Abstract: A manhole lock system includes a frame positioned over an access opening, a cover movable between a closed position in which the cover extends over the access opening, and an open position in which the access opening is exposed; and a lock mechanism for locking the cover in the closed position. The lock mechanism includes a lock member that is movable along a path between a unlocked position and a locked position, wherein in the locked position the lock member prevents the cover from moving to the open position, wherein in the unlocked position the lock member is retracted to enable movement of the cover to the open position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a heating unit, such as a fireplace, including an interior housing forming a combustion chamber. The housing includes a top wall, a rear wall and side walls defining an exterior housing about the combustion chamber. A burner assembly is positioned to provide combustion to the combustion chamber and a heat activated shutter is provided in communication with the burner assembly for controlling flow of air into the burner assembly so as to produce a yellow flame within the unit in a generally instantaneous time period.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a heating unit, such as a fireplace, including an interior housing forming a combustion chamber. The housing includes a top wall, a rear wall and sidewalls defining an exterior housing about the combustion chamber. A burner assembly is positioned to provide combustion to the combustion chamber and a heat-activated shutter is provided in communication with the burner assembly for controlling flow of air into the burner assembly.

Abstract: A pipe connection, including a male pipe including a male end with a first diameter and preferably a T-shaped channel formed in the male end. The connection includes a female pipe including a female end with a second diameter. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter. A locking bead may formed on the female pipe and is sized and shaped to be received within the T-shaped channel when the male end is inserted into the female end. The locking bead is retained in the T-shaped channel when the male pipe is fully inserted and then radially twisted with respect to the female pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing linear circularizable nucleic acid probes and/or circular nucleic acid probes. Such probes may be used as the starting material for rolling circle amplification (RCA) and/or ramification-extension amplification (RAM) of nucleic acid molecules. The present invention further provides circular probes and linear circularizable probes made according to the methods described herein. The present invention further provides kits comprising the circular probes and/or the linear circularizable probes of the present invention.

Abstract: A modular, fully integrated, automatically controlled and transportable wastewater treatment system, including a support member, a bioreactor located on the support member, an aeration device, a membrane filter, an anoxic tank located on the support member, a disinfection unit located on the support member, and at least one pump located on the support member.

Abstract: A waste conditioning or processing arrangement is provided which can effectively handle waste at its point of generation. In a preferred arrangement, the waste is conditioned by drying the waste and forming the waste into pellets or granules, with the waste also preferably sterilized during the conditioning. The resulting pelletized or granularized waste is remarkably smaller than the input waste, and can conveniently be stored for subsequent disposal or use. The arrangement can be used in a variety of contexts, and is particularly advantageous for food or organic wastes. The system can be used in restaurants or marine vessels for handling kitchen or galley waste. The system can also be advantageously used for certain agricultural waste.

Abstract: A materials treatment system which initially separates liquid and solid components with a separator. The system can be advantageously utilized for household sewage handling, however various components have other applications. Once the separator separates the solids and liquids, a fire tube combusts the solids with microwaves. The liquids exiting the separator are treated in a liquid treatment system which includes additional particle filtration/separation, treatment of the liquids with an oxidant liquid, and an ultraviolet treatment. An advantageous microwave cavity assembly is also provided for dehydration/combustion of solids exiting the separator and/or for solids filtered from liquids in the liquid treatment system.

Abstract: A materials treatment system which includes filtration and treatment of solid and liquid components of a material, such as a waste material. A filter or substrate assembly is provided which allows liquids to pass therethrough, while retaining solids. The solids are then incinerated utilizing microwave energy, and the liquids can be treated after passing through the filter element, for example, utilizing a treatment liquid such as an oxidant liquid. The filter assembly can also include an exhaust filter assembly which removes solids or particulate matter from exhaust gasses, with the retained solids/particulates incinerated utilizing microwave energy.

Abstract: A materials treatment system which initially separates liquid and solid components with a separator. The system can be advantageously utilized for household sewage handling, however various components have other applications. Once the separator separates the solids and liquids, a fire tube combusts the solids with microwaves. The liquids exiting the separator are treated in a liquid treatment system which includes additional particle filtration/separation, treatment of the liquids with an oxidant liquid, and an ultraviolet treatment. An advantageous microwave cavity assembly is also provided for dehydration/combustion of solids exiting the separator and/or for solids filtered from liquids in the liquid treatment system.