Abstract: A ceramic article comprises ceramic fibers having an aspect ratio of greater than or equal to 10:1, ceramic particles, and an inorganic binder comprising silica. Greater than 90 out of 100 ceramic fibers are randomly oriented in three dimensions in the ceramic article, and greater than 85 out of 100 ceramic fibers are spaced at least one ceramic fiber diameter away from an adjacent ceramic fiber. The ceramic article has a consistent density of from 0.9 to 1.1 g/cm3 in x-, y-, and z-dimensions and has a uniform strength in three dimensions as measured in accordance with ASTM C1424.

Abstract: A ceramic article comprises ceramic fibers having an aspect ratio of greater than 3:1 and ceramic particles. The ceramic fibers are substantially randomly oriented in three dimensions in the ceramic article. A method of forming the ceramic article includes the step of providing a composition including ceramic fibers having an aspect ratio of greater than 3:1 and ceramic particles. The composition is extruded through a multi-screw extruder having at least three intermeshing screws to form an extrudate. The extrudate is heated to form the ceramic article.

Abstract: A ceramic article comprises ceramic fibers having an aspect ratio of greater than 3:1 and ceramic particles. The ceramic fibers are substantially randomly oriented in three dimensions in the ceramic article. A method of forming the ceramic article includes the step of providing a composition including ceramic fibers having an aspect ratio of greater than 3:1 and ceramic particles. The composition is extruded through a multi-screw extruder having at least three intermeshing screws to form an extrudate. The extrudate is heated to form the ceramic article.

Abstract: A ceramic article comprises ceramic fibers having an aspect ratio of greater than 3:1 and ceramic particles. The ceramic fibers are substantially randomly oriented in three dimensions in the ceramic article. A method of forming the ceramic article includes the step of providing a composition including ceramic fibers having an aspect ratio of greater than 3:1 and ceramic particles. The composition is extruded through a multi-screw extruder having at least three intermeshing screws to form an extrudate. The extrudate is heated to form the ceramic article.

Abstract: A method of controlling evaporation of a fluid, such as water, in an article includes the step of encapsulating the article with a film such that the fluid is prevented from evaporating from the article. The method further includes the step of heating the article encapsulated with the film to a first desired temperature for a first period of time while preventing the fluid from evaporating from the article. The method also includes the step of removing the film from the article after heating the article to the first desired temperature for the first period of time and, after the step of removing the film the article, the method includes the step of further heating the article to a second desired temperature for a second period of time while the fluid freely evaporates from the article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a preform from a material having a first edge and a second edge utilizing a mandrel. The method comprises the step of extruding the material through an extruder to form an extrudate. The first edge of the extrudate has a configuration complementary to a configuration of the second edge of the extrudate. The method also includes wrapping the material around the mandrel by abutting the first edge and the second edge to form a spiral joint. The invention uses a manufacturing apparatus comprising a multi-screw extruder having at least three intermeshing screws for forming the extrudate. The mandrel receives the extrudate and a pressure-applying device adjacent to the mandrel engages the extrudate and applies pressure to the spiral joint to create a smooth exterior surface of the extrudate and to define the preform.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement in a solid state devolatilization finishing process for a wet feed material of syndiotactic vinyl aromatic polymer containing volatiles, including at least one vinyl aromatic monomer, wherein the improvement comprises: rapidly heating the wet feed material, such that the temperature of the wet feed material is increased at a rate of at least 10.degree. C./min., to a temperature between about 150.degree. C. and the melting point temperature of the syndiotactic vinyl aromatic polymer, while concurrently removing evolved volatiles.

Abstract: An improved foamable vinyl aromatic polymer composition and a process for preparing a vinyl aromatic polymer foam having incorporated therein a blend of alpha-olefin polymers are disclosed. The blend of alpha-olefin polymers may be virgin material or a portion of recycle feedstream, the recycle feedstream being prepared from adhesive film faced extruded vinyl aromatic foam laminate scrap. Foam materials having improved solvent resistance, ultraviolet light stability, and adhesive characteristics are prepared from the composition and process.

Abstract: An improved foamable vinyl aromatic polymer composition and a process for preparing a vinyl aromatic polymer foam having incorporated therein a blend of alpha-olefin polymers are disclosed. The blend of alpha-olefin polymers may be virgin material or a portion of recycle feedstream, the recycle feedstream being prepared from adhesive film faced extruded vinyl aromatic foam laminate scrap. Foam materials having improved solvent resistance, ultraviolet light stability, and adhesive characteristics are prepared from the composition and process.

Abstract: A tensile load bearing device equipped with a tension bearing link which fractures at a predetermined tensile stress to allow a latch to open and release the load. The invention is designed to prevent the release point from being effected by torsional loads, bending moments, or compressive loads, and will release within a tolerance of about 4% of the desired release tension at loads up to 50,000 pounds.

Abstract: An improved cryogenic tank is provided which has insulation secured to the inner surface of the tank and a relatively thin sealing membrane within the tank to contain cryogenic liquid. Space containing the insulation is maintained at a reduced pressure sufficient to maintain the insulation in engagement with the outer tank wall.