US3683358A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Photochromic storage-display system with selective erase utilizing gas plasma panel
Assignee: Corning Glass Works
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Filing: 1970-12-22
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Granted: 1972-08-08
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Expires: 1990-12-22
Abstract
Abstract Selective erasing capability is provided in a display system having a photochromic member upon which information is written by an electron beam which addresses a selected portion of a phosphor layer. Light from the addressed portion of the phosphor changes the optical density of the photochromic glass. The information is selectively erased from the photochromic member by light from a gas plasma panel having gas-filled cells. These cells emit predominantly infrared light which bleaches the photochromic glass to erase the information. The gas plasma panel is maintained at a threshold of excitation by an applied AC voltage. Specific cells are addressed by light from the phosphor layer. The electron beam selects a portion of the phosphor layer and light from this portion selectively excites the desired cell, or cells.
Inventors
- 👤 William Ernest Eichelberger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 07:45
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01J; H01J11/00; H01J11/10; H01J29/00; H01J29/02; H01J29/10; H01J29/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
21 words
The display system recited in claim 1 wherein said source of light comprises a layer of phosphor adjacent said first face.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
44 words
The display system recited in claim 2 wherein said source of light further comprises a cathode ray beam device having deflection mans for selectively directing a cathode ray beam to areas of said layer of phosphor adjacent addressed areas of said photochromic storage member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system recited in claim 2 wherein said phosphor is of the type which emits predominantly ultra-violet light, said system further comprising: a first dichroic layer between said phosphor and said photochromic storage member, said dichroic layer having optical characteristics which transmit light in the ultra-violet region and reflect light in the visible region.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
87 words
The display system recited in claim 4 wherein said first dichroic layer also reflects light in the infrared region and wherein said gas plasma panel emits light in the infrared region when excited, said system further comprising: a second dichroic layer positioned on the opposite side of said gas plasma panel and aid photochromic storage member from said first dichroic layer, said first and second dichroic layers forming an optical cavity through which pHotons in the infrared spectrum traverse and are captured by said photochromic storage member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
55 words
The display system recited in claim 1 wherein said gas plasma panel comprises: a separator plate having a plurality of cells filled with said gas, and first and second end covers constructed of electrically conductive, optically clear glass, said first and second end covers being sealed to said separator plate to provide a gas chamber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
The display system recited in claim 6 wherein said means for selectively applying a voltage includes a source of AC sustaining voltage connected across said first and said second end covers, said AC sustaining voltage having a magnitude which excites said chamber to the threshold of a plasma discharge.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The display system recited in claim 6 wherein said multi-cell separator plate comprises an optically clear glass plate having holes therein which form gas cells, said holes having a spacing which approximates the resolution distance of said display system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
The display system recited in claim 1 further comprising: a probing light source means for directing a beam of light to said second face, the wavelength of said probing light source means being such that it does not affect the optical density of photochromic glass.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The display system recited in claim 1 further comprising: means for periodically interrupting said AC voltage to periodically extinguish said plasma discharge, the interrupted plasma discharge producing a periodic visible light at a position on said display device selected by the cathode ray beam.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
81 words
The display system recited in claim 1 wherein said photochromic storage member comprises: a plurality of glass optical fibers secured together in side by side relation so that opposite ends of the fibers define said first and said second faces, each of said fibers including a light conducting core consisting of photochromic glass having a selected refractive index and a cladding on said core of a light transmitting material having a refractive index which is lower than said selective refractive index.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-08 | 1976-02-07 | 1976-08-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-08 | 1980-02-07 | 1980-08-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-08 | 1984-02-07 | 1984-08-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |