Abstract: A bioreactor assembly of the present invention is provided for holding a media and supporting growth of a plurality of plants. The assembly includes a light source and a container having a light transmissive wall structure and defining a reservoir. A major axis of the reservoir is substantially horizontal allowing the reservoir to be filled with media to a partial level and to define a relatively large surface area for support of the plants. The assembly may also include clamps to secure and seal separate wall structure portions of the container together, and end caps to the wall portions, to define an aseptic environment. As another option, the clamps may define openings therethrough that allow passage of various devices for measuring and controlling bioreactor function such as a gas supply nozzle, a gas exit nozzle, an air temperature probe, a pH probe, a sampling drain, a gas composition probe and a media temperature probe.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting an image of an object, particularly a soft tissue material. A generated x-ray beam is transmitted through the soft tissue material. A transmitted beam is directed at an angle of incidence upon a crystal analyzer. An image of the object is detected from a beam diffracted from the crystal analyzer either at or near a peak of a rocking curve of the crystal analyzer. The method and system of this invention is particularly useful for analyzing images of cartilage.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting an image of an object, particularly a soft tissue material. A generated x-ray beam is transmitted through the soft tissue material. A transmitted beam is directed at an angle of incidence upon a crystal analyzer. An image of the object is detected from a beam diffracted from the crystal analyzer either at or near a peak of a rocking curve of the crystal analyzer. The method and system of this invention is particularly useful for analyzing images of cartilage.

Abstract: An air removal and fastener extraction system for use in retreading tires is disclosed. The system includes a strap that is disposed over a splice region of the tread during precure retreading. A plurality of fasteners are inserted through the strap and across the splice. This securely holds the splice region intact, allows air to be vented during curing, and permits removal of all fasteners in a single pulling motion exerted on the strap after the curing process is completed.

Abstract: A process of crystallizing CL-20 is disclosed. In the process, a wet CL-20 solvent/CL-20 solution is dried by azeotropic distillation of a CL-20 solvent/water azeotrope. Removal of water from the CL-20 solution permits crystallization of high density CL-20. A low density, CL-20 non-solvent is added to the resulting dry CL-20 solvent/CL-20 solution to cause precipitation of .epsilon.-polymorph CL-20. The CL-20 crystals are separated from the non-solvent and the solvent by adding sufficient water to displace the non-solvent and the solvent from the surface of the CL-20 crystals. In this fashion, the .epsilon.-polymorph CL-20 is made wet for later handling, packaging, and shipping.