Abstract: An apparatus and method for ablation of a resection plane in an organ of the body, is disclosed. A linear-array probe with a plurality of tines penetrates a cross-section of the organ. A radio frequency generator is connected to the linear-array probe via wire conductors. The radio frequency generator generates a current that produces radio frequency thermal energy at the tines to ablate a plane of the cross-section of the organ along a line of the tines. Size of the ablated plane depends on the plurality of tines in the linear-array probe. The resection plane is dependent on alignment of the tines in the linear-array probe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the delivery of agents for sustained release. In particular, the present invention allows for site-specific delivery of therapeutic agents to the tissue, retention of the agents in the tissue, and sustain release of the agents from the site of delivery. The method consists of ablating the tissue and injecting an agent into the ablated tissue for sustained release.

Abstract: A method of degassing a volume of supersaturated liquid is provided which comprises introducing a plurality of microbubbles of gas substantially near the bottom of the volume of supersaturated liquid so that the microbubbles percolate up through the volume of supersaturated liquid to thereby effect removal of dissolved gas in the volume of the supersaturated liquid at the top of the volume. In one embodiment, the step of introducing microbubbles comprises introducing the microbubbles by recirculating deionized water through a hollow fiber microfiltration membrane. In another embodiment, the step of introducing microbubbles comprises introducing the microbubbles through a pipe from the turbine of a dam. In most applications, the volume of supersaturated liquid is water and the microbubbles of gas comprise air. The volume of supersaturated water advantageously comprises a volume of a river, lake or stream which is near a dam with a turbine.

Abstract: A model railroad track assembly having a substantially rigid, one-piece molded plastic body with an upper surface molded to generally replicate at least a portion of a railroad track bed is provided. The track assembly has depending side walls extending generally downwardly from the upper surface to define a lower side having a hollow cavity. The body has at least two ends, with each end including a male latching member and a matingly complementary female engagement structure. The upper surface includes a molded-in guiding structure to receive and locate a preassembled piece of model railroad track, including at least two metal rails molded in place on a ladder-shaped member simulating a plurality of spaced-apart ties. The ends of the molded body are adapted for mating engagement with the ends of similar track assemblies having a similar piece of preassembled model railroad track with the rails on the engaged track ends being aligned.

Abstract: A non-burnout controller for a switching coil is disclosed. The controller has a pulse timer, a relay switch, and an actuation switch. After being reset and actuated, the pulse timer defines a pulse having a predetermined pulse period. The relay switch has a switch actuation input for receiving the pulse and first and second switch outputs for being electrically coupled to first and second taps of the switching coil. The relay switch places a switching voltage across the outputs during the pulse period such that the switching coil has a switching current running therethrough. The relay switch places a substantially zero voltage across the outputs before and after the pulse period such that the switching coil has substantially no switching current running therethrough. The actuation switch has first and second positions. Upon being changed to the first position, the actuation switch resets the timer, whereby the switching coil has substantially no current running therethrough.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated coupler assembly for model railroad rolling stock is provided. The coupler assembly includes a drawbar having first and second ends. The first end includes an aperture defined therethrough adapted for mounting in a coupler pocket on model railroad rolling stock. The second end includes a coupler head. A coupler knuckle is pivotably mounted to the coupler head by a magnetically actuated pivot post. A first coil spring alignment pin is located on the second end of the drawbar. A second coil spring alignment pin is located on the coupler knuckle. A coil spring is mounted between the coupler head and the coupler knuckle on the first and second coil spring alignment pins for resiliently urging the coupler knuckle to a coupled position.

Abstract: A model railroad track assembly having a substantially rigid, one-piece molded plastic body with an upper surface molded to generally replicate at least a portion of a railroad track bed is provided. The track assembly has depending side walls extending generally downwardly from the upper surface to define a lower side having a hollow cavity. The body has at least two ends, with each end including a male latching member and a matingly complementary female engagement structure. The upper surface includes a molded-in guiding structure to receive and locate a preassembled piece of model railroad track, including at least two metal rails molded in place on a ladder-shaped member simulating a plurality of spaced-apart ties. The ends of the molded body are adapted for mating engagement with the ends of similar track assemblies having a similar piece of preassembled model railroad track with the rails on the engaged track ends being aligned.

Abstract: Model railroad track assemblies are formed from preassembled track sections, each including a pair of spaced-apart parallel metal rails molded in place in a one-piece ladder-like body, and a track accessory in the form of a one-piece molded plastic body having no undercuts to permit fabrication of the body by simple two-piece open and close molds. Male latching members and female engagement structures are integrally molded at each end of each track body, side-by-side for releasible latching engagement with like structures on the ends of like bodies. Each molded body including its latching members and engagement structures is adapted by the provision of suitable openings, spaces and recesses to permit top to bottom nesting engagement of identical track assemblies with one another for protection and reduced storage size.

Abstract: Aluminum alloys prepared from commercial grade aluminum and containing minor amounts of indium and zinc, useful as galvanic anodes, are improved by the addition of a small amount of silicon.