Patent ID: 7811148
Filing Date: 2010-10-12
Classification: C03B,C03C,H01J,H01K

Abstract:
1. A process for manufacturing a light source body, the body comprising a central tipless bulb having a first outside diameter and the body being bookended by two diametrically opposed transitional portions each necking down to a tubular necked-in portion having a second outside diameter smaller than the first outside diameter; the process comprising the steps of: providing a length of tubing having an outside diameter no less than the first outside diameter; forming a stretched-out portion of the tubing having the second outside diameter by heating the tubing while placing the tubing in tension; moving to keep the heating constantly centered in the stretched-out portion; cutting the stretched-out portion to form two necked-in portions: one for a right end of a first light source body, and one for a left end of a second light source body; and advancing the tubing such that the forming, moving, and cutting steps can be repeated to form a right end necked-in portion for the second light source body, thereby completing formation of the second light source body.