Abstract: An electrodeless lamp waveguide structure includes tuned absorbers for spurious RF signals. A lamp waveguide with an integral frequency selective attenuation includes resonant absorbers positioned within the waveguide to absorb spurious out-of-band RF energy. The absorbers have a negligible effect on energy at the selected frequency used to excite plasma in the lamp. In a first embodiment, one or more thin slabs of lossy magnetic material are affixed to the sidewalls of the waveguide at approximately one quarter wavelength of the spurious signal from an end wall of the waveguide. The positioning of the lossy material optimizes absorption of power from the spurious signal. In a second embodiment, one or more thin slabs of lossy magnetic material are used in conjunction with band rejection waveguide filter elements. In a third embodiment, one or more microstrip filter elements are tuned to the frequency of the spurious signal and positioned within the waveguide to couple and absorb the spurious signal's energy.

Abstract: Ignition of an electrodeless lamp, energized by microwave or radio frequency energy, is achieved by disposing a ferroelectric igniter in the lamp envelope along with the fill material. The igniter responds to switching of its spontaneous ferroelectric polarization by emitting electrons that collide with the atoms of the fill material to discharge further electrons and ultimately provide emission of light. In the preferred embodiment, the microwave or radio frequency energy used to excite the fill material is applied to the ferroelectric igniter to cause switching of its spontaneous ferroelectric polarization. Another preferred feature is the securing of the igniter, in the form of a thin patch or wafer, to the inside surface of the lamp envelope in a generally perpendicular orientation to the electric field in the microwave excitation energy.

Abstract: A multifunctional clip applier instrument includes an elongate instrument body having a proximal end received in a control housing, a distal end having one or two pairs of opposed forceps jaws spring biased apart, a plurality of surgical clips disposed in one or two clip magazines inserted into a clip cartridge removably received into the instrument body and a handle cooperating with the control housing to operate the forceps jaws to apply clips to tissue, to grasp and manipulate tissue when no clip is in the jaws, to selectively or automatically advance clips into the jaws and to selectively or automatically cut tissue after clipping.

Abstract: A cannulated bioabsorbable tack has annular ribs configured to enhance fixation to tissue, such as bone, and is particularly effective for attaching soft tissue to bone, such as ligaments or muscles in the shoulder. Apparatus and method for display the tack facilitate arthroscopic surgical procedures for attaching or joining tissue.

Abstract: A cannulated bioabsorbable tack has annular ribs configured to enhance fixation to tissue, such as bone, and is particularly effective for attaching soft tissue to bone, such as ligaments or muscles in the shoulder. Apparatus and method for deploying the tack facilitate arthroscopic surgical procedures for attaching or joining tissue.

Abstract: A batten end fitting includes a coupling having slots therein for securely receiving slides mounted for movement in a mast track formed longitudinally in a mast and rollers rotatably mounted thereon for movement along the mast in response to movement of the slides. A socket or pivot is formed in the coupling, and a ball is defined on the forward end of a batten holder for rotatable engagement with the socket when the batten holder is flexibly secured to the coupling. The batten holder includes a pair of plates for receiving therebetween a luff end of a mainsail, and a positioner is slidably mounted between the plates for receiving a forward end of a batten sewn into a pocket in the mainsail. The positioner selectively positions the batten relative to the plates and thereby selectively tensions the batten within the batten pocket.

Abstract: An adjustable bicycle seat includes first and second support platforms laterally separated by first an second relatively slidable, horizontally oriented, overlapping flanges respectively joined to the first and second support platforms and having a bolt extending through a passage therein to releasably secure the first and second platforms in laterally spaced relation. Each support platform includes an integral spring rotatably mounted in a clamp attachable to a bicycle frame. Apertures formed in the first and second flanges are selectively alignable when the bolt is removed from the passage to permit selective lateral and angular positioning of the first and second support platforms in a horizontal plane, and the bolt is engageable in the aligned apertures to secure the support platforms in such position.

Abstract: A football-like projectile having a central longitudinal bore includes a weighted insert in the bore to concentrate the weight of the projectile interiorly of the ball about the longitudinal axis. The insert is provided with a longitudinal flow passage to permit air flow hrough the insert and the bore when the ball is in flight.

Abstract: A refrigeration system is employed alternatively as an automatic ice-maker, and a device to automatically produce a supply of purified water by melting a portion of the ice produced in the ice-making operation. Separate sections of the condenser of the refrigeration system are selectively employed to provide heat to melt ice when the purified water supply is low and, alternatively, to reject heat when the purified water supply is sufficient but ice production is required.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a cluster of rotatable bristle tufts disposed between two longitudinally spaced clusters of positionally fixed bristle tufts. The fixed bristles frictionally engage tooth surfaces to oppose longitudinal movement of the brush head in response to longitudinal reciprocation of the brush handle within the head. A rack and pinion convert the longitudinal reciprocation of the handle to oscillatory rotation of the rotatable bristle tufts.

