Abstract: Provided are a molding step (A) of preparing an alumina molded body 11 from a molding raw material which contains an alumina raw material powder having an average particle size of 2 ?m to 5 ?m and a molding additive, and a sintering step (B) of preparing an alumina molded body 12, which becomes a spark plug insulator 1, by sintering the alumina molded body 11. At the sintering step (B), the alumina molded body 11 is conveyed to a continuous furnace 100 provided with a heating zone Z1 which is heated to 700° C. to 1600° C. by a heating means 401, followed by introducing oxygen gas to control the heating zone Z1 to have a high oxygen atmosphere with an oxygen concentration exceeding 20 mol %.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating an organic electroluminescent device, are discussed. According to an embodiment, the method includes depositing an organic material on a substrate coupled to a first tray in a first substrate treatment unit using the first tray as a mask, depositing a metal material on the substrate coupled to a second tray in a second substrate treatment unit using the second tray as mask, wherein the deposition of the organic material or the metal material in the first and second substrate treatment units includes primarily moving the first and second trays such that the first and second trays are aligned with the substrate, when each of the first and second trays is coupled to the substrate, and secondarily moving the first and second trays and the substrate such that the substrate and the trays are aligned at predetermined positions.

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a vitreous silica crucible which can prevent the deterioration of the inner surface property in the manufacturing process of a vitreous silica crucible. The apparatus includes a mold defining an outer shape of a vitreous silica crucible, and an arc discharge unit having electrodes and a power-supply unit, wherein each of the electrodes includes a tip end directed to the mold, the other end opposite to the tip end, and a bent portion provided between the tip end and the other end.

Abstract: An alignment device for aligning a second aperture in a second plate with a first aperture in a first plate and an alignment method of utilizing the same. The alignment device includes a main body, a first part extending from the main body, and a second part extending from the first part. The main body comprises a first linear dimension exceeding a width of the second aperture for disposing overlying the second plate. The first part comprises a second linear dimension for extending and fitting into the second aperture. The second part comprises a third linear dimension for extending and fitting into the first aperture.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein involve making connections with the display leads on more than one side of the display array, e.g., on 2 sides, 3 sides or all 4 sides of the display array. By making connections with the display leads on more than one side of the display array, the available area for bonding leads and control circuitry may be increased. The driver chip(s), discrete components, and other active components necessary for addressing the display panel may be attached to the top or the bottom of a flexible printed circuit (“FPC”) or a similar device. Some embodiments involve attaching an FPC to the display such that that the backplate is substantially encased by the FPC.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a touch screen, including: supplying a PET film; supplying and printing transparent conductive polymer electrodes on both sides of the PET film; printing conductive patterns on the transparent conductive polymer electrodes; supplying an adhesive to the transparent conductive polymer electrodes to form an adhesive layer; supplying a protective film to the adhesive layer; and cutting a laminate composed of the PET film, the printed transparent conductive polymer electrodes, the conductive patterns, the adhesive layer and the protective film. The method is advantageous in that a touch screen can be manufactured by an automated process using a roll-type feed or a sol-type feeder.

Abstract: An apparatus for An apparatus for generating excimer radiation is provided. The apparatus includes a housing having a housing wall. An electrode is configured within the housing. A tubular body is around the electrode. The tubular body includes an outer wall and an inner wall. At least one inert gas is between the outer wall and the inner wall, wherein the housing wall and the electrode are configured to excite the inert gas to illuminate an excimer light for curing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing an LED array grid including the steps of (i) arranging N electrically conducting parallel wires, where N is an integer >1, thus creating an array of wires having a width D perpendicular to a direction of the wires, (ii) arranging LED components to the array of wires such that each LED component is electrically coupled to at least two adjacent wires, (iii) stretching the array of wires such that the width D increases, and arranging the stretched LED array grid onto a plate or between two plates

Abstract: There is provided apparatus (100) for forming a tube (9) by bending a metal sheet (11). The apparatus (100) comprises a forming station (102) comprising a forming pin (101) around which a metal sheet (11) can be wrapped and a plurality of form fingers (110, 120, 130, 140) radially spaced around the forming pin (101) and moveable relative thereto. Also provided are electrode emission source components (1) The components (1) comprise an open ended tube (9) and a-cap (13), wherein the tube (9) is formed from* a metal sheet (11) which is formed into a tubular configuration. Further provided are electrodes, electrical apparatus and methods of forming tubes.

