Abstract: A method for reducing mercury emissions in combustion flue gas is provided. The method includes combusting coal such that a flue gas flow is created. The flue gas flow includes at least mercury and carbon-containing fly ash. The method further includes cooling the flue gas flow within a duct and creating turbulence in the flue gas flow. The mercury is removed from the flue gas flow.

Abstract: Multi-functional urine collection devices, embodiments of which can include a self-expanding container having a receptacle for receiving urine from the tubing, a pump for moving urine through the tubing and into a receptacle, extendable tubing that may be shortened and/or lengthened, and/or one or more meters for monitoring, measuring, transmitting or storing a characteristic from the urine.

Abstract: Method to measure gain of a photonic inverter based on a semiconductor laser using two different modes of operation. In one mode, the device is operated as a photonic inverter device and in the other mode as a photogenerated current measurement device. While the device is operated in a photonic inverter mode, that is, pumped at a magnitude that supports photonic inverter operation, the optical output power is measured in the absence of an input signal and with an input signal that quenches the output of the photonic inverter. While the device is operated as a photogenerated current measurement device with an input optical signal, a reverse bias is applied to offset any forward bias induced by the injected input optical signal, the induced photocurrent is measured, and the wavelength of the input optical signal is measured.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in concrete construction is characterized by a body having a first portion configured to be set into concrete during the casting of that concrete, and which can be removed from the concrete after the concrete has set, and thereby may be reused in a similar manner with other concrete castings. The body of the apparatus is preferably generally cylindrical and preferably includes a serrated exterior surface. The body also preferably includes a second portion configured to facilitate removal of the apparatus from the concrete, and further includes an engagement member with which other devices may be engaged. The second portion may also be engageable with an alignment member to facilitate the accuracy of insertion and removal of the apparatus from the concrete. The serrated exterior preferably interferingly engages with at least one reinforcing element formed in the concrete, to assist in positioning of the concrete.

Abstract: An ultrasound transmission device for utilizing ultrasound energy ultrasound to treat intravascular conditions, such as stenotic and occluded regions of blood vessels, is provided. The ultrasonic transmission device includes a transmission member connectable to the ultrasound energy source on a one end and a tip on the other end. The tip includes a distal section, a proximal section and an intermediate section. The proximal section has a first diameter larger than the transmission member diameter. The intermediate section includes a decreasing step portion, a narrowed portion, and an increasing step portion.

Abstract: A modification to existing mono-block battery design for positively indicating the operating condition of the battery. The voltage of two groups of internal series connected cells are measured and compared. An indicator of one color indicates the battery is operating normally, an indicator of a contrasting color indicates the battery is defective.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correctively guiding an item on a desired path along a material is provided wherein a guide path matching a desired path for an item to be guided along a material and a plurality of templates containing images of the material are inputted into a computer. The item is guided along the material in a path following the inputted guide path, and a need for correction of the actual path of the item along the material is checked and, where necessary, correction is made at predetermined, inputted intervals. Self-correction of the path the item follows along material is accomplished by visual recognition of templates containing images of the material matching previously inputted templates.

Abstract: A surgical instrument consisting of a disposable working member and a reusable handle member. The surgical instrument reduces the risk of cross-contamination as the parts of the instrument which enter the body cavity are disposable. The reusable handle is designed for quick and easy loading and unloading of the disposable working member or stem assembly. The reusable handle may be used with stem assemblies of various types, sizes and shapes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cannula with a fixation mechanism actuable to secure the cannula above and below the body wall with minimal amount of manipulation and damage to the body wall. The preferred embodiment involves arms attached to springs secured to the body of the cannula over which a sleeve is slidingly mounted to restrain and release the springs. When the spring is released, it causes the arms to press against the inner body wall to fixate the cannula. A stop mounted on the sleeve can be positioned to apply a compressive force on the outer body wall, further securing the cannula.

Abstract: A holder for storing and retaining a plurality of hemostatic clips. The holder is produced as an integrally molded unitary piece having a plurality of longitudinally spaced chambers, each having a central post to support a clip and integrally formed guiding means for guiding the jaws of an associated forceps-type clip applier by which a clip within a selected chamber may be removed from the cartridge. A pair of opposing projections are formed in the walls of each clip chamber at a point spaced above the central post, the projections serving to loosely retain a clip in the chamber between the projections and the central post.

Abstract: A front loading sign assembly includes a flexible, rectangular sign panel; and a rectangular sign frame lying generally in a first major plane and providing a front side to be viewed and a back wall integral with each of the four frame members. First and second facing parallel frame members of the frame are provided with overhanging lips. The rectangular flexible sign panel is installed by inserting it under these overhanging lips. Third and fourth frame members of the sign frame are provided with smooth sides in contact with sides of the sign panel when it is installed to prevent access to the panel and removal of the panel. A fulcrum extends outwardly from the back wall of the sign frame in parallel relationship to and midway between the first and second frame members. Manual pressure on the sign panel between the fulcrum and the first frame member causes the end of the sign panel adjacent the second frame member to spring clear of the sign frame assembly so that the panel can be removed.

Abstract: An inlet wall mounted valve device for a central vacuum system is disclosed as having back and front plates arranged on either side of a wall to which the valve device is to be mounted. The back plate, composed of flexible metallic material, is adapted to be compressed and pushed through an opening in the wall having a smaller dimension than the width of the back plate so that the back plate will assume its normal relaxed condition behind the wall and extend beyond side edges of the opening. Fastening devices, such as screws, connecting the front plate to the back plate serve to draw each plate toward the other and thereby attach the valve device to the wall.

Abstract: A rectangular sign frame assembly presenting opposing side walls having undercut lips at their upper edges, which receive corresponding edges of a deflectable elastic sign to hold the latter in assembled relation to the frame. The sign may be removed by bowing the same further inwardly to expose a hidden recess into which a tool can be inserted for prying the sign loose. The sign assemblies may also have a deflection inhibitor which limits such further inward deflection of the sign, preventing removal by unauthorized persons and which may be moved into a position allowing such deflection and removal of said sign.