Abstract: A focusing reflective mirror which is fabricated of a hoop structure having a reflective metalized membrane stretched over one face thereof and a metalized backing membrane over the opposite side forming a closed reflective structure. The contour of the flexible reflective surface is controlled by a differential pressure between the enclosed area behind the reflective surface and the ambient pressure. The particular configuration or contour of the reflective surface is controlled by a electropneumatic control system wherein a capacitive member is mounted behind the reflective surface and within the reflective structure which senses the distance between the capacitive member and the reflective surface and adjusts the focus by varying the relative pressure within the enclosed area behind the reflective member.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning contaminated surfaces such as hydro-carbon contaminant films in high vacuum environments including a plasma discharge housing for allowing a plasma to be generated in an environment having a higher pressure than the surface which is to be cleaned. A ground electrode and a radio frequency electrode partially surround a quartz plasma tube, for the introduction of an ionizable gas therein. These electrodes ionize the gas and help generate the plasma. This plasma flows through a non-constrictive aperture, through the plasma discharge housing and then on to the contaminated surface.

Abstract: An all glass composite building panel suitable for use as an integral structural member in roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors. The panel is constructed of three layers of glass separated by integral raised walls fused to the adjacent glass layers to define three possible combinations of two enclosed spaces; two layers of contiguous individual vacuum cells; one layer of contiguous individual vacuum cells and one layer comprising a serpentine passageway for liquid flow therethrough, said serpentine passage containing a heat absorptive material; or two layers comprising individual serpentine passageways for liquid flow.

Abstract: A continuous flow of gas plasma is supplied to a space at a very low pressure in which the object to be sterilized is located. Cool plasma of a suitable gas such as argon is produced continually by being subjected to a radio-frequency field. Complex shapes such as capillary passages through a blood oxygenator can be sterilized by passing the gas plasma through them. The exterior of objects to be sterilized can be subjected to gas plasma in a space at a very low pressure either confined or unconfined. The space may, for example, be a packaging envelope, and subsequent to sterilization such envelope can be evacuated and collapsed onto the object to preserve its sterile character.