Abstract: There is provided a microwave waste sterilizer comprising an upper outer shell, a lower outer shell, an upper means for guiding microwave energy, a lower means for guiding microwave energy, an upper means for dispersing microwave energy, and a lower means for dispersing microwave energy. There is also provided a method for sterilizing waste materials with dual sources of microwave energy. Further there is provided a method for dispersing microwave energy into a chamber such that the dispersed microwave energy creates a flux field of substantially uniform flux.

Abstract: Non-abrasive pads are attached to the at least one side of concrete elements with nylon rivets that are embedded into the concrete when the latter is soft. A flexible rope is laced through the center of each element in two directions to form a mat in a row-column array. Adequate spacing is provided between each element to allow the mat to conform to an uneven seabed and cover the underwater installation. The non-abrasive pads separate the concrete elements from the underwater installation to prevent the concrete elements from scratching and ablating the delicate underwater installations. Grooves are provided in selected elements, and loops are provided at the outer edges of the mat to enable several mats to be linked together.

Abstract: A modular series of square or tubular rails are joined to together by rigid or flexible connectors to provide a playing surface in-line skates and skateboards. The rails are separated from the earth or other surface by support columns. The rails themselves can be straight, curved, or can be equipped with a number of bends. Single column supports are preferred for permanent installations where the column can be bolted onto a surface or can be partially buried in the earth. Dual-column supports that form a triangular pattern that enable the rails system to be portable, yet allows skaters to impart horizontal as well as vertical loads on the rails safetly. Both columns allow the use of tubular or rectangular rails. Joints between the rail may be flexible to allow a broader range of skating maneuvers.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method of use for a new simply constructed bioreactor made at least partially of gas permeable materials. The bioreactor is useful for culturing cells and tissues in suspension as well as attached to the inside surface of the bioreactor in a liquid nutrient medium with minimum turbulence. The bioreactor may include ports for easy access to the vessel culture, allowing the growth substrate to be varied for optimum performance.

Abstract: A breakaway coupling device is provided having a male and female valve body. The female valve body, a plurality of boltholes extending therethrough, and a plurality of boreholes extending therethrough. The female valve body further defines a first cavity traversing the female valve body. The male valve body has a plurality of flange pairs and a plurality of boreholes aligned with the boreholes in the female valve body. There are a plurality of tie bolts attached to the female valve body through the plurality of boltholes. The tie bolts are received by the plurality of tinge pairs on the male valve body. There are a plurality of shear pins. Each one of the plurality of shear pins intersects each flange pair and each one of the plurality of tie bolts at an angle perpendicular to the tie bolts thereby connecting the male valve body to the female valve body. There are plurality of guide pins closely received by the boreholes in the male valve body and the female valve body.

Abstract: A user/PC interface is described that enables the user to interact with, and control, in part, the display and sequence of multimedia information. Techniques provided include presenting dialog lines for computer users and gateways for entering alternate storylines. Additional techniques are presented for conveying information related to a character's thoughts, memories and background. Icons are presented to signal the presence of additional storyline information. Other icons allow the user to become an interactive movie character in order to draw the user into the flow of the storyline and impart the experience of "having been there.

Abstract: There is provided a personal hygiene system comprising a means for conducting personal hygiene and a means for removably holding and mounting the personal hygiene device. The personal hygiene device comprises a nozzle having a removable spray tip at a first end, a flexible hose connected to a connection end of the nozzle and a means for connecting the flexible hose to a source of water. Three primary spray tips are included to accomplish various rinsing operations. Also included is a means to add medicinal or cleansing solutions to the flushing fluids. The means for mounting allows for mounting flush with the surface of a wall.

Abstract: In the present invention there is provided, a pipe connector for use in tendons, risers or other pipe connections. The pipe connector comprises a tubular pin member and a tubular box member. The tubular pin member has a frusto-conical outer peripheral surface, an inner axial end and outer axial end. The tubular box member is telescopically engageable with the pin member and has a frusto-conical inner peripheral surface that further has an inner axial end and an outer axial end. The frusto-conical inner peripheral surface of the tubular box member corresponds to the frusto-conical surface of the pin member and overlies the frusto-conical surface of the pin member when the members are engaged. There is provided annular projection and groove means in the frusto-conical surfaces of the pin member and the box member that interengageable to axially lock the pin member and the box member together. A system for assembling tension-leg pipes using the claimed connector is also provided.

Abstract: A rotating cell vessel (4), designed to be simply constructed, and method of use have been developed. The vessel (4) is constructed of materials which are permeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide, and when rotated horizontally around central axis (10) suspends the contents, cells and particle substrates, in a liquid medium with a low turbulence, low shear fluid environment. The vessel walls (24) are made at least partially of gas permeable material. The vessel (4) is rotated to suspend the cells and substrate particles in a low turbulence liquid nutrient medium. Oxygen continuously diffuses through the permeable vessel material and through the cell culture liquid medium to provide the needed oxygen to the cells. Carbon dioxide diffuses through the cell culture medium and through the vessel wall (24), removing this waste product from the cell culture. A means for entrapping gas bubbles away from cell growth is also provided.

Abstract: A modular pew system comprises a pew section and a panel member. The pew section has a first end and a second end. The pew section is formed from a seat section and a back section. The seat section and the back section each have a first end and a second end which correspond to the first end and the second end of the pew section. A first half of a first slidable fastener is positioned on the first end of the seat section. A first half of a second slidable fastener is positioned on the first end of the seat section. The first panel member has a shape to form an end facade for the pew section. The panel member has a first side surface and a second side surface. A second half of the first slidable fastener is positioned on the first side surface of the first panel member to engage the first half of the first slidable fastener. A second half of the second slidable fastener is positioned on the first side surface of the first panel member to engage with first half of the first slidable fastener.