Abstract: A plasma lamp including a waveguide body consisting essentially of at least one dielectric material having a dielectric constant greater than approximately 2. The body is coupled to a microwave power source which causes the body to resonate in at least one resonant mode. At least one lamp chamber integrated with the body contains a bulb with a fill forming a light-emitting plasma when the chamber receives power from the resonating body. A bulb either is self-enclosed or an envelope sealed by a window or lens covering the chamber aperture.

Abstract: A dielectric waveguide integrated plasma lamp (DWIPL) with a body consisting essentially of at least one dielectric material having a dielectric constant greater than approximately 2, and having a shape and dimensions such that the body resonates in at least one resonant mode when microwave energy of an appropriate frequency is coupled into the body. A bulb positioned in a cavity within the body contains a gas-fill which when receiving energy from the resonating body forms a light-emitting plasma.

Abstract: A plug for removably resealing an aperture in a soft plastic dispensing conduit of a container of material. The plug includes a handle-like upper portion, and a conically tapering lower portion with contiguous scoring edges each having a leading and a trailing surface which form a sharp circumferential point. By firmly inserting the plug into the aperture and then screwing it in, one or several points score a segment of the conduit interior surface, proximate to the aperture, forming grooves. Meshing of edge points and grooves create an air-tight seal. The aperture, reopened by unscrewing the plug, can be repetitively resealed because the scoring edges track within the preformed grooves.

Abstract: A solar radiation collection and distribution system includes a solar collection system which includes a primary reflector, a secondary reflector and a planar reflector. The focal points of the primary and secondary reflectors are offset by the same number of degrees, and the primary and secondary reflectors are rigidly fixed in an assembly such that their focal points lie along a common optical axis. The assembly is pivotable in elevation and rotatable in azimuth such that the primary reflector continuously tracks the sun. A pivotable planar reflector, which reflects downwardly the beam from the secondary reflector, pivots at one-half the angular rate at which the assembly pivots. This beam consists essentially of sunlight and is maintained in a substantially constant orientation independent of assembly elevation and azimuth.

Abstract: A wall-mounted mirror which can be convectively and radiatively heated to prevent fogging by a sheet heater separated from the mirror interior surface by an air gap. The mirror is electrically insulated and grounded to prevent electric shock.

Abstract: Five processes for cutting teak wood timber so that the resulting logs have at least one straight-line grain surface and minimal surface area showing buds. Logs or thin sections thereof when aligned and glued together form boards or planks with straight-line grain surfaces.

Abstract: A plug assembly for removably resealing a caulking tube nozzle includes a plug with a handle-like upper portion and a conically tapering lower portion with contiguous scoring edges each having a leading and a trailing surface which form a sharp circumferential point. By firmly inserting the plug into the nozzle aperture and then screwing it in, one or several points score the nozzle interior surface to form grooves. Meshing of points and grooves in combination with residual caulking material in the nozzle create an air-tight seal. The nozzle, reopened by unscrewing the plug, can be repetitively resealed because the scoring edges track within the preformed grooves. The assembly further includes a piercing shaft, breakably separable from the plug, for puncturing a foil seal on the tube front end.

Abstract: A golf club having a hollow shaft whose flexibility is determined by the tension on a wire coinciding with the shaft longitudinal axis. The is attached between a fixed assembly in the handle and a fixed assembly at the shaft lower end. The upper assembly includes a cap member, a wire-end clamping member, and a tension support member. A first embodiment uses a thin round wire. A second embodiment uses a thin tape-shaped wire.

Abstract: A wall-mounted cabinet having a pivotable door with opposed exterior and interior mirrors which can be convectively and radiatively heated to prevent fogging, by a sheet heater between the two mirrors. The exterior mirror is electrically insulated, and the exterior and interior mirrors are grounded to prevent electric shock.

Abstract: An assembly for measuring the mass flow and flow rate of gases such as are used in semiconductor fabrication processes. The assembly includes an axial flow passage, viz., a capillary tube with a bore of about 0.050 inch diameter and a wall thickness of about 0.002 inch, having a downstream end connected to a diffuser section having an axially symmetric, diverging passage. Gas exiting the diffuser section has a low pressure drop because the gas has expanded at a low, controlled rate, converting velocity head into pressure head, and because the tube and diffuser section passage are in-line, eliminating right-angle turns. The assembly also includes two resistance thermometers, coils of iron-nickel alloy wire about 0.0004 inch in diameter, providing a differential temperature measurement with a time constant of less than 4 seconds.

Abstract: A traveling bag for carrying temperature-sensitive medications such as insulin which includes a sensor monitoring the interior temperature and an exterior display showing the measured temperature. In one embodiment the bag interior includes a compartment for storing medication, an assembly for securely holding three insulin pens, and a compartment for holding a container of freezing material. A second embodiment of the bag omits the freezing material compartment.

Abstract: A golf club having a hollow shaft whose flexibility is altered by rotating the club handle. Change in flexibility results from change in tension on a wire coinciding with the shaft longitudinal axis. The wire is attached between a longitudinally movable assembly in the handle and a fixed assembly at the shaft lower end. The movable assembly includes outer and inner tension tuner members, a collar, a clamp and bifurcated collet, and outer and inner twist-prevention housings.

Abstract: A fluid valve assembly including a ball valve within a central hole in a resilient disc-shaped spring. The spring has additional openings to minimize resistance to fluid flow from inlet to outlet. Clearance between the spring and side walls of the cavity within which it is mounted allows the ball to center itself in its seat. The central hole diameter, ball diameter and separation between the spring and seat are selected to create an upward force on the ball over its entire stroke which provides a frictional force between the spring and a supporting lip to minimize radial motion of the spring to keep the ball aligned. The force also overcomes the weight of the ball in applications where the inlet pressure is very low, and also overcomes adhesion of the ball to the seat. The assembly is incorporated in a mass flow controller typically used with semiconductor fabrication processes.

Abstract: A cap for protecting from rot and other deterioration the lowermost portion of a wood construction member supported by an elevated base. The cap has four lateral faces and a top face with a rectangular aperture formed by four flexible web portions which press against the member. The dimensions of the lateral faces are selected so that the lateral face bottom edges have a desired above-ground clearance.