Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing heat and electricity independent of an electrical grid. The apparatus includes a burner adapted to produce at least one of radiant heat, flame and hot combustion gases. A thermal-to-electric conversion device is integrated with the burner and proximate to the burner, for producing electricity. The conversion device has a first side disposed toward the at least one of radiant heat, flame and hot combustion gases and a second side disposed toward and in heat transfer contact with a liquid supply line. The apparatus is useful in water heaters. The liquid supply line provides both water to be heated and a cooling medium for the thermal-to-electric conversion device.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to hydro-turbine drive methods and systems and, more particularly, to hydro-turbine drive methods and systems such as for application for various rotary machineries including producing a high pressure fluid with at least one fluid pump by utilizing a fluid heater to create a fluid and vapor mixture for producing mechanical shaft power.

Abstract: An ultrasonically assisted clamping system and method for extending a spinal support rod system to additional vertebrae of the spine. A clamp assembly and a receptacle assembly securely couple an additional extension rod to an existing spinal support rod. Various embodiments further include an ultrasonic assist for cutting through tissue that may be present in the vicinity of the existing spinal support rods. In some embodiments, the clamp assembly is configured to augment the ultrasonic aspect of the system. The system cuts through and locally removes tissue from and proximate to the spinal support rods where the clamp assembly is to be mounted, without the need for a separate surgical procedure for removing the tissue prior to implantation, thereby providing a secure clamping of the newly implanted extension rod to the existing base spinal support rod.

Abstract: A thermal conveyance system and process for absorbing, transporting, storing, and recovering thermal energy (both hot and cold energy) over a wide range of temperatures from up to 2,100° F., or higher, or cool energy at subzero temperatures in inert and stable particles without the need to maintain a minimum temperature or requiring high system pressures. The process involving the transferring thermal energy to a first transfer fluid and recovering thermal energy from a second transfer fluid wherein the first and the second transfer fluids comprise a two phase thermal media including a gaseous carrier containing a quantity of micron to millimeter sized solid particles.

Abstract: Methods and combustion devices for reducing NOx formation upon combusting oxidant with fuel to form products of combustion are provided. Such methods and device may involve mixing at least first portions of at least two fluids selected from the group of oxidant, fuel and recirculated products of combustion in at least one first conduit to form a first mixture. The first mixture is subsequently supplied to a plurality of second conduits each in direct fluid communication with the first conduit. Motive energy is utilized to aspirate at least second portions of one or more fluids selected from the group of oxidant, fuel and recirculated products of combustion in at least one second conduit to form a combustible mixture that can be subsequently burned. In one embodiment, the motive energy may be provided or result from the first mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing heat and electricity including a burner to produce radiant heat. A thermal-to-electric conversion device is integrated with the burner and proximate to the radiant heat. The conversion device provides a first side disposed toward the radiant heat and a second side disposed toward a cooling fluid flow path, such as combustion air for the burner or a media to be heated by the burner.

Abstract: A hybrid solar system including a hybrid solar collector using non-imaging optics and photovoltaic components and a heat transfer and storage system in thermal communication with the hybrid solar collector, the heat transfer and storage system using particle laden gas as thermal media to simultaneously generate and store electricity and high temperature dispatchable heat.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to hydro-turbine drive methods and systems and, more particularly, to hydro-turbine drive methods and systems such as for application for various rotary machineries including producing a high pressure fluid with at least one fluid pump by utilizing a fluid heater to create a fluid and vapor mixture for producing mechanical shaft power.

Abstract: Processes and systems applying day cycle temperature changes in conjunction with cool storage are provided. A thermal energy storage material is placed in heat transfer communication with lower temperature nighttime air resulting in a cooled thermal energy storage material. The cooled thermal energy storage material is subsequently utilized to cool an item such as a supply of higher temperature air, such as daytime air, or a cooling medium.

Abstract: A hybrid solar system including a hybrid solar collector using non-imaging optics and photovoltaic components and a heat transfer and storage system in thermal communication with the hybrid solar collector, the heat transfer and storage system using particle laden gas as thermal media to simultaneously generate and store electricity and high temperature dispatchable heat.

Abstract: A thermal conveyance system and process for absorbing, transporting, storing, and recovering thermal energy (both hot and cold energy) over a wide range of temperatures from up to 2,100° F., or higher, or cool energy at subzero temperatures in inert and stable particles without the need to maintain a minimum temperature or requiring high system pressures. The process involving the transferring thermal energy to a first transfer fluid and recovering thermal energy from a second transfer fluid wherein the first and the second transfer fluids comprise a two phase thermal media including a gaseous carrier containing a quantity of micron to millimeter sized solid particles.

