Abstract: An instrument capable of selectively cutting or cauterizing tissue includes a handle and an elongated electrically conductive probe with a longitudinally extending lumen communicating with the handle. The distal end of the probe has an aperture formed therethrough between the lumen and the exterior of the probe. An elongated drive shaft is disposed within the lumen for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft. A cutting tool is positioned on the shaft opposite the aperture. An electrically insulative layer is disposed on the exterior of the probe extending from the proximal end of the probe to the periphery of a preselected region on the distal end of the probe. The preselected region is selectively couplable to a power source to permit cauterization. An alternate embodiment employs an electrically insulative probe and an embedded electrically conductive pathway coupled to the preselected region.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for preventing the formation of NH.sub.4 HSO.sub.4 during the noncatalytic reduction of nitric oxide by ammonia or ammonia precursors in combustion effluents. The present invention is also related to a method for preventing the formation of H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 in the absence of ammonia or its precursors. The formation of these corrosive substances is extremely detrimental. NH.sub.4 HSO.sub.4 formation is a limitation upon the usefulness of nitric oxide reduction processes, particularly in boilers, furnaces, and other combustion devices. The formation of H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 limits effective heat recovery in combustion equipment.The present invention specifically teaches the use of methanol to reduce SO.sub.3 in the effluent stream to SO.sub.2. The noncatalytic reduction of SO.sub.3 by methanol is selective in that a large fraction of the SO.sub.3 is converted to SO.sub.2, while on a percentage basis very little oxygen is consumed.