Abstract: A self-current-limiting device and a method of making self-current-limiting devices. These devices typically comprise melt processable, self-temperature regulating, irradiation cross-linked, electrically semi-conductive polymeric compositions having positive temperature coefficients of electrical resistance. The semi-conductive compositions contain electrically conductive particles, such as carbon black, dispersed throughout the composition in an amount ranging from about 15% to about 20% of the total weight of the composition. Heating cables made in accordance with the invention comprise two or more elongate substantially parallel spaced-apart electrical conductors that are electrically inter-connected by extruded forms of the compositions. The method is characterized by an efficient three step process wherein the semi-conductive composition is extruded over the conductors, radiation cross-linked and annealed.

Abstract: Provided is a flexible reinforced hose (50) having an inner core tube (2) for conveying fluids surrounded by two layers of tensioned fibrous reinforcement layer (4, 8) between which is disposed a spirally wound flexible polymeric tape (6) which is unbonded to either of the reinforcement layers and free to move relative thereto under flexing and pressure pulsing conditions and which is adapted to prevent moisture from pentrating core tube (2) from outside of hose (50). Other preferred embodiments include hose (60) in which a flexible polymeric tape (12) is applied longitudinally and hose (70) where the tape is a flexible polymeric metal composite tape (20) as well as hose (32) in which the reinforcement layers (32, 36) are oppositely helically wound.

Abstract: One leg of an angled mounting bracket is formed with an access hole sufficiently large to insert an end of a cable assembly through the hole, the assembly including a cable, a flexible conduit slidably receiving the cable, a tubular fitting fixed to the cable and a boot on one end of the conduit. A plurality of slots extend outwardly from the access hole to provide somewhat of a keyhole configuration. Each slot is sized to receive the conduit fitting of the cable assembly. A single lock plate slides across the access hole in a manner to cause edges of the lock plate to engage the cable assembly fittings and rigidly hold them in a fixed position. Retainer portions on the plate and the bracket hold the plate in face-to-face contact with the bracket.

Abstract: A phenomenon sometimes referred to as tracking can occur when the end of an electrical heater, made of two or more metal conductors and a conductive polymer web, comes into contact with water or other electrolytes which allow arcing to take place across the surface of the web. Tracking is stopped by holes in the web which prevent arcing from continuing up the length of the heat tape.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect coupling used to connect two members of a linkage in such a manner as to form a rigid coupling capable of transmitting push, pull or rotational forces, and allow quick and easy manual disconnection without longitudinal or rotational movement of either member or loosening of components which would affect linkage adjustment. An eye and clevis are provided with two holes therethrough. In each hole is a placed a spring pin connector comprising a pin for insertion into the hole, a snap for attachment to the body of either the clevis or eye, and a strap connecting the snap and pin.

Abstract: A seal element is positioned within an outer casing and has an anchoring portion which is sealingly secured to the periphery of a rotating shaft by a surrounding coil spring. A radial portion on the seal element extends radially outward from the anchoring portion and passes between two spaced washers, providing a dynamic seal therebetween. An arm extends from one face of the seal element radial portion to resiliently bias the radial portion into engagement with the washers. A spiral hydrodynamic groove on the other face of the seal element radial portion automatically pumps fluid back to the fluid side of the seal apparatus as the shaft and seal element rotate together.

Abstract: A temperature-sensitive gasket comprised of an annular ring formed by alternating layers of a spirally wound bimetallic strip and an adjacent strip of soft filler material, such as Teflon. When viewed in cross-section, the bimetallic strip has a centrally located V-shaped fold in an otherwise flat surface. Differences in the relative rates of thermal expansivity between the convex surface and the concave surface of the bimetallic strip cause the edges of the strip to spread apart, providing a reversably tighter seal between the surfaces adjacent the gasket. The spiral wound bimetallic and filler strips are also used in combination with annular compression rings.

