Abstract: The present disclosure includes field emission device embodiments. The present disclosure also includes method embodiments for forming field emitting devices. One device embodiment includes a housing defining an interior space including a lower portion and an upper portion, a cathode positioned in the lower portion of the housing, a elongate nanostructure coupled to the cathode, an anode positioned in the upper portion of the housing, and a control grid positioned between the elongate nanostructure and the anode to control electron flow between the anode and the elongate nanostructure.

Abstract: A mask for depositing an organic film includes a mask sheet having at least two openings with different sizes and a blocking part formed in a region where the at least two openings are not formed. A supporting frame is formed on a back side of the mask sheet to support the mask sheet, and a mask frame receives a peripheral region of the supporting frame and supports a vertical pressure applied to the supporting frame and the mask sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a backlight module and a light source device used therein. The present invention also provides the light source device manufacturing method. The light source device comprises a circuit substrate, light-emitting elements and a solder-resist reflective layer. The circuit substrate has a metal circuit layer and contacts thereon. The light-emitting elements are arranged in the form of arrays on the circuit substrate and are connected to the contacts. One end of each contact is connected to the metal circuit layer, and the other end is connected to the light-emitting element. The solder-resist reflective layer is formed on the circuit substrate and is disposed on the same side as the light-emitting elements. The solder-resist reflective layer covers the metal circuit layer but exposes the contacts.

Abstract: A reflector assembly for use in a digital projector includes a reflector having a reflector opening defined therein, and a startup element fixedly coupled to the reflector such that the reflector and the startup element are configured to allow the replaceable coupling of a lamp assembly to the reflector assembly.

Abstract: For manufacturing a high-pressure discharge lamp, a tungsten electrode is welded to a molybdenum foil by bringing a shaft of tungsten electrode into close contact with the molybdenum foil, and by irradiating a laser light, having a metal melting wavelength, to a junction of the molybdenum foil with the tungsten electrode from a location closer to the molybdenum foil to melt both the molybdenum foil and the shaft of the tungsten electrode for bonding.

Abstract: A method manufactures an organic EL device by forming cathodes by a liquid phase process depositing a dispersion liquid containing ultra-fine ytterbium (Yb) particles using an inkjet method, followed by drying.

Abstract: An incandescent halogen lamp used in connection with a vehicle headlamp system in which stray light attributable to reflection off of internal lamp components is reduced while the structural integrity of the lamp is maintained. The halogen lamp includes two filaments, several lead wires, and a support bridge all sealed within a glass envelope. Each filament is connected at its outermost end to a flattened end portion of a lead wire which extends along the length of the filament from near the support bridge to the upper end of the filament. The flattened outer ends of the lead wires have a narrow profile that is in alignment with the direction of illumination of light from their respective filaments. This arrangement reduces the surface area that could otherwise interfere with light emitted by the filaments, and thereby reduces the overall stray light produced by the lamp. The flattened outer ends can have a roughened surface to further help reduce the amount of light reflected off the lead wires.

Abstract: To form side tubes with adequate resistance to pressure, and to provide a short-arc, ultra-high-pressure discharge lamp having such side tubes, and to provide a method of manufacturing such a lamp, a short-arc, ultra-high-pressure discharge lamp (1) has a luminescent tube (10) within which a pair of electrodes (2,2) face each other, and side tubes (11) that extend from opposite sides of the luminescent tube and in which a portion of the electrodes is sealed and in which a small space (B) is formed to enable the electrodes (2) to expand and contract freely without compression along their axes due to a difference in the indices of expansion of the materials that make up the electrodes (2) and the side tubes (11).

Abstract: A hollow cathode having at least a portion of the inner, outer or both surfaces coated with a layer of a getter material is described. Some methods for the production of the hollow cathode of the invention are also described, which include cathodic and electrophoretic deposition of the getter layer onto the hollow cathode.

Abstract: A sealing plug used for sealing an arc tube, and formed from a plurality of sintered layers. The sealing plug is obtained by conducting a slurry preparation step of preparing slurries corresponding to each layer of the sealing plug by mixing together a tungsten powder, a silica powder, an organic binder, an organic solvent, and a dispersant; a preform manufacturing step of manufacturing layers of a preform by repeating the process of dipping the metal lead wire into the slurries with the metal lead wire in a perpendicular position, and drying the slurry adhering when the metal lead wire is removed; and a sintering step of sintering the manufactured preform.

