Abstract: Organic, small pore area materials (“SPMs”) are provided comprising open cell foams in unlimited sizes and shapes. These SPMs exhibit minimal shrinkage and cracking. Processes for preparing SPMs are also provided that do not require supercritical extraction. These processes comprise sol-gel polymerization of a hydroxylated aromatic in the presence of at least one suitable electrophilic linking agent and at least one suitable solvent capable of strengthening the sol-gel. Also disclosed are the carbonized derivatives of the organic SPMs.

Abstract: Organic, small pore area materials (“SPMs”) are provided comprising open cell foams in unlimited sizes and shapes. These SPMs exhibit minimal shrinkage and cracking. Processes for preparing SPMs are also provided that do not require supercritical extraction. These processes comprise sol-gel polymerization of a hydroxylated aromatic in the presence of at least one suitable electrophilic linking agent and at least one suitable solvent capable of strengthening the sol-gel. Also disclosed are the carbonized derivatives of the organic SPMs.

Abstract: Organic, small pore area materials (“SPMs”) are provided comprising open cell foams in unlimited sizes and shapes. These SPMs exhibit minimal shrinkage and cracking. Processes for preparing SPMs are also provided that do not require supercritical extraction. These processes comprise sol-gel polymerization of a hydroxylated aromatic in the presence of at least one suitable electrophilic linking agent and at least one suitable solvent capable of strengthening the sol-gel. Also disclosed are the carbonized derivatives of the organic SPMs.

Abstract: Organic, small pore area materials (“SPMs”) are provided comprising open cell foams in unlimited sizes and shapes. These SPMs exhibit minimal shrinkage and cracking. Processes for preparing SPMs are also provided that do not require supercritical extraction. These processes comprise sol-gel polymerization of a hydroxylated aromatic in the presence of at least one suitable electrophilic linking agent and at least one suitable solvent capable of strengthening the sol-gel. Also disclosed are the carbonized derivatives of the organic SPMs.

Abstract: Organic, small pore area materials (“SPMs”) are provided comprising open cell foams in unlimited sizes and shapes. These SPMs exhibit minimal shrinkage and cracking. Processes for preparing SPMs are also provided that do not require supercritical extraction. These processes comprise sol-gel polymerization of a hydroxylated aromatic in the presence of at least one suitable electrophilic linking agent and at least one suitable solvent capable of strengthening the sol-gel. Also disclosed are the carbonized derivatives of the organic SPMs.

Abstract: Organic, small pore area materials (“SPMs”) are provided comprising open cell foams in unlimited sizes and shapes. These SPMs exhibit minimal shrinkage and cracking. Processes for preparing SPMs are also provided that do not require supercritical extraction. These processes comprise sol-gel polymerization of a hydroxylated aromatic in the presence of at least one suitable electrophilic linking agent and at least one suitable solvent capable of strengthening the sol-gel. Also disclosed are the carbonized derivatives of the organic SPMs.

Abstract: Organic, small pore area materials (“SPMs”) are provided comprising open cell foams in unlimited sizes and shapes. These SPMs exhibit minimal shrinkage and cracking. Processes for preparing SPMs are also provided that do not require supercritical extraction. These processes comprise sol-gel polymerization of a hydroxylated aromatic in the presence of at least one suitable electrophilic linking agent and at least one suitable solvent capable of strengthening the sol-gel. Also disclosed are the carbonized derivatives of the organic SPMs.

Abstract: An insulated barrier comprising first and second gas impermeable rigid walls, preferably of a composite of an organic substrate, such as plastic, coated with an inorganic matrix, such as a metal oxide, adjoining surfaces between the first and second walls in order to create an entirely closed and substantially hermetically sealed structure, a core material between the walls comprising an open-cell structure and an optional vacuum breach sensor within the insulated barrier by which the presence of atmospheric oxygen may be detected. Also disclosed is a process by which insulated barriers may be manufactured in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: Organic, small pore area materials (“SPMs”) are provided comprising open cell foams in unlimited sizes and shapes. These SPMs exhibit minimal shrinkage and cracking. Processes for preparing SPMs are also provided that do not require supercritical extraction. These processes comprise sol-gel polymerization of a hydroxylated aromatic in the presence of at least one suitable electrophilic linking agent and at least one suitable solvent capable of strengthening the sol-gel. Also disclosed are the carbonized derivatives of the organic SPMs.

Abstract: Organic, low density microcellular materials (“LDMMs”) are provided comprising open cell foams in unlimited sizes and shapes. These LDMMs exhibit minimal shrinkage and cracking. Processes for preparing LDMMs are also provided that do not require supercritical extraction. These processes comprise sol-gel polymerization of an hydroxylated aromatic in the presence of at least one suitable electrophilic linking agent and at least one suitable solvent capable of strengthening the sol-gel. Also disclosed are the carbonized derivatives of the organic LDMMs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production of organic aerogels, whereby the organic solvent in which the gel is immersed is directly extracted supercritically without the need for exchange with a low temperature solvent (i.e., CO.sub.2) prior to extraction of the pore fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production of organic aerogels, whereby the organic solvent in which the gel is immersed is directly extracted supercritically without the need for exchange with a low temperature solvent (i.e., CO.sub.2) prior to extraction of the pore fluid.

Abstract: A snow-removal device includes a frame having a handle at one end and a blade at the other. The frame rests on the ground at the blade end, and a flexible sheet extends from the blade end back toward the handle end. The sheet is attached at either end but is free to bend lengthwise so that the length of the sheet resting on the ground varies as the handle is lifted. This arrangement permits the device to be emptied with a minimum of strain on the user.