Abstract: A carbon-carbon composite material is made by providing an open-celled carbon foam preform, and densifying the preform with carbonaceous material. The open-celled carbon foam preform may be oxygen stabilized prior to carbonization, and the foam preform densified by CVD, HIP, PIC, VPI, pitch and resin injection, or any combination thereof. The carbon-carbon composite material can be heat treated to provide thermal management materials, structural materials, or a friction material for use in a brake or clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A mesophase pitch material having a melting point in excess of 350° C. has a solvent added thereto to provide a solvated mesophase pitch. A low molecular weight solvent is used so that the melting point can be brought low enough to create a carbon foam at a convenient temperature. The solvent is then removed by heat and/or vacuum and, consequently, the pitch reverts to a high melting point of approximately greater than 350° C. The pitch can then be heated or carbonized without an oxidative stabilization step. Alternatively, a solvated mesophase pitch material may be used initially for foaming.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive, open cell, mechanically robust and graphitizable foam preform. The graphitizable foam is produced via a modified standard flower foam formulation. The invention provides a modified formula for such flower foams wherein a mesophase material is incorporated along with a corresponding reduction in the resole component. The mesophase material replaces 30-70% by weight (a target of 50% by weight) of the resole component of the formulation. The formulation is heated to effect foaming of the mixture, and then carbonized to produce an open cell, graphitizable foam preform.

Abstract: A tunable optical wavelength selective filter is constituted by a dynamic holographic diffraction element (3) in combination with a fixed diffraction grating or hologram (2). The dynamic diffraction element (3) is preferably implemented as an electronically controlled image displayed on a pixelated spatial light modulator and in particular a spatial light modulating using photo-electronic integrated circuits fabricated using silicon VLSI technology and integrated with ferro-electric liquid crystals. Amongst other uses the filter can be implemented to form a digitally tunable laser.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive, open cell, mechanically robust and graphitizable foam preform. The graphitizable foam is produced via a modified standard flower foam formulation. The invention provides a modified formula for such flower foams wherein a mesophase material is incorporated along with a corresponding reduction in the resole component. The mesophase material replaces 30-70% by weight (a target of 50% by weight) of the resole component of the formulation. The formulation is heated to effect foaming of the mixture, and then carbonized to produce an open cell, graphitizable foam preform.

Abstract: A carbon-carbon composite material is made by providing an open-celled carbon foam preform, and densifying the preform with carbonaceous material. The open-celled carbon foam preform may be oxygen stabilized prior to carbonization, and the foam preform densified by CVD, HIP, PIC, VPI, pitch and resin injection, or any combination thereof. The carbon-carbon composite material can be heat treated to provide thermal management materials, structural materials, or a friction material for use in a brake or clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A load lifting apparatus for enabling an individual user to lift a heavy weight. The load lifting apparatus includes a tricycle type base which supports a vertical beam. The vertical beam is height adjustable. The vertical beam supports a horizontal boom. The horizontal boom is capable of horizontal translational motion relative to the tip of the vertical beam. The horizontal boom has a pulley at each of its ends. A third pulley is supported by the vertical beam. A cable from a powered winch is routed around the pulleys and can have its free end attached to a load. The powered winch is attached to the vertical beam. The tricycle type base has a platform for supporting a counterweight. The powered winch can be operated under the control of the a user to draw in the cable and thus lift a load toward the horizontal boom.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating the speed of a steam turbine by operating a steam valve rack assembly to adjust the flow of steam to the turbine by controlling the position of the turbine valve rack actuator in response to high pressure oil fed, reacting to signals from a speed control system, through a proportional valve to the valve rack actuator. High pressure oil is fed to the proportional valve from a hydraulic oil accumulator, charged with an inert gas, in which high pressure oil is stored. A source of low pressure oil directed to a pressure intensifying device increases the oil pressure to a high pressure and circulates the high pressure oil to the hydraulic oil accumulator and the proportional valve to stroke the turbine valve rack actuator in response to signals from the speed control system. The system further includes an emergency stop valve system which operates to close the turbine valve rack assembly very rapidly in the event of a serious turbine condition.

Abstract: A collapsible vehicle safety apparatus for animals, in combination with a vehicle, is described that has a rigid base and a collapsible support frame removably secured to the base. There are at least two blind insertion holes, in the base, to releasingly accept and retain a first leg and a second leg of the frame. A pliable barrier cover is attached to the frame. A padded top restraint means, is attached to the cover, to reduce trauma from impact due to abrupt forward movemenmt of the animal. There is an adjustable harness, attached to the frame, to restrict movement of the animal. There is a first seat belt attachment means, in the cover, to attach a vehicular seat belt to secure the frame and cover to the vehicle. A second seat belt attachment means, is attached to the cover, to secure the frame and the cover to the vehicle. Either belt attachment means may be used at the discretion of the user.

Abstract: The system comprises an arrangement for supplying sealing and lubrication oil to a gas compressor in an embodiment of the invention in which the oil pump is relieved of high pressure demand during normal compressor operating. A pneumatic control valve bypasses a quantity of the pump output in order that the pump can run with less energy demand. The valve is controlled by biasing and limiting pneumatic relays, and a pressure controller which regulate the bypass of pumped oil to a reservoir. One biasing relay adds a measure of pressure to a pilot signal, addressed to the control valve, to accommodate for line losses, and another relay establishes a lower, pilot signal limit, to insure that the oil pressure will not go below the pressure of coolant in an oil cooler.