Abstract: In a general aspect, vapor cells are disclosed that include a dielectric body having a first surface and a second surface. The dielectric body includes a plurality of cavities extending from the first surface to the second surface and ordered periodically to define a photonic crystal structure in the dielectric body. Each cavity has a first opening defined by the first surface and a second opening defined by the second surface. The photonic crystal structure has a photonic band gap. The vapor cells additionally include a first optical window covering the first openings and having a surface bonded to the first surface of the dielectric body to form a seal around each of the first openings. A second optical window covers the second openings and has a surface bonded to the second surface of the dielectric body to form a seal around each of the second openings.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a device is disclosed for providing a reference frequency of light. The device includes a housing having a first opening and a second opening. A first optical window covers the first opening and is coupled to the housing by a first ceramic bond that forms a hermetic seal around the first opening. A second optical window covers the second opening and is coupled to the housing by a second ceramic bond that forms a hermetic seal around the second opening. The device also includes an etalon disposed within an evacuated volume enclosed by at least the housing, the first optical window, and the second optical window. The device additionally includes one or more supports suspending the etalon in the evacuated volume. The one or more supports are formed of a material having a thermal conductivity no greater than 5 W/m·K at room temperature.

Abstract: An improved system, apparatus and method for flipping gaming objects, such as dice, in a random, reliable manner. An object flipping platform can be contained within a container associated with an electronic gaming machine. The container can be at least partially transparent so that users (e.g., game players) are able to view the objects flipping. The object flipping platform can be used to flip objects (e.g., dice) from one side to an opposite side, and vice versa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hollow ball mount system having a hollow spherical structure. The hollow spherical structure includes an internal volume, an external surface, and an outer wall. A stem is adjoined to the hollow spherical structure, the stem having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the stem extends outward and substantially normal to the external surface. An interfacing surface is positioned upon the distal end of the stem. The flat interfacing surface is configured for mounting and securing articles, such as camera equipment, sporting equipment, and lighting. In further embodiments, the flat interfacing surface includes an attachment member and/or an adapter to substantially match the size and shape of the articles to be adjoined to the hollow ball mount.

Abstract: An overheating destructive disconnecting method for switch, which enables a first elastic force to concurrently apply force to an overheating destructive member and a movable conductive member. Moreover, the force direction causes the movable conductive member to concurrently contact a first conductive member and a second conductive member to form a conductive circuit. A second elastic force acts on the movable conductive member, and the force direction thereof causes the movable conductive member to separate away from the first conductive member or the second conductive member, The overheating destructive member is positioned in a required non-electric transmission path and at a distance from the movable conductive member. When the overheating destructive member is destructed or deformed under a fail temperature condition, the first elastic force is lessened or lost, at which time the second elastic force causes the movable conductive member to change position, thereby breaking the current-carrying circuit.

Abstract: In a general aspect, vapor cells are disclosed that include a dielectric body having a first surface and a second surface. The dielectric body includes a plurality of cavities extending from the first surface to the second surface and ordered periodically to define a photonic crystal structure in the dielectric body. Each cavity has a first opening defined by the first surface and a second opening defined by the second surface. The photonic crystal structure has a photonic band gap. The vapor cells additionally include a first optical window covering the first openings and having a surface bonded to the first surface of the dielectric body to form a seal around each of the first openings. A second optical window covers the second openings and has a surface bonded to the second surface of the dielectric body to form a seal around each of the second openings.

Abstract: Vapor cells are disclosed that include a dielectric body having a first surface and a second surface. The dielectric body includes a plurality of walls extending from the first surface to the second surface. A perimeter wall surrounds an open volume of the dielectric body and interconnected walls are arranged within the open volume to partition the open volume into a plurality of cells. Each cell has a first opening defined by the first surface and a second opening defined by the second surface. The vapor cells additionally include a first optical window covering the first openings and having a surface bonded to the first surface of the dielectric body to form a seal around each of the first openings. A second optical window covers the second openings and has a surface bonded to the second surface of the dielectric body to form a seal around each of the second openings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a configurable ball mount system that allows the user to use different spherical structure sizes and removable stem inserts to accommodate various articles being secured by the configurable ball mount system. The configurable ball mount system comprises a spherical structure having a first aperture designed to receive a removable stem insert having different attachment members and adapters. Custom configuration allows the user to interface with multiple articles of more than one manufacturer or brand.

Abstract: An arca-type camera mounting plate includes a back side with leveling displays for unobstructed viewing of the leveling displays when the camera is mounted. The leveling displays may include vertical and horizontal bubble levels.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a vapor cell is presented that includes a dielectric body. The dielectric body has a surface that defines an opening to a cavity in the dielectric body. The vapor cell also includes a vapor or a source of the vapor in the cavity of the dielectric body. An optical window covers the opening of the cavity and has a surface bonded to the surface of the dielectric body to form a seal around the opening. The seal includes metal-oxygen bonds formed by reacting a first plurality of hydroxyl ligands on the surface of the dielectric body with a second plurality of hydroxyl ligands on the surface of the optical window.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a method of manufacturing a vapor cell is presented. The method includes obtaining a dielectric body having a surface that defines an opening to a cavity in the dielectric body. The method also includes obtaining an optical window that includes a surface. The surfaces of the dielectric body and the optical window are altered to include, respectively, a first plurality of hydroxyl ligands and a second plurality of hydroxyl ligands. The method additionally includes disposing a vapor, or a source of the vapor, into the cavity. The altered surface of the dielectric body is contacted to the altered surface of the optical window to form a seal around the opening to the cavity. The seal includes metal-oxygen bonds formed by reacting the first plurality of hydroxyl ligands with the second plurality of hydroxyl ligands during contact of the altered surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for lighting effects, including simulating a flame. A three dimensional carrier includes an array of a plurality of light sources distributed on it. A control circuit coordinates on/off of the light sources in a manner to simulate a jumping flame. In one embodiment, the three dimensional carrier and LEDs are encapsulated in an at least partially light transmissive cover. This light modular engine includes a control circuit and an interface to electrical power. The system can include the light engine in a light fixture such as an architectural fixture. The methodology can include a sequence of on/off and brightness variations for the array of light sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the preparation of compositions comprising adipose tissue-derived secretions, for example those derived from bovine adipose tissue, and the use of such compositions in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for topical use. The invention also relates to the use of adipose tissue-derived secretions and pharmaceutical compositions thereof for the topical treatment of a non-inflammatory condition, for example the treatment of a skin condition, and for the stimulation of hair growth in a subject by topical application. The invention also relates to the use of adipose tissue-derived secretions and pharmaceutical compositions thereof for the topical treatment of acne.