Abstract: Vermiform graphite is compressed to produce a preform with a density of about 0.03 to 0.8 g/cc, followed by comminuting the preform to produce a graphite molding powder that will have a typical mold fill-ratio between about 7 and 10 to 1 for making molded graphite parts with a density of at least 1.1 g/cc.

Abstract: A frame that has a central opening through it for the commutator of an electric motor is provided with a pair of brush housings, each having a passage therethrough in which a brush is slidable. One side of each housing is provided with a longitudinal slot, beside which a stud projects from the frame. The central coil of a torsion spring encircles the stud and has end portions extending laterally toward the housing, with the free ends of the spring biased toward each other. One end of the spring engages an abutment at the inner end of the housing and the opposite end of the spring extends through the housing slot and into a notch in the side of the brush to hold the brush retracted in the housing passage until the end of the spring is removed from the notch and placed against the outer end of the brush to move the inner end of the brush into commutator-engaging position.

Abstract: A hair setting roller includes a dielectric cylinder encircled by an electrical resistance magnetic heating element secured to it and adapted to be attracted by a permanent magnet mounted in apparatus having a pair of laterally spaced electric supply contacts. Electrically connected to the opposite ends of the heating element are electric contacts for engaging the supply contacts while the magnet overcomes a force tending to separate the roller and magnet, whereby to heat the heating element electrically. The heating element has a magnetic permeability that decreases as its temperature increases until the attraction of the magnet for the device becomes weaker than the separating force acting on the roller.

Abstract: Finely-divided graphite flake is heated to a high temperature in the presence of boron or a boron-containing compound to cause the boron to permeate the crystal structure of the flake, which is then subjected to an intercalating agent and rapidly heated, resulting in an expanded or vermicular graphite with a bulk density substantially less than what might be expected if the flake were not pretreated with boron. The expanded graphite then is compressed to form a preform that is reduced in thickness by rolling or molding to form a higher-strength flexible graphite foil than heretofore.

Abstract: An electric motor frame has a brush-receiving recess beside the commutator. The recess has top and bottom walls and an insulating brush housing is disposed in the recess where it is held in fixed position. Slidable lengthwise in the housing is a brush, between one side of which and the housing there is a stationary metal strip that extends substantially full length of the housing and has an outer end portion extending transversely of the brush. Compressed between this end portion of the strip and the brush is a coil spring that holds the brush against the commutator. An electrical conductor engages the strip, while a flexible wire electrically connects the strip with the brush. The brush housing is provided with at least one exterior rib extending lengthwise of it, and one of the walls of the frame recess has a groove in it that snugly receives the rib to accurately position the housing in the frame.

Abstract: A rotary engine has a housing in which a rotor is driven by the combustion of fuel. The side wall of the housing extending around the rotor is composed of graphite throughout its thickness and preferably reinforced by a wrapping of graphite fiber tape.

Abstract: The switch includes an annular permanent magnet, a plate of soft magnetic material at one side of the magnet, a stationary electric coil at the opposite side of the magnet, and an unrestrained free-flying member of soft magnetic material coaxial with magnet and coil and movable axially in them toward and away from the plate. It normally is held by keeper means in a rest position away from the plate, but means are provided movable relative to it for first engaging and then pushing it toward the plate until the magnetic attraction between the magnet and the free-flying member causes that member to fly from the pushing means to the plate at high velocity. This creates a rapid change in flux in the free-flying member and produces a voltage pulse in the coil.