Abstract: A connection member for a flat-panel display is coupled to an electrode terminal part on one side of the panel and an integrated driving circuit on an opposing side of the panel. The connection member provides driving signals to at least one scan electrode and at least one common electrode coupled to the electrode terminal part. The connection member further includes joining parts, each of which has a two-tier structure of scan and common electrode pads. Moreover, the connection member is provided for the scan and common electrodes in the panel on only one side of the panel, thereby saving space and reducing power requirements through use of the integrated driving circuit which provides driving signals for both the scan and common electrodes.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a Gap Diode is disclosed in which a tubular actuating element serves as both a housing for a pair of electrodes (92) and as a means for controlling the separation between the electrode pair. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular actuating element (90) is a quartz piezo-electric tube. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a Gap Diode is disclosed which is fabricated by micromachining techniques in which the separation of the electrodes (202, 206) is controlled by piezo-electric, electrostrictive or magnetostrictive actuators. Preferred embodiments of Gap Diodes include Cool Chips, Power Chips, and photoelectric converters.

Abstract: A method of applying patterned materials for manufacture of a flat panel light source includes providing a flexible continuous substrate; providing one or more application stations, each application station having, one or more stationary sources of material, a supply of discrete patterned masks for defining a pattern of material to be applied to the substrate, means for attaching the discrete patterned masks to the substrate; means for transporting the substrate and the patterned mask in registration past the one or more stationary sources of material, and means for delivering the masks one at a time to the transporting means; and transporting the substrate and the masks past the one or more application stations.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp is manufactured according to the processes including: arranging a pair of lead wires between a holding block provided with two lead-wire grooves for grasping the pair of lead wires and an auxiliary holding block provided with grooves corresponding to the two-lead wire grooves in such a manner that both end portions of each of the pair of lead wires protrude out of the lead-wire grooves, whereby the pair of lead wires is supported to be sandwiched and to be fixed therebetween; attaching an electrode to tip ends of the protruding lead wires; inserting the lead wires that hold the electrode by grasping the same and protrude out of the holding block into an end portion of a glass tube; applying heat in the vicinity of the end portion of the glass tube so as to pinch-seal the lead wires; and detaching the holding block and the auxiliary holding block.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a plasma display panel which can improve screen quality, by dividing a rear substrate into a plurality of regions and by varying a structure of cells in each region, thereby preventing luminance from being reduced according to a process property and an electric property of a panel.

Abstract: An image display apparatus comprises an electrode showing an electric potential defined to be high and an electrode showing an electric potential defined to be lower than the high electric potential, the electrodes being arranged vis-à-vis, at least one of the electrodes having a part showing a thickness of not less than 2 ?m and a part located closest to the other electrode and showing a surface roughness of not more than 0.5 ?m. With this arrangement, the image display apparatus can effectively suppress an electric discharge from taking place between electrodes and occurrence of a problem of broken wire.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for a package structure that enables mounting of a field-emitting cathode into an electron gun. A non-conducting substrate has the cathode attached and the cathode is electrically connected to a pin through the substrate. Other pins are electrically connected to electrodes integral with the cathode. Three cathodes may be mounted on a die flag region to form an electron gun suitable for color CRTs. Accurate alignment of an emitter array to the apertures in the electron gun and other electrodes such as a focusing lens is achieved. The single package design may be used for many gun sizes. Assembly and attachment of the emitter array to the electron gun during construction of the gun can lower cost of construction.

Abstract: A flash discharge tube includes a pin-shaped cathode. The pin-shaped cathode has an electrode core of tungsten having a first end portion. A lead of nickel has a second end portion connected with the first end portion. In the electrode producing method, the electrode core and the lead are retained by use of respectively first and second chuck mechanisms with the first and second end portions opposed to one another. The first and second end portions are pushed on one another by moving at least one of the first and second chuck mechanisms. While the first and second end portions are pushed on one another, the first and second chuck mechanisms are supplied with electric current, so as to weld the electrode core and the lead together therewith by resistance welding.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for making a spark plug, in particular, for making a high-performance spark plug having a center electrode having a firing end made of Pt, Ir, Rh, Pd, Re, Os, Ru or alloy thereof, with its firing end diameter of about 0.3-1.0 mm. One of the embodiments provides a method comprising the steps of: extending a metal strip from an end of the metal shell; positioning a spacer above a firing end of the center electrode; preliminarily bending the metal strip toward the spacer so as to form an arc portion in the metal strip; and then precisely forming a gap-distance between the metal strip and the firing end of the center electrode by applying a force to the metal strip.

