Abstract: A process for making a cast article from an aluminum alloy includes first casting an article from an alloy having the following composition, in weight percent: Silicon (Si) 14.0-25.0 Copper (Cu) 5.5-8.0 Iron (Fe)   0-0.8 Magnesium (Mg) 0.5-1.5 Nickel (Ni) 0.05-1.2  Manganese (Mn)   0-1.0 Titanium (Ti) 0.05-1.2  Zirconium (Zr) 0.12-1.2  Vanadium (V) 0.05-1.2  Zinc (Zn)   0-0.9 Phosphorus (P) 0.001-0.1  Aluminum balance In this alloy the ration of Si:Mg is 15-35, and the ratio of Cu:Mg is 4-15. After an article is cast from the alloy, the cast article is aged at a temperature within the range of 400° F. to 500° F. for a time period within the range of four to 16 hours. It has been found especially advantageous if the cast article is first exposed to a solutionizing step prior to the aging step.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oil lamp disperser and an oil lamp that disperses a volatile material from a fuel and volatile material mixture while the oil lamp is burning. The volatile material is released from the surface of an emanator element as the fuel and volatile material mixture passes through the emanator element prior to reaching the flame of the lamp. Proper construction of the lamp allows the lamp to volatilize substantial amounts of the volatile material into the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A cast article from an aluminum alloy, which has improved mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, has the following composition in weight percent: Silicon 14-25.0, Copper 5.5-8.0, Iron 0.05-1.2, Magnesium 0.5-1.5, Nickel 0.05-0.9, Manganese 0.05-1.0, Titanium 0.05-1.2, Zirconium 0.05-1.2, Vanadium 0.05-1.2, Zinc 0.05-0.9, Phosphorus 0.001-0.1, and the balance is Aluminum, wherein the silicon-to-magnesium ratio is 10-25, and the copper-to-magnesium ratio is 4-15. The aluminum alloy contains a simultaneous dispersion of three types of Al3X compound particles (X═Ti, V, Zr) having a L12 crystal structure, and their lattice parameters are coherent to the aluminum matrix lattice. A process for producing this cast article is also disclosed, as well as a metal matrix composite, which includes the aluminum alloy serving as a matrix and containing up to about 60% by volume of a secondary filler material.

Abstract: An improved paintball marker bolt and bolt head uses a curved gas inlet ramp and geometrically designed outlet holes to provide pressurized gas flow with decreased turbulence and more uniform distribution over the paintball surface. The improvements in gas flow and pressure distribution are combined with other mechanical improvements related to drive transfer, friction reduction, and bolt assembly, resulting in a significantly improved marker bolt. Improvements are realized in increased gas flow efficiency, increased paintball velocity (by 30 feet per second or more), increased range, improved shot consistency (less than a 2½% variation in shot-to-shot paintball velocity), decreased jamming, and decreased premature paintball breakage.

Abstract: An inexpensive, portable desktop bookcase is an open-sided carton suitable for holding a small number of books. The desktop bookcase allows the books to be portably stored together on the desktop, conveniently accessible, removable and replaceable. The bookcase carton is formed from folding a two-dimensional production blank, resulting in a storage unit which is suitable for its desktop purpose, as well as for transporting books from one location to another.

Abstract: A hand held device providing effective illumination of a site being worked on has a metal tube serving as a handle, at one end of which a switch is threaded therein, and at the other end of which a window is secured. Located within the handle are a battery, which communicates with the switch by means of a spring, and a light bulb, which faces the window. Interchangeable implements, including tools and instruments, are individually releasably secured within an orifice in the window. The switch operates simply, facilely, and positively, with no parts which will wear out.

Abstract: An improved reciprocating internal combustion engine has a plurality of engine pistons, which are fabricated from carbon-carbon composite materials, in operative association with an engine cylinder block, or an engine cylinder tube, or an engine cylinder jug, all of which are also fabricated from carbon-carbon composite materials.

Abstract: A waterproof and breathable, fire-resistant laminate is provided for use in tents, garments, shoes, and covers, especially in industrial, military and emergency situations. The laminate permits water vapor evaporation while simultaneously preventing liquid water penetration. Further, the laminate is fire-resistant and significantly reduces the danger of toxic compound production when exposed to flame or other high heat source. The laminate may be applied to a variety of substrates and is comprised of a silicone rubber and plurality of fire-resistant, inherently thermally-stable polyimide particles.

Abstract: An improved, lightweight, turbine housing unit for an intermittent combustion reciprocating internal combustion engine turbocharger is prepared from a lay-up or molding of carbon--carbon composite materials in a single-piece or two-piece process. When compared to conventional steel or cast iron, the use of carbon--carbon composite materials in a turbine housing unit reduces the overall weight of the engine and reduces the heat energy loss used in the turbocharging process. This reduction in heat energy loss and weight reduction provides for more efficient engine operation.

