Abstract: The invention is a thin film composite solid (and a means for making such) suitable for use as an electrolyte, having a first layer of a dense, non-porous conductive material; a second layer of a porous ionic conductive material; and a third layer of a dense non-porous conductive material, wherein the second layer has a Coefficient of thermal expansion within 5% of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the first and third layers.

Abstract: This invention is directed to making chemical derivatives of carbon nanotubes and to uses for the derivatized nanotubes, including making arrays as a basis for synthesis of carbon fibers. In one embodiment, this invention also provides a method for preparing single wall carbon nanotubes having substituents attached to the side wall of the nanotube by reacting single wall carbon nanotubes with fluorine gas and recovering fluorine derivatized carbon nanotubes, then reacting fluorine derivatized carbon nanotubes with a nucleophile. Some of the fluorine substituents are replaced by nucleophilic substitution. If desired, the remaining fluorine can be completely or partially eliminated to produce single wall carbon nanotubes having substituents attached to the side wall of the nanotube. The substituents will, of course, be dependent on the nucleophile, and preferred nucleophiles include alkyl lithium species such as methyl lithium.

Abstract: This invention is directed to making chemical derivatives of carbon nanotubes and to uses for the derivatized nanotubes, including making arrays as a basis for synthesis of carbon fibers. In one embodiment, this invention also provides a method for preparing single wall carbon nanotubes having substituents attached to the side wall of the nanotube by reacting single wall carbon nanotubes with fluorine gas and recovering fluorine derivatized carbon nanotubes, then reacting fluorine derivatized carbon nanotubes with a nucleophile. Some of the fluorine substituents are replaced by nucleophilic substitution. If desired, the remaining fluorine can be completely or partially eliminated to produce single wall carbon nanotubes having substituents attached to the side wall of the nanotube. The substituents will, of course, be dependent on the nucleophile, and preferred nucleophiles include alkyl lithium species such as methyl lithium.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for producing single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) catalyst supports and compositions thereof. In one embodiment, SWNTs or SWNT structures can be employed as the support material. A transition metal catalyst is added to the SWNT. In a preferred embodiment, the catalyst metal cluster is deposited on the open nanotube end by a docking process that insures optimum location for the subsequent growth reaction. The metal atoms may be subjected to reductive conditions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the process of supplying high pressure (e.g., 30 atmospheres) CO that has been preheated (e.g., to about 1000° C.) and a catalyst precursor gas (e.g., Fe(CO)5) in CO that is kept below the catalyst precursor decomposition temperature to a mixing zone. In this mixing zone, the catalyst precursor is rapidly heated to a temperature that results in (1) precursor decomposition, (2) formation of active catalyst metal atom clusters of the appropriate size, and (3) favorable growth of SWNTs on the catalyst clusters. Preferably a catalyst cluster nucleation agency is employed to enable rapid reaction of the catalyst precursor gas to form many small, active catalyst particles instead of a few large, inactive ones. Such nucleation agencies can include auxiliary metal precursors that cluster more rapidly than the primary catalyst, or through provision of additional energy inputs (e.g., from a pulsed or CW laser) directed precisely at the region where cluster formation is desired.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for growing carbon fiber from single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) molecular arrays. In one embodiment, the present invention involves a macroscopic molecular array of at least about 106 tubular carbon molecules in generally parallel orientation and having substantially similar lengths in the range of from about 50 to about 500 nanometers. The hemispheric fullerene cap is removed from the upper ends of the tubular carbon molecules in the array. The upper ends of the tubular carbon molecules in the array are then contacted with a catalytic metal. A gaseous source of carbon is supplied to the end of the array while localized energy is applied to the end of the array in order to heat the end to a temperature in the range of about 500° C. to about 1300° C. The growing carbon fiber is continuously recovered.