Abstract: An electrode E is manufactured through a series of steps that lend themselves to implementation on a machine tool. Electrode components 100, 158, 190 are joined or welded to other electrode components 62, 100, 158 and then cut to length from a continuous supply of material. Windings of a coil 170 with a relatively narrow inner diameter 174 are opened in a rotating step so that the coil can tightly engage a component 158 having a larger outer diameter 178.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp capable of fully securing a portion for containing a mercury amalgam pellet and reliably preventing the mercury amalgam pellet from moving toward the inside a discharge tube, and a method for manufacturing the fluorescent lamp. The fluorescent lamp includes a glass tube having a fluorescent substance layer on the inner surface, a sealed portion formed at an end of the glass tube, a slender glass tube having an inner space that is in communication with the inside of the glass tube and is not in communication with the outside of the glass tube, and a mercury amalgam pellet contained in the slender glass tube. The slender glass tube has a small-diameter part with an inner diameter smaller than the diameter of the mercury amalgam pellet and a large-diameter part with an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the mercury amalgam pellet.

Abstract: Before an electrode assembly is inserted into a quartz glass tube, a reinforcement bending process is applied to a metal foil. Even when a vibration load acts on the electrode assembly during the insertion of the electrode assembly into the quartz glass tube, the metal foil is not easily deformed, so that a rod electrode can be prevented from largely swinging together with the metal foil. Consequently, the position of a tip end portion of the rod electrode can be easily recognized by using a camera, whereby the degree of the insertion of the electrode assembly into the quartz glass tube can be correctly adjusted.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for setting a filament (22) on an electrode (24) comprises a body (52) having a central member (54) with a longitudinal axis (A—A), a first end member (56) and a second end member (58). The first and second end members (56, 58) are located at opposite ends of the central member (54) and each extends away from the longitudinal axis (A—A) thereby forming a recess (59). Each end member (56, 58) includes a surface generally facing the recess (61, 63) and an outer surface (74, 76). A bore (68) in the body is adapted to receive a retaining member (not shown) for mounting the body (52) to the electrode (24). A cavity (70) extends through the first end member (56) from its outer surface (74) to its recess facing surface (61). A cavity (80) in the second end member (58) opens toward the recess (59). The cavities (70, 80) in the first end member (56) and second end member (58) are located opposite one another across the recess (59).

Abstract: An arc lamp comprises a single edge-to-edge cathode support strut on which the cathode is mounted with an end slot. Such makes heat and thermal stress loading on the assembly symmetrical over operational time, and arc tip wander from the anode center is practically eliminated. Nine component parts that are brought together in only three brazes and one TIG-weld to result in a finished product. An anode assembly is brazed with the rest of a body sub-assembly in one step instead of two. A single-bar cathode-support strut is brazed together as one step. A window flange and a sapphire output window are brazed together with the product of the strut braze step in a mounted-cathode-braze step. A copper-tube fill tubulation, a kovar sleeve, a ceramic reflector body, an anode flange, and a tungsten anode are all brazed together in a “body-braze” step. The products of the mounted-cathode-braze step and body-braze step are tungsten-inert-gas (TIG) welded together in a final welding step.

Abstract: The profile lines of plate-like grid electrodes are formed by a first punching step and separation lines of the plate-like grid electrodes are formed by a subsequent punching step. The angle of a crossing portion formed by the profile line and the separation line is set to not less than 70 degrees and not more than 110 degrees. Due to such a constitution, burrs on the plate-like grid electrode which constitutes an electron gun of a color cathode ray tube can be reduced so that the quality of the cathode ray tube can be enhanced and the manufacturing time of the cathode ray tube can be shortened.

Abstract: To form side tubes with adequate resistance to pressure, and to provide a short-arc, ultra-high-pressure discharge lamp having such side tubes, and to provide a method of manufacturing such a lamp, a short-arc, ultra-high-pressure discharge lamp (1) has a luminescent tube (10) within which a pair of electrodes (2,2) face each other, and side tubes (11) that extend from opposite sides of the luminescent tube and in which a portion of the electrodes is sealed and in which a small space (B) is formed to enable the electrodes (2) to expand and contract freely without compression along their axes due to a difference in the indices of expansion of the materials that make up the electrodes (2) and the side tubes (11).