Abstract: A self-actuating temperature sensitive seal comprised of a bimetallic C-ring. Differences in the relative rates of thermal expansivity of the inner face and the outer face of the C-ring cause the C-ring to expand or contract in response to temperature variations. Expansion of the C-ring will create a seal, and contraction of the C-ring will remove the seal between the surfaces surrounding the C-ring. The bimetallic ring may also be used in combination with a spring-biased soft seal made of a fluorocarbon polymer, such as Teflon, to form a fire-safe composite seal. In cryogenic applications, the bimetallic C-ring can provide a seal by itself, or as a biasing element within a surrounding soft jacket.

Abstract: In a rinser/dryer for carriers of semiconductor wafers, a rotatable frame containing the carrier is directly mounted to, and cantilevered from the drive motor. A container encloses the rotatable frame and carrier. A gas pressurized labyrinth seal separates the inside of the container from the drive motor to prevent contamination. A raised portion in the labyrinth seal, with gas inlets on each side of the raised portion, forms a pressure barrier inhibiting the passage of moisture and contaminates across the barrier.

Abstract: A method of producing a hydrodynamic sealing element is disclosed wherein washer-like sealing elements may be partially sliced from a cylindrical billet and formed to have an axially extending inner portion adapted to sealingly engage a rotating shaft. The inside surface of the axially extending portion is grooved to facilitate the sealing action. Grooving is accomplished by axial withdrawal action of the same cutting element that partially slices and forms the sealing element.

Abstract: A pair of closed loop spring elements such as Belleville washers stacked in opposing relation within a resilient U-shaped jacket so that the jacket legs are spread by the spring elements to form sealing surfaces when compressed between two members such as an engine head and block.

Abstract: A body of a specially prepared, porous vitreous carbon which does not crack or substantially change in electrical resistance with time when heated to elevated temperatures in air and which is used in a method or apparatus to heat a fluid stream flowing in the pores of the body as a result of natural convection or pumping of the fluid is described. The body is composed of electrically conductive rigid, interconnected and multidirectional continuous strands of vitreous carbon forming a rigid porous, three dimensional skeletal structure. The body as an electrical resistance element has current conductive paths between at least two regions; is shaped to provide particular cross-sections along the conductive paths; and has electrical connector means attached at the regions of the body so that current can be distributed through the body.

Abstract: An improved process for providing a bond between carbon substrates using particles of a thermally stable solid is described. In particular, a laminate of a porous carbon substrate and a relatively non-porous carbon substrate using finely divided particles of a thermally stable solid which are in contact with and between both substrates is heated in the presence of a carbonizable gas, such as methane, in a chamber such that the gas contacts the carbon substrates and the particles so that a mutual coating of pyrolytic carbon is deposited on the exposed surfaces of all components and bonds them together. More than two carbon substrates can be bonded using the particles as interlayers between the substrates. The pyrolytic carbon coated composite products are particularly useful as electrodes.

Abstract: A body of a specially prepared, porous vitreous carbon which does not crack or substantially change in electrical resistance with time when heated to elevated temperatures in air and which is used in a method or apparatus to heat a fluid stream flowing in the pores of the body as a result of natural convection or pumping of the fluid is described. The body is composed of electrically conductive rigid, interconnected and multidirectional continuous strands of vitreous carbon forming a rigid porous, three dimensional skeletal structure. The body as an electrical resistance element has current conductive paths between at least two regions; is shaped to provide particular cross-sections along the conductive paths; and has electrical connector means attached at the regions of the body so that current can be distributed through the body.

Abstract: A layer of Teflon fluorocarbon resin material forming a slide bearing surface is isolated from a high temperature load by a body of heat insulating load bearing material captured between a pair of carbon steel channel or box-like members. These members are also joined by a pair of side support elements which have holes therethrough for air circulation. A layer of brass is welded to the lower channel member, and the fluorocarbon layer is attached to the brass plate by a plurality of spike-like projections formed from the plate. These projections provide heat conducting paths that engage a stainless steel plate forming the other component of the slide bearing.

Abstract: A replaceable cover band for a machinery drum wherein the respective ends of the cover have mating flange portions which join together within a transverse slot located in the surface of the drum. Aligned apertures are located in the respective overlapping flanges for receipt of securing bolts to fasten the respective ends to the drum. Mounted in one of the flanges is a support bar which provides strength to that portion of the cover band which extends over the slot in the drum.