Abstract: Polyimide copolymers were prepared by reacting different ratios of 3,4'-oxydianiline (ODA) and 1,3-bis(3-aminophenoxy)benzene (APB) with 3,3',4,4'-biphenylcarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and endcapping with an effective amount of a non-reactive endcapper. Within a narrow ratio of diamines, from .sup..about. 50% ODA/50% APB to .sup..about. 95% ODA/5% APB, the copolyimides prepared with BPDA have a unique combination of properties that make them very attractive for various applications. This unique combination of properties includes low pressure processing (200 psi and below), long term melt stability (several hours at 390.degree. C.), improved toughness, improved solvent resistance, improved adhesive properties, and improved composite mechanical properties.

Abstract: A polyimide fiber having textile physical property characteristics and the process of melt extruding same from a polyimide powder. Polyimide powder formed as the reaction product of the monomers 3,4'-ODA and ODPA, and endcapped with phthalic anhydride to control the molecular weight thereof, is melt extruded in the temperature range of 340.degree. C. to 360.degree. C. and at heights of 100.5 inches, 209 inches and 364.5 inches. The fibers obtained have a diameter in the range of 0.0068 inch to 0.0147 inch; a mean tensile strength in the range of 15.6 to 23.1 ksi; a mean modulus of 406 to 465 ksi; and a mean elongation in the range of 14 to 103%.

Abstract: A vacuum compatible hyperthermal atom generator includes a membrane having two sides, the membrane having the capability of dissolving atoms into the membrane's bulk. A first housing is furnished in operative association with the first side of the membrane to provide for the exposure of the first side of the membrane to a gas species. A second housing is furnished in operative association with the second side of the membrane to provide a vacuum environment having a pressure of less than 1.times.10.sup.-3 Torr on the second side of the membrane. Exciting means excites atoms adsorbed on the second side of the membrane to a non-binding state so that a portion from 0% to 100% of atoms adsorbed on the second side of is the membrane are released from the second side of the membrane primarily as an atom beam.

Abstract: A waterproof and breathable, fire-resistant laminate is provided for use in tents, garments, shoes, and covers, especially in industrial, military and emergency situations. The laminate permits water vapor evaporation while simultaneously preventing liquid water penetration. Further, the laminate is fire-resistant and significantly reduces the danger of toxic compound production when exposed to flame or other high heat source. The laminate may be applied to a variety of substrates and is comprised of a silicone rubber and plurality of fire-resistant, inherently thermally-stable polyimide particles.

Abstract: In the process of the present invention, a non-polar, aprotic solvent is removed from an oligomer/polymer solution by freeze-drying in order to produce IPNs and semi-IPNs. By thermally quenching the solution to a solid in a short length of time, the size of the minor constituent-rich regions is greatly reduced as they are excluded along with the major constituent from the regions of crystallizing solvent. The use of this process sequence of controlling phase morphology provides IPNs and semi-IPNs with improved fracture toughness, microcracking resistance, and other physical-mechanical properties as compared to IPNs and semi-IPNs formed when the solvent is evaporated rather than sublimed.

Abstract: Controlled molecular weight phenylethynyl terminated imide oligomers (PETIs) have been prepared by the cyclodehydration of precursor phenylethynyl terminated amic acid oligomers. Amino terminated amic acid oligomers are prepared from the reaction of dianhydride(s) with an excess of diamine(s) and subsequently endcapped with phenylethynyl phthalic anhydride(s) (PEPA). The polymerizations are carried out in polar aprotic solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone or N,N-dimethylacetamide under nitrogen at room temperature. The amic acid oligomers are subsequently cyclodehydrated either thermally or chemically to the corresponding imide oligomers. Direct preparation of PETIs from the reaction of dianhydride(s) with an excess of diamine(s) and endcapped with phenylethynyl phthalic anhydride(s) has been performed in m-cresol. Phenylethynyl phthalic anhydrides are synthesized by the palladium catalyzed reaction of phenylacetylene with bromo substituted phthalic anhydrides in triethylamine.

Abstract: A method for creating a composite form of coating from a sprayable solution of soluble polyimides and particle materials that are uniformly dispersed within the solution is described. The coating is formed by adding a soluble polyimide to a solvent, then stirring particle materials into the solution. The composite solution is sprayed onto a substrate and heated in an oven for a period of time in order to partially remove the solvent. The process may be repeated until the desired thickness or characteristic of the coating is obtained. The polyimide is then heated to at least 495.degree. F. so that it is no longer soluble.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining important histological characteristics of tissue, including a determination of the tissue's health. Electrical pulses are converted into meaningful numerical representations through the use of Fourier Transforms. These numerical representations are then used to determine important histological characteristics of tissue. This novel invention does not require rectification and thus provides for detailed information from the ultrasonic scan.