Abstract: Single-walled carbon nanotubes have been synthesized by the catalytic decomposition of both carbon monoxide and ethylene over a supported metal catalyst known to produce larger multi-walled nanotubes. Under certain conditions, there is no termination of nanotube growth, and production appears to be limited only by the diffusion of reactant gas through the product nanotube mat that covers the catalyst The present invention concerns a catalyst-substrate system which promotes the growth of nanotubes that are predominantly single-walled tubes in a specific size range, rather than the large irregular-sized multi-walled carbon fibrils that are known to grow from supported catalysts.

Abstract: A method for purifying a mixture comprising single-wall carbon nanotubes and amorphous carbon contaminate is disclosed. The method includes the steps of heating the mixture under oxidizing conditions sufficient to remove the amorphous carbon, followed by recovering a product comprising at least about 80% by weight of single-wall carbon nanotubes. A method for producing tubular carbon molecules of about 5 to 500 nm in length is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of cutting single-wall nanotube containing-material to form a mixture of tubular carbon molecules having lengths in the range of 5-500 nm and isolating a fraction of the molecules having substantially equal lengths. The nanotubes may be used, singularly or in multiples, in power transmission cables, in solar cells, in batteries, as antennas, as molecular electronics, as probes and manipulators, and in composites.

Abstract: This invention is directed to making chemical derivatives of carbon nanotubes and to uses for the derivatized nanotubes, including making arrays as a basis for synthesis of carbon fibers. In one embodiment, this invention also provides a method for preparing single wall carbon nanotubes having substituents attached to the side wall of the nanotube by reacting single wall carbon nanotubes with fluorine gas and recovering fluorine derivatized carbon nanotubes, then reacting fluorine derivatized carbon nanotubes with a nucleophile. Some of the fluorine substituents are replaced by nucleophilic substitution. If desired, the remaining fluorine can be completely or partially eliminated to produce single wall carbon nanotubes having substituents attached to the side wall of the nanotube. The substituents will, of course, be dependent on the nucleophile, and preferred nucleophiles include alkyl lithium species such as methyl lithium.

Abstract: A band is provided for effecting body temperature changes, locally as well as core body temperature changes. The band includes a shell containing and easily replaced thermal insert filled with a high thermal capacity substance, and may also include thermal insulation, a radiant barrier, or an insulating airs space in order to increase thermal efficiency. The band may be strapped or otherwise attached to a user's body, preferably inside the forearms, directly over the wrists, where core body temperature changes may be effected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the lubricity of an oil well drilling fluid, whereby a sample in a cell holder may be subjected to a desired pressure, temperature, kinetic friction, and lubricating fluid to simulate drilling conditions in a well bore, and particularly to simulate the drilling conditions of a non-vertical well bore such as encountered in horizontal drilling which generates sliding non-rotational frictional forces.

Abstract: An invention utilizing a conveyor belt to remove debris from a swimming pool filtration system skimmer and deposit it into a waste receptacle. The lower end of the conveyor belt is inserted into the skimmer below the level of the water. As the conveyor belt is rotated, it removes debris from the skimmer to a point outside the skimmer where the conveyor belt deposits it into a receptacle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the lubricity of an oil well drilling fluid, whereby a sample in a cell holder may be subjected to a desired pressure, temperature, kinetic friction, and lubricating fluid to simulate drilling conditions in a well bore, and particularly to simulate the drilling conditions of a non-vertical well bore such as encountered in horizontal drilling which generates sliding non-rotational frictional forces.

Abstract: Discussed is a method and apparatus providing moisture resistant seam assemblies for use in inter-connecting building covering panels. The panels provide full-length or, so far as is consistent with thermal expansion, very long panels to eliminate or minimize panel splices. The weather seal or moisture resistant seam runs uninterrupted the length of each panel, and when the panels are assembled, the seam seal isolates inter-connected panels one from another and prevents fluid migration through panel joints.

Abstract: Disclosed is a moisture resistant field installed seam assembly for use with adjoining channel-shaped building surface covering members having adjoining mating flanges one of which is deformed to form an elongate seam, the moisture resistant seam assembly comprising an elongate elastomeric member adapted to be positioned over the elongate flange of one mating flange of the adjoining channel-shaped building surface covering members prior to deforming the adjacent mating flange, for preventing fluid migration, betweeen flanges.