Abstract: A method of making a multilayered, resilient flooring containing a multicolored pattern is disclosed. The method includes applying a multiplicity of pigmented, thermoplastic microbeads to a top surface of a thermoplastic base layer to form a pattern layer on the base layer, which typically remains sufficiently hot so that it is molten or tacky when the microbeads are applied. The base layer and pattern layer can be covered with a substantially transparent material to form a clear top layer. The base layer can be formed by melting a dry blend comprising polyvinylchloride (PVC) to produce a molten PVC output, shaping the molten PVC output into a smooth PVC sheet of uniform thickness. The microbeads can be applied to the base layer using a stencil. The multiplicity of microbeads can include microbeads of two or more colors. Preferably, the microbeads are approximately spherical and have an average diameter between 0.002″ and 0.040″.

Abstract: A low inductance large area coil (LILAC) is provided as a source for generating a large area plasma. The LILAC comprises at least two windings which, when connected to an RF source via impedance matching circuitry, produce a circulating flow of electrons to cause a magnetic field in the plasma. Because the LILAC employs multiple windings, few turns of winding are required to obtain a large area coil, so that the inductance of the LILAC is low. The low inductance of the LILAC ensures that the self-resonating frequency of the LILAC is kept at a level far above the RF driving frequency, allowing a broad frequency range for impedance matching. Thus, there is no difficulty in impedance matching, and power transfer can be maximized, permitting efficient generation of a large area plasma.

Abstract: A low inductance large area coil (LILAC) is provided as a source for generating a large area plasma. The LILAC comprises at least two windings which, when connected to an RF source via impedance matching circuitry, produce a circulating flow of electrons to cause a magnetic field in the plasma. Because the LILAC employs multiple windings, few turns of winding are required to obtain a large area coil, so that the inductance of the LILAC is low. The low inductance of the LILAC ensures that the self-resonating frequency of the LILAC is kept at a level far above the RF driving frequency, allowing a broad frequency range for impedance matching. Thus, there is no difficulty in impedance matching, and power transfer can be maximized, permitting efficient generation of a large area plasma.

Abstract: A segmented transformer coupled plasma (TCP) coil is provided as a source for generating a uniform plasma in a plasma reactor. The segmented TCP is divided into two or more segment coils which, when connected to an RF source, produces a circulating flow of electrons to cause a magnetic field in the plasma. Because the segmented TCP employs multiple segment coils, a plasma is generated that is more spatially uniform than the plasma produced by a monolithic coil. This is implemented using a power distributing component that allows the RF current to be distributed in the segment coils such that a uniform plasma density can be obtained in an area spanned by the coils. For instance, variable shunts, switchable shunts, and disconnect switches can be used to vary the RF currents in the individual coils.

Abstract: A modular air-to-air heat exchanger is provided in which heat exchanger cores are assembled in stacks from elemental core blocks that may be locked to a limited number of panels which form a variable size enclosure for the cores. Single and double width panels, half the height of the stacks, allow a staggering panel insertion which segregates crossing input and exhaust streams for an arbitrary configuration of cores.

Abstract: Optical apparatus for monitoring the relative positioning of first and second members which are movable relative to each other includes radiation means for generating an optical wavefield which provides, over a given area which has a predetermined location relative to the first member at least when the first member is in a given position relative to the second member, a distinctive light intensity distribution. The distinctive light intensity distribution results from at least two wavefronts that differ from each other in curvature in each of two mutually orthogonal planes. The radiation means preferably includes a source of radiation, a diffracting element and a focussing element. The diffracting element coacts with the source of radiation to provide said at least two wavefronts and the focussing element produces an image of the diffracting element at said predetermined location at least when the first member is in said given position relative to the second member.