Abstract: A system for coupling reinforced thermosetting resin pipes includes a first pipe having a tapered, spigot end, wherein a portion of an external surface of the tapered, spigot end of the first pipe is bonded to a first thermoplastic material and a second pipe having a tapered, socket end adapted to internally receive the tapered, spigot end of the first pipe, wherein a portion of an internal surface of the tapered, socket end of the second pipe is bonded to a second thermoplastic material. A method of coupling the first pipe and the second pipe includes inserting the first pipe into the second pipe; coupling the first pipe to the second pipe via a mechanical joint; and employing a thermal joining process to bond the first thermoplastic material to the second thermoplastic material by heating the first and second thermoplastic materials to melt the first and second thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: An improved back brace apparatus employs sensors to automatically change the support provided to the back of a human torso. The sensors can detect the user changing position from a standing position to a bending position and the back brace apparatus automatically responds by increasing the support provided to the back of the user's torso. As the user returns to a standing position, the sensors detect the change and the back brace responds by automatically reducing the support provided to the back of the user's torso.

Abstract: An improved back brace apparatus employs sensors to automatically change the support provided to the back of a human torso. The sensors can detect the user changing position from a standing position to a bending position and the back brace apparatus automatically responds by increasing the support provided to the back of the user's torso. As the user returns to a standing position, the sensors detect the change and the back brace responds by automatically reducing the support provided to the back of the user's torso.

Abstract: The invention concerns estimating advertisement placement costs, for example, the placement of an advertisement in a newspaper The invention allows users (18) to enter in text of an advertisement and to select a publication (66) in a website. The server (10) of the invention operates to automatically create an artwork (38) for placement using a pre-stored template 84 86. Using the dimensions of the artwork, the user (18) is presented with a cost estimate for placing the advertisement in that publication. Aspects of the invention include a method of estimating the cost of a placement of an advertisement in a publication, a computer system operable to estimate the cost of a placement of an advertisement in a publication and a web site that operates to provide an estimate of the cost of a placement of an advertisement in a publication.