Imaging system having an improved support bead and connector

Abstract

The present imaging system, like prior imaging systems, includes an electron tube and an external solenoid which is disposed around a portion of the tube. An electron gun within the tube has a plurality of support beads located substantially symmetrically around the gun. Each of the beads comprises a body of insulating material having a first major surface and an oppositely disposed second major surface. A recess is formed in the first major surface and extends into the body of the material. A plurality of connectors corresponding to the number of supports beads are also provided. Each of the connectors comprises a single piece of metal having a proximal end, a distal end and a central body interconnecting both ends. The proximal end of each connector includes an embossment which conforms to the curvature of the leads which extend through a stem assembly of the tube. The distal end of each connector includes an arcuate termination that makes a line contact with a terminal of an electrostatic yoke formed on an interior surface of an envelope of the tube. The central body of each connector includes a flat support portion adjacent to the proximal end and a reverse-bend portion disposed between the flat support portion and the distal end. A protrusion extends from the flat support portion of each connector. The protrusions project into the recesses formed in the support beads to secure and longitudinally position the gun. The reverse-bend portions of the connectors provide an inwardly-directed spring force to radially position the electron gun on the longitudinal axis of the envelope.