Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a plurality of plates, and a plurality of sharp-cornered carbon/carbon fins between the plates.

Abstract: A tank piston is shown with an improved seal and wiper. The piston is used in conjunction with tanks used for transporting semi-solid and viscous materials such as grease, oil, ink, and the like. The improved seal consists of an annular rubber member with a hollow chamber filled with an open cell foam material such as polyurethane, or a gel such as silica gel. The material in the chamber is compressible and expandable to provide a seal about the piston. Optionally, the piston is provided with an annular wiper structure that extends about the outer forward periphery of the piston, and is forwardly angled at about 45° relative to an axis of the piston. The wiper has a beveled end that makes contact with the interior surface of the tank to provide a cleaning action. A complementary second wiper may be added near the outer rearward periphery of the piston. A preferred embodiment is also shown that uses a tiered support assembly.

Abstract: A tank piston is shown with an improved seal and wiper. The piston is used in conjunction with tanks used for transporting semi-solid and viscous materials such as grease, oil, ink, and the like. The improved seal consists of an annular rubber member with a hollow chamber filled with an open cell foam material such as polyurethane, or a gel such as silica gel. The material in the chamber is compressible and expandable to provide a seal about the piston. Additionally, the piston is provided with an annular wiper structure that extends about the outer forward periphery of the piston, and is forwardly angled at about 45.degree. relative to an axis of the piston. The wiper has a beveled end that makes contact with the interior surface of the tank to provide a cleaning action. A complementary second wiper may be added near the outer rearward periphery of the piston.

Abstract: A composite parallel plate heat exchanger is provided constructed of a plurality of composite plates disposed in a substantial parallel stacked relationship and spaced from each other by composite ribs inserted through and bonded between adjacent plates. The composite plates and ribs are specially constructed to maximize heat transfer between adjacent passageways formed by the plates and the fluids flowing in these passageways.

Abstract: A composite parallel plate heat exchanger is provided constructed of a plurality of composite plates disposed in a substantial parallel stacked relationship and spaced from each other by composite ribs inserted through and bonded between adjacent plates. The composite plates and ribs are specially constructed to maximize heat transfer between adjacent passageways formed by the plates and the fluids flowing in these passageways.

Abstract: Heat exchangers constructed of a plurality of composite ribbed sheets plates disposed and in a substantial parallel plate stacked relationship are disclosed. The sheets or plates can be spaced from each other by composite ribs or bars formed integral with or bonded to and between adjacent plates. The composite plates function as the fins of a conventional plate fin heat exchanger while the ribs form the passageways to separate adjacent fluids. The fins are specially constructed to maximize heat transfer between adjacent passageways formed by the ribs and the fluids flowing in these passageways.

Abstract: Heat exchangers machined form a thermally oriented block of composite material is provided. First and second arrays of fins can be machined into opposite sides of the block. Composite plates can be disposed over the machined fins to form passageways. The composite plates and fins are specially constructed to maximize heat transfer between adjacent passageways formed by the plates and the fluids flowing in these passageways.