Method of CRT manufacture using machine readable coded markings

Claim 1

In a method for assembling a series of CRTs, each CRT comprising a plurality of parts assembled with respect to one another, each said CRT including at least one glass envelope part, the steps comprising (1) advancing a series of said at least one glass envelope parts, each said glass envelope part having a unique optionally machine-readable coded marking on the external surface thereof, (2) optically machine-reading said marking of a part, (3) generating a control signal in response to step (2), (4) in response to said signal, initiating a local process for action with respect to said envelope part, (5) repeating steps (2), (3) and (4) for each part, (6) recording data thereof with reference to each said unique coded marking and (7) retaining said data in usable condition after said CRT has been completely assembled.

Claim 6

A method for assembling a series of CRTs, each CRT comprising a plurality of parts in predetermined relationships with respect to one another, each said CRT including an envelope comprising a glass faceplate panel and a funnel, said method comprising (1) advancing a series of said panels, each said panel having a unique, optically machine-readable, process-survivable, coded marking on the external surface thereof, said marking showing substantially no deterioration when exposed to air at 465° C. for one hour, (2) optically machine-reading said unique coded marking of a panel, (3) generating a control signal in response to step (2), (4) selecting at least one other of said parts in response to said control signal; then, in further response to said control signal, initiating a first local process for assembling said at least one other of said parts to said panel in a predetermined relationship, (5) recording data of said selection and said local process with reference to each said unique coded marking, (6) repeating steps (2), (3), (4) and (5) for another part and a second local process, and (7) retaining said data and said coded marking in usable condition after completely assembling said CRT.

Claim 7

A method for assembling a series of CRTs, each CRT comprising a plurality of parts in predetermined relationships with respect to one another, each said CRT including an envelope comprising a glass faceplate panel and a funnel, said method comprising (1) advancing a series of said panels, each said panel having a unique, optically machine-readable, process-survivable, coded marking on the external surface thereof, said marking showing substantially no deterioration when exposed to air at 465° C. for one hour, (2) optically machine-reading said unique coded marking of a panel, (3) generating a control signal in response to step (2), (4) selecting at least one other of said parts in response to said control signal; then, in further response to said control signal, initiating a first local process for assembling said at least one other of said parts to said panel in a predetermined relationship, (5) recording data of said selection and said local process with reference to each said unique coded marking, (6) repeating steps (2), (3), (4) and (5) for another part and a second local process, and (7) retaining said data and said coded marking in usable condition after completely assembling said CRT.