Abstract: A protective glove is formed of composite material for close fitting over the fingers and the back and palm of the hand. The composite material includes a layer of flexible elastic material for tactile sensitivity through the layer. Optically reflective and dispersive particles are distributed and embedded within the layer for dispersing incident laser light thereby preventing laser burn injuries to the hand of a wearer.

Abstract: A microwave antenna structure couples electromagnetic microwave energy from a microwave transmission line into a sample contained in a sample container without invasion of the sample. The microwave antenna structure is formed by a bifilar helix of conducting first and second helical elements. The first and second helical elements are arranged in a parallel relationship defining a double helix with alternating spaced apart helical turns from the respective first and second helical elements. The double helix forms a holder for receiving and holding a sample container within the turns of the double helix. The first and second helical elements are formed with coupling extension for coupling to opposite polarity conductors of a microwave transmission line. Electromagnetic microwave energy propagating along the transmission line is coupled into sample material within the sample container.

Abstract: A magnetic stirrer provides controlled and uniform stirring of multiple samples in multiple sample containers containing a stirring magnet. An elongate armature of nonmagnetic material is mounted for rotation on a substantially vertical axis. A motor rotates the elongate armature. First and second drive magnets are mounted at opposite ends of the elongate arms. The drive magnets are oriented with the respective magnetic pole axes in opposite substantially vertical directions. The drive magnets describe a circumference of a circle in a plane upon rotation of the armature. Multiple samples in multiple sample containers are placed at locations spaced from the plane, either above or below, and offset from the circumference of the circle, either outside or inside, for uniform and controlled rotation of the stirring magnets contained in the sample containers. In an alternative embodiment, vertical stems are mounted at the ends of the elongate arm.