Methods and apparatus for making flat tension mask color cathode ray tubes

Claim 2

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; providing mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; altering the geometric parameter of one of said mask and screen patterns relative to the other; and with a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the said geometrical parameters of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said altering so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means.

Claim 3

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; providing mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; altering the size or shape of one of said patterns relative to the other; and with a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said altering so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns.

Claim 4

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; providing mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; altering the size or shape of one of said patterns relative to the other; and with a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said altering so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns.

Claim 5

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing optical screen reference means associated with a front panel which is indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; providing optical mask reference means on a shadow mask which is indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; altering said geometric parameter of said mask pattern relative to said geometric parameter of said screen pattern; with a feedback control system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the said geometrical parameters of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said altering so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter.

Claim 6

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing optical screen reference means associated with a front panel which is indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; providing optical mask reference means on a shadow mask which is indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; altering said geometric parameter of said mask pattern relative to said geometric parameter of said screen pattern; with a feedback control system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the said geometrical parameters of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said altering so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter.

Claim 7

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; providing optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; altering the size or shape of one of said patterns relative to the other; and with a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said altering so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns.

Claim 8

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; providing optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; altering the size or shape of one of said patterns relative to the other; and with a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said altering so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns.

Claim 9

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; providing mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; altering said geometric parameter of said mask pattern relative to said geometric parameter of said screen pattern; and with a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said geometric parameters of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said altering until said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means; and securing said mask to said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 10

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; providing mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; altering said geometric parameter of said mask pattern relative to said geometric parameter of said screen pattern; and with a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said geometric parameters of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said altering until said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means; and securing said mask to said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 11

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing inner surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; providing mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; altering the size or shape of one of said patterns relative to the other; with a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said alteration so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns; and securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 12

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing inner surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; providing mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; altering the size or shape of one of said patterns relative to the other; with a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said alteration so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns; and securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 13

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing inner surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing optical screen reference means associated with a front panel which is indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; providing optical mask reference means on a shadow mask which is indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; altering said geometric parameter of said mask pattern relative to said geometric parameter of said screen pattern; with a feedback control system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said geometric parameter of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said altering so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter; and securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 14

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing inner surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing optical screen reference means associated with a front panel which is indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; providing optical mask reference means on a shadow mask which is indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; altering said geometric parameter of said mask pattern relative to said geometric parameter of said screen pattern; with a feedback control system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said geometric parameter of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said altering so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter; and securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 15

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing inner surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; providing optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; altering the size or shape of one of said patterns relative to the other; with a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said altering so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns; and securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 16

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing inner surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; providing optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; altering the size or shape of one of said patterns relative to the other; with a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said altering so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns; and securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 17

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; means for altering said geometric parameter of one of said mask and screen patterns relative to the other; and control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said geometrical parameters of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means controlling said altering until said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means.

Claim 18

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; means for altering said geometric parameter of one of said mask and screen patterns relative to the other; and control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said geometrical parameters of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means controlling said altering until said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means.

Claim 19

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; means for altering the size or shape of one of said patterns relative to the other; and control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means controlling said mask expansion so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in said size or shape between said mask and screen patterns.

Claim 20

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; means for altering the size or shape of one of said patterns relative to the other; and control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means controlling said mask expansion so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in said size or shape between said mask and screen patterns.

Claim 21

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: optical screen reference means associated with a front panel and indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; optical mask reference means on a shadow mask and indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; means for altering one of said parameters relative to the other; and control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said geometrical parameters of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means controlling said altering so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter.

Claim 22

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: optical screen reference means associated with a front panel and indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; optical mask reference means on a shadow mask and indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; means for altering one of said parameters relative to the other; and control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said geometrical parameters of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means controlling said altering so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter.

Claim 23

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; means for altering the size or shape of one of said patterns relative to the other; and control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus the size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means for controlling said alteration so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter.

Claim 24

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; means for altering the size or shape of one of said patterns relative to the other; and control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus the size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means for controlling said alteration so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter.