Abstract: An ion thruster has a hollow cathode assembly including a heater with an inner ceramic sleeve and an outer ceramic sleeve. The outer ceramic sleeve overlies the inner ceramic sleeve with a filament volume between the two sleeves. A wound filament has windings disposed within the filament volume, and a mass of ceramic powder fills the remaining portion of the filament volume between the windings of the filament. A cathode is disposed within the inner ceramic sleeve of the heater. The heater is assembled by preparing the filament and forming it into a wound cylinder, and then encapsulating it and the powder between the inner and the outer ceramic sleeves. The hollow cathode assembly may serve as a portion of a plasma source or as a portion of a charge neutralizer.

Abstract: A xenon arc lamp is provided with an improved cathode support. The improvements reduce the number of assembly procedures and parts needed to produce an arc lamp. Such reduces the overall cost of manufacturing. The cathode suspension system is made by starting with a single piece of sheet Kovar material that is formed into a cup. Pieces are cut from the bottom of the cup such that three webs connect the outside ring to the center. The three webs each have a flap that is then folded back 90° to form a rigid strut arm. A tungsten cathode electrode is brazed at the center and apex of the three struts with a sleeve that helps bridge the fillet area.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal halide lamp in which tungsten coils are made to have diameters wider than the outer diameters of electrodes, and to have a coil pitch sufficient to prevent molten quartz glass from entering therebetween; and after the tungsten coils have been fixed around the electrodes, the pitch of the tungsten coils on the sides of the electrodes which are nearest molybdenum foils is extended by dragging a part of the tungsten coils toward the discharge ends of the electrodes to fix it tightly around the electrodes. As a result, when sealing is performed with quartz glass bulb, gaps between the electrodes and the glass bulb are provided on the discharge sides of the electrodes, whereby it can be prevented to occur cracks in the quartz glass bulb due to the thermal expansion of the electrodes; and on the molybdenum foil sides of the electrodes, the quartz glass bulb contacts the electrodes, thereby preventing peeling-off and accumulation of sealed material.

Abstract: A substantially rectangle shaped frame for holding a flat-shaped electrode unit 7 is fixed to a rear panel 2 at four intermediate parts of the frame and is elastically held by a resilient retaining member 55a- - - 55d and 56a- - - -56d at four corners of the frame. Thereby, an engagement between the rear panel 2 and the flat-shaped electrode unit 7 via the frame is stably retained regardless of difference in degrees of deformations thereamong.

Abstract: In a method of forming a glass to metal seal between one end of a glass lamp tube (for, for example, a flash lamp or laser lamp), a metal rod which is terminated by the electrode is heated, and has molten glass sealing material applied thereto to form a beaded sleeve. The tube to which the electrode is to be attached is heated, and further sealing material is applied to the end of the tube so as to create a dome of material which closes off that end. Excess sealing material is then removed from the dome so as to leave an annulus of sealing material around the end wall of the, now open, tube. The electrode and rod can then be inserted into the tube until the bead on the rod is near the annulus at the end of the tube, and the tube can be worked, while being rotated, down to form a frusto-conical end such that movement of the bead relative to the annulus then brings the two into contact while a positive gas pressure is maintained within the tube.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a spark gap device. The method includes using standard metal transistor base and cap components, machining the base to cut out a portion of the top of the base, filling the base with an insulative substrate and placing a pin through the insulative substrate, depositing a first electrode on the top portion of the base in electrical contact with the metal portion of the base, and sealing the cap with respect to the base. Also featured is a spark gap device which eliminates heat related and electrode sputtering failures associated with prior art glass or ceramic spark gap devices.

Abstract: To retain a starting amalgam in a fluorescent lamp, a carrier body (7, 7', 37, 47), for example formed as an iron sheet-metal element of about 2.5.times.7 mm, and having a thickness of, for example, 0.2 mm, is secured to a glass element (6, 6', 36, 46) which retains current supply leads (3, 4, 3', 4') extending into the discharge vessel of the lamp, and holding the filament (5, 5') therein. The carrier body can also be a mesh or a wire; it may be melted into, or glazed-on or melted-on the glass element. This permits locating the starting amalgam close to the hottest portion of the electrode mount for the lamp for rapid supply of mercury upon firing of the lamp.

