Mold incorporating a heat source and apparatus and method for using such molds

Apparatus for shaping an end portion of a glass tube having an opening, said apparatus comprising:

• means for holding the tube and for imparting rotational motion to the tube;
• a multi-piece mold having two side pieces for imparting a substantially conical shape to a an end portion of the tube while leaving an opening for accessing the opening of the tube, one of said side pieces having a heat distribution source formed therein, and wherein said mold includes an end plug having an end cap and a cylindrical stub having a diameter less than a diameter of said end cap, said stub being configured for insertion in the opening of the tube for allowing rotational movement of the tube about the end plug for controlling the inner diameter of the tube at its end surface;
• and
• an actuatable mechanical holding means for holding the multi piece mold, including means for holding the one piece in which is formed a heat distribution source, in proximity to the selected portion of the tube for heating the selected tube portion to render it malleable, and for selectively applying the mold pieces to the tube for shaping the selected portion of the tube.