Abstract: Certain embodiments provide apparatuses and methods for removing alcohol from alcoholic beverages. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a vessel, a fluid conduit configured to be inserted into a beverage, the fluid conduit configured to allow the beverage to flow into the vessel, a heating system comprising a distribution surface within the vessel, the distribution surface configured to receive the beverage and to heat the beverage, and a vacuum system configured to apply a vacuum to the beverage while the beverage is heated by the distribution surface. In certain embodiments, the method includes using the apparatuses described herein to reduce the alcohol content of an alcoholic beverage.

Abstract: A tubular gas discharge lamp and a method of manufacturing are disclosed. The method includes providing a tubular ingot having an outer surface with a first outer diameter. The method further includes drawing the tubular ingot to form a tube. The tube has a wall with an outer surface. The outer surface has a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter. The wall is substantially transmissive to ultraviolet light. The method further includes applying at least one coating on the outer surface of the tube. The at least one coating includes a phosphor material.

Abstract: A flat form graphic device for displaying light in patterns of different graphic shapes. The device includes glass plates which are bonded together with at least one of the plates molded with a shaped portion extending over the area of the desired shape. A cavity formed between the shaped portion and the other plate is charged with an ionizable gaseous medium, and the inner surfaces of the cavity are coated with phosphors. In one embodiment electrodes are activated for producing a gas discharge within the cavity generate fluorescent light. In another embodiment, emf radiators are mounted on the device and the radiators are operated by a control system for producing an emf field which excites the ionizable medium to generate the light. In another embodiment shields are provided for shielding out undesirable emf radiation and also for directing or otherwise influencing the illumination pattern.

Abstract: A flat form gas discharge lamp is disclosed which includes glass front and back plates mounted together and in which the front plate is formed with a plurality of channels which are sealed to confine an ionizable medium. The channels are oriented in parallel relationship and are separated by gaps. Optical means is placed in the gaps for intercepting secondary light which is transmitted laterally from side walls of the channels and redirected toward the front of the lamp. Secondary light in combination with the primary transmitted through front walls of the channels provides illumination across an area with optimum brightness uniformity and efficiency.