Abstract: A device for forming partition walls of a plasma display panel is disclosed. This device has a lower plate used for seating the base panel of the plasma display panel thereon, with a partition wall sheet of a predetermined thickness formed on the base panel and a plurality of electrodes arranged on the base panel. A punch, having a plurality of partition wall forming grooves and a plurality of lands formed between the partition wall forming grooves. An electrode holding groove or inclined surface is formed on each of the lands and is used for preventing the electrodes from being undesirably moved during a partition wall forming process. An upper plate is positioned above the punch so as to hold the punch and to move the punch in a vertical direction within a predetermined range.

Abstract: An alignment tool (300) designed to replace a high-powered lamp with a low-powered lamp to facilitate safe alignment of a projector lamp console. The alignment tool (300) comprised of a cathode portion (302) and an anode portion (304) connected by one or more rods (306). The alignment tool holds a light source such as a flashlight (324) having an exposed bulb (320) in the approximate location of the arc of the high-powered lamp. The cathode and anode sockets and the reflector of the projector lamp console are adjusted until the exposed bulb (320) is at the F1 focal point of the reflector and the optical axis of the alignment tool is the optical axis of the reflector.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a CRT panel (12) to facilitate inspecting a seal edge (13) thereof includes a support structure (30) rotatably connected to a base frame (21) for rotation about a horizontal axis (31). The CRT panel (12) is placed into the support structure (30) with the seal edge (13) positioned in a holding groove (77) formed on a bottom door assembly (40). A top door assembly (58) is slidable to a closed position to enclose and support the CRT panel (12) while the support structure (30) is rotated 180 degrees. The bottom door assembly (40) is movable to an open position to inspect the seal edge (13). The door assemblies (40, 58) are both arranged to engage the base frame (21) and prevent rotation of the support structure (30) relative to the base frame (21) when the door assemblies are moved to their respective open positions.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for setting a filament (22) on an electrode (24) comprises a body (52) having a central member (54) with a longitudinal axis (A—A), a first end member (56) and a second end member (58). The first and second end members (56, 58) are located at opposite ends of the central member (54) and each extends away from the longitudinal axis (A—A) thereby forming a recess (59). Each end member (56, 58) includes a surface generally facing the recess (61, 63) and an outer surface (74, 76). A bore (68) in the body is adapted to receive a retaining member (not shown) for mounting the body (52) to the electrode (24). A cavity (70) extends through the first end member (56) from its outer surface (74) to its recess facing surface (61). A cavity (80) in the second end member (58) opens toward the recess (59). The cavities (70, 80) in the first end member (56) and second end member (58) are located opposite one another across the recess (59).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying crosswires to a tension mask. The method includes winding crosswires around various drum assemblies and then using transfer devices to remove sections of crosswires and transfer them to tension mask frame assemblies.

