Abstract: A fireplace and method of manufacturing a fireplace. Embodiments of the fireplace comprise a combustion chamber, a front opening allowing viewing within the combustion chamber, and a back wall opposite the front opening. The back wall can be controllably switched between an opaque state and a transparent state. A combustion region between the front opening and the back wall is adapted to provide a flame. A controller coupled to the back wall enables a user to switch the back wall between the opaque and transparent states. In embodiments the back wall comprises a glass panel and switchable film on the glass panel. The controller is coupled to the switchable film.

Abstract: A fireplace and method of manufacturing a fireplace. Embodiments of the fireplace comprise a combustion chamber, a front opening allowing viewing within the combustion chamber, and a back wall opposite the front opening. The back wall can be controllably switched between an opaque state and a transparent state. A combustion region between the front opening and the back wall is adapted to provide a flame. A controller coupled to the back wall enables a user to switch the back wall between the opaque and transparent states. In embodiments the back wall comprises a glass panel and switchable film on the glass panel. The controller is coupled to the switchable film.

Abstract: A fireplace and method of manufacturing a fireplace. Embodiments of the fireplace comprise a combustion chamber, a front opening allowing viewing within the combustion chamber, and a back wall opposite the front opening. The back wall can be controllably switched between an opaque state and a transparent state. A combustion region between the front opening and the back wall is adapted to provide a flame. A controller coupled to the back wall enables a user to switch the back wall between the opaque and transparent states. In embodiments the back wall comprises a glass panel and switchable film on the glass panel. The controller is coupled to the switchable film.

Abstract: A rigid extractor is revealed, a rigid device for use in percutaneous procedures to remove kidney stones directly from the kidneys. The rigid extractor uses a handle fixed to an outer rigid cannula, and an inner cannula to control an extraction device that may be removable from the inner cannula. The extractor is desirably used with a fluoroscope, in which the surgeon maneuvers the extractor with the aid of a view of the operating field provided by the fluoroscope. The surgeon then maneuvers the extractor to grasp the kidney stones and remove from the patient. The extractor may also be used with a nephroscope. The device may be used with a removable extraction device such as a basket, a grasper a pair of jaws, or a pair of scissors.

Abstract: Double ended wire guides are manufactured so that either end, or both ends sequentially, may be inserted into a patient. The ends are different, so that the inventory requirements of wire guides are minimized. For example, a wire guide may have a straight end and an angled end, either end suitable for use on the patient. The wire guides may also differ in other characteristics, such as the stiffness or the diameters of the distal and proximal portions. The wire guide may also be stored in a package, the package including a fitting so that wetting solution may be injected into the package to wet the wire guide and prepare it for use.

Abstract: A rigid extractor is revealed, a rigid device for use in percutaneous procedures to remove kidney stones directly from the kidneys. The rigid extractor uses a handle fixed to an outer rigid cannula, and an inner cannula to control an extraction device that may be removable from the inner cannula. The extractor is desirably used with a fluoroscope, in which the surgeon maneuvers the extractor with the aid of a view of the operating field provided by the fluoroscope. The surgeon then maneuvers the extractor to grasp the kidney stones and remove from the patient. The extractor may also be used with a nephroscope. The device may be used with a removable extraction device such as a basket, a grasper a pair of jaws, or a pair of scissors.

Abstract: The invention provides a light bulb that glows in the dark after activation by incident electromagnetic radiation. The element that glows in the dark is an energy storage element and is placed in the center of the light bulb. Furthermore, a reflector is incorporated into the light bulb and/or energy storage element to effectively direct the electromagnet radiation emitted from the luminescent phosphor into an open space.

Abstract: A rigid extractor is revealed, a rigid device for use in percutaneous procedures to remove kidney stones directly from the kidneys. The rigid extractor uses an outer rigid cannula and an inner cannula to control a basket retriever for removing kidney stones and calculi from a kidney of a patient. The extractor is desirably used with a fluoroscope, in which the surgeon maneuvers the extractor with the aid of a view of the operating field provided by the fluoroscope. The surgeon then maneuvers the extractor to grasp the kidney stones and remove from the patient. The extractor may also be used with a nephroscope. The device may also be used with a retrieval assembly other than a basket, such as a pair of jaws, or a pair of scissors.

Abstract: A pneumatic tissue dissector 10 useful for cutting or dissecting living tissue during endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures includes a dissector tip 16 for exuding a flow of pressurized gas, an inlet arrangement 24 for controlling the flow of gas from the tip 16, and an exhaust system 30 for exhausting the gas exuded from the tip 16. The exhaust system includes an inlet 32 adjacent to the tip 16 and an outlet spaced from the inlet 32. The outlet 34 is operable in coordination with the inlet arrangement 24 and is capable of exhausting a flow of gas about equal to that exuded by the tip 16, ensuring that the pressure in the cavity in which the procedure is performed does not increase or fluctuate. The flow of pressurized gas from the tip 16 is preferably compatible with an insufflation cavity pressure of no more than about 15 mm Hg, and the inlet arrangement 24 preferably supplies gas to the tip 16 at a pressure of no more than about 50 psi.

Abstract: A filter includes a center layer of carbon cloth interposed between two layers of filter material whose edges are welded together to provide not only a filter edge substantially free of carbon particles, but also an effective barrier to the migration of carbon particles from the filter's interior to its exterior. A filter pouch, encapsulating the carbon filter, includes a layered structure welded together proximate its edges. The filter pouch is also suitable for use with a desiccant filter.