Abstract: An apparatus for enriching the isotopic Hg content of mercury is provided. The apparatus includes a reactor, a low pressure electric discharge lamp containing a fill including mercury and an inert gas. A filter is arranged concentrically around the lamp. In a preferred embodiment, constant mercury pressure is maintained in the filter by means of a water-cooled tube that depends from it, the tube having a drop of mercury disposed in it. The reactor is arranged around the filter, whereby radiation from said lamp passes through the filter and into said reactor. The lamp, the filter and the reactor are formed of a material which is transparent to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp employs multiple tubes frictionally fitted into apertures in a base plate to form an assembly. The assembly is fitted and positioned within an hermetically sealed envelope by means of snubbers formed on the base plate which cooperate with detent means formed on the inside surface of the envelope.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a fluorescent lamp envelope comprises means for holding the envelope, a plurality of heat sources, means for providing relative rotation between the envelope and the plurality of heat sources with the heat therefrom acting on substantially narrow axially spaced regions on the envelope, means for engaging the envelope and for forming a plurality of constricting portions at axially spaced regions on the envelope, means for moving the forming means to engage the envelope and means for applying a positive pressure within the envelope while the forming means is engaged with the envelope.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fluorescent lamp envelope of substantially round configuration in cross-section and having a plurality of constricting portions axially spaced apart and extending substantially about the circular periphery of the envelope and projecting therein. The method comprises the steps of providing an envelope having a predetermined length and axially opposed end portions, providing a plurality of heat sources, providing relative rotation between the envelope and the plurality of heat sources, providing a means for engaging the envelope and for forming the plurality of constricting portions, moving the forming means to engage the envelope and applying a positive pressure within the envelope while the forming means is engaged with the envelope.