Abstract: An end-firing surgical laser fiber suitable for Thulium Laser Fiber lithotripsy applications includes a standoff that extends beyond the distal end surface of the fiber to prevent contact between the end face of the fiber and a targeted stone. The standoff may either (1) extend along only one side of or partially around a circumference of the fiber, so that dust from the pulverized stone can freely flow downstream from the treatment site without being trapped by or accumulating on the standoff, or (2) include at least one flushing port that prevents dust accumulation by permitting passage of dust from within the standoff. Flushing of dust from within the standoff may be facilitated by including a source of fluid to entrain the dust and carry it through the flushing port.

Abstract: Continuous concentration of solar heat on a fluid contained in a fixed, spherical boiler chamber, whereby the fluid is vaporized and thus drives a turbine, is effected by means of a paraboloidal reflector to which solar countermotion about the boiler center point is externally imparted by a carriage. Mounted on a base of variable configuration, the upper surface of which lies in a polar plane, a single configuration of reflector and carriage will operate throughout the time from sunrise to sunset on every day of the year, without structural change, at any suitable site in the torrid and temperate zones of the earth, regardless of the lattitude of the site. The turbine and boiler chamber are supported by cantilever members of an independent power plant structure. Reflector efficiency is maximized by the absence of shadow, brought about by the omission of that part of a conventional, fully circular paraboloid which would traverse the shadows of said turbine and of said cantilever members.

Abstract: This invention relates to the utilization of solar energy by means of a reflector, a boiler and a turbogenerator whereby solar heat is concentrated and electric power is produced, utilization of the exhaust heat from the power cycle in the distillation of sea water, and utilization of the electric power in a plurality of electrolytic cells whereby hydrogen and oxygen are extracted from the distilled water and hydrogen and chlorine are extracted from the sea water.