Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to apparatus for and improvements in powdered metal consolidation processes, some of which referred to as "electroconsolidation" processes, and more particularly to processes employing specially shaped rams or electrodes and/or other press elements for imparting uniformity of electrical flux and/or pressure to a workpiece.Some embodiments of the improved process of the present invention contemplate controlling the degree of compaction by providing rams which generally conform to the shape of the preform. Such projections may be provided on the rams to selectively develop at least one zone of relatively high compaction within the die chamber, which results in certain embodiments associated with the electroconsolidation process in release of the major portion of the electrical energy within the zone having a relatively high degree of compaction.

Abstract: A method of lubricating a railroad track comprising the steps of dispersing together a mixture of at least 30% by weight of powdered graphite having an average particle size of not larger than 50 microns, and an oil based carrier to yield a viscosity of approximately 25,000 centipoise at standard temperature and pressure; applying said dispersion to a railroad track and pressure fixing to form a film like coating thereon.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to methods for the continuous production of silicon carbide and other carbide and refractory products by fluidized bed techniques, the apparatus for such continuous production, and the carbide products produced therefrom being further aspects of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reaction product of silica sand and of particulate carbonaceous material to form, silicon carbide on the surface of the carbonaceous particles and within the pores thereof, with the silicon carbide ultra-microcrystallites having a diameter of approximately 500 Angstroms and the composition comprising approximately 60% silicon carbide. The present invention is further directed to the process by which the ultra-microcrystallite silicon carbide product is made. In other preferred embodiments the ultra-microcrystallites of silicon carbide may be separated from the carbonaceous material by heat or physical methods to form a substantially pure ultra-microcrystallite silicon carbide product.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention concerns an improved process for the electrolytic reduction of a metal from a metal compound and comprises the steps of providing a carbon cathode within a container, dissolving the metal compound in a molten salt electrolyte solvent bath which is disposed within the container, the molten electrolyte bath having a higher decomposition potential than the metal compound and having a lesser density than the reduced molten metal, and continuously providing a particulate, free-flowing, high purity, and highly conductive carbon material to the molten bath to serve as the anode, the particulate carbon material having a lesser density than the molten bath, placing an electrical connection in contact with the particulate carbon anode material and applying an electric current thereto, and collecting reduced metal at the cathode.