Claim 25

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; means for altering one of said geometric parameters relative to the other; and control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said geometrical parameters of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means controlling said altering so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means; and means for securing said mask to said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 26

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; means for altering one of said geometric parameters relative to the other; and control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said geometrical parameters of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means controlling said altering so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means; and means for securing said mask to said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 27

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; means for altering the size or shape of one of said patterns relative to the other; control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means controlling said mask alteration so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in said size or shape between said mask and screen patterns; and means for securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 28

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; means for altering the size or shape of one of said patterns relative to the other; control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means controlling said mask alteration so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in said size or shape between said mask and screen patterns; and means for securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 29

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing inner surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: optical screen reference means associated with a front panel and indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; optical mask reference means on a shadow mask and indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; means for altering one of said geometric parameters relative to the other; control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said geometrical parameters of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means controlling said altering so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter; and means for securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 30

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing inner surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: optical screen reference means associated with a front panel and indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; optical mask reference means on a shadow mask and indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; means for altering one of said geometric parameters relative to the other; control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said geometrical parameters of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means controlling said altering so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter; and means for securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 31

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing inner surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; means for altering the size or shape of one of said patterns relative to the other; control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus the size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means for controlling said expansion so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter; and means for securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 32

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing inner surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; means for altering the size or shape of one of said patterns relative to the other; control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus the size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means for controlling said expansion so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter; and means for securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 33

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow mask and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; providing mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; mechanically stretching a mask to alter said geometric parameter of said mask pattern relative to that of said screen pattern; and controlling said stretching so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means.

Claim 34

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow mask and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; providing mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; mechanically stretching a mask to alter said geometric parameter of said mask pattern relative to that of said screen pattern; and controlling said stretching so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means.

Claim 35

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow mask and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; providing mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; mechanically stretching a mask to alter said geometric parameter of said mask pattern relative to that of said screen pattern; and with a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the said geometrical parameter of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said stretching so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means.

Claim 36

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow mask and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; providing mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; mechanically stretching a mask to alter said geometric parameter of said mask pattern relative to that of said screen pattern; and with a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the said geometrical parameter of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said stretching so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means.

Claim 37

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; providing mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; mechanically stretching said mask pattern relative to said screen pattern; and with a system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said mask stretching so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns.

Claim 38

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; providing mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; mechanically stretching said mask pattern relative to said screen pattern; and with a system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said mask stretching so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns.

Claim 39

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of the size and shape of said screen pattern; providing optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of the size and shape of said mask pattern; mechanically stretching said mask pattern relative to said screen pattern; and with a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the size and shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said mask stretching so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size and shape between said mask and screen patterns.

Claim 40

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of the size and shape of said screen pattern; providing optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of the size and shape of said mask pattern; mechanically stretching said mask pattern relative to said screen pattern; and with a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the size and shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, controlling said mask stretching so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size and shape between said mask and screen patterns.

Claim 41

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing inner surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; providing mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; mechanically stretching said mask pattern relative to said screen pattern; controlling said mask stretching so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns; and securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 42

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing inner surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; providing mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; mechanically stretching said mask pattern relative to said screen pattern; controlling said mask stretching so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns; and securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 43

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing inner surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; providing optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; mechanically stretching said mask pattern relative to said screen pattern; with a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern controlling said mask stretching so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns; and securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 44

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing inner surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, the method comprising: providing optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel which is indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; providing optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask which is indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; mechanically stretching said mask pattern relative to said screen pattern; with a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern controlling said mask stretching so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns; and securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 45

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; means for mechanically stretching a mask to alter said geometric parameter of said mask pattern relative to that of said screen pattern; and control means for controlling said stretching so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means.

Claim 46

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of a geometric parameter of said screen pattern; mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of a corresponding geometric parameter of said mask pattern; means for mechanically stretching a mask to alter said geometric parameter of said mask pattern relative to that of said screen pattern; and control means for controlling said stretching so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means.

Claim 47

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of the size and shape of said screen pattern; mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of the size and shape of said mask pattern; means for mechanically stretching said mask pattern relative to that of said screen pattern; and control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said size and shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means controlling said mask stretching so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in said size and shape between said mask and screen patterns.

Claim 48

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of the size and shape of said screen pattern; mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of the size and shape of said mask pattern; means for mechanically stretching said mask pattern relative to that of said screen pattern; and control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to said size and shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means controlling said mask stretching so that said mask reference means attains a predetermined relationship to said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in said size and shape between said mask and screen patterns.

Claim 49

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; means for mechanically stretching said mask pattern relative to that of said screen pattern; and control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus the size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means for controlling said stretching so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter.

Claim 50

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; means for mechanically stretching said mask pattern relative to that of said screen pattern; and control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus the size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means for controlling said stretching so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter.

