Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for casting which includes a melt chamber within which a metal is disposed. The melt chamber includes means for melting the material. A mold chamber is disposed beneath the melt chamber comprised of a mold defining a mold cavity within which the metal is formed and a preform is disposed. There is also a riser cavity fluidically connected to the mold cavity for holding a charge of melted metal. There is also provided means for fluidically connecting the melt chamber to the mold chamber and a valve element for controlling the flow of metal through the connecting means such that when the connecting means is opened, the chambers are fluidically connected and when the connecting means is closed, the chambers are fluidically isolated. The mold chamber has means for evacuating the mold chamber and means for pressurizing the mold chamber such that the melted metal disposed within the riser cavity is forced into the preform.

Abstract: A method for forming a metal matrix composite within a mold of investment material. The method comprises the steps of forming a preform mixture of liquid flow medium, binding agent and reinforcement into the desired shape of a metal matrix composite. Then, allowing the preform mixture to solidify into desired shape. Next, encasing the preform mixture within a container of investment material. Then, heating the preform mixture at a controlled rate which first allows any fluid, such as water, to evaporate, then allows removal of the flow medium. Next, sintering the remaining reinforcement material and binder to form a solid preform. Then, disposing molten metal on top of the solid preform within the container such that the molten metal forms a seal with the container. Next, pressurizing the molten metal such that it is forced into said preform. Next, solidifying the molten metal to form a metal matrix composite in the shape of this preform; and removing the investment material from metal matrix composite.

Abstract: A porous preform is placed in a nonporous mold chamber of a pressure vessel. A material is placed in a crucible of the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is evacuated through a snorkel fluidically connected to the mold chamber and extending therefrom out of the pressure vessel. The material in the crucible is melted. The crucible is placed in fluidic communication with the mold chamber such that the melted material fluidically seals the inside of the mold chamber and the snorkel from the interior of the pressure vessel to fluidically isolate the mold chamber from the interior of the pressure vessel so that a pressure differential exists therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a warning apparatus with respect to a small sailing craft having a structure for holding a sail. The invention is comprised of a device for signaling that does not require the craft to be seen in order for a signal provided by the signaling device to be noticed. The signaling device is attached to the structure. Additionally, there is a device for activating the signaling device so a signal is produced thereby, the activating device is in communication with the signaling device. In a preferred embodiment, the activating device includes a powering device connected to the signaling device; and a device for actuating the powering device so the signaling device receives power to produce the signal.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a warning apparatus with respect to a ski-pole. The warning apparatus is comprised of a device for signaling that does not require the ski-pole to be seen in order for a signal provided by the signaling device to be noticed. The signaling device is in juxtaposition with the ski-pole. Additionally, the warning apparatus is comprised of a device for activating the signaling device. The activating device is in communication with the signaling device. In a preferred embodiment, the activating device includes a device for powering the signaling device and a device for actuating the powering device so the signaling device receives power to produce a signal.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a warning apparatus with respect to a bicycle. The warning apparatus is comprised of a device for signaling that does not require the bicycle to be seen in order for a signal provided by the signaling device to be noticed. The signaling device is in juxtaposition with the bicycle. Additionally, the warning apparatus is comprised of a device for activating the signaling device. The activating device is in communication with the signaling device. In a preferred embodiment, the activating device includes a device for powering the signaling device and a device for actuating the powering device so the signaling device receives power to produce a signal.