Abstract: A microsurgical laser probe used primarily in endoscopic surgery in which the pattern of laser light projected by the probe is improved from a pattern having areas of varying light intensity to a pattern of more uniform light intensity.

Abstract: A manually manipulated illuminator used in microsurgery comprises an optic fiber that transmits light through the instrument and emits the light through a beveled end surface of the fiber, the beveled end surface having a leading edge that facilitates insertion of the end surface through an incision.

Abstract: A heat retentive server adapted to the inductively heated comprises a central portion comprising a heat storage member comprising a material which is susceptible to being heated by induction; and an outer peripheral member connected to the central portion so that said outer peripheral member and the central portion are substantially thermally insulated from each other. Preferably, the server is provided with heat insulation constructed and arranged with respect to the heat storage member so that heat is caused to primarily flow upwardly from the heat storage member. Also preferably, the outer peripheral member and the central portion are substantially insulated from each other by means of a thermal break.

Abstract: A heat retentive server adapted to be inductively heated comprises a central portion comprising a heat storage member comprising a material which is susceptible to being heated by induction; and an outer peripheral member connected to the central portion so that said outer peripheral member and the central portion are substantially thermally insulated from each other. Preferably, the server is provided with heat insulation constructed and arranged with respect to the heat storage member so that heat is caused to primarily flow upwardly from the heat storage member. Also preferably, the outer peripheral member and the central portion are substantially insulated from each other by means of a thermal break.

Abstract: A device for testing for the presence of lead on a painted surface includes a porous dauber formed from an absorbent sintered plastic. The dauber is preimpregnated with a powdered mixture containing rhodizonate dye which is activated by dipping the dauber in a small quantity of water. After activation, the dauber is rubbed on the surface and is then visually observed for a reaction with lead that may be in the surface. The device also includes an abrasive element that can be used to abrade the painted surface before contacting the same with the dauber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a beverage mug for containing hot or cold beverages without substantial spillage. The beverage mug comprises an endless outer wall having an open top and bottom, and an endless inner wall having an open top and bottom, each of which comprises a base portion, a mouth portion, and optionally, a neck portion. The base portion of each of the inner and outer walls is substantially wider in the direction generally perpendicular to the vertical axis, i.e., when viewed from the top, than said mouth portion from the same perspective, so as to impart stability to the mug and resist tipping of the mug. Advantageously, the first and second walls define an insulating space sufficient to retard heat transfer to or from a beverage contained in the mug. In preferred embodiments, the mug is formed in four sections, joined in three joints to form the mug, comprising the outer wall, the inner wall, a base portion joined to the inner wall and a base portion joined to the outer wall.

Abstract: For a sturdy, reusable insulated cold beverage container, a closure including a lid and a stopper. The lid has two holes through it--a large drinking hole preferably with an ice guard secured in it and a smaller straw hole for receiving a drinking straw therein. The stopper has first and second end portions and a hinge formed between them and is formed as a separate piece from the lid. The first and second portions can be snap secured to the lid and over the drinking and straw holes, respectively, to individually seal the holes and thereby prevent the liquid contents of the container from spilling out the holes. The snap securing structures advantageously provide the only attachments of the stopper to the lid.

Abstract: A rethermalization cart having top and bottom sides connected together by at least two side walls. Attached to the side walls at a plurality of vertically spaced positions are a plurality of tray supports. Attached adjacent and below the tray supports and in a cantilevered out position are a plurality of heating pads at each tray support location. Each of the pads is secured so that it can be individually disconnected, removed and replaced as needed. Switches within each individual heating pad are activated by covers that are positioned over the food. The use of the covers provides a positive indication whether the food is being heating since the switches are magnetic and the covers contain corresponding magnets. Thus, by leaving the cover off there is a positive assurance that the food will remain cold.

Abstract: A microsurgical instrument is comprised of a handle and a plurality of interchangeable instrument heads. Each of the instrument heads is constructed to perform a microsurgical operation such as forcep clamping and scissors cutting in a plane parallel to a longitudinal axis of the instrument, and in a plane positioned at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the instrument. The instrument handle is comprised of an exterior surface formed as at least two lever arms that are manually manipulable laterally toward and away from the longitudinal axis of the instrument to control the surgical operation performed by the instrument head connected with the handle. Because the entire handle exterior surface is manipulated to operate the instrument head connected with the handle, the instrument need not be held at any specific orientation relative to the hand in order to easily operate the instrument head by manipulating the fingers of the hand.

Abstract: A closure cover for sealing a liquid container including a body having an orifice for dispensing the liquid in the container, and a rotating disk pivotally attached to the body and providing an effective seal for the dispensing orifice. The effective seal is created by a downward force upon a sealing gasket, such force being the result of the rotation of the disk member containing a ramp which is moved under a cam on the body.

Abstract: A rethermalization system for rethermalizing food includes (a) a food service tray having a hot dish through-opening and the through-opening having a through-opening top edge, (b) a rethermalization cart including a cart frame, a plurality of heating pads supported within the cart frame, and a plurality of vertically spaced tray supports attached to the cart frame for supporting the food service tray at a plurality of alternative vertically spaced shelf locations, and in a tray support position such that the hot dish through-opening is disposed above one of the heating pads, and (c) a food service dish positionable in the hot dish through-opening of the food service tray.

Abstract: A food service tray assembly including a tray, a hot food dish, and an insulated dome. Hot food is served onto the dish, the dome is preheated, the food carrying dish is set on the tray, the preheated dome set over the dish, and the tray system delivered to the intended consumer. A thermochromic member disposed in a heat conductive sleeve is mounted in the lift knob of the dome. Thus, without lifting the dome, the server and/or the consumer can readily determine from the color of the member whether the covered food is still at a safe heating temperature.

Abstract: A food service rethermalization process including a tray having first and second receiving hot dish receiving areas, at least one cold dish receiving area and an end wing area for holding eating utensils, napkins and the like. First and second selector or actuator knobs are mounted in the tray adjacent to the first and second hot dish receiving areas, respectively, and can be separately turned to on or off positions. When the tray is inserted in a rethermalization cart and the first and second heating pods of the cart are at the first and second areas respectively, the heating pods whose associated knobs are in the "on" position are switched on and the food at the associated areas thereby heated in a programmed manner. After the knobs have been turned as needed and before the tray is inserted in the cart, an over-all insulated cover is secured to and on top of the tray. The cover thermally separates and covers the different areas including the wing area.