Abstract: A position of an inner surface of a panel (10) is measured with the panel being held, and a position of a main surface of a color selection electrode (30) is measured with a color selection electrode frame (40) being held, so that the measured positional data provide a measured value corresponding to a spacing between the panel inner surface and the main surface of the color selection electrode. In a state that the engaging holes of the supporting members are engaged with dummy pins (200) arranged in a predetermined positional relationship to the panel pins (20) on the condition that the panel is held, the position of the main surface of the color selection electrode is adjusted with respect to engaging holes on the basis of the predetermined positional relationship and the measured value, and supporting members are fixed by welding to the color selection electrode frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling and inspecting an electron gun of a cathode ray tube includes a mandrel 5 and a measuring nozzle 2. The mandrel 5 has an outer diameter larger than the electron-beam-transmission hole of the Gm electrode 30. The mandrel 5 abuts against the Gm electrode 30 from G3 electrode 40 side, to seal the electron-beam-transmission hole of the Gm electrode 30. The measuring nozzle 2 has a tip that can be inserted through the electron-beam-transmission holes of the G1 and G2 electrodes from the G1 electrode side, and blows air toward the mandrel 5. A clearance between the G2 and Gm electrodes are measured according to the change in pressure of the blown air. It is possible to measure the clearance between the electrodes required for assembling the electron gun having the Gm electrode with a small electron-beam-transmission hole.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for a package structure that enables mounting of a field-emitting cathode into an electron gun. A non-conducting substrate has the cathode attached and the cathode is electrically connected to a pin through the substrate. Other pins are electrically connected to electrodes integral with the cathode. Three cathodes may be mounted on a die flag region to form an electron gun suitable for color CRTs. Accurate alignment of an emitter array to the apertures in the electron gun and other electrodes such as a focusing lens is achieved. The single package design may be used for many gun sizes. Assembly and attachment of the emitter array to the electron gun during construction of the gun can lower cost of construction.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cathode ray tube comprising the steps of providing a stem with a flange having an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of a bottom end of a neck and smaller than or identical with an outer diameter of the bottom end of the neck, applying a liquefied frit glass onto an upper portion of the flange, hardening the liquefied frit glass applied on the upper portion of the flange, mounting an electron gun onto the stem, fitting the stem into the inside of the neck such that the upper portion of the flange applied with the frit glass contacts a bottom end of the neck, and providing a frit seal between the upper portion of the flange and the bottom end of the neck by heat-treating the frit glass between them.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a flat-panel display unit and a carrier therefor which make it unnecessary to implement alignment in each step, except for alignment which require higher precision, by performing the alignment in advance in the pre-stage of a series of steps. The present invention also provides a manufacturing method of a flat-panel display unit which allows alignment with accuracy of about 50 to 100 .mu.m to be performed simply, reliably and quickly. According to the inventive manufacturing method, a display panel is mounted non-shiftably on the carrier and while being mounted thereon, is then carried between processing machines and is processed by the processing machines. In mounting the display panel on the carrier, it is aligned with the carrier in advance by visually aligning alignment marks thereof.

Abstract: A residual gas sensor, suitable for mounting within an low pressure chamber, includes an array of quadrupoles formed from a plurality of parallel rods mounted in a cantilevered fashion in a glass seal. Sixteen parallel rods form an array of nine quadrupoles with adjacent quadrupoles sharing adjacent rods. A filament emitting electrons ionize gas molecules present in the low pressure chamber. These ions enter channels in the center of each quadrupole and are accelerated towards a collector having a surface mounted within each channel of each quadrupole. Voltages are applied to the rods thereby creating an identical electric field within the channels of each quadrupoles of the array. By varying the voltages applied to the rods, the electric field within the channels can be tuned to permit only ions having a specific mass-to-charge ratio to make contact with the collector.

Abstract: An electron gun assembling apparatus has a cathode driving mechanism (12,13) for moving a cathode (1), a laser displacement gage (14) to measure a height of a surface of the cathode (1) in a non-contact manner at a cathode surface measuring position outside an electron gun assembly (24), an electric micrometer (11) to measure a height of an upper surface of a first electrode (3) in the electron gun assembly (24), and an electric micrometer (8) to measure a height of a lower surface of a second electrode (4) in the electron gun assembly (24).

Abstract: A process method and system for making field emission cathodes exists. The deposition source divergence is controlled to produce field emission cathodes with height-to-base aspect ratios that are uniform over large substrate surface areas while using very short source-to-substrate distances. The rate of hole closure is controlled from the cone source. The substrate surface is coated in well defined increments. The deposition source is apertured to coat pixel areas on the substrate. The entire substrate is coated using a manipulator to incrementally move the whole substrate surface past the deposition source. Either collimated sputtering or evaporative deposition sources can be used. The position of the aperture and its size and shape are used to control the field emission cathode size and shape.

Abstract: A center electrode of a spark plug has an oval shape in cross section as an identification mark. An electrode positioning apparatus fixedly holds a ground electrode and rotates an insulator together with a center electrode relative to the ground electrode. During the rotation, a signal light is irradiated toward the center electrode and the shape of the identification mark is detected from the received signal light. When the shape of the mark comes to correspond to a predetermined pattern, the center electrode is stopped from rotating and fitted solidly with the ground electrode.