Abstract: A flat display device includes cathodes, a screen plate having a fluorescent screen, a plate-like electrode for controlling electron beams from the cathodes to the fluorescent screen, and a frame body for supporting the plate-like electrode. The frame body securely fixes both ends of the plate-like electrode at two opposite sides thereof, and has an elastic body for supporting the plate-like electrode in a stretched state by a spring force of the elastic body. The flat display device is made by the steps of pressing a pair of leaf springs provided respectively at two confronting sides of a frame body to thereby bend the frame body in such directions that the confronting sides become close to each other, securely fixing both ends of a plate-like electrode to the pair of bent leaf springs, and releasing the pressing of the leaf springs to thereby restore the leaf springs.

Abstract: Methods of making an improved high performance x-ray system having a rotating anode therein are available. The anode includes an improved target/stem connection which reduces tube failure due to anode assembly imbalance. Methods of bonding a metallic target and a metal stem to form a composite rotating x-ray tube target are also available. In these procedures an insert of an alloy, for example, tantalum or its alloys , is placed between the target and the niobium-alloy stem and then bonded thereto to produce a composite x-ray tube target/stem having a high remelt temperature and bond strength which retains its balance throughout the manufacturing process and during x-ray tube operations.

Abstract: A method of making a high performance x-ray system having a rotating anode includes making target/tubular stem assembly and then assembling it to a rotor body assembly. This particular method reduces tube failure due to anode assembly imbalance and provides an improved rotating x-ray tube anode assembly.

Abstract: Methods of making an improved high performance x-ray system having a rotating anode therein which includes an improved target/tubular stem combination which, when combined with a rotor body assembly, reduces tube failure due to anode assembly imbalance and methods of bonding a metallic target and a metal tubular stem and connecting the combination to a rotor body assembly to provide a rotating x-ray tube target are disclosed. An insert of an alloy, for example, tantalum or its alloys, is placed between the target and the niobium-alloy tubular stem and then bonded thereto to produce the x-ray tube target/tubular stem assembly having a high remelt temperature and bond strength which, when connected, such as by bolting to the rotor body assembly, the resulting anode assembly retains proper balance during x-ray tube operations.

Abstract: A method of making a high performance x-ray system having an improved cathode cup assembly reduces tube manufacturing costs and failures due to filament misalignment during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: An automation system for assembling photocathodes into vacuum tube housings is used to produce vacuum tube assemblies. Photocathodes are loaded and otherwise processed in a first evacuated chamber. Similarly, vacuum tube housings are loaded and otherwise processed in a second evacuated chamber. The first and second chambers are always interconnected as a common vessel, wherein the photocathodes from the first chamber are transferred into the second chamber by an automated transfer mechanism. Once in the second chamber, the photocathodes are joined to the vacuum tube houses in an automation process, creating the final product vacuum tube assemblies.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal-halide discharge lamp with a ceramic dische vessel is distinguished in that first both ends (6a, 6b) are equipped with electrode systems and sealed off, but a filling bore (15) remains in the vicinity of the pump end (6a) and is not closed until after the filling.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation starting source for an arc discharge lamp includes a sealed envelope with a press seal, a gaseous fill material within the envelope, a molybdenum ribbon which extends from the press seal into the interior region of the envelope and a wire inlead for carrying electrical energy to the ribbon. A method of manufacture includes flowing a fill material through a tube. Further, a seal is formed at one end of the tube, the interior of the tube is pumped to a desired pressure and another press seal is formed at the second end of the tube to create a sealed envelope.

Abstract: An electrode feedthrough assembly for a ceramic arc tube of the type used in high pressure sodium arc lamps. The electrode feedthrough assembly is particularly useful in an external reservoir arc tube wherein an interior region of a feedthrough tube is utilized as a reservoir for the lamp fill material. The electrode feedthrough assembly includes a feedthrough tube, an electrode assembly attached to the feedthrough tube and a connection wire. The feedthrough tube has a closed end external to the arc tube. The feedthrough tube and the closed end thereof are formed in a single process, preferably by deep drawing, without welding, crimping or fusing. Passages to the interior of the feedthrough tube are provided by crimping the electrode support rod to the feedthrough tube with a six jaw crimping arrangement wherein two of the crimping jaws are shorter than the other four. The connection wire is attached to the feedthrough tube and includes a portion on the axis of the tube.

