GB634683A - Apparatus for coating fluorescent lamps - Google Patents

Abstract

A valve unit for coating glass tubes with luminescent material comprises a conduit for carrying the material, a control valve adjacent the end of the conduit, a delivery valve at the end of the conduit, means on the delivery valve for receiving the tube to be coated, a guide member below the valve, a linkage system adapted to operate the valves simultaneously, and a handle for operating the valves through the linkage, the handle being pivotally mounted adjacent to the guide member in such a position that a tube as arranged for coating may be included in a manual grip on the handle and pressed against the guide thereby, the contraction of the grip serving to pivot the handle and operate the linkage. Referring to the drawings, bulb 1 is inserted beneath flushing nozzle 2, the lower extension of the bulb resting flush within guide 3 and handle 4 of rocker 5 drawn forward, causing arm 7 to move upwardly, arm 13 downwardly and the yoke of arm 14 upwardly, thereby opening valve 15 through which the solution flows. The upward <PICT:0634683/III/1> <PICT:0634683/III/2> <PICT:0634683/III/3> movement of yoke 14 is transmitted via rod 16, and pivoted rod 17, into a downward movement of rod 20, thus opening nozzle 2 and permitting the solution to flow therefrom. On release of handle 4 springs 22 and 23 co-operate to reverse the movement of the levers and close valve 15 and nozzle 2, while returning handle 4 to its inoperative position. Valve 15 and nozzle 2 both employ metallic bellows 25 and 29, respectively, so as to eliminate bearing contact of moving parts with the abrasive solution.