Abstract: An electron gun cathode structure includes a support member made of an insulating material, a first grid fixed to the support member, and a cathode disposed on the side of the support member opposite to the first grid. A thermal expansion .DELTA.L.sub.S /L.sub.S of the insulating material constituting the support member due to heat from the cathode is larger than a thermal expansion .DELTA.L.sub.G /L.sub.G of a material constituting the first grid due to heat from the cathode. A manufacturing method of an electron gun cathode structure includes preparing a member including a first face and a second face having a step therebetween, a height of the step being equal to a predetermined distance d.sub.12, placing a first grid on the first face, placing a spacer on the second face, placing an insulating support member on the first grid and the spacer, and grinding a top surface of the spacer opposite to its surface that is fixed to the support member so that an actual distance d.sub.12 becomes a desired value.

Abstract: A process for producing a ceramic material which is electrically conductive by reacting titanium dioxide with intercalated graphite under conditions which effect the reduction of the titanium dioxide, said product comprising an electrically conductive, corrosion-resistant, substoichiometric titanium dioxide combined chemically with an intercalant or residue thereof, for example, a metal such as copper or nickel, and the use thereof in thermal, electrical and electro-chemical applications.

Abstract: An automation system for assembling photocathodes into vacuum tube housings is used to produce vacuum tube assemblies. Photocathodes are loaded and otherwise processed in a first evacuated chamber. Similarly, vacuum tube housings are loaded and otherwise processed in a second evacuated chamber. The first and second chambers are always interconnected as a common vessel, wherein the photocathodes from the first chamber are transferred into the second chamber by an automated transfer mechanism. Once in the second chamber, the photocathodes are joined to the vacuum tube houses in an automation process, creating the final product vacuum tube assemblies.

Abstract: In assembling an electron gun (10), parts (11 to 18) are placed on supports (21) on the support base (2). The angle of a supported G3 grid (15) can be adjusted by moving the side of the G3A grid (15A), because the support (21) for the G3 grid (15) holds only the rear of the G3B grid (15B). Accordingly, in the event the G3A grid (15A) and the G3B grid (15B) are welded together out of position, adjuster pins (5) can be inserted into the guide holes (61) of the G3A grid (15A) without being bent, thereby adjusting beam holes (62) of G3A grid (15A) to coincide with the beam holes (62) of other grids. Accordingly, the beading apparatus (1) allows the electron gun (10) to be manufactured with considerable precision.

Abstract: An improved design and method and of manufacturing a luminous tube electrode comprises the steps of placing an electrode shell in an outer tube and allowing conductors connected to the electrode shell to emanate from an open end of the outer tube. A tubulation with a flared end is then butted up against the end of the outer tube, thereby sandwiching the conductors between the flared end of the tubulation and the outer tube. The flared end of the tubulation are then fused to one another forming a hermetic seal between each other and the conductors, resulting in the finished electrode. A further provision is made to blow a bubble in the tubulation.

Abstract: An automation system for assembling photocathodes into vacuum tube housings so as to produce vacuum tube assemblies. Photocathodes are loaded, cleaned and otherwise processed in a first evacuated chamber. Similarly, vacuum tube housings are loaded, cleaned and otherwise processed in a second evacuated chamber. The first and second chambers are selectively interconnected wherein the photocathodes from the first chamber are transferred into the second chamber by an automated transfer mechanism. Once in the second chamber, the photocathodes are joined to the vacuum tube houses in an automation process, creating the final product vacuum tube assemblies.

Abstract: A K-G1 spacing apparatus provides for spacing the dispenser cathode of a CRT electron gun a desired distance from an adjacent apertured grid electrode known as "G1." A probe has an outer shaft with a shoulder for registering with the G1 electrode. The probe includes an inner shaft having a tip on one end for contacting the face of the cathode, and at the opposite end, a linear velocity differential transformer (LVDT). When the cathode contacts the tip of the probe, the LVDT produces an electrical signal which is indicated on a calibrated column, and which denotes the location of the cathode face relative to the G1 electrode. When the desired K-G1 spacing has been attained, the cathode is fixed in permanent relationship with the G1 electrode.