Abstract: An automation system for assembling photocathodes into vacuum tube housings so as to produce vacuum tube assemblies. Photocathodes are loaded, cleaned and otherwise processed in a first evacuated chamber. Similarly, vacuum tube housings are loaded, cleaned and otherwise processed in a second evacuated chamber. The first and second chambers are selectively interconnected wherein the photocathodes from the first chamber are transferred into the second chamber by an automated transfer mechanism. Once in the second chamber, the photocathodes are joined to the vacuum tube houses in an automation process, creating the final product vacuum tube assemblies.

Abstract: A lamp air exhausting apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a compression head, a holding assembly, and a securing member. The holding assembly comprises a holder, a flexible tube, a push rod, an eccentric cam and a spring. According to the present invention, a separate exhausting tube is not required, and an electrode can be accurately placed at the center of the lamp.

Abstract: A method for safe and tight installation of a filament using a supporter obviates the need for welding. The supporter has an upstanding member such as a wing formed on the top of upward extensions from its surface. The member is located on one side of a plate of the supporter and has a clamping groove to hold and fix the end of the filament. The filament also can be wound around a lower part of the member thereby fixing the filament without welding.

Abstract: A picture display device includes an envelope having a faceplate, having an inner surface formed with a phosphor screen, and a back covering coupled to the faceplate to define an evacuated chamber; filament-like cathode electrodes and electron beam control electrodes disposed within the evacuated chamber for emitting electron beams towards the phosphor screen; a cathode electrode support member for retaining the cathode electrodes and having one of opposite surfaces held in contact therewith; a shape retention plate for retaining at least the cathode electrodes and the support member in a predetermined curved shape; a plurality of support struts for fixing the shape retention plate in a face-to-face relationship with the phosphor screen; and a reinforcement grid structure disposed in contact with a surface of the shape retention plate opposite that facing the phosphor screen so as to follow the curvature of the shape retention plate.

Abstract: A lamp bridge may be formed from a siliceous hollow tube positioned between and melted to bridge supports. The hollow tube melts more quickly, and more completely, and therefore bonds stress free and more durable to the bridge supports.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a dispenser cathode is disclosed, and the process comprises the steps of filling a porous base material into a storage tank, welding the storage tank to a cylindrical sleeve, installing a heater into the sleeve which has, a supporting face to be welded with the storage tank, an outside diameter which is larger than that of the storage tank, and an opening which is smaller than the outside diameter of the storage tank, wherein the heat transfer to the porous base material during the welding is prevented and the thermal efficiency is improved during the operation of the cathode so that a superior cathode characteristic is achieved.

Abstract: A flashlamp provides a ruggedized yet simple-to-manufacture construction capable of operating at high average output power over a long life. The flashlamp construction includes a glass tube (12) with an electrode assembly (24) detachably secured to each end. The electrode assembly includes an end cap (26) to which an electrode support (28) is attached, with a first end (32) of the electrode support protruding inside of the glass tube, and a second end (44) of the electrode support protruding outside of the glass tube. The electrode support (28) is made from a suitable electrical conductor. An electrode (34) is threaded onto the first end of the electrode support (28) without the use of brazing or other attachment techniques that might introduce impurities. An electrode lug (36) is attached to or near the second end of the electrode support, outside of the glass tube, and provides a means for making electrical contact with the electrode (34).

Abstract: A process for manufacturing straw tube drift chambers in an array configuration is provided. The process of manufacturing the straw tubes includes the construction of an array of tube sections, followed by the positioning of a conductive wire, and then closing the tubes. The completed straw tube array, when filled with ionizable gases, are configured about a particle accelerator collision point to provide a means for detecting the products of the collision (secondary particles) as they pass through the straw tube chambers.