Abstract: Processes and systems applying day cycle temperature changes in conjunction with cool storage are provided. A thermal energy storage material is placed in heat transfer communication with lower temperature nighttime air resulting in a cooled thermal energy storage material. The cooled thermal energy storage material is subsequently utilized to cool an item such as a supply of higher temperature air, such as daytime air, or a cooling medium.

Abstract: Methods and combustion devices for reducing NOx formation upon combusting oxidant with fuel to form products of combustion are provided. Such methods and device may involve mixing at least first portions of at least two fluids selected from the group of oxidant, fuel and recirculated products of combustion in at least one first conduit to form a first mixture. The first mixture is subsequently supplied to a plurality of second conduits each in direct fluid communication with the first conduit. Motive energy is utilized to aspirate at least second portions of one or more fluids selected from the group of oxidant, fuel and recirculated products of combustion in at least one second conduit to form a combustible mixture that can be subsequently burned. In one embodiment, the motive energy may be provided or result from the first mixture.

Abstract: A thermal energy conveyance process involving at least one of transferring heat to a first heat transfer fluid and recovering heat from a second heat transfer fluid, wherein the first and the second heat transfer fluids include a gaseous carrier containing a quantity of micron sized solid particles and wherein the at least one of transferring heat and recovering heat is conducted to involve at least one of a) a temperature in excess of 1000° F. and b) a dilute-to-dense phase of the micron sized solid particles. Also provided is a media adapted for such heat conveyance operation.

Abstract: A hybrid solar system including a hybrid solar collector using non-imaging optics and photovoltaic components and a heat transfer and storage system in thermal communication with the hybrid solar collector, the heat transfer and storage system using particle laden gas as thermal media to simultaneously generate and store electricity and high temperature dispatchable heat.

Abstract: A system for implantation in a patient's body may comprise at least one screw configured for threaded insertion into a bone of the patient and having an exterior surface, and at least one rod configured for attaching to a said screw and having an exterior surface. Hollow spaces, passages, interstices or the like may be formed in at least one of the screw and rod and are in communication with the exterior surface of the structure and extend into the structure. A substance is positioned in at least some of the hollow spaces, passages or interstices, and the substance may have a characteristic of promoting bone growth.

Abstract: A system for interfacing a first spinal support rod to a second spinal support rod may optionally comprise a rod interface device configured to receive a portion of the first rod and grip a portion of the second rod to secure the second rod to the first rod. The system may optionally comprise a screw interface device configured to receive a portion of the first rod and configured to mount on a head portion of a pedicle screw.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing radiant heat in which a mixture of fuel and primary combustion oxidant is introduced into a combustion chamber having a heat radiating wall, which mixture has less than a stoichiometric requirement for complete combustion of the fuel, and igniting the mixture, forming heated partial combustion products. At least a portion of the heat in the heated partial combustion products is transferred to the heat radiating wall. The heated partial combustion products are passed from the combustion chamber into an exhaust gas plenum disposed adjacent to the combustion chamber. A secondary combustion oxidant is introduced into the exhaust gas plenum in an amount sufficient to complete combustion of the partial combustion products, forming exhaust gases. Heat in the exhaust gases is transferred to the primary combustion oxidant disposed in a combustion oxidant plenum disposed adjacent to said exhaust gas plenum.

Abstract: A process and system for release and recovery of methane from subterranean methane hydrate deposits in which heated CO2 is used to displace methane from the methane hydrate deposits and a portion of the displaced methane is routed to a combustion device proximate the deposit for combustion in-situ, generating heated CO2 which is introduced into the deposit, displacing additional methane, a portion of which is routed to the combustion device, thereby providing a substantially self-sustaining process. Portions of the displace methane not routed to the combustion device are captured for use elsewhere.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling a subterranean formation or material utilizing a drilling apparatus which includes a drill string having a leading end and a trailing end and having a bottom hole assembly connected with the leading end. The bottom hole assembly includes a drill bit and an externally threaded screw section. In operation, the drill bit is rotated, forming material cuttings and an opening in the subterranean formation, and the threaded screw section is rotated within the opening, forming a helical groove in the subterranean formation.