US6180029B1 — Oxygen-containing phosphor powders, methods for m…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 83 words

A powder batch comprising oxygen-containing phosphor particles, wherein said phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of from about 0.3 μm to about 5 μm and a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are not larger than twice said average particle size wherein said phosphor particles are substantially spherical and wherein said phosphor particles comprise a silicate host-material selected from the group consisting of zinc silicate, calcium silicate, barium silicate, gadolinium silicate and yttrium silicate.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 83 words

A powder batch comprising oxygen-containing phosphor particles, wherein said phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of from about 0.3 μm to about 5 μm and a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are not larger than twice said average particle size wherein said phosphor particles are substantially spherical and wherein said phosphor particles comprise a silicate host-material selected from the group consisting of zinc silicate, calcium silicate, barium silicate, gadolinium silicate and yttrium silicate.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 29 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 1 , wherein at least about 95 weight percent of said phosphor particles are not larger than twice said average particle size.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 30 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 1 , wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said phosphor particles are not larger than 1.5 times said average particle size.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 23 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 1 , wherein said average particle size is from about 0.3 μm to about 3 μm.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 20 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 1 , wherein said phosphor particles comprise at least a first activator ion.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 26 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 1 , wherein said phosphor particles comprise from about 0.02 to about 15 atomic percent of an activator ion.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 24 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 1 , wherein said phosphor particles have an average crystallite size of at least about 25 nanometers.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 24 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 1 , wherein said phosphor particles have an average crystallite size of at least about 40 nanometers.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 28 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 1 , wherein no greater than about 1 weight percent of said phosphor particles are in the form of hard agglomerates.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 24 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 1 , wherein said phosphor particles are coated particles comprising a coating on an outer surface thereof.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 27 words

A powder batch comprising metal silicate phosphor particles, wherein said phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of from about 0.3 μm to about 5 μm.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 27 words

A powder batch comprising metal silicate phosphor particles, wherein said phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of from about 0.3 μm to about 5 μm.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 31 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 11 , wherein said metal silicates are selected from the group consisting of zinc silicate, calcium silicate, barium silicate, gadolinium silicate and yttrium silicate.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 28 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 11 , wherein said phosphor particles further comprise an activator ion selected from the group consisting of rare-earth elements and Mn.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 24 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 11 , wherein said phosphor particles have an average crystallite size of at least about 25 nanometers.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 24 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 11 , wherein said phosphor particles have an average crystallite size of at least about 40 nanometers.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 16 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 11 , wherein said phosphor particles are substantially spherical.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 22 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 11 , wherein said phosphor particles comprise an activator ion homogeneously distributed throghout said particles.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 22 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 11 , wherein said average particle size is from about 0.3 to about 3 μm.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 18 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 11 , wherein said phosphor particles further comprise an activator ion.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 36 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 11 , wherein said particles have a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are not larger than twice said average particle size.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 52 words

A powder batch comprising zinc oxide phosphor particles, wherein said zinc oxide phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm and a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said phosphor particles are not larger than twice said average particle size.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 52 words

A powder batch comprising zinc oxide phosphor particles, wherein said zinc oxide phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm and a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said phosphor particles are not larger than twice said average particle size.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 20 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 21 , wherein said phosphor particles further comprise Zn as an activator ion.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 26 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 21 , wherein said phosphor particles comprise crystallites having an average crystallite size of at least about 25 nanometers.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 24 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 21 , wherein said phosphor particles have an average crystallite size of at least about 40 nanometers.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 15 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 21 wherein said phosphor particles are substantially spherical.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 22 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 21 , wherein said average particle size is from about 0.3 to about 3 μm.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 18 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 21 , wherein said phosphor particles further comprise an activator ion.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 72 words

A powder batch comprising yttrium oxide phosphor particles, wherein said phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of from about 0.3 μm to about 5 μm and a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are not larger than twice said average particle size wherein said phosphor particles are substantially spherical and wherein said phosphor particles comprise an activator ion homogeneously distributed throughout said particles.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 72 words