Abstract: A lamp air exhausting apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a compression head, a holding assembly, and a securing member. The holding assembly comprises a holder, a flexible tube, a push rod, an eccentric cam and a spring. According to the present invention, a separate exhausting tube is not required, and an electrode can be accurately placed at the center of the lamp.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cathode ray tube is provided for comprising a neck portion 4 in which an electron 5 having resilient elements 14 is secured. The method comprises a manufacturing step in which the electron gun 5 is inserted into the neck portion 4 by means of a managing tool 57 which serves to press together the resilient elements 14. Viewed in the axial direction, the managing tool 57 is located outside and clear of the neck portion 4.

Abstract: An electron gun sealing apparatus comprises a bulb supporting means for supporting a bulb, a first up/down means for raising and lowering an electron gun, which is vertically positioned below the bulb, a heating means arranged around the neck of the bulb to heat the neck and the stem of an electron gun, a second up/down means for raising and lowering the heating means to a certain height in relation to the neck, and a revolving means for rotating the heating means with respect to the electron gun supporter. Since the sealing by the sealing apparatus is performed by rotating the heating means, the bulb is free from centrifugal force, preventing displaced sealing of the neck. Also, thinning and cracking at the seal is prevented by an accurate position control and a sealing flame adjustment. Further, this automatically performed sealing operation simplifies the sealing, reduces labor, and improves productivity.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for assembling the electron-emissive part of cathode comprising a porous base metal penetrated with an electron-emissive material and a thin metal plate for covering the base metal. The apparatus comprises a pair of cylindrical rolls for rotating in the direction opposite to each other with contacting to each other, and at least a pair of depressions each formed in one of the peripheries of the rolls for receiving respectively and complementarily the opposite portions of the electron-emissive part.

Abstract: An electron gun heater supporting structure includes a pair of supporting pieces respectively mounted on separate opposed glass beads of an electron gun and U-shaped connecting pieces disposed between the pair of supporting pieces for welding terminals of a heater thereto, the connecting pieces including position determining elements for determining the positions of the connecting pieces relative to the supporting pieces for welding them together. According to the present invention, the welding positions can be exactly determined and the uniformity of heater positions can be realized.

Abstract: Disclosed is a machine for the implanting of a cathode in an eyelet of a cathode-ray tube gun. This machine has a gun-supporting device which is movable along the axis of the gun, a cathode-supporting device positioning the cathode along the axis of the gun and a sensor with retractile rod which works together with a first detector, giving the position of the cathode when the rod rests on the grid G1, said sensor being capable of being shifted in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the gun. It further has a gauge rod, with a calibrated length, which rests on the grid G2 and ends at the side opposite to the eyelet, with a second detector recording the position of the gauge rod and a control device determining the shift of the gun-supporting device on the basis of the measurements made by the two detectors.

Abstract: The cathode-inserting machine of the invention has a gun carriage, movable between two stops under the effect of a jack, a retractable sensor and a cathode support. The overall length of the sensor is equal to the travel of the carriage. It is thus enough to measure the distance between the sensor and the cathode when the carriage is at the rear stop and then to move it forward to the front stop in order to position the cathode exactly in its eyelet.

Abstract: The machine of the invention comprises a movable gun support, a calibrated gage rod supported on grid 2, a measuring device to determine the distance between the end of the rod and the cathode and a device to control the gun support.

Abstract: A picture tube sealing apparatus for thermally welding a stem structure and a neck portion of a glass bulb thereof to each other and thereby seal the same. A table, on which a plurality of burners formed correspondingly to the diameters of the neck portions of various types of glass bulbs are arranged unitarily so that the burners have a predetermined angle with respect to each other, is turned to move a burners corresponding to the diameter of an object glass bulb to a predetermined position to thereby carry out a burner-switching operation, whereby the heating power of the burner can be regulated without manual operation even when the neck portions of glass bulbs fed sequentially have a plurality of different diameters.

Abstract: The insertion device of the invention comprises an insertion rod. The external diameter of the front end of this insertion rod is greater than the diameter of the body. This rod is hinged, as if pivoted, on its actuating support.

Abstract: An improved design and method and of manufacturing a luminous tube electrode comprises the steps of placing an electrode shell in an outer tube and allowing conductors connected to the electrode shell to emanate from an open end of the outer tube. A tubulation with a flared end is then butted up against the end of the outer tube, thereby sandwiching the conductors between the flared end of the tubulation and the outer tube. The flared end of the tubulation are then fused to one another forming a hermetic seal between each other and the conductors, resulting in the finished electrode. A further provision is made to blow a bubble in the tubulation.