Abstract: A gas application device for supplying a gas such as carbon dioxide to a surgical site greatly reduces the risk of embolism during surgery. In certain embodiments, the gas application device includes a gas conduit loop and gas outlets spaced evenly along the gas conduit loop. The gas conduit loop is supplied carbon dioxide gas through a gas inlet port. The supply of carbon dioxide gas can be filtered and humidified upstream of the gas conduit loop. The gas outlets are configured such that they each operate at substantially equal volume flow rates, promoting a uniform circumferential gas flow from the gas conduit loop. The gas outlets can include diffusers to create microcurrents in the gas flow exiting the gas outlets, thus promoting substantially uniform concentrations of carbon dioxide throughout the surgical site. The gas application device can additionally feature a movable gas applicator to locally direct a gas flow below wound level.

Abstract: A screen guard is utilized to protect fin coils of a fin-coil heat exchanger of an apparatus such as a heat pump or air conditioner. The screen guard prevents cottonwood seeds and other debris capable of forming a filter from obstructing the air flow over the fin coils. The screen guard comprises a wide mesh screen member and an adhesive attachment strip. The attachment strip may be magnetic so that it attaches directly to a ferrous housing of the apparatus. Alternatively, a VELCRO® fastener strip is fixed to the apparatus and the attachment strip is a complimentary VELCRO® strip which removably attaches to the fastener strip. The screen guard can be repeatedly removed and reattached for cleaning debris from the screen guard. A method of protecting the apparatus includes removing the screen guard for cleaning and thereafter reattaching the screen guard.