Device and method for coating serpentine fluorescent lamps

A device for coating an interior surface of a serpentine tube comprising:

• a plate capable of holding a serpentine tube;
• a magnetic material for placement within the serpentine tube;
• a material to be coated on the interior surface of the serpentine tube mixed with said magnetic material;
• a magnet placed adjacent the magnetic material;
• and
• a drive mechanism attached to said magnet capable of moving said magnet in a path conforming to the shape of the serpentine tube,
• whereby the interior surface of the serpentine tube is coated with said material.

A device for coating an interior surface of a serpentine glass tube used in the manufacture of a fluorescent lamp comprising:

• a plate capable of holding said serpentine glass tube in a horizontal position having a top and bottom surface;
• a serpentine glass tube having angularly disposed legs at each end and held on the top surface of said plate;
• a pair of holes formed in said plate adapted to receive the legs of said serpentine glass tube;
• a plurality of magnetic material particles placed within said serpentine glass tube;
• a coating material to be coated on the interior surface of said serpentine glass tube mixed with said plurality of magnetic material particles;
• a plurality of sprockets attached to the bottom surface of said plate;
• a chain connecting said plurality of sprockets, wherein said sprockets and said chain form a path corresponding to the shape of said serpentine glass tube;
• a magnet attached to said chain;
• a drive sprocket coupled to said chain;
• a motor coupled to said drive sprocket;
• and
• a controller coupled to said motor, whereby movement said magnet attached to said chain is controlled,
• whereby the interior surface of the serpentine glass tube is coated with said coating material.