A powder batch comprising yttrium oxide phosphor particles, wherein said phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of from about 0.3 μm to about 5 μm and a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are not larger than twice said average particle size wherein said phosphor particles are substantially spherical and wherein said phosphor particles comprise an activator ion homogeneously distributed throughout said particles.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 20 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 28 , wherein said phosphor particles further comprise Eu as an activator ion.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 24 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 28 , wherein said phosphor particles have an average crystallite size of at least about 25 nanometers.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 24 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 28 , wherein said phosphor particles have an average crystallite size of at least about 40 nanometers.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 22 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 28 , wherein said average particle size is from about 0.3 to about 3 μm.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 18 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 28 , wherein said phosphor particles further comprise an activator ion.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 27 words

A powder batch comprising barium aluminate phosphor particles, wherein said phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of from about 0.3 μm to about 5 μm.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 27 words

A powder batch comprising barium aluminate phosphor particles, wherein said phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of from about 0.3 μm to about 5 μm.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 19 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 34 , wherein said phosphor particles comprise BaMgAl 14 O 23 .

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 20 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 34 , wherein said phosphor particles further comprise Eu as an activator ion.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 24 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 34 , wherein said phosphor particles have an average crystallite size of at least about 25 nanometers.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 24 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 34 , wherein said phosphor particles have an average crystallite size of at least about 40 nanometers.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 16 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 34 , wherein said phosphor particles are substantially spherical.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 22 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 34 , wherein said phosphor particles comprise an activator ion homogeneously distributed throghout said particles.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 22 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 34 , wherein said average particle size is from about 0.3 to about 3 μm.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 18 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 34 , wherein said phosphor particles further comprise an activator ion.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 36 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 34 , wherein said particles have a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are not larger than twice said average particle size.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 79 words

A powder batch comprising oxygen-containing phosphor particles, wherein said phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of from about 0.3 μm to about 5 μm and a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are not larger than twice said average particle size and wherein said phosphor particles comprise at least a first coating consisting essentially of a metal on an outer surface thereof, and wherein said phosphor particles are substantially spherical.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 79 words

A powder batch comprising oxygen-containing phosphor particles, wherein said phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of from about 0.3 μm to about 5 μm and a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are not larger than twice said average particle size and wherein said phosphor particles comprise at least a first coating consisting essentially of a metal on an outer surface thereof, and wherein said phosphor particles are substantially spherical.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 23 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 44 , wherein said average particle size is from about 0.3 μm to about 3 μm.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 17 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 44 , wherein said coating substantially encapsulates said phosphor particles.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 18 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 44 , wherein said coating is a substantially uniform non-particulate coating.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 18 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 44 , wherein said coating is a substantially uniform particulate coating.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 23 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 44 , wherein said coating has an average thickness of not greater than about 100 nanometers.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 25 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 44 , wherein said coating has an average thickness of from about 2 nanometers to about 10 nanometers.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 23 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 44 , wherein said phosphor particles further comprise a second coating substantially encapsulating said first coating.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 26 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 44 , wherein said phosphor particles comprise crystallites having an average crystallite size of at least about 25 nanometers.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 76 words

A powder batch comprising composite oxygen-containing phosphor particles, wherein said composite phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm and a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are smaller than twice said average particle size and wherein said phosphor particles comprise at least a first oxygen-containing phosphor compound phase and at least a second phase dispersed throughout said first oxygen-containing phosphor compound.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 76 words

A powder batch comprising composite oxygen-containing phosphor particles, wherein said composite phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm and a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are smaller than twice said average particle size and wherein said phosphor particles comprise at least a first oxygen-containing phosphor compound phase and at least a second phase dispersed throughout said first oxygen-containing phosphor compound.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 19 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 53 , wherein said second phase comprises a second oxygen-containing phosphor compound.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 19 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 53 , wherein said second phase comprises a metal sulfide phosphor compound.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 15 words

A powder batch as recited in claim 53 , wherein said particles are substantially spherical.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 50 words

A powder batch comprising yttrium gadolinium borate phosphor particles, wherein said phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm and a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are not larger than twice said average particle size.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 50 words

A powder batch comprising yttrium gadolinium borate phosphor particles, wherein said phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm and a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are not larger than twice said average particle size.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 52 words

A powder batch comprising phosphor particles having a titanate host material, wherein said phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm and a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are not larger than twice said average particle size.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 52 words

A powder batch comprising phosphor particles having a titanate host material, wherein said phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm and a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are not larger than twice said average particle size.

