Abstract:
The display panel includes a base plate which carries a plurality of pairs of scanning cathodes and display cathodes, oriented in columns, and insulating spacers which, in each pair, separate the scanning and display cathodes into operative pairs, with the pairs being arrayed in rows and columns. The panel also includes a face plate which carries a plurality of anode strips, oriented in rows, each strip overlaying and having a portion in operative relation with a row of scanning and display cathode pairs. In each pair of cathodes, only the display cathode is visible to a viewer. The face plate and base plate are sealed together to form an envelope which is filled with a gas suitable for supporting cathode glow.
Abstract:
A multi-position character display panel includes a gas-filled envelope which contains a plurality of groups of cathode segments arrayed in a line of character positions, with a single anode electrode provided for all of the groups of segments. In each group of cathode segments, the segments are long, narrow, rectangular members arrayed in a figure ''''8'''' pattern. In addition, a group of transfer cathodes is disposed adjacent to the lower edge of each figure 8 pattern and between each such pattern for use in transferring cathode glow through each group of cathode segments and from each group of cathode segments to the next group of cathode segments. The panel is operated by energizing the anode and the first of the transfer cathodes associated with the first group of cathode segments, then energizing each of the cathode segments for the character to be displayed in the first character position as determined by the input information, then transferring back to the first transfer electrode, then to the second transfer electrode and the associated decimal point, if required, then to the third transfer electrode, and then to the first transfer electrode of the next group of cathode segments. The same cycle is repeated for the second character position and the others in the series of character positions.