Apl Anderson, Inc.

Duane Stafford

A method and apparatus for separating the spheres from the non-spheres in a large number of particles of lamp fill material of substantially equal mass in which the spheres are placed in the grooves of an inclined surface to roll downwardly thereon under the influence of gravity. The grooves are configured to limit the contact with the particles to two points intermediate the depth of the groove so as to keep the particles out of contact with the bottom of the groove. Vacuum pick-up means are used to remove those particles which do not roll down the grooves because of their spherical irregularities. The surfaces in contact with the lamp fill material are made of stainless steel and the entire operation is conducted within the confines of a dry box to minimize contamination.

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Champaign, IL, United States of America

Duane Stafford