Claim 68

Independent Claim 83 words

A method for the production of oxygen-containing phosphor particles, comprising the steps of: a) generating an aerosol of droplets from a liquid wherein said liquid comprises a oxygen-containing phosphor precursor and wherein said droplets have a size distribution such that at least about 70 weight percent of said droplets have a size of from about 1 μm to about 10 μm; b) moving said droplets in a carrier gas; and c) heating said droplets to remove liquid therefrom and form oxygen-containing phosphor particles.

Claim 69

Independent Claim 83 words

A method for the production of oxygen-containing phosphor particles, comprising the steps of: a) generating an aerosol of droplets from a liquid wherein said liquid comprises a oxygen-containing phosphor precursor and wherein said droplets have a size distribution such that at least about 70 weight percent of said droplets have a size of from about 1 μm to about 10 μm; b) moving said droplets in a carrier gas; and c) heating said droplets to remove liquid therefrom and form oxygen-containing phosphor particles.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 14 words

A method as recited in claim 59 , wherein said carrier gas comprises air.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 32 words

A method as recited in claim 55 , wherein said heating step comprises passing said droplets through a heating zone having a temperature of from about 125° C. to about 1500° C.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 40 words

A method as recited in claim 59 , wherein said droplets have a size distribution such that no greater than about 20 weight percent of the droplets in said aerosol are larger than about twice the weight average droplet size.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 33 words

A method as recited in claim 59 , further comprising the step of removing a portion of droplets from said aerosol, said removed droplets having aerodynamic diameter greater than a preselected maximum diameter.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 39 words

A method as recited in claim 59 , further comprising the step of removing a second portion of said droplets from said aerosol, wherein said second portion of droplets have an aerodynamic diameter less than a preselected minimum diameter.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 23 words

A method as recited in claim 59 , wherein said liquid is a solution comprising a oxygen-containing phosphor precursor comprising a metal nitrate.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 22 words

A method as recited in claim 59 , further comprising the step of coating an outer surface of said oxygen-containing phosphor particles.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 16 words

A method as recited in claim 66 , wherein said coating is a metal oxide coating.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 15 words

A method as recited in claim 66 , wherein said coating is an organic coating.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 27 words

A method as recited in claim 59 , wherein said method further comprises the step of annealing said phosphor particles to increase the crystallinity of said particles.

Claim 80

Independent Claim 109 words

A method for the production of coated oxygen-containing phosphor particles, comprising the steps of: a) forming a liquid solution comprising an oxygen-containing phosphor precursor; b) generating an aerosol of droplets from said liquid solution; c) moving said droplets in a carrier gas; d) removing at least a first portion of droplets from said aerosol wherein said droplets in said removed first portion have an aerodynamic diameter greater than a preselected maximum diameter; e) heating said droplets to remove liquid therefrom and form particles comprising a oxygen-containing phosphor; and f) coating an outer surface of said oxygen-containing phosphor particles by contacting said oxygen-containing phosphor particles with a volatile coating precursor.

Claim 81

Independent Claim 109 words

A method for the production of coated oxygen-containing phosphor particles, comprising the steps of: a) forming a liquid solution comprising an oxygen-containing phosphor precursor; b) generating an aerosol of droplets from said liquid solution; c) moving said droplets in a carrier gas; d) removing at least a first portion of droplets from said aerosol wherein said droplets in said removed first portion have an aerodynamic diameter greater than a preselected maximum diameter; e) heating said droplets to remove liquid therefrom and form particles comprising a oxygen-containing phosphor; and f) coating an outer surface of said oxygen-containing phosphor particles by contacting said oxygen-containing phosphor particles with a volatile coating precursor.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 35 words

A method as recited in claim 70 , wherein said coating step comprises contacting said phosphor particles with a volatile coating precursor selected from the group consisting of metal chlorides, metal acetates and metal alkoxides.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 33 words

A method as recited in claim 70 , wherein said coating step comprises contacting said phosphor particles with a volatile coating precursor selected from the group consisting of silicon tetrachloride and aluminum trichloride.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 32 words

A method as recited in claim 70 , wherein said heating step comprises passing said droplets through a heating zone having a temperature of from about 125° C. to about 1500° C.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 30 words

A method as recited in claim 70 , wherein said phosphor particles have a particle density of at least about 80 percent of the theoretical density for said phosphor particles.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 48 words

A method as recited in claim 70 , wherein said aerosol droplets have an average size of from about 1 μm to about 5 μm and wherein not greater than about 20 weight percent of said droplets have a size greater than about twice said average droplet size.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 41 words

A method as recited in claim 70 , further comprising the step of removing a second portion of said droplets from said aerosol, wherein said droplets in said removed second portion have an aerodynamic diameter less than a preselected minimum diameter.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 17 words

A method as recited in claim 70 , wherein said oxygen-containing phosphor precursor is a metal nitrate.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 18 words

A method as recited in claim 70 , wherein said oxygen-containing phosphor precursor comprises a suspension of particulates.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 15 words

A method as recited in claim 70 , wherein said coating is a metal oxide.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 22 words

A method as recited in claim 70 , wherein said coating has an average thickness of not greater than about 100 nanometers.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 15 words

A method as recited in claim 70 , wherein said coating comprises a metal oxide.

Claim 93

Independent Claim 71 words

A method for the production of composite oxygen-containing phosphor particles, comprising of steps of: a) forming a liquid solution comprising an oxygen-containing phosphor precursor and a second phase precursor; b) generating an aerosol of droplets from said liquid solution; c) moving said droplets in a carrier gas; and d) heating said droplets to remove liquid therefrom and form composite oxygen-containing phosphor particles comprising an oxygen-containing phosphor compound and a second phase.

Claim 94

Independent Claim 71 words

A method for the production of composite oxygen-containing phosphor particles, comprising of steps of: a) forming a liquid solution comprising an oxygen-containing phosphor precursor and a second phase precursor; b) generating an aerosol of droplets from said liquid solution; c) moving said droplets in a carrier gas; and d) heating said droplets to remove liquid therefrom and form composite oxygen-containing phosphor particles comprising an oxygen-containing phosphor compound and a second phase.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 17 words

A method as recited in claim 81 , wherein said second phase comprises a second phosphor compound.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 18 words

A method as recited in claim 81 , wherein said second phase comprises a metal sulfide phosphor compound.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 17 words

A method as recited in claim 81 , wherein said second phase precursor comprises a particulate suspension.

Claim 98

Independent Claim 87 words

A method for the production of an oxygen-containing phosphor powder, comprising the steps of: a) forming an aqueous-based solution comprising soluble precursors of an oxygen-containing phosphor; b) generating an aerosol of droplets from said aqueous-based solution; c) heating said droplets to form particles of an intermediate compound that is capable of being post-treated to form said oxygen-containing phosphor compound wherein said particles have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm; and d) treating said intermediate compound to form said oxygen-containing phosphor powder.

Claim 99

Independent Claim 87 words

A method for the production of an oxygen-containing phosphor powder, comprising the steps of: a) forming an aqueous-based solution comprising soluble precursors of an oxygen-containing phosphor; b) generating an aerosol of droplets from said aqueous-based solution; c) heating said droplets to form particles of an intermediate compound that is capable of being post-treated to form said oxygen-containing phosphor compound wherein said particles have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm; and d) treating said intermediate compound to form said oxygen-containing phosphor powder.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 20 words

A method as recited in claim 86 , wherein said method further comprises the step of milling said phosphor powder.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 20 words

A method as recited in claim 86 , wherein said method further comprises the step of annealing said phosphor powder.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 26 words

A method as recited in claim 86 , wherein said method further comprises the step of annealing said phosphor powder in contact with an oxygen source.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 40 words

A method as recited in claim 86 , wherein said method further comprises the step of annealing said phosphor powder in contact with an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form said oxygen-containing phosphor powder.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 17 words

A method as recited in claim 86 , wherein said oxygen-containing phosphor is a ternary metal oxide.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 25 words

A method as recited in claim 86 , wherein said oxygen-containing phosphor is selected from the group consisting of yttrium aluminate and barium magnesium aluminate.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 15 words

A method as recited in claim 86 , wherein said oxygen-containing phosphor is a silicate.

Claim 107

Independent Claim 82 words

A method for the production of an oxygen-containing phosphor powder selected from the group consisting of yttrium aluminate and barium magnesium aluminate, comprising the steps of: a) forming an aqueous-based solution comprising soluble precursors of a said oxygen-containing phosphor; b) generating an aerosol of droplets from said aqueous-based solution; c) heating said droplets to form an intermediate compound that is capable of being post-treated to form said oxygen-containing phosphor compound; and d) treating said intermediate compound to form said oxygen-containing phosphor powder.

Claim 108

Independent Claim 82 words

A method for the production of an oxygen-containing phosphor powder selected from the group consisting of yttrium aluminate and barium magnesium aluminate, comprising the steps of: a) forming an aqueous-based solution comprising soluble precursors of a said oxygen-containing phosphor; b) generating an aerosol of droplets from said aqueous-based solution; c) heating said droplets to form an intermediate compound that is capable of being post-treated to form said oxygen-containing phosphor compound; and d) treating said intermediate compound to form said oxygen-containing phosphor powder.

Claim 109

Independent Claim 80 words

A method for the production of an oxygen-containing phosphor powder comprising a silicate host material, comprising the steps of: a) forming an aqueous-based solution comprising soluble precursors of a said oxygen-containing phosphor; b) generating an aerosol of droplets from said aqueous-based solution; c) heating said droplets to form an intermediate compound that is capable of being post-treated to form said oxygen-containing phosphor compound; and d) treating said intermediate compound to form said oxygen-containing phosphor powder comprising a silicate host material.

Claim 110

Independent Claim 80 words

A method for the production of an oxygen-containing phosphor powder comprising a silicate host material, comprising the steps of: a) forming an aqueous-based solution comprising soluble precursors of a said oxygen-containing phosphor; b) generating an aerosol of droplets from said aqueous-based solution; c) heating said droplets to form an intermediate compound that is capable of being post-treated to form said oxygen-containing phosphor compound; and d) treating said intermediate compound to form said oxygen-containing phosphor powder comprising a silicate host material.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 71 words

A display device for conveying visual graphics and information, comprising: a) a plurality of pixel regions comprising phosphor powder layers; and b) an excitation source adapted to stimulate said phosphor powder to emit light to be viewed by a viewer; wherein said phosphor powder comprises oxygen-containing phosphor particles consisting essentially of zinc oxide that are substantially spherical and have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 71 words

A display device for conveying visual graphics and information, comprising: a) a plurality of pixel regions comprising phosphor powder layers; and b) an excitation source adapted to stimulate said phosphor powder to emit light to be viewed by a viewer; wherein said phosphor powder comprises oxygen-containing phosphor particles consisting essentially of zinc oxide that are substantially spherical and have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 24 words

A display device as recited in claim 76 , wherein said weight average particle size is from about 0.3 μm to about 3 μm.

Claim 114

Dependent Claim 36 words

A display device as recited in claim 76 , wherein said powder has a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are not larger than twice said average particle size.

Claim 115

Dependent Claim 29 words

A display device as recited in claim 76 , wherein said phosphor powder layers have an average thickness of not greater than about 3 times said average particle size.

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 29 words

A display device as recited in claim 76 , wherein said phosphor powder layers have an average thickness of not greater than about 2 times said average particle size.

Claim 117

Dependent Claim 66 words

A display device for conveying visual graphics and information, comprising: a) a plurality of pixel regions comprising phosphor powder layers; and b) an excitation source adapted to stimulate said phosphor powder to emit light to be viewed by a viewer; wherein said phosphor powder comprises silicate phosphor particles that are substantially spherical and have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 66 words

A display device for conveying visual graphics and information, comprising: a) a plurality of pixel regions comprising phosphor powder layers; and b) an excitation source adapted to stimulate said phosphor powder to emit light to be viewed by a viewer; wherein said phosphor powder comprises silicate phosphor particles that are substantially spherical and have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm.

Claim 119

Dependent Claim 66 words

A display device for conveying visual graphics and information, comprising: a) a plurality of pixel regions comprising phosphor powder layers; and b) an excitation source adapted to stimulate said phosphor powder to emit light to be viewed by a viewer; wherein said phosphor powder comprises borate phosphor particles that are substantially spherical and have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm.

