Abstract: An ultra bright, low wattage inductively coupled electrodeless aperture lamp is powered by a solid state RF source in the range of several tens to several hundreds of watts at various frequencies in the range of 400 to 900 MHz. Numerous novel lamp circuits and components are disclosed including a wedding ring shaped coil having one axial and one radial lead, a high accuracy capacitor stack, a high thermal conductivity aperture cup and various other aperture bulb configurations, a coaxial capacitor arrangement, and an integrated coil and capacitor assembly. Numerous novel RF circuits are also disclosed including a high power oscillator circuit with reduced complexity resonant pole configuration, parallel RF power FET transistors with soft gate switching, a continuously variable frequency tuning circuit, a six port directional coupler, an impedance switching RF source, and an RF source with controlled frequency-load characteristics.

Abstract: A high frequency inductively coupled electrodeless lamp includes an excitation coil with an effective electrical length which is less than one half wavelength of a driving frequency applied thereto, preferably much less. The driving frequency may be greater than 100 MHz and is preferably as high as 915 MHz. Preferably, the excitation coil is configured as a non-helical, semi-cylindrical conductive surface having less than one turn, in the general shape of a wedding ring. At high frequencies, the current in the coil forms two loops which are spaced apart and parallel to each other. Configured appropriately, the coil approximates a Helmholtz configuration. The lamp preferably utilizes an bulb encased in a reflective ceramic cup with a pre-formed aperture defined therethrough. The ceramic cup may include structural features to aid in alignment and I or a flanged face to aid in thermal management.

Abstract: An on-site fabrication method has been devised for compound bending of laminated wooden beam members into a handrail for curved or spiral stairways in which upstanding supports are positioned at intervals along the path of intended curvature on the stairway, the strips are assembled together in juxtaposed relation to one another and retained by leveling brackets on the support members whereby to prevent twisting of the beam members when a lateral force is applied, clamping the beam members together against each support member and permitting the beam members to be cured into a unitary rail section.

Abstract: A prefabricated handrail assembly is conformable for use along horizontal or inclined surfaces and is characterized by being adjustable in accordance with the pitch or degree of rise along the surface while retaining the upper and lower rail portions in spaced parallel relation to one another with the balusters extending vertically between the rail portions. Fasteners at opposite ends of the rail portions will automatically conform to differences in the angle between the rail portions and end posts to which they are connected, and a unique bracket or hold-down device is provided for connection to each newel post.

Abstract: A corner bracket assembly is adapted for mounting and support of a newel or post and comprises a plurality of corner brackets each having oppositely directed flanges at its lower edge for attachment to a rigid member, such as, a floor surface so as to form an upstanding receptacle for insertion of the newel, and exterior molding or trim forms a cover in surrounding relation to the corner brackets and base portion of the newel.

Abstract: A composite molding structure combines a plurality of laminated body members with matingly engageable channels and extensions sized and shaped to at least partially interfittingly retain said body members from movement relative to one another, and filling and finishing members are so constructed and arranged as to conceal said channels and extensions whereby to impart a finished, contoured appearance and feel. The body members also include a variety of distinctive architectural configurations on their lateral sides which serve both as functional gripping surfaces as well as to impart an ornamental appearance to the finished molding. The various shapes and configurations with corresponding engagement means are conducive to the exercise of one's individual creativity in laminating various members together in a variety of combinations to produce finished moldings, handrails, balustrades and the like of desired size and appearance.