Segment display system

摘要

A segment display system (10) whereby ultraviolet energy is generated and contacted with fluorescent material coatings (78) to create electromagnetic wave generation within the visible bandwidth of the electromagnetic spectrum through fluorescent excitation of the fluorescent material coatings (78). Ultraviolet energy is generated from the ionization of metallic atoms from a metallic coating (42) coated to through opening sidewalls (40) of slots (38) forming the cathode mechanism (26). The slot through openings (38) are in registration with the fluorescent material coatings (78) mounted on a display panel member (80). Below the cathode mechanism (26) is a common anode element (62). Each of the metallic coatings (42) formed within each of the slot through openings (38) is coupled to an external electrical source as is the anode element (62). The segment display system (10) is formed into a monolithic structure which includes the internal chamber (64) within which an inert or combination of inert gases is introduced. Electrical energization of the cathode elements and the anode element (62) results in ionization of metal atoms emitted from the metallic coating (42). The ionization process provides for ultraviolet radiation which is directed to the fluorescent material coating (78). The coatings (78) are generally linearly extended and are formed into a predetermined pattern in order to provide information output responsive to a predetermined cathode element being energized in combination with the energization of the common anode element (62).