Apparatus and Method for Cutting a Cathode Ray Tube

An apparatus for cutting a cathode ray tube having a funnel and a screen, the apparatus comprising:

• a support means that supports a cathode ray tube with the screen contacting the support means,
• first and second sensors that determine the external dimensions of the screen,
• first and second diamond cutting means,
• means for varying the spacing between the first and second diamond cutting means based on the external dimensions of the screen determined by the first and second sensors,
• displacement means configured to move the support means along an axis of displacement relative to the diamond cutting means, and
• rotation means configured to adjust the angular position of the support means,
• the apparatus being configured to operate by displacing a cathode ray tube in a first direction along the axis of displacement between the cutting means to perform a first cut, by rotating the support member through 90°, and by displacing the cathode ray tube in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the axis of displacement between the cutting means to perform a second cut.

A method of cutting a cathode ray tube having a funnel and screen comprising the steps of:

• supporting the screen of the cathode ray tube from below using support means;
• determining a first dimension of the screen using first and second sensors;
• spacing first and second diamond cutting means a first distance apart based on the first dimension of the screen;
• first passing the cathode ray tube between the spaced first and second diamond cutting means in a first direction to cut through opposed sides of the cathode ray tube;
• determining a second dimension of the screen using the first and second sensors;
• rotating the cathode ray tube through an angle of 90 degrees;
• spacing the first and second diamond cutting means a second distance apart based on the second dimension of the screen;
• and
• second passing the cathode ray tube back between the spaced first and second diamond cutting means in a second direction opposite to the first direction to cut through the other opposed sides of the cathode ray tube, thereby separating the screen from the funnel.