Abstract: A process for preparing a ceramic composite material containing alpha silicon carbide whiskers is disclosed.In the process, a slurry containing non-aqueous liquid and aluminum material, amorphous carbon, and silica is provided. This slurry is thereafter pelletized, the pellets are dried, the dried pellets are preheated, and the preheated pellets are then ignited. The ignited pellets undergo an exothermic reaction, forming the composite containing alpha silicon carbide whiskers.The composite material is heat-treated by first heating it to a temperature of 900-1100 degrees centigrade at a rate of 8-15 degrees per minute, and then heating it to a temperature of 1,250-1,350 degrees centigrade at a rate of 2-5 degrees per minute.

Abstract: A novel composite mateial consisting of at least 70 weight percent of single-phase beta sialon and at least 20 weight percent of alpha-alumina is disclosed. The beta-sialon is of the formula Si.sub.6-z Al.sub.z -.sub.z N.sub.8-z, wherein z is from 2.5 to 3.5. The composite material contains no silicon nitride. Sintered products made from such composite material contain no glassy phase, contain no silicon nitride, and have superior thermal and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A process for preparing a ceramic composite material containing alpha silicon carbide whiskers is disclosed.In the process, a slurry containing non-aqueous liquid and aluminum material, amorphous carbon, and silica is provided. This slurry is thereafter pelletized, the pellets are dried, the dried pellets are preheated, and the preheated pellets are then ignited. The ignited pellets undergo an exothermic reaction, forming the alpha silicon carbide whiskers.

Abstract: A process for preparing a ceramic composite which is comprised of alpha silicon carbide whiskers and alpha aluminum oxide powder is disclosed. In the first step of this process, there is provided a slurry comprised of from about 80 to about 92 volume percent of solid material and from about 20 to about 8 volume percent of a non-aqueous liquid. In this slurry, the solid material comprises from about 30 to about 38 weight percent of aluminum material, from about 10 to about 14 weight percent of amorphous carbon, and from about 52 to about 62 weight percent of silica.The slurry provided in the first step of this process is thereafter passed through a twin-deck sieve to pelletize it.The pellets are then dried to a moisture content of from about 0.1 to about 1.

Abstract: A process for preparing a ceramic composite with improved properties is disclosed. A material which contains at least 85 percent of a mixture of silicon carbide and alumina is heated to a temperature of from about 350 to about 500 degrees centigrade and, after it reaches this temperature, maintained there for at least 5 minutes. Thereafter, the temperature of the material is raised to 1,250-1,350 degrees centigrade and, after reaching this temperature, the material is maintained there under a pressure of from about 5 to about 15 p.s.i. for at least 30 minutes. Thereafter, the temperature of the material is raised to 1,650-1,750 degrees centigrade, and it is thereafter maintained at such temperature for from about 30 to about 90 minutes.

Abstract: A process for pressing a ceramic composite which is comprised of alpha silicon carbide whiskers and alpha alumina oxide is disclosed. The composite material is blanketed with nitrogen, heated to a temperature of from about 1,250 to about 1,450 degrees centigrade, thereafter heated to a temperature of from about 1,650 to about 1,900 degrees centigrade while pressure on the system is increased, and thereafter maintained under specified temperature and pressure conditions for from about 30 to about 90 minutes.

Abstract: A device for holding a disposable cup or the like is disclosed. The device includes a member for gripping the cup about the outer surface thereof, and a mechanism for adjusting the gripping member to conform to the diameter of the cup. A handle is provided along with a mechanism for attaching the handle to the gripping member.

Abstract: An optical unit for inspecting the soldered surface of a printed circuit board incorporates a thick-walled translucent concave diffuser dome with a hollow central cavity facing the surface under inspection, lamps directing illumination on the exterior of the dome, inspection portals spaced around the diffuser dome for video camera inspection of the board surface, and X-Y maneuvering control means governing the relative scanning repositioning of the board surface and the dome. A light baffle between each camera and its inspection portal, incorporating alternately white and black conically chamfered rings, produces improved imaging of the inspected surface, and a flexible translucent skirt extending from the dome rim to the inspected surface, preferably formed of a large plurality of white plastic bristles, blocks direct illumination and assures substantially uniform diffused illumination of the inspected surface.

Abstract: A combined tensioning and tracking assembly is provided for use with band saw tools. A continuous saw band is supported by three spaced-apart pulleys. A bar, supporting one of the pulleys, is mounted for sliding and tilting movement, with the sliding movement providing adjustment in the tension of the saw band, and the tilting movement providing adjustment in the "tracking" of the saw band. The sliding movement of the bar is accomplished through an overcenter arrangement which tensions and releases the saw band. The bar, over center arrangement, and structure for achieving sliding and tilting movement of the bar, are all attached to a bracket which is mounted on the frame of the band saw tool.

Abstract: A spool feed mechanism for a non-metallic, line grass trimmer wherein the free end of the cutting line is spun at high speed for cutting vegetation, includes a spool of cutting line mounted for rotation about the central axis thereof. The spool has first and second ratchet wheels located at respective ends. Each ratchet wheel includes a set of ratchet teeth, one set of which is angularly displaced with respect to the other. A U-shaped, resilient member having first and second pawls provided on the legs thereof is mounted adjacent the spool with the pawls positioned for alternate engagement and disengagement of the respective ratchet wheels. A manually operated trigger assembly coupled to the member moves the latter from a normal position to disengage the first pawl and ratchet wheel and to engage the second pawl and ratchet wheel, whereby the spool is permitted to rotate incrementally to feed a predetermined length of cutting line.