Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a ceramic nanocomposite comprising a nanostructured carbon component inside a ceramic host. The ceramic nanocomposite may further comprise vapor grown carbon fibers. Such nanostructured carbon materials impart both structural and thermal barrier enhancements to the ceramic host. The present invention is also directed towards a method of making these ceramic nanocomposites and for methods of using them in various applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable socket for a socket wrench. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable socket comprises a base plate and a collar plate rotatably attached to the base plate. The collar plate has a central opening formed by a plurality of internal sidewalls and there are movably positioned inside the central opening a plurality of gripping members. Each of the gripping members has a contacting surface which cumulatively define a gripping region. Furthermore, each of the gripping members is connected to the base plate and has a first end adapted to engage one of the internal sidewalls such that relative rotation of the base plate and the collar plate adjusts the gripping region.