Abstract: A batting tee that includes a return mechanism, a swing arm connected to the return mechanism to swing about a rotation axis, a strike target connected to the swing arm, and a base supporting the return mechanism and the swing arm, the return mechanism including a mechanical energy storage device that stores mechanical energy when the swing arm swings in one direction in response to a batter's striking of the strike target, and a damper that slows down the swinging of the swing arm in the opposite direction as the swing arm swings back by the force supplied by the mechanical energy storage device.

Abstract: A preferred method for efficiently tuning RF ports while avoiding conventional labor intensive, step-by-step processes is disclosed. The method may use at least three tuning blocks (comprised of capacitors and inductors) in a series topology and at least three tuning blocks in a shunt topology. These tuning blocks will yield two circles that can be charted on the Smith chart. Those circles may then be centered along the centerline of the Smith chart to adjust for latency, and then expanded to adjust for the losses. Once those circles have been expanded, the circle (either series or shunt) that encompasses one the Smith chart reference circles is used and the traditional Smith chart methodology can be used to tune the RF port.

Abstract: A batting tee that includes a return mechanism, a swing arm connected to the return mechanism to swing about a rotation axis, a strike target connected to the swing arm, and a base supporting the return mechanism and the swing arm, the return mechanism including a mechanical energy storage device that stores mechanical energy when the swing arm swings in one direction in response to a batter's striking of the strike target, and a damper that slows down the swinging of the swing arm in the opposite direction as the swing arm swings back by the force supplied by the mechanical energy storage device.

Abstract: A process for producing mesophase pitch using a long tube reactor is disclosed. An aromatic rich feed, preferably a petroleum pitch having a softening point above 100° C., is preheated to a temperature above its softening point and mixed with a vapor, preferably steam, in a long tubular reactor under intense mixing conditions, preferably fully developed turbulent flow such as mist annular flow, with a residence time at least an order of magnitude less than prior art processes and preferably less than 10 seconds. Preferably the reactor is heated by electric resistance or induction heating or by immersion in a heated fluid or in a fired heater. Mesophase pitch with a high coking value and a surprisingly low quinolone insoluble content is produced. The byproducts of thermal polymerization and thermal dealkylation have less than 50% as much olefin and diene content as compared to similar byproducts from prior art processes.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making isotropic pitch are disclosed. A tubular reactor operating at high velocity and pressure converts aromatic rich liquid feed to pitch within minutes. Reactor is heated by electric resistance or inductance, a salt or molten metal bath, or fired heater. Reactor effluent flashes and isotropic pitch recovered from the flash drum. Softening point is affected by flash drum pressure or stripping steam. Unconverted feed may be recycled. Process makes little gasoline, simple condensation of flash drum vapor may produce gas oil and gasoline fractions. Isotropic pitch is made in a single step with a coking value of 50 to 55 wt %. Time and temperature in the reactor convert at least 20 wt % of feed and any recycle material present to isotropic pitch. Pressure is preferably above 500 psig, to suppress mesophase formation and produce isotropic pitch with less than 0.5 wt % mesophase.

Abstract: A preferred method for efficiently tuning RