Abstract: A pair of conically tapered rollers orients and positions a plurality of initially randomly oriented negative glow lamps. A component holder receives said oriented and positioned lamps sequentially one at a time and releasably holds said lamps in a fixed position relative thereto as the lamps are moved laterally away from the rollers.

Abstract: A pair of conically tapered rollers orients and positions a plurality of initially randomly oriented negative glow lamps. A component holder receives said oriented and positioned lamps sequentially one at a time and releasably holds said lamps in a fixed position relative thereto as the lamps are moved laterally away from the rollers.

Abstract: A sequencing drop chute apparatus receives a batch of electrical components and feeds them one at a time to a single line conveyor. The sequencing drop chute apparatus includes a support frame with an inclined surface attached to the support frame. A plurality of walls extend upward from an upper portion of the inclined surface and divide the upper portion of the inclined surface into a plurality of chutes. There is at least one chute for each electrical component of a batch of electrical components. A camshaft is rotatingly mounted upon the frame and includes a plurality of eccentric cams one of which is operably associated with each of the chutes for periodically blocking and periodically opening each of the chutes. The cams are arranged so that the plurality of chutes are opened one at a time thereby permitting the batch of electrical components to pass one at a time through the drop chute apparatus to the conveyor.

Abstract: An automated welding system takes initially randomly oriented negative glow lamps and welds a resistor to each lamp. Lead wires are trimmed to desired lengths and the physical strength of the weld between the lamp and the resistor is tested.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating first and second lead wires of an electrical component and cutting one of the lead wires to a predetermined length includes a separator blade having a first shearing edge thereon. The separator blade is attached to a carrier assembly for moving the separator blade between the first and second lead wires to separate the lead wires. A length adjustment assembly is operably associated with the separator blade for moving the electrical component relative to the separator blade to a relative position such that the first shearing edge of the separator blade is adjacent a point at which the one lead wire is to be cut. A cutter assembly is operably associated with the separator blade and has a second shearing edge thereon.

Abstract: Automated apparatus and methods are provided for aging negative glow lamps.