Abstract: A screed assembly has a screed plate that is formed of a material having a thermal conductivity of less than about 25 W/mK, and a thermal barrier material having a thermal conductivity of less than about 0.5 W/mK that substantially covers an upper surface of the screed plate. The low thermal conductance properties of the screed plate obviate the need for auxiliary heating systems to preheat or maintain the screed plate in thermal equilibrium with a paving material.

Abstract: A hand and finger X-ray positioning device comprising a radiolucent support board containing one or more attachment means and one or more positioning means which are removably affixed to said attachment means and which permit the stable positioning of one or more fingers in a desired position for the purpose of obtaining X-rays of the hand and fingers without exposing a surgeon or technician to harmful radiation. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment means are a series of holes located at the distal end of a sterilizable rectangular support board into which fit the positioning means or pegs.