Mask-to-frame welding indicator

Claim 2

In combination: color television picture tube mask assembly apparatus having a first curvilinear surface; rigid frame means; a multiapertured metallic shadow mask, having a contour similar to said first curvilinear surface, adjustably retained on said rigid frame means; mounting means, accurately positioned with respect to said first curvilinear surface, supporting said frame means in predetermined alignment therewith; engagement means seating said shadow mask with said first curvilinear surface; and means, completing an electrical circuit indicating said mask being in substantially complete engagement with said first curvilinear surface.

Claim 3

The combination as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first curvilinear surface includes an array of electrically conductive regions; a first voltage source having one terminal coupled to one of said regions; and a plurality of lamps individually coupled between the other terminal of said first voltage source and different ones of the rest of said regions, whereby said metallic shadow mask contacts said regions and completes electric circuits from said voltage source to said lamps when said shadow mask is properly seated with said first curvilinear surface.

Claim 4

The combination as set forth in claim 2, wherein said first curvilinear surface comprises a metallic base having a nonconductive covering, and wherein each of said conductive regions comprises thin metallic foil, overlying said covering.

Claim 5

The combination as set forth in claim 3, wherein said frame means have a relatively wide border defining a window, and wherein said engagement means comprise a plunger having a second curvilinear surface smaller in size but similar in shape to said first curvilinear surface; said second surface being movable through said window for pressing said shadow mask into intimate contact with said first surface; peripheral areas of said shadow mask being untouched by said second surface and often assuming a nonmating relationship with said first surface and hence, being improperly seated therewith; said one conductive region secured in an area on said first surface engageable with said second surface to insure good electrical contact with said shadow mask; said rest of said conductive regions being located under said peripheral areas of said shadow mask.

Claim 6

The combination as set forth in claim 4, wherein said assembly apparatus further includes fastening means operable for attaching said shadow mask to said frame means.

Claim 7

The combination as set forth in claim 5, wherein said fastening means includes means for welding said shadow mask to said rigid frame means when energized, and normally open switch means for energizing said welding means when said shadow mask is properly seated with said first curvilinear surface.

Claim 8

The combination as set forth in claim 6, wherein said normally open switch means include a plurality of electromechanical relays each having a normally open contact set, each of said plurality of electromechanical relays being coupled in parallel with a respective one of said lamps, whereby each contact set is closed upon energization of its respective relay and consequent energization of its associated lamp.

Claim 9

In combination: color television picture tube assembly apparatus comprising a curvilinear surface having a plurality of conductive regions; a common lead; a plurality of lamps, electrically coupled between respective ones of said conductive regions and said common lead; a plurality of supporting pegs accurately positioned with respect to said curvilinear surface; a frame, having a forwardly extending rim, releasably secured to said supporting pegs; and electrically conductive shadow mask, having a lip portion overslipping said rim and being frictionally maintained thereon; engagement means, moving said shadow mask into seating engagement with said curvilinear surface, said lip portion thereby sliding along said rim; voltage means, coupled between said shadow mask and said common lead, whereby electric current flows through said mask into said conductive regions illuminating all of said lamps when said mask is properly seated with said curvilinear surface; and welding means operable to tack weld said lip to said rim.

Claim 10

In combination: color television picture tube assembly apparatus comprising a curvilinear surface having a plurality of conductive regions; a common lead; a plurality of lamps, electrically coupled between respective ones of said conductive regions and said common lead; a plurality of supporting pegs accurately positioned with respect to said curvilinear surface; a frame, having a forwardly extending rim, releasably secured to said supporting pegs; and electrically conductive shadow mask, having a lip portion overslipping said rim and being frictionally maintained thereon; engagement means, moving said shadow mask into seating engagement with said curvilinear surface, said lip portion thereby sliding along said rim; voltage means, coupled between said shadow mask and said common lead, whereby electric current flows through said mask into said conductive regions illuminating all of said lamps when said mask is properly seated with said curvilinear surface; and welding means operable to tack weld said lip to said rim.

Claim 11

The combination as set forth in claim 8, wherein said assembly apparatus further includes a plurality of relays for controlling operation of said welding means; said plurality of relays being individually coupled across said lamps each of said relays including a normally open switch serially connected in circuit with said welding means and said voltage means.

Claim 12

The combination as set forth in claim 9, wherein said conductive regions comprise thin pieces of metallic foil arranged in a pattern about said curvilinear surface; said lamps being arranged in a similar pattern, such that each lamp corresponds to an area on said surface underlying a corresponding piece of metallic foil, whereby said lamps indicate the particular areas of nonengagement between said shadow mask and said curvilinear surface.