defocused electron beam, carried out after getter flashing and preferably prior to aging.

Abstract: For aging a cathode-ray tube which has a cathode capable of emitting an electron beam, a first electrode for limiting the electron beam, a second electrode for accelerating electrons of the limited electron beam, a third electrode for focusing the accelerated electron beam and an anode, the cathode is energized so that an electron beam is emitted therefrom while D.C. rated voltages are applied to the first and second electrodes, respectively, and first and second voltages are applied to the third electrode and the anode, respectively, for a predetermined time. The first and second voltages are time-varying within first and second zones each of which is between a first level lower than the D.C. rated voltage on the second electrode and a second level higher than the highest one of the voltages on the third electrode with which an electric current flows in the second electrode with the electron beam emitted from the cathode.

Abstract: Mini neck tubes rejected for lower gap leakage are reconditioned by connecting together the cathodes, grounding the G3 electrode and applying a high voltage pulse to the G2 electrode using a hand-held sparking coil.

Abstract: The ageing process of a low-pressure hot-cathode gas discharge light source, especially a fluorescent lamp is carried out by applying high alternating voltage being at least 8 times and at most 16 times higher than the burning voltage rating of the gas discharge light source after preheating electrodes thereof, whereby a short discharge arc is generated and then after changing the connecting arrangement of the input terminals of the electrodes the application of high alternating voltage is repeated.

Abstract: An electroluminescent D.C. display panel has a transparent substrate, transparent anodes, a metal oxide interlayer, an electroluminescent powder phosphor, and cathodes formed in stacked relation on the substrate. The metal oxide interlayer allows the panel to be formed relatively quickly at substantially reduced forming currents.

Abstract: An improved aging process for a cathode ray tube in which the main focusing grid (G3) is aged at a potential below that of the G2 grid, resulting in significantly reduced incidence of dark center cathode.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the spot-knocking of electron tubes includes individually identifying each tube carrying hanger and each cart which applies a spot-knocking voltage to the tubes. The hangers and tubes sequentially engage a series of anode bus bar segments and the spot-knocking discharges are counted. The counts for each hanger and for each tube are averaged and compared with stored averages to identify faulty tubes, spot-knocking equipment and carts.

Abstract: A method of aging a thin-film electroluminescent (EL) display element comprises the steps of applying an aging voltage to electrodes of the element, and changing the peak value of the aging voltage in accordance with the characteristics of the element which change during an aging period. An aging circuit to perform the above method is provided. In a specific example, the magnitude of the aging voltage is changed according to the relationship between the brightness of electroluminescence generated from the element and a driving voltage applied to the element. In another specific example, the magnitude of the aging voltage is changed such that the brightness of the electroluminescence is sustained to be substantially constant, thereby making operation points constant on the above characteristics.

Abstract: A solid filler material is used to encapsulate active TFEL components supported by a substrate and disposed within a cavity. The cavity is created by affixing a rear cover plate to the substrate. The filler material is injected into the cavity as a liquid but cures to a solid under the influence of heat. This provides an effective moisture barrier and enhances the structural integrity of the panel rendering it immune to problems caused by changes in air pressure or caused by vibration.

Abstract: CRT mounts for color television are effectively high voltage conditioned by impressing a high voltage DC potential on the mount anode, while at the same time impressing a high frequency pulsed AC potential on the final grid electrode, and allowing the focusing electrode to float electrically, thereby inducing arcing in the upper and lower gaps adjacent the focusing electrode. Preferably, this general conditioning is followed by a second conditioning step in which the focusing electrode is connected to the AC potential, to concentrate the arcing in the upper gap.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for solving the problem of non-uniform phosphor aging of the screen of a dual mode television receiver having the capability of displaying the picture image in two different aspect ratios, for example, 4:3 and 5:3. In one embodiment, the entire screen is illuminated during display of a 4:3 aspect ratio image on the central area of the screen so as to effect uniformity of aging over the entire screen. Alternatively, the areas at either side of the central 4:3 aspect ratio image area are not illuminated during display of 4:3 aspect ratio images but are, instead, post-aged following a period of display of such images. Another solution is to electrically compensate for the faster aging of the central 4:3 aspect ratio are of the screen when viewing 5:3 aspect ratio pictures.

Abstract: A method for checking the evaporation of a pellet of getter material such as barium on the walls of the envelope of a cathode-ray tube during manufacture. The pressure within the cathode-ray tube is measured during the operation involving stabilization of the cathode material by measuring the positive-ion charge within the tube.

