Abstract: A releasable retention device for retaining a bag with a container, especially a waste container. The releasable retention device has a cap and a hollow base with open ends. Flexible flaps attached to the cap near the perimeter of the cap on the side of the perimeter toward the center of the cap. When an agglomerated portion of a bag is pushed through the flexible flaps, the flexible flaps primarily frictionally. The flexibility of the flaps reduces the risk of tearing a bag. The hollow base is attached to the bottom of the cap and has on its outer surface a fastener for maintaining the releasable retention device within a container.

Abstract: A microwave processing system includes: a broadband variable frequency microwave (VFM) source; a plurality of waveguide applicators, each of which includes a waveguide transition and is capable of supporting a selected subset of frequencies within the bandwidth of the broadband VFM source; a microwave switching means allowing the microwave source to be connected to any one of the waveguide transitions so that microwave power is delivered to the corresponding waveguide applicator; and wherein each of the waveguide applicators includes at least one channel through which a microwave transparent tube may be run so that process fluid flowing through the tube may be exposed to microwave power in the applicator.

Abstract: A collapsible structure (e.g., for use as a single or multi-tiered display table) can include a base having at least five hinges defined therein to define six or more base panels such that the base is foldable to form a shape with at least six sides, the base defining a first end and a second end that are attached to each other. The structure can include a first center support and a second center support. The first center support and the second center support can be attached together at the body of each center support and be configured to allow the base to move between a flat folded position and an open standing position by relative movement of the upper arms and the lower arms relative to the attached bodies of the center supports.

Abstract: A materials processing system comprises a thermal processing chamber and a broadband microwave power source. The power source includes an ovenized small-signal RF circuit, a high power microwave amplifier, and forward and reflected power detectors separated from one another by an isolator. The power detectors are also preferably ovenized. A control system provides control signals to the thermally stabilized VCO and VCA in the small-signal circuit to control output power based on detected forward power compared to demanded forward power. The system may be run in either open-loop or closed-loop modes.

Abstract: A collapsible structure (e.g., for use as a single or multi-tiered display table) can include a base having at least five hinges defined therein to define six or more base panels such that the base is foldable to form a shape with at least six sides, the base defining a first end and a second end that are attached to each other. The structure can include a first center support and a second center support. The first center support and the second center support can be attached together at the body of each center support and be configured to allow the base to move between a flat folded position and an open standing position by relative movement of the upper arms and the lower arms relative to the attached bodies of the center supports.

Abstract: A microwave processing system includes: a broadband variable frequency microwave (VFM) source; a plurality of waveguide applicators, each of which includes a waveguide transition and is capable of supporting a selected subset of frequencies within the bandwidth of the broadband VFM source; a microwave switching means allowing the microwave source to be connected to any one of the waveguide transitions so that microwave power is delivered to the corresponding waveguide applicator; and wherein each of the waveguide applicators includes at least one channel through which a microwave transparent tube may be run so that process fluid flowing through the tube may be exposed to microwave power in the applicator. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A materials processing system comprises a thermal processing chamber and a broadband microwave power source. The power source includes an ovenized small-signal RF circuit, a high power microwave amplifier, and forward and reflected power detectors separated from one another by an isolator. The power detectors are also preferably ovenized. A control system provides control signals to the thermally stabilized VCO and VCA in the small-signal circuit to control output power based on detected forward power compared to demanded forward power. The system may be run in either open-loop or closed-loop modes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring workpiece and workpiece material characteristics using microwave energy are disclosed. A system includes a chamber, including means for generating variable frequency microwave energy; means for positioning a workpiece within the chamber; means for subjecting the workpiece to a plurality of different microwave frequencies; and means for monitoring characteristics of the workpiece. One or more characteristics of a workpiece, or workpiece material, may be monitored by positioning the workpiece within a chamber having means for generating variable frequency microwave energy; subjecting the workpiece to microwave irradiation at a plurality of frequencies; detecting power reflection for each one of the plurality of microwave frequencies to provide power reflection data; and comparing the power reflection data to a predetermined set of power reflection data.