Abstract: A liquefying apparatus for melting and blending solid materials includes a hopper with a coiled heating element disposed therein which supports and melts the solid materials into liquid form. The hopper is segmented into a plurality of compartments and as the solid material melts the liquid is collected in the lower portion of the hopper. The collected liquid is continuously agitated to ensure that there are no concentration pockets. The lower section is also provided with a deaeration device to prevent entrained air from entering the liquid.

Abstract: A phosphor of the type utilized in a fluorescent lamp and which includes core elements barium, lead, silicon, and oxygen where a continuous, conformal outer coating of hydration and solubilization resistant aluminum oxide, which is impermeable to migration of the core elements, surrounds the core whereby the outer surface of the core is substantially entirely free of the core elements.