Abstract: A metal halide lamp provides exceptional color rendition because of a high calcium iodide partial pressure. A long-arc ellipsoidal arc tube provides a high "cold spot" temperature.The method of manufacture of the lamp includes heating the arc tube tubulation while burning the lamp after dosing, and then an evacuation step to eliminate moisture due to the hygroscopic calcium iodide.

Abstract: A rapid-start fluorescent lamp has a tubular envelope with a phosphor-coated inner wall surface, a pair of spaced electrodes and a pair of electrical leads sealed into each end of the envelope with one electrical lead connected directly to the electrode and the other electrical lead having an integral circuit breaker connected to the electrode and formed to disconnect the electrode from an energy source during lamp operation. Also, the rapid-start fluorescent lamp is fabricated by preparing a phosphor coated envelope, forming a pair of end members having a pair of leads and an integral circuit breaker with one lead connected directly to the electrode and the circuit breaker connecting the other lead to the electrode, sealing the end members into the envelope, heating and exhaust tubes the envelope, heating the electrodes via the circuit breaker, dispensing a fill gas and mercury into the envelope and pinching off the exhausting of the envelope.

Abstract: A single-ended metal halide discharge lamp including a fused silica elliptical-shaped envelope which is filled with a metal halide dosed high pressure mercury fill and wherein a pair of electrodes each having a metal rod with a ball on the end thereof are sealed whereby isothermal operation of the elliptical-shaped envelope is effected. A manufacturing process is also provided wherein an elliptical-shaped envelope is formed, a pair of electrodes having metal rods with a ball on the end thereof are sealed into one end of the envelope, and the envelope is filled with a metal halide dosed high pressure mercury fill.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of producing a discharge display device which enables formation of a satisfactory LaB.sub.6 cathode without using a LaB.sub.6 paste containing a glass binder. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of applying a conductive paste containing a glass binder, temporarily drying said conductive paste to form a conductive paste layer, forming a LaB.sub.6 layer containing no glass binder on said conductive paste layer, burning said conductive paste layer and said LaB.sub.6 layer, at the same time, and activating said LaB.sub.6 layer after being burnt, and after an exhausting step by gas discharge with large current to form a LaB.sub.6 cathode.

Abstract: The operability of the connecting sockets of a kinescope aging line is verified by applying the aging voltages through ammeters. The current plots are side-by-side whereby low current plots for both voltages indicate an empty carrier while a low current for only one of the plots indicates a defective socket.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp having a discharge envelope sealed in a vacuum-tight manner and comprising four substantially parallel co-extending glass tube parts (1,2,3,4), adjacent tube parts (1,2) being connected through a cross-coupling (5) to each other so that during operation of the lamp the major part of each of the tube parts (1,2,3,4) as well as the cross-couplings (5,6,7) are traversed by the discharge.According to the invention, first a cross-coupling (24) is established between a first tube part (20) having a length l.sub.1, which is sealed at one end (20a) and comprises at the other end an electrode (22), and a tube part (18) likewise sealed at one end (18a) having a length l.sub.1 +l.sub.2, which tube part (18) comprises at its other end an electrode (16), the tube part (18) being subdivided at (18b) into two tube parts, one of which has a length l.sub.1 (26) and the other has a length l.sub.2 (27), the tube part having a length l.sub.

Abstract: The radiation generated by electrons from field emission current striking the anode of a high voltage vacuum device is used as an analog for the emission current in a method for assessing the dielectric state of the device. The emission current is determined by applying a variable voltage, less than that required to produce breakdown, to the device and measuring the radiation generated by the emission current. The radiation measurement is correlated to the amount of field emission current by means of a predetermined relationship, and the field enhancement factor, .beta., associated with the dielectric state of the device is determined from the slope of a plot of the logarithm of the quantity resulting from dividing the emission current by the square of the applied voltage, versus the reciprocal of the applied voltage. Alternatively, .beta. may be determined from the slope of a plot of the measured radiation versus the reciprocal voltage.

Abstract: The novel method of electrically processing a completed and operative CRT comprises (A) heating the portions of the focus electrode that face a high-voltage electrode at temperatures above about 700.degree. C. and simultaneously (B) spot-knocking the heated portions of the focus electrode. The novel method can be applied during the initial processing of the CRT and/or subsequently during a reprocessing procedure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed which permits instant-heat cathodes for color-picture tubes to be formed in a single process step and avoids the formation of an activated barium-oxide deposit on the grid cylinder. This is achieved by alternately switching the heater current on and off with the operating voltages applied, the heater voltage and the "on" and "off" periods of the heater current being chosen so that, averaged over the "on" and "off" periods, the rated heating power and the rated power dissipation are maintained during the formation process, and that, when the temperature of the emitting material decreases during the "off" periods, no saturation of the electrode currents occurs.