Heretofore, the tube neck, the seal edge extending along the largest circumference of the funnel section, and reference pads located at or near the seal edge have been aligned relative to each other. It is proposed to align the seal edge, the reference pads, and the tube neck in relation to the longitudinal axis of a "transition section" (portion between neck-funnel seal and position of deflection on the funnel yoke) in such a way that the axis perpendicular to the plane bounded by the seal edge and the reference pads, the longitudinal axis of the neck coincide with the longitudinal axis of the "transition section".

A cathode ray tube fixturing device for position a face panel and a funnel during a frit sealing process. The device includes a cone holder for positioning a constricted portion of the funnel, and a movable abutting block which is adapted to abut against the panel and the funnel. A pivoting arm connects the cone holder with the movable abutting block, and at least one fixed abutting block is adapted to abut against the panel and the funnel and is located in opposed relationship with respect to the movable abutting block. When the funnel and the panel are mounted in the cone holder in assembled relation, their common centerline is vertical. In this assembled relation, the panel and funnel are urged against the fixed abutting block by the movable abutting block so that the seal from the panel to the funnel can be effectively produced and the fixturing device is reduced in weight.

Heat activated means are provided for applying areas of external pressure to the periphery of the panel portion of a cathode ray tube envelope during heat processing. The pressure is directly related to the heat cycle to which the tube envelope is subjected, and induces a state of compression in particularly the panel portion thereby minimizing the occurrence of implosions.

A device for accurately positioning and orienting a kinescope at a preselected position includes a horizontally moveable but vertically fixed carriage which transports the envelope from a first loading position to a preselected position. A second carriage, which is vertically moveable and horizontally fixed, is centered at the preselected position. The second carriage normally is beneath the horizontally moveable carriage and is raised to lift the envelope from the horizontally moveable carriage. Neck centering members are coupled to the vertically moveable carriage and are boomerang shaped to include oppositely facing internally curved surfaces. The curved surfaces urge the neck of the envelope toward the preselected position irrespective of the tilt of the neck and assure that the neck is centered at the preselected position and that the longitudinal axis of the envelope is parallel to the vertical axis. Simultaneously rotatable bumpers are rotated to engage the sides of the envelope to assure that the horizontal and vertical axes of the envelope are parallel to the transverse and longitudinal axis of the device.

Three locator assemblies and an article support are attached to a C-shaped frame. Each locator assembly comprises at least two pivoted and one fixed finger-shaped locators for engaging locating surfaces on the article to be positioned, e.g., a funnel portion of a television picture tube. Different size articles can be positioned, with the fixed locators engaing locating surfaces on the largest article and corresponding sets of pivoted locators engaging locating surfaces on smaller size articles. Insertion of the largest article causes all pivoted locators to pivot from an engaging position to a non-interfering standby position. Insertion of the next largest article causes some pivoted locators to pivot while the others engage the locating surfaces. Insertion of the smallest article causes no pivoting of the locators. The article support positions the different size inserted articles such that each locating surface is substantially opposite a corresponding locator.