Abstract: The invention provides exemplary silicon carbide ceramic bodies and processes for making such ceramic bodies. In one embodiment, a raw batch for producing a ceramic body includes a silicon carbide slurry and agglomerates of particles defining a dry lubricant mixture. The mixture includes a binder and a dry lubricant such as graphite, with a majority of the agglomerates having a shape that is generally spherical.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide pumps, plungers and plunger assemblies, as well as methods of using them. In accordance with some embodiments, a plunger may comprise a ceramic material and/or may have a facial profile that may allow for more efficient pumping operations. In particular embodiments, for example, a plunger may have a facial profile that allows for deformation of at least a portion of the plunger when the face of the plunger is in contact with a pressurized fluid. Other embodiments provide plunger assemblies, which may comprise a flexible coupling attachment. Yet other embodiments provide pumps comprising such plungers and/or plunger assemblies.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention, therefore, provide pumps, and methods for their production. One exemplary embodiment of the invention comprises a ceramic plunger pump assembly. The pump assembly can include a pump body, which defines a pump chamber with an inlet port and an outlet port. The pump body can further define a plunger port disposed between the inlet port and the outlet port. In certain embodiments, the pump assembly can further include a ceramic plunger housing, which defines a cylindrical bore having an interior diameter. The plunger housing can be disposed within the plunger port. The pump assembly can also include a ceramic plunger. In particular embodiments, the ceramic plunger is slidably disposed within the cylindrical bore, such that the ceramic plunger may be reciprocated back and forth within the bore. Thus, the fluid can be moved from the inlet port of the pump chamber to the outlet port of the pump chamber through the reciprocal action of the plunger.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary silicon carbide ceramic bodies and processes for making such ceramic bodies. In one embodiment, a raw batch for producing a ceramic body includes a silicon carbide slurry and agglomerates of particles defining a dry lubricant mixture. The mixture includes a binder and a dry lubricant such as graphite, with a majority of the agglomerates having a shape that is generally spherical.

Abstract: A method for making an aluminum oxide (Al2O3) component utilizes an amount of aluminum oxide in particle form. The aluminum oxide initially has less than about 100 parts per million of sodium and less than about 600 parts per million of silica. The aluminum oxide is ground with media that comprise aluminum oxide ceramic pieces that have less than about 200 parts per million of sodium to deagglomerate and reduce the particle size of the aluminum oxide. The ground aluminum oxide is placed into a slurry, and a low sodium grade binder is added to the slurry. The slurry is dried to provide an aluminum oxide powder having a sodium content that is less than about 200 parts per million. The powder may then be formed into a certain shape and thermally treated to produce an aluminum oxide component having a low sodium and low silica content.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductive zirconia sintering material comprising more than 2% by weight of aluminum oxide and sintered zirconia material derived therefrom as well as a method of producing the sintered material. The sintered semiconductive zirconia materials of the present invention have a better physical and mechanical properties than conventional sintered semiconductive zirconia materials.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary silicon carbide ceramic bodies and processes for making such ceramic bodies. In one embodiment, a raw batch for producing a ceramic body includes a silicon carbide slurry and agglomerates of particles defining a dry lubricant mixture. The mixture includes a binder and a dry lubricant such as graphite, with a majority of the agglomerates having a shape that is generally spherical.

Abstract: Hardened wear-resistant members are secured to an underlying body member in a manner to accommodate differing coefficients of thermal expansion. In one form a connector comprising shear compliant material is secured at one of its faces to the body member and a hardened wear-resistant member is secured to the opposite face of the connector. In another embodiment, the body member has adjacent portions resiliently connected to each other and the engaging member is secured at spaced locations to the two resiliently joined portions such that different thermal expansion of the two parts will be accommodated.

Abstract: Exemplary silicon carbide ceramic bodies are produced according to the invention. An exemplary ceramic body includes silicon carbide in major amounts and an organic gelation agent in a minor amount. An exemplary ceramic body exhibits sufficient density and hardness to function as body armor.

