Abstract: A chimney cap system is comprised of a support base securable to the top of a chimney flue and a device which sits on top of the chimney blocking rain and debris from falling into the open flue. It can be ornamental as well as functional. The sides often have screens of some type to allow the effluent hot gasses and smoke to exit the top of the flue passively while capturing sparks and debris leaving that may pose a fire hazard. Additionally, significant energy is wasted out of the top of the chimney as heat and super heated gasses are vented wastefully into the outside environment. A thermoelectric generator, TEG, utilizing the temperature gradient between the gasses inside the flue and the ambient air outside the flue to generate electricity via the Seebeck effect is incorporated into a chimney cap to capture the otherwise wasted energy and recycle it.

Abstract: A pedicle screw system that includes a pedicle screw and a collar. The pedicle screw includes an insertion portion, a shaft portion that extends from the insertion portion, and a head portion that is attached to the shaft portion. The head portion has a diameter that is larger than the shaft portion. The collar includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The first aperture and the second aperture are both adapted to receive the head portion. The first aperture includes a first aperture section and a second aperture section. The first aperture section is larger than the head portion. The second aperture section is smaller than the head portion.

Abstract: A pedicle screw system that includes a pedicle screw and a collar. The pedicle screw includes an insertion portion, a shaft portion that extends from the insertion portion, and a head portion that is attached to the shaft portion. The head portion has a diameter that is larger than the shaft portion. The collar includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The first aperture and the second aperture are both adapted to receive the head portion. The first aperture includes a first aperture section and a second aperture section. The first aperture section is larger than the head portion. The second aperture section is smaller than the head portion.