Abstract: Furnace for the graphitization of carbon bodies in which carbon bodies arranged in continuous row are clamped between two electrodes and heated up to the graphitization temperature by electric resistance heating. The carbon bodies are surrounded by movable shell-shaped walls and the space between the bodies and the walls contains no granular isolation materials. The furnace permits the graphitization of carbon bodies with smaller energy consumption and a shorter time.

Abstract: System for supplying current to a group of high-current resistance furnaces including a plurality of transformers switchingly connectible sequentially to the individual furnaces singly and together in parallel, the group of furnaces being subdivided into two subgroups of furnaces, each having one of said transformers associated therewith, and including a third transformer selectively switchingly connectible in parallel to the one and the other of the two subgroups of furnaces.

Abstract: To produce heat-resistant carbon or graphite-fiber reinforced composite members having improved strength and uniformity, the fibers are coated with a dilute solution or emulsion of a hardenable resin, dried to remove the solvent, and laid out in porous layers. The layers are subsequently impregnated with tar pitch and heated to 900.degree.C so as to carbonize the resin and the tar pitch. The composite members, which consist of a carbon matrix with reinforcing fibers of carbon or graphite, are especially suited for components which are simultaneously stressed thermally and mechanically, such as heat shields, casting molds, crucibles and the like.