Multi-beam cathode ray tube character display

Claim 1

A multi-beam cathode ray tube construction for producing a matrix display pattern from plural electron beams arranged in plural rows and plural columns to generate display images of alpha-numeric characters formed from spot elements of the matrix pattern, comprising a glass envelope including an elongated generally cylindrical neck section and a face plate section jointed thereto having a phosphor target; a single electron gun within the rear region of said neck section including a cathode for emitting electrons, beam control and shaping perforated electrode means having plural rows of plural holes for conTrolling and shaping the electrons emitted by said cathode into plural rows of plural beams to form the matrix pattern, each of said holes being lined with conductive material connected by conductor strips to terminals for applying selected potentials to the lining material; and accelerating anode means for accelerating the electrons in said beams toward the target to form a spot image on the target for each of the beams, said anode means including a gradient field helical anode formed of a narrow band of resistance material extending in a helical path along said neck portion in encircling relation to the electron beams over the major portion of their paths from the electrode means to the target area, said cathode comprising a pair of joined metallic sheet members each having a plurality of outwardly projecting truncated V-shaped formations collectively defining plural six-sided channels of substantially honeycomb configuration in side elevation defining plural flat faces in a single plane spanning the width of the cathode in parallel respectively alined relation with the rows of holes and beams, the channels housing coiled filament wire along the length thereof closely conforming to the cross-section of said channels, and said flat faces each having a coating of electron emission material which is thermally activated to emit electrons to form said beams.