Claim 120

Dependent Claim 66 words

A display device for conveying visual graphics and information, comprising: a) a plurality of pixel regions comprising phosphor powder layers; and b) an excitation source adapted to stimulate said phosphor powder to emit light to be viewed by a viewer; wherein said phosphor powder comprises borate phosphor particles that are substantially spherical and have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm.

Claim 121

Dependent Claim 85 words

A flat panel display, comprising: a) an excitation source adapted to stimulate a phosphor; and b) a viewing panel proximate to said excitation source, comprising a transparent substrate having disposed thereon an oxygen-containing phosphor powder defining pixels, wherein said phosphor powder comprises substantially spherical particles having a weight average particle size of not greater than about 10 μm and wherein said phosphor particles comprise a silicate host material selected from the group consisting of zinc silicate, calcium silicate, barium silicate, gadolinium silicate and yttrium silicate.

Claim 122

Dependent Claim 85 words

A flat panel display, comprising: a) an excitation source adapted to stimulate a phosphor; and b) a viewing panel proximate to said excitation source, comprising a transparent substrate having disposed thereon an oxygen-containing phosphor powder defining pixels, wherein said phosphor powder comprises substantially spherical particles having a weight average particle size of not greater than about 10 μm and wherein said phosphor particles comprise a silicate host material selected from the group consisting of zinc silicate, calcium silicate, barium silicate, gadolinium silicate and yttrium silicate.

Claim 123

Dependent Claim 23 words

A flat panel display as recited in claim 103 , wherein said weight average particle size is not greater than about 5 μm.

Claim 124

Dependent Claim 25 words

A flat panel display as recited in claim 103 , wherein said weight average particle size is from about 0.3 μm to about 3 μm.

Claim 125

Dependent Claim 37 words

A flat panel display as recited in claim 103 , wherein said powder has a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are not larger than twice said average particle size.

Claim 126

Dependent Claim 33 words

A flat panel display as recited in claim 103 , wherein said pixels comprise a phosphor powder layer having an average thickness of not greater than about 3 times said average particle size.

Claim 127

Dependent Claim 33 words

A flat panel display as recited in claim 103 , wherein said pixels comprise a phosphor powder layer having an average thickness of not greater than about 2 times said average particle size.

Claim 128

Dependent Claim 20 words

A flat panel display as recited in claim 103 , wherein said flat panel display is a field emission display.

Claim 129

Dependent Claim 19 words

A flat panel display as recited in claim 103 , wherein said flat panel display is a plasma display.

Claim 130

Dependent Claim 63 words

A flat panel display, comprising: a) an excitation source adapted to stimulate a phosphor; b) a viewing panel proximate to said exitation source, comprising a transparent substrate having disposed thereon an oxygen-containing phosphor powder defining pixels, wherein said phosphor powder comprises zinc oxide phosphor particles that are substantially spherical and have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 10 μm.

Claim 131

Dependent Claim 63 words

A flat panel display, comprising: a) an excitation source adapted to stimulate a phosphor; b) a viewing panel proximate to said exitation source, comprising a transparent substrate having disposed thereon an oxygen-containing phosphor powder defining pixels, wherein said phosphor powder comprises zinc oxide phosphor particles that are substantially spherical and have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 10 μm.

Claim 132

Dependent Claim 92 words

A field emission display, comprising: a) a back plate portion comprising a plurality of electron tip emitters; b) a transparent front plate portion comprising a layer of phosphor powder comprising oxygen-containing phosphor particles, wherein said phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm and a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are not larger than twice said average particle size wherein said particles are substantially spherical and wherein said phosphor particles comprise zinc oxide as a host material.

Claim 133

Dependent Claim 92 words

A field emission display, comprising: a) a back plate portion comprising a plurality of electron tip emitters; b) a transparent front plate portion comprising a layer of phosphor powder comprising oxygen-containing phosphor particles, wherein said phosphor particles have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm and a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are not larger than twice said average particle size wherein said particles are substantially spherical and wherein said phosphor particles comprise zinc oxide as a host material.

Claim 134

Dependent Claim 27 words

A field emission display as recited in claim 112 , wherein said phosphor particles comprise crystallites having an average crystallite size of at least about 25 nanometers.

Claim 135

Dependent Claim 24 words

A field emission display as recited in claim 112 , wherein said average particle size is from about 0.3 μm to about 3 μm.

