US3928781A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gaseous discharge display panel including pilot electrodes and radioactive wire
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1974-09-03
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Granted: 1975-12-23
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Expires: 1994-09-03
Abstract
Abstract In a plasma display panel consisting of gas enclosed between adjacent insulating members, a light source is used to supply charged particles in the gas to permit firing of the gas when coordinate conductors identifying a site location are energized. The use of such pilot lamps facilitates ignition in firing with uniform selection and firing potentials within all sites of the display panel. To eliminate the difficulty in achieving firing during cold starts a radioactive source comprised of a copper wire electroplated with nickel 63 and overcoated with a protective coat of nickel is placed within the gas panel to provide a source of free electrons. The wire is held in place by friction against the inside walls of the panel. Since the wire emits only beta radiation, no radiation hazard exists externally to the panel.
Inventors
- 👤 Roger Joseph Edwards
- 👤 Barouyr Zareh Hairabedian
- 👤 Neil Myron Poley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 09:10
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01J; H01J17/00; H01J17/38; H01J17/48; H01J17/49; H01J17/492
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
In a plasma display device comprising a panel with an illuminable gas sealed in a chamber between two substantially transparent flat plates, said chamber containing a multiplicity of light emitting cells wherein each cell is formed at a crossover point of spaced orthogonal conductors, such that the gas in the region of each coordinate intersection of said conductors may be fired in response to a firing potential difference applied to said orthogonal conductors, the improvement comprising a pair of pilot electrodes one of which is disposed on the interior surface of one of said flat plates, the other of which is placed on the interior surface of the other of said flat plates, and a radioactive wire located within the chamber between the pilot electrodes, whereby the radiation from said wire aids the ionization of gas in the region of said pilot electrodes which in turn aids in the ignition of the illuminable gas cells of the display panel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
159 words
In a plasma display device comprising a panel with an illuminable gas sealed in a chamber between two substantially transparent flat plates, said chamber containing a multiplicity of light emitting cells wherein each cell is formed at a crossover point of spaced orthogonal conductors, such that the gas in the region of each coordinate intersection of said conductors may be fired in response to a firing potential difference applied to said orthogonal conductors, the improvement comprising a pair of pilot electrodes one of which is disposed on the interior surface of one of said flat plates, the other of which is placed on the interior surface of the other of said flat plates, and a radioactive wire located within the chamber between the pilot electrodes, whereby the radiation from said wire aids the ionization of gas in the region of said pilot electrodes which in turn aids in the ignition of the illuminable gas cells of the display panel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said wire is comprised of nickel 63.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device of claim 2 wherein said radioactive wire is of a diameter smaller than the chamber space between the pilot electrodes and wherein a holding means is provided to position said wire in said chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
The device of claim 3 wherein said holding means is comprised of a bow in the said radioactive wire, said wire in contact with each of the interior surfaces of said panel, said bow resulting in friction forces between said wire and each of said interior surfaces to hold said wire in position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-12-22 | 1979-06-23 | 1979-12-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-12-22 | 1983-06-23 | 1983-12-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-12-22 | 1987-06-23 | 1987-12-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |