Abstract: An electric cooking assembly includes a main body portion that defines a cooking area. First and second cooking surfaces are contained within the cooking area. A first electric heating element arranged to provide heat to at least a portion of the first cooking surface, and a second electric heating element is arranged to heat at least a portion of the second cooking surface. The main body portion may include first and second hood members. The first hood member defines the cooking area and the second hood member is positioned at least partially within the cooking area and configured to decrease heat lost from the cooking assembly during preparation of food products in the cooking area. The second hood member is configured for adjustment between an open position providing access to the cooking surface and a closed position covering at least a portion of the cooking surface.

Abstract: A body tissue graft for use in a patient includes a frame structure made of a first elastic material, a covering of a second elastic material on the frame structure, the covering substantially filling openings in the frame structure, and a connector connected to the frame structure. Projections are secured to the connector structure. The projections facilitate attachment of the tubular graft in a patient by securing the graft to the body tissue with which the graft is employed. The connector selectively circumferentially expands and the projections selectively circumferentially expand. This may be done using an inflatable balloon to circumferentially expand the projections. A restraining member may be provided to restrain the projections in a cone shape so that an end of the graft may be used to open an aperture through a side wall of existing body organ tubing and a portion of the projections may enter the aperture.

Abstract: A fireplace including a backlighting system. The backlighting system can be positioned in a back portion of the bottom panel of the fireplace. The backlighting system includes at least one light source to shine light upon the components of the fireplace. For example, the light source can be positioned to shine light on a back panel of the fireplace. The light source of the backlighting system can be modulated depending on a state of the fireplace. For example, the light source can be turned on or off depending on whether the flame of the fireplace is on or off.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering and installing a new length of tubing between two sections of a patient's existing body organ tubing and at least partly outside of that existing structure. For example, the new length of tubing may be for the purpose of providing the patient with a coronary bypass. The new tubing may be an artificial graft, a natural graft (harvested elsewhere from the patient), or both. The new tubing is delivered to and installed at the operative site primarily by working through the patient's existing tubular body organ structure. This avoids the need for any significant surgery on the patient. The artificial grafts may have shapes other than tubular. Certain procedural and apparatus aspects of the invention have uses other than in connection with grafting in general or tubular grafting in particular.

Abstract: A heating appliance includes an outer enclosure including a transparent front panel, a combustion chamber enclosure, and a variable speed blower. The combustion chamber enclosure is positioned within the outer enclosure and defines a combustion chamber wherein radiant heat is generated. The combustion chamber enclosure also includes a transparent front panel. The blower is configured to generate an adjustable airflow between the outer enclosure front panel and the combustion chamber enclosure front panel and to exhaust the airflow to a remote location. The airflow absorbs at least some of the radiant heat and varying a speed of the blower controls an amount of radiant heat transferred from the combustion chamber to a living space in which the heating appliance is exposed.

Abstract: A fireplace including a backlighting system. The backlighting system can be positioned in a back portion of the bottom panel of the fireplace. The backlighting system includes at least one light source to shine light upon the components of the fireplace. For example, the light source can be positioned to shine light on a back panel of the fireplace. The light source of the backlighting system can be modulated depending on a state of the fireplace. For example, the light source can be turned on or off depending on whether the flame of the fireplace is on or off.

Abstract: An electric cooking assembly includes a main body portion that defines a cooking area. First and second cooking surfaces are contained within the cooking area. A first electric heating element arranged to provide heat to at least a portion of the first cooking surface, and a second electric heating element is arranged to heat at least a portion of the second cooking surface. The main body portion may include first and second hood members. The first hood member defines the cooking area and the second hood member is positioned at least partially within the cooking area and configured to decrease heat lost from the cooking assembly during preparation of food products in the cooking area. The second hood member is configured for adjustment between an open position providing access to the cooking surface and a closed position covering at least a portion of the cooking surface.

Abstract: An electric cooking assembly includes a main body portion that defines a cooking area. First and second cooking surfaces are contained within the cooking area. A first electric heating element arranged to provide heat to at least a portion of the first cooking surface, and a second electric heating element is arranged to heat at least a portion of the second cooking surface. The main body portion may include first and second hood members. The first hood member defines the cooking area and the second hood member is positioned at least partially within the cooking area and configured to decrease heat lost from the cooking assembly during preparation of food products in the cooking area. The second hood member is configured for adjustment between an open position providing access to the cooking surface and a closed position covering at least a portion of the cooking surface.

Abstract: A fireplace including a backlighting system. The backlighting system can be positioned in a back portion of the bottom panel of the fireplace. The backlighting system includes at least one light source to shine light upon the components of the fireplace. For example, the light source can be positioned to shine light on a back panel of the fireplace. The light source of the backlighting system can be modulated depending on a state of the fireplace. For example, the light source can be turned on or off depending on whether the flame of the fireplace is on or off.

Abstract: A body tissue graft for use in a patient includes a frame structure made of a first elastic material, a covering of a second elastic material on the frame structure, the covering substantially filling openings in the frame structure, and a connector connected to the frame structure. Projections are secured to the connector structure. The projections facilitate attachment of the tubular graft in a patient by securing the graft to the body tissue with which the graft is employed. The connector selectively circumferentially expands and the projections selectively circumferentially expand. This may be done using an inflatable balloon to circumferentially expand the projections. A restraining member may be provided to restrain the projections in a cone shape so that an end of the graft may be used to open an aperture through a side wall of existing body organ tubing and a portion of the projections may enter the aperture.

Abstract: An air filtration and sterilization system for removing airborne contaminants from air circulated through an air plenum system of a fireplace. Air filtration systems may include particulate, chemical, and ion filtration systems to filter the air. Air sterilization may include ultraviolet, ozone, germicidal coating, and channeled system of ducts systems to sterilize the air. Systems may be used individually or in combination. In addition, optional components, including a warning sensor for indicating when to replace a filter, an automatic initiation sensor for activating and stopping filtration and sterilization, and an air enhancement system for introducing desirable materials into the air, may be provided.

Abstract: A fireplace including a burner disposed to combust a combustible gas and air mixture within a combustion chamber. An exposed panel defining an exposed surface. A touch portion of the exposed surface isolated from heat generated within the combustion chamber to reduce a temperature of the touch portion. A control circuit coupled to the touch portion. The control circuit monitoring the touch portion and driving a component of the fireplace in response to a change at the touch portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the appearance of a flame to maximize the size of the flame for a given amount of fuel, increase a burn rate efficiency of the flame, or change the shape of the flame. The shape and size of the flame may be modified by applying a secondary source of fluid to the flame. The secondary source of fluid may cause turbulent fluid flow within the combustion chamber enclosure in which the flame is produced to change the appearance of the flame. The secondary source of fluid may be generated by a blower or fan and may include, for example, a source of fresh combustion air, additional flammable gas such as natural gas, or other fluid additives for enhancement of the flame color, shape, and size.

Abstract: A body tissue graft for use in a patient includes a frame structure made of a first elastic material, a covering of a second elastic material on the frame structure, the covering substantially filling openings in the frame structure, and a connector connected to the frame structure. Projections are secured to the connector structure. The projections facilitate attachment of the tubular graft in a patient by securing the graft to the body tissue with which the graft is employed. The connector selectively circumferentially expands, and the projections selectively circumferentially expand. This may be done using an inflatable balloon to circumferentially expand the projections. A restraining member may be provided to restrain the projections in a cone shape so that an end of the graft may be used to open an aperture through a side wall of existing body organ tubing, and a portion of the projections may enter the aperture.

Abstract: A gas light assembly including a stand member having a recessed portion sized to receive a fuel container. The recessed portion is accessible through an opening of the stand member. A panel member is coupled to the stand member and movable between a closed position covering the recessed portion and an open position wherein the recessed portion is accessible for inserting or removing the fuel container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heating systems for umbrella-shaped structures. The heating system may include a shroud or umbrella-shaped structure defining an inner volume, and a plurality of electrical infrared heating elements positioned generally downward facing in the inner volume of the shroud. The shroud may include radially extending support structures to which the heating elements are mounted.

Abstract: A temperature warning system for a fireplace includes, for example, an arrangement to sense a temperature of at least one area of the fireplace and a signaling device controlled by the arrangement to provide a signal responsive to the temperature of the area. The arrangement may include an electrical circuit including a thermistor positioned outside the viewing area to measure the temperature of an area of the fireplace. The signaling device may include visual or audible signaling devices for signaling to a user when an area of the fireplace is above a threshold temperature.

Abstract: A fireplace generally including a display driven by a controller. The display may be configured to show images associated with a fireplace. The images may be in two dimensions or three dimensions. The display may be driven by the controller, and a user interface may be provided to configure the fireplace. The display may also be driven by other peripheral components as well. The display may optionally be a flat-panel display. The display may be placed against a wall of a structure and surrounded by a decorative facade, or may be placed in an enclosure of a wall. Various optional components, such as a simulated electric glowing ember system and a retractable grate and artificial log set, may also be included.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a combustible gas flame above a surface of a liquid. The apparatus may include a manifold including a manifold space that is completely or partially positioned within the liquid and a combustible gas source. Combustible gas from the gas source may be delivered to the manifold space and delivered into the liquid or a space above the liquid. The combustible gas may then be ignited to create a combustible gas flame. The combustible gas may also be mixed with air or liquid prior to delivery to the manifold space. In addition, a pump may be included to pump a supply of liquid out a liquid outlet to create a desired effect. Alternatively, the apparatus may be disposed on a float on the surface of the liquid.