Abstract:
Display devices adapted to display one or more characters sideby-side in one or more rows and including several groups of display cathode segments positioned in a row, with corresponding segments in each group connected in common, an anode electrode associated with each group of the display segments, and an auxiliary electrode partially surrounding and electrically isolating each group of display segments. The cathode segments, together with an anode, can be selectively energized to display a character at any desired cathode group or position. The auxiliary electrode can be energized to inhibit electrical discharge between the display cathode segments and any other than the associated anode.