Abstract: An energy efficient air distribution system placed within the conditioned space of a building comprising a duct having an interior volume for conducting air. One of the exterior surfaces may have an ornamental design providing the impression the device is actually cornice molding. At least one recess is positioned along the exterior surface of the duct, such that it is obscured from view by a viewer standing within an occupancy zone of a room. An outlet is positioned within the recess for directing a flow of air from the duct interior volume through the exterior surface. The duct serves a function of conducting air throughout the room, and also has an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Junction boxes may be placed within the conditioned space for connecting the ducts. Junction boxes may further include an ornamental exterior for a pleasing aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: An assembly used to adapt a BNC type connector of a microsurgical optic fiber instrument to a threaded SMA type bushing of a light source includes an adapter that can be threaded on the bushing of the light source and is also connectable to the BNC connector.

Abstract: A heat retentive server, comprising a central portion comprising a heat storage member formed of a material which is preferably susceptible to being heated by induction, is provided with one or more valves which are normally in closed positions, and are capable of opening to vent excess pressure in the central portion. In one preferred embodiment, a valve is placed so as to allow communication between the central portion and a different interior region of the server. In another embodiment, a valve is placed so as to allow communication between the central portion and the exterior of the server. In another embodiment, a server is provided with at least one valve of each type.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for power generation based on char includes partial combustion of char with preheated air in a flow of recirculated bed material; final combustion of the partially burned material in a flow of bed material; separation of the products of the final combustion in a separator which delivers bed material to an intermediary vessel and gas to the gas turbine combustion chamber; recirculation of bed material to the combustion steps via the intermediary vessel, where it is cooled and divided into two flows; preheating of air from the gas turbine compressor, which has been divided into two flows by mixing the air with bed material from the intermediary vessel; generation of electric power in a combine cycle with a gas turbine with reheated gas from the separator, and a steam turbine; and recovery of heat from the turbine exhaust gases for use in the steam cycle.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises an instrument head and an instrument handle. The instrument head has a proximal end, a distal end, a head static part at the proximal end, a reciprocative part generally at the proximal end, and a moveable distal part at the distal end. The reciprocative part is operatively connected to the moveable distal part so that movement of the reciprocative part between forward and rearward positions causes movement of the moveable distal part between first and second positions. The instrument handle has a handle body attachable to the head static part of the instrument head, a handle plunger configured for reciprocating relative to the handle body generally along the instrument axis, and a lever arm. The handle plunger is operatively engageable with the reciprocative part of the instrument head when the head static part is attached to the handle body.

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 simple system for obtaining high dissociation yield in a single highly selective step, even at very high pumping powers, in the molecular laser isotope separation (MLIS) route of Uranium Hexafluoride (UF.sub.6), is described. In order to selectively excite and dissociate the desired isotope .sup.235 UF.sub.6 two beams with frequencies corresponding to the first and second energy excitation levels of this isotope at .omega..sub.1 =.omega..sub.0 and .omega..sub.2 =.omega..sub.0 +.omega..sub.12 respectively where .omega..sub.12 is the frequency difference between the first and second energy excitation levels, are simultaneously applied to the supercooled Uranium Hexafluoride molecular gas.

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.