Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
A method for forming internally channeled light emitting display device envelope comprising the steps of: (a) delivering and depositing a first or channel-forming ribbon of molten glass to a surface of a mold assembly having a mold cavity possessing at least one channel-forming groove formed therewithin and a peripheral surface, wherein the channel-forming ribbon overlies the mold cavity and the peripheral surface of the mold assembly; (b) causing the channel-forming ribbon of molten glass to substantially conform to the contour of the mold cavity resulting in the formation of at least one channel in the ribbon of the molten glass; (c) delivering and depositing a second or sealing ribbon of molten glass to the outer surface of the channel-forming ribbon of molten glass wherein the viscosity of the sealing ribbon is such that the sealing ribbon (i) bridges but does not sag into complete contact with the surface of the at least one channel of the channel-forming ribbon and (ii) forms a hermetic seal wherever the sealing ribbon contacts the channel-forming ribbon to form a glass article with at least one enclosed channel; and, (d) removing the glass article from the mold.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 including the additional step of applying a vacuum to the under surface of the channel forming ribbon of molten glass thereby causing the channel forming ribbon to substantially conform to the contour of the mold cavity channel forming groove.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 including the step of pressing the sealing ribbon into position using a plunger apparatus whereby the sealing ribbon bridges but is not pressed into complete contact with the surface of the channel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the mold cavity further possesses a series of deep draw cavities into which the molten glass is drawn.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the deep draw cavity is in communication with an air line and at least a partial vacuum condition is maintained during deposition of the channel forming ribbon resulting in the glass in the cavity remaining open to the air line.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 4 wherein after deposition of the sealing ribbon, air is blown into and through the air line and into contact with the molten glass.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 6 including the further step of pressing the sealing ribbon into position using a plunger apparatus, whereby the sealing ribbon bridges but is not pressed into complete contact with the surface of the channel while the air is blown through the line, thereby forcing the sealing ribbon into substantial contact with the plunger.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
90 words
An internally channeled light emitting device comprising a thin glass envelope having a front surface and a back surface laminated and integrated together to form a unitary envelope body essentially free of any sealing materials and having at least one gas discharge channel, the glass envelope exhibiting a weight to area ratio of ≦1.0 g/cm 2 , each channel provided with a discharge or ionizable gas and at least two electrodes in communication with, and located at opposite ends of the gas discharge channel for generating an arc discharge therebetween.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The light emitting device of claim 8 wherein of a back side of the back surface is provided with an integral reflecting means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The internally channeled light emitting device of claim 8 wherein the glass material is selected from the group of glasses consisting of borosilicate, aluminosilicate, boro-aluminosilicate and soda-lime silicate.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The internally channeled light emitting device of claim 8 wherein the discharge gas is selected from the group consisting of mercury, xenon, krypton, argon, neon, helium and mixtures thereof.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
77 words
A thin glass envelope for enclosing a discharge gas or ionizable medium for use as light emitting device, the envelope comprising a front surface and a back surface laminated and integrated together to form a unitary envelope body essentially free of sealant materials and having at least one discharge or ionizable gas channel, the envelope exhibiting a weight to area ratio of ≦1.0 g/cm 2., , the front and back surfaces comprised of a transparent glass material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
50 words
The thin glass envelope of claim 12 wherein the gas channel includes at least one evacuation and filling tubulation port in communication with the external environment thereby providing access to the gas channel to allow the glass article to be evacuated and thereafter backfilled with a discharge or ionizable gas.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
104 words
An internally channeled light emitting device comprising a thin glass envelope having a front surface and a back surface laminated and integrated together to form a unitary envelope body having a primary gas discharge channel and at least one secondary gas discharge channel adjacent to and in communication with the primary gas discharge channel, each channel provided with a discharge or ionizable gas, the primary gas discharge channel having at least two electrodes in communication with, and located at opposite ends of, the primary gas discharge channel for generating an arc discharge therebetween, the front and back surfaces comprised of a transparent glass material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
The internally channeled light emitting device of claim 14 wherein the thin glass envelope is essentially free of any sealing materials and exhibits a weight to area ratio of ≦1.0 g/cm 2., .
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
68 words
An thin glass envelope for enclosing a discharge gas or ionizable medium for use as light emitting device, the envelope comprising a front surface and a back surface laminated and integrated together to form a unitary envelope body essentially free of sealant materials and having at least one discharge or ionizable gas channel, and at least one secondary channel adjacent to and in communication with the primary channel.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
The thin glass envelope of claim 16 wherein the envelope exhibits a weight to area ratio of ≦1.0 g/cm 2., , the front and back surfaces comprised of a transparent glass material.