Claim 51

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; means for mechanically stretching said mask pattern relative to that of said screen pattern; and control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means for controlling said stretching until said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter.

Claim 52

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of the size or shape of said screen pattern; optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; means for mechanically stretching said mask pattern relative to that of said screen pattern; and control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus to the size or shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means for controlling said stretching until said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size or shape between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter.

Claim 53

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing inner surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of the size and shape of said screen pattern; optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; means for mechanically stretching said mask pattern relative to that of said screen pattern; control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus the size and shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means controlling said stretching so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size and shape between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter; and means for securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 54

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing inner surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of the size and shape of said screen pattern; optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; means for mechanically stretching said mask pattern relative to that of said screen pattern; control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus the size and shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means controlling said stretching so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size and shape between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter; and means for securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 55

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing inner surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of the size and shape of said screen pattern; optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; means for mechanically stretching said mask pattern relative to said screen pattern; control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus the size and shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means controlling said stretching so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size and shape between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter; and means for securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 56

For use in the manufacture of a color cathode ray tube having a shadow mask with a central pattern of apertures mounted in tension on a transparent flat front panel with the mask aperture pattern in registration with a corresponding cathodoluminescent screen pattern on an inner surface of the panel, said front panel having mask support means secured to the screen-bearing inner surface of the panel along opposed edges of said screen pattern, wherein the shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable, apparatus comprising: optical screen reference means associated with a screen pattern on a front panel and indicative of the size and shape of said screen pattern; optical mask reference means associated with a mask aperture pattern on a shadow mask and indicative of the size or shape of said mask pattern; means for mechanically stretching said mask pattern relative to said screen pattern; control means including a feedback system responsive to said mask reference means and said screen reference means and thus the size and shape relationship of said screen pattern and said mask pattern, said control means controlling said stretching so that said mask reference means attains optical alignment with said screen reference means indicative of correspondence in size and shape between said mask and screen patterns in said geometric parameter; and means for securing said mask to said mask support means on said front panel with said mask and screen patterns in registration.

Claim 57

For use in a manufacturing process for color cathode ray tubes of the flat tension mask type wherein shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable during mask-panel assembly, the method comprising: providing a shadow mask having a predetermined pattern of apertures; and mechanically stretching the mask to establish correspondence between geometrical reference points on the mask and geometrical reference points associated with a previously fabricated screen pattern on a front panel.

Claim 58

For use in a manufacturing process for color cathode ray tubes of the flat tension mask type wherein shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable during mask-panel assembly, the method comprising: providing a shadow mask having a predetermined pattern of apertures; and mechanically stretching the mask to establish correspondence between geometrical reference points on the mask and geometrical reference points associated with a previously fabricated screen pattern on a front panel.

Claim 59

For use in a manufacturing process for color cathode ray tubes of the flat tension mask type wherein shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable during mask-panel assembly, the method comprising: providing a shadow mask having a predetermined pattern of apertures; providing a front panel having a cathodoluminesent screen pattern and integral mask support means along opposed edges of said screen pattern; mechanically stretching the mask to establish correspondence between geometrical reference points on the mask and an external geometrical reference; and affixing the mask to said mask support means with said mask in tension and said pattern of apertures in registration with the screen pattern.

Claim 60

For use in a manufacturing process for color cathode ray tubes of the flat tension mask type wherein shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable during mask-panel assembly, the method comprising: providing a shadow mask having a predetermined pattern of apertures; providing a front panel having a cathodoluminesent screen pattern and integral mask support means along opposed edges of said screen pattern; mechanically stretching the mask to establish correspondence between geometrical reference points on the mask and an external geometrical reference; and affixing the mask to said mask support means with said mask in tension and said pattern of apertures in registration with the screen pattern.

Claim 61

For use in a manufacturing process for color cathode ray tubes of the flat tension mask type wherein shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable during mask-panel assembly, the method comprising: providing a shadow mask having a predetermined pattern of apertures; sensing a difference in the size or shape of the mask relative to a predetermined reference, and producing an error signal corresponding to said difference; and applying to said mask tensile forces controlled by a feedback system responsive to said error signal to change the size or shape of said mask to reduce said difference toward zero.

Claim 62

For use in a manufacturing process for color cathode ray tubes of the flat tension mask type wherein shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable during mask-panel assembly, the method comprising: providing a shadow mask having a predetermined pattern of apertures; sensing a difference in the size or shape of the mask relative to a predetermined reference, and producing an error signal corresponding to said difference; and applying to said mask tensile forces controlled by a feedback system responsive to said error signal to change the size or shape of said mask to reduce said difference toward zero.