Claim 136

Dependent Claim 18 words

A field emission display as recited in claim 112 , wherein said phosphor particles are coated phosphor particles.

Claim 137

Dependent Claim 34 words

A field emission display as recited in claim 112 , wherein said phosphor particles are coated phosphor particles comprising a metal oxide coating having a thickness of from about 1 to about 10 nanometers.

Claim 138

Dependent Claim 39 words

A field emission display as recited in claim 112 , wherein said phosphor particles are coated phosphor particles comprising a metal oxide coating selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, silica, zinc oxide, tin oxide and indium oxide.

Claim 139

Dependent Claim 33 words

A field emission display as recited in claim 117 , wherein said phosphor particles form a pixel layer having an average thickness of not greater than about 3 times said average particle size.

Claim 140

Dependent Claim 76 words

An electroluminescent device, comprising an electrically insulative substrate, a first electrode supported on said substrate, a phosphor layer disposed over said first electrode, a second electrode disposed over said phosphor layer, and means for applying an electric field between said first and second electrodes, wherein said phosphor layer comprises phosphor powder comprising oxygen-containing phosphor particles, wherein said phosphor particles are substantially spherical and have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm.

Claim 141

Dependent Claim 76 words

An electroluminescent device, comprising an electrically insulative substrate, a first electrode supported on said substrate, a phosphor layer disposed over said first electrode, a second electrode disposed over said phosphor layer, and means for applying an electric field between said first and second electrodes, wherein said phosphor layer comprises phosphor powder comprising oxygen-containing phosphor particles, wherein said phosphor particles are substantially spherical and have a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm.

Claim 142

Dependent Claim 29 words

An electroluminescent device as recited in claim 119 , wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said phosphor particles are not larger than twice said average particle size.

Claim 143

Dependent Claim 22 words

An electroluminescent device as recited in claim 119 , wherein said average particle size is from about 0.3 to about 3 μm.

Claim 144

Dependent Claim 26 words

An electroluminescent device as recited in claim 119 , wherein said phosphor particles comprise crystallites having an average crystallite size of at least about 25 nanometers.

Claim 145

Dependent Claim 16 words

An electroluminescent device as recited in claim 119 , wherein said phosphor particles are composite particles.

Claim 146

Dependent Claim 128 words

A plasma display panel, comprising: a) a rear panel comprising a plurality of row electrodes; b) a front panel comprising a plurality of column electrodes, wherein said row electrodes and said column electrodes are in perpendicular relation to form a plurality of addressable x-y coordinates; c) a phosphor powder dispersed on a substrate disposed between said electrodes, wherein said phosphor powder comprises particles having a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm and a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are not larger than twice said average particle size wherein said particles are substantially spherical and wherein said phosphor particles comprise an oxygen-containing host material selected from the group consisting of yttrium gadolinium borate and zinc silicate.

Claim 147

Dependent Claim 128 words

A plasma display panel, comprising: a) a rear panel comprising a plurality of row electrodes; b) a front panel comprising a plurality of column electrodes, wherein said row electrodes and said column electrodes are in perpendicular relation to form a plurality of addressable x-y coordinates; c) a phosphor powder dispersed on a substrate disposed between said electrodes, wherein said phosphor powder comprises particles having a weight average particle size of not greater than about 5 μm and a particle size distribution wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said particles are not larger than twice said average particle size wherein said particles are substantially spherical and wherein said phosphor particles comprise an oxygen-containing host material selected from the group consisting of yttrium gadolinium borate and zinc silicate.

Claim 148

Dependent Claim 24 words

A plasma display panel as recited in claim 124 , wherein said average particle size is from about 0.3 μm to about 3 μm.

Claim 149

Dependent Claim 27 words

A plasma display panel as recited in claim 124 , wherein said phosphor particles comprise crystallites having an average crystallite size of at least about 25 nanometers.

Claim 150

Dependent Claim 34 words

A plasma display panel as recited in claim 124 , wherein said phosphor powder is dispersed in a layer having an average thickness of not greater than about three times said average particle size.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2004-01-30	2004-07-31	2005-01-30	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2008-01-30	2008-07-31	2009-01-30	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2012-01-30	2012-07-31	2013-01-30	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Oxygen-containing phosphor powders, methods for making phosphor powders and devices incorporating same

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