Abstract: An electron gun heater supporting structure includes a pair of supporting pieces respectively mounted on separate opposed glass beads of an electron gun and U-shaped connecting pieces disposed between the pair of supporting pieces for welding terminals of a heater thereto, the connecting pieces including position determining elements for determining the positions of the connecting pieces relative to the supporting pieces for welding them together. According to the present invention, the welding positions can be exactly determined and the uniformity of heater positions can be realized.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head and a permanent ground electrode and replaceable center electrode element received in a cylinder head bore. The permanent ground electrode is affixed to the cylinder head at the inner wall thereof and protrudes into the combustion chamber. The ground electrode preferably has a cup-like configuration defining an electrode-receiving hollow in the combustion chamber in registry with the bore. The center electrode element comprises a center electrode and an insulator body having a shoulder for engaging a seat in the bore. The insulator body shoulder is clamped against the seat by an annular retainer nut. When the center electrode element is so clamped, the center electrode is received in the electrode-receiving hollow defined by the ground electrode in the combustion chamber so as to cooperate with the ground electrode in defining a spark gap therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electron gun comprising a cathode-unit composed of a cathode shaft (53) which is surrounded by a heat reflection screen (56). A connection piece (55) is secured to the head end of the cathode shaft (53). A holder (59) containing electron-emitting material (60) is located on the connection piece (55). The cathode shaft (53) is suspended in the heat reflection screen (56) by means of suspension wires (57), each wire being secured to the heat reflection screen with one end which is at least close to the head end of the heat reflection screen (56), and the other end (58) being located between the connection piece (55) and the holder (59).

Abstract: Method of fabricating a direct-heated cathode structure comprising prepunching process wherein fixing segments are inserted to slot in the ceramic base and bended about 45, and finish punching process wherein upper end of prepunched fixing segments are pressed over the ceramic base. Direct-heated cathode structure comprising supporting bars with a supporting protuberance at their upper end and a barricade at their middle to prevent deformation during welding of springs and to confine affection of buckling during electric resistance welding of conductive tape respectively.

Abstract: A method for making gaseous discharge lamp cathodes comprises, in order to perfectly center the cathode with respect to the tube glass envelope, the steps of: (a) narrowing the end portion of the metal cathode near the edge thereof, (b) fully inserting, about the narrowed zone, a circular crown shaped mica small collar and (c) upsetting the edge so as to lock the mica collar in place.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a fluorescent indicator panel is disclosed which is characterized in that, in the step of forming an insulative layer, electrode plates are attached at the places where metal components are to be attached, then a conductive layer and a fluorescent layer are formed, and then, the metal components are attached upon the electrode plates. According to the method of the present invention, the fluorescent layer does not undergo the decrease of the luminance due to the contamination of harmful gases or the thermal degradation, while, owing to the omission of the troublesome and unproductive frit baking process, the fabrication is rendered easier, the productivity is improved, and the aesthetical appearance is also upgraded due to the removal of the frit spread portion.

Abstract: The mask of our invention can be used in image forming units, for example in ion projection microlithography. The mask comprises a mask foil clamped into a retaining frame. The mask foil has a larger thermal expansion coefficient than the retaining frame. To make this mask the mask foil and retaining frame are heatead to a higher temperature than room temperature and clamped in position at this temperature.

Abstract: An improved lamp construction and associated method of manufacture of a lamp that includes a sealed capsule with lead-in wires and a ceramic base. A pair of sleeves each defining a lamp contact pin at one end thereof are swaged at the other end thereof to the lead-in wires to secure the sleeves thereto. The ceramic base has a bottom wall with a pair of holes therein for receiving respective sleeves with the contact pin ends thereof depending from the base bottom wall and with the swaged ends thereof defining a limiting wall for positioning of the sleeves in proper relation relative to the ceramic base. The cement is disposed in the ceramic base and cured to secure the sleeves and lead-in wires in the ceramic base.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a improved gas discharge lamp particularly for use as flash bulbs or lamps, wherein two tungsten electrodes are fused into a glass tube. In order for the lead to be soldered to an outer end of each of the tungsten electrodes with a soft solder, the outer ends of the electrodes are provided with a coating of a refractory solder, such as a hard solder or brazing compound. The coating, which has a melting point approximately at the point of fusion for the glass tube, can be applied during the step of fusing the electrodes into the glass tube.