Abstract: A high frequency infrared radiation source including a hermetically sealed chamber with a plasma generating gas therein, a pair of spaced electrodes in the chamber for creating a plasma therebetween, a window in the chamber, and a collimating lens made of infrared radiation transmissive material disposed between the pair of electrodes and the window.

Abstract: A system selects an antenna for transmitting data from a node (105-1) in an ad-hoc, multi-hop, wireless network (100). The system receives a message from another node (105-2) of the wireless network (100), the message including location data associated with the other node (105-2). The system determines an angle from the node (105-1) to the other node (105-2), based on the location data, to produce a determined angle. The system selects an antenna from a plurality of antennas for transmitting data to the other node (105-2) based on the determined angle.

Abstract: A node (105-1) determines a power level for transmitting to a neighboring node (105-2) in a wireless network (100). The node (105-1) receives one or more messages indicating a location of the neighboring node and a type of directional antenna of the neighboring node (105-2) that transmitted the one or more messages. The node (105-1) determines the power level for transmitting to the neighboring node (105-2) based on the location of the neighboring node (105-2) and the type of the directional antenna.

Abstract: A continuous bucket conveyor/elevator is provided which comprises a series of buckets mounted on at least one endless cable. The cable or cables and attached buckets are urged forward by means of an adjacent driving mechanism, such as, a pneumatic or hydraulic piston, which engages contact members attached at intervals to the cables. Because no drive chains or sprocket wheels are employed, lubrication is minimized even in corrosive or abrasive environments.

Abstract: A welding torch handle including electrical control means thus enabling a welder, by the control on the handle, to vary the welding current supplied to an electrode in the torch head fitted to the handle. The handle is characterized by employing a linearly actuated control that can continuously vary current applied to the electrode from 0 amps to the full setting on the welding power supply. This control eliminates foot, hand held, or motor driven controls and provides convenient single-handed current control by the welder.