Abstract: A metamaterial for a radio frequency communications apparatus is disclosed. The metamaterial can comprise a flex circuit and an array of circuit elements mounted on the flex circuit. Each of the circuit elements can comprise a conductive trace and at least one hybrid component electrically coupled to the conductive trace.

Abstract: A metamaterial for a radio frequency communications apparatus is disclosed. The metamaterial can comprise a flex circuit and an array of circuit elements mounted on the flex circuit. Each of the circuit elements can comprise a conductive trace and at least one hybrid component electrically coupled to the conductive trace.

Abstract: A method for microwave sterilization and densification of infectious waste wherein a supply of infectious waste to be sterilized and disposed of is provided which includes at least 20% by weight of plastic materials. A selected portion of the infectious waste is placed into a pressure vessel of a microwave sterilizer and then the sterilizer is sealed. A selected amount of water is then introduced into the sealed pressure vessel to facilitate treatment of the infectious waste contained therein, and the microwave sterilizer is actuated in order to transform the water in the pressure vessel into steam to elevate the temperature within the pressure vessel to at least 150.degree. C. and the pressure to at least 54 p.s.i.g. The infectious waste within the pressure vessel is sterilized and then densified by melting the plastic materials contained therein to form a unitary mass of reduced volume wherein the melted plastic substantially encases the residual sterilized infectious waste components.