Claim 63

For use in a manufacturing process for color cathode ray tubes of the flat tension mask type wherein shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable during mask-panel assembly, the method comprising: providing a shadow mask having a predetermined pattern of apertures; providing a front panel having a cathodoluminescent screen pattern located with respect to a predetermined first reference and integral mask support means along opposed edges of said screen pattern; mechanically stretching the mask to establish correspondence between geometrical reference points on the mask and an external second geometrical reference associated with a previously fabricated screen pattern on a front panel.

Claim 64

For use in a manufacturing process for color cathode ray tubes of the flat tension mask type wherein shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable during mask-panel assembly, the method comprising: providing a shadow mask having a predetermined pattern of apertures; providing a front panel having a cathodoluminescent screen pattern located with respect to a predetermined first reference and integral mask support means along opposed edges of said screen pattern; mechanically stretching the mask to establish correspondence between geometrical reference points on the mask and an external second geometrical reference associated with a previously fabricated screen pattern on a front panel.

Claim 65

For use in a manufacturing process for color cathode ray tubes of the flat tension mask type wherein shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable during mask-panel assembly, the method comprising: providing a shadow mask having a predetermined pattern of apertures; sensing a difference in the size or shape of the mask relative to a predetermined reference; and acting on said mask in a controlled manner to change the size or shape of the mask, including applying tensile forces to said mask, to reduce the said difference toward zero.

Claim 66

For use in a manufacturing process for color cathode ray tubes of the flat tension mask type wherein shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable during mask-panel assembly, the method comprising: providing a shadow mask having a predetermined pattern of apertures; sensing a difference in the size or shape of the mask relative to a predetermined reference; and acting on said mask in a controlled manner to change the size or shape of the mask, including applying tensile forces to said mask, to reduce the said difference toward zero.

Claim 67

For use in a manufacturing process for color cathode ray tubes of the flat tension mask type wherein shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable during mask-panel assembly, the method comprising: applying to the panel a screen pattern bearing a predetermined geometrical relationship to a predetermined first reference; stretching a mask to change the size or shape thereof so as to establish a predetermined geometrical relationship of a pattern of apertures in the mask to the same or an equivalent reference; and attaching the mask to a mask support structure on the panel while said panel and mask are referenced to the same or an equivalent reference to thereby establish a desired geometrical relationship between the screen pattern and said pattern of apertures in the mask.

Claim 68

For use in a manufacturing process for color cathode ray tubes of the flat tension mask type wherein shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable during mask-panel assembly, the method comprising: applying to the panel a screen pattern bearing a predetermined geometrical relationship to a predetermined first reference; stretching a mask to change the size or shape thereof so as to establish a predetermined geometrical relationship of a pattern of apertures in the mask to the same or an equivalent reference; and attaching the mask to a mask support structure on the panel while said panel and mask are referenced to the same or an equivalent reference to thereby establish a desired geometrical relationship between the screen pattern and said pattern of apertures in the mask.

Claim 69

For use in a manufacturing process for color cathode ray tubes of the flat tension mask type wherein shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable during mask-panel assembly, the method comprising: providing a shadow mask having a predetermined pattern of apertures; providing a front panel having a cathodoluminescent screen pattern located with respect to a predetermined first reference and integral mask support means along opposed edges of said screen pattern; sensing a difference in the size or shape of the mask relative to a predetermined reference and producing an error signal corresponding to said difference; applying to said mask tensile forces controlled by a feedback system responsive to said error signal to change the size or shape of said mask to establish correspondence between geometrical reference points on the mask and an external second geometrical reference; and affixing the mask to said mask support means with said mask in tension, using said first and second references, to establish registration between said mask and screen patterns.

Claim 70

For use in a manufacturing process for color cathode ray tubes of the flat tension mask type wherein shadow masks and front panels are respectively interchangeable during mask-panel assembly, the method comprising: providing a shadow mask having a predetermined pattern of apertures; providing a front panel having a cathodoluminescent screen pattern located with respect to a predetermined first reference and integral mask support means along opposed edges of said screen pattern; sensing a difference in the size or shape of the mask relative to a predetermined reference and producing an error signal corresponding to said difference; applying to said mask tensile forces controlled by a feedback system responsive to said error signal to change the size or shape of said mask to establish correspondence between geometrical reference points on the mask and an external second geometrical reference; and affixing the mask to said mask support means with said mask in tension, using said first and second references, to establish registration between said mask and screen patterns.