Abstract: Bowed spreader apparatus for laterally stretching, or stressing, a web of material carried in a selected direction along a conveyor path includes an elongate stationary spreader bar extending laterally of the path. The spreader bar has a web support face which is convexly curved both about the longitudinal axis of the bar and along the longitudinal axis. The bar includes a formed elongate support body having a degree of flexibility allowing the body to be bent in a bowed configuration. A face surface of the body is formed in a convex curve about the longitudinal axis of the body and a plurality of hardened elements are individually secured to and cover the face surface of the support body. An underlying interchangeable profiling support having a convexly curved upper surface forms the spreader bar into a selected bowed configuration.

Abstract: Bowed spreader apparatus for laterally stretching, or stressing, a web of material carried in a selected direction along a conveyor path includes an elongate stationary spreader bar extending laterally of the path. The spreader bar has a web support face which is convexly curved both about the longitudinal axis of the bar and along the longitudinal axis. The bar includes a formed elongate support body having a degree of flexibility allowing the body to be bent in a bowed configuration. A face surface of the body is formed in a convex curve about the longitudinal axis of the body and a plurality of hardened elements are individually secured to and cover the face surface of the support body. An underlying interchangeable profiling support having a convexly curved upper surface forms the spreader bar into a selected bowed configuration.

Abstract: Exemplary silicon carbide ceramic bodies having inclusions therein are produced according to the invention. An exemplary ceramic body includes silicon carbide in major amounts and unreacted particles of an additive in minor amounts which are bonded to the matrix. The particles are dispersed throughout the silicon carbide, and are preferably selected from one or more of the group consisting of boron nitride, aluminum nitride and titanium diboride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing filled vias which are made of two components, a first component which forms a bonding layer between the wall of the via and a second component which forms the core of the via. Preferably, the two components solidify from a melt which includes two immiscible liquids. The first liquid is capable of wetting the wall of the via and the second liquid. The resulting product is also disclosed. Preferably the first component comprises a copper oxide and the second component comprises a conductive metal such as silver or copper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electronic components and in particular relates to ceramic-based electronic components wherein a portion of the component comprises a metal-infiltrated ceramic. In a preferred embodiment, the metal-infiltrated ceramic comprises copper metal.

Abstract: A metal-infiltrated ceramic for use in tribological applications, such as in mechanical face seals, beatings and other sliding or rubbing components, which provides excellent durability and wear characteristics. The metal-infiltrated ceramic is useful in both the “harder” and “softer” one of two relatively sliding members which is in, or may come into, contact with each other during the motion of one of the members relative to the other. The material is a porous ceramic which has been infiltrated with a metal.

Abstract: A process for sealing a ceramic filter by infiltrating a metal into an end of the filter. The process includes the steps of contacting the end of a porous ceramic filter with a molten metal, whereby the metal enters into the ceramic matrix to substantially fill the void space. The ceramic filter is cooled to form a filter having a ceramic-metal composite portion. The present invention also provides a filter having an infiltrated metal seal. Methods for joining infiltrated ends are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary pulsation dampener which comprises a vessel which defines an interior for receiving a fluid. At least two resilient cartridges are disposed within the interior of the vessel. The cartridges are pressurized to different pressures so that they will dampen pressure pulses within the fluid which have different pressure peaks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing filled vias which are made of two components, a first component which forms a bonding layer between the wall of the via and a second component which forms the core of the via. Preferably, the two components solidify from a melt which includes two immiscible liquids. The first liquid is capable of wetting the wall of the via and the second liquid. The resulting product is also disclosed. Preferably the first component comprises a copper oxide and the second component comprises a conductive metal such as silver or copper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electronic components and in particular relates to ceramic-based electronic components wherein a portion of the component comprises a metal-infiltrated ceramic. In a preferred embodiment, the metal-infiltrated ceramic comprises copper metal.

Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary pulsation dampener which comprises a vessel which defines an interior for receiving a fluid. At least two resilient cartridges are disposed within the interior of the vessel. The cartridges are pressurized to different pressures so that they will dampen pressure pulses within the fluid which have different pressure peaks.