Abstract: A load transporting dolly includes a frame having a flange on a lower end thereof to be positioned above an upstanding wall of a tray containing a load and a foot positioned in spaced relation with the flange for engaging the load when the flange is placed above the side wall. Spaced, parallel legs joined to opposing lateral ends of the flange extend upwardly therefrom, and arms for positioning and holding the load upon the frame are mounted, respectively, on the legs for selective rotation around a first axis and selective sliding movement along the first axis to extend along lateral sides of the load perpendicular with the foot. The arms are rotatable around a second axis perpendicular with the first axis and are slidable along the second axis to selectively position gripping fingers in the arms and planes containing the arms to permit the gripping fingers to be placed in a clearance adjacent lateral sides of the load and positioned to extend along a back of the load.

Abstract: A suitcase including a plurality of independently, selectively accessible compartments defined by a pair of opposed sides and having retaining devices for securing articles in the compartments with respect to the sides of the suitcase, a handle attached to the sides of the suitcase for supporting such sides and for allowing the suitcase to be carried by the handle, wheels mounted on the suitcase for supporting the suitcase on the ground and a pull strap attached to the sides of the suitcase at forward and rearward points or attachment for manually pulling the suitcase along the ground.

Abstract: Automated gel permeation chromatography of multiple individual samples is effected with high precision and high speed utilizing a common sample sizing loop into which each sample is placed prior to its injection into the chromatography column, thereby eliminating the need for precisely matched sample loops. Each sample is pre-stored in its own container, the containers being automatically sequentially accessed to feed a portion of the contained sample medium to the common sample sizing loop. The common sample flow path, including the sample sizing loop, is automatically cleaned with rinse solvent between loading of successive samples into the sizing loop. Multiple programs may be employed to control the processing times for different types of sample fluid. A sample container closure member having a unique sealing insert member is provided to preclude leakage of fluid from the sample storage container when the container is pressurized.

Abstract: A refrigeration system employed as an icemaker, in which part of the ice so produced is stored in a bin, and in which, part of the ice is then melted to provide a supply of purified water in a container. In one embodiment convection flow of air conveys heat from the ambient room environment to the bottom of the ice bin to achieve this melting. In a second embodiment a convection flow of water is employed for this purpose. Controls are provided to automatically control melting, to maintain a predetermined level in the purified water container.

Abstract: A method for training individuals in the art of writing dialogue utilizes a bound volume of pages depicting scenes arranged in a sequence pursuant to a pre-prepared story outline. Each scene includes one or more characters in the story and enclosed caption bubbles with underlined blank spaces in which a trainee is instructed to handwrite words corresponding to statements the trainee believes the characters might be saying. The page material permits pencil markings to be easily erased. Illustrations may be outline drawings suitable for coloring by the trainee. An instructor typically evaluates the handwritten dialogue and advises the trainee pursuant to the evaluation.

Abstract: A mast boot includes a flexible cover for encircling a mast mounted in a mast collar in a deck opening on a sailboat having a lower edge to be positioned around the mast collar and an upper edge to be positioned around the mast above the mast collar and opposing side edges provided with fastener strips therealong for continuously securing the side edges together to position the upper and lower edges tightly against the mast and the mast collar, respectively. Upper and lower clamps for sealing the upper and lower edges include bands to be tightened around the mast to compress the upper and lower edges, respectively, against the mast and the mast collar. Upper and lower edge seals positionable to encircle the mast include strips having fasteners thereon permitting the strips to be positioned to cover the upper and lower clamps, respectively.

Abstract: A skid assembly for supporting a packer or the like in a pipeline includes three skid blades of different configuration whereby the radial apex of each blade is longitudinally offset from the radial apex of the other blades. With this configuration the skid assembly is capable of being transported past a radial offset or other radially reduced portion of the pipeline as each apex passes the offset independently of the other apices.

Abstract: Automated gel permeation chromatography of multiple individual samples is effected with high precision and high speed utilizing a common sample sizing loop into which each sample is placed prior to its injection into the chromatography column, thereby eliminating the need for precisely matched sample loops. Each sample is pre-stored in its own container, the containers being automatically sequentially accessed to feed a portion of the contained sample medium to the common sample sizing loop. The common sample flow path, including the sample sizing loop is automatically cleaned with rinse solvent between loading of successive samples into the sizing loop. Multiple programs may be employed to control the processing times for different types of sample fluid. A sample container closure member having a unique sealing insert member is provided to preclude leakage of fluid from the sample storage container when the container is pressurized.

Abstract: A television camera is encapsulated in plastic material providing protection from environmental hazards. The camera, including a camera body, lens and lens cover glued to the lens, is embedded in and chemically bonded to the encapsulate material. A lens opening in the forward end of the encapsulate housing exposes the lens cover. A camera cable and pushrod extend from the rearward end of the housing and are chemically bonded to the encapsulate material. Individual light sources, partially embedded in the encapsulate material, are disposed in respective recesses oriented in an annular pattern about the lens opening. The encapsulation process employs a mold assembly having a base with a raised pedestal on which the lens cover is placed to support the camera. Multiple lamp receivers are disposed in the base in an annular pattern about the pedestal to sealingly receive the forward portions of respective lamps while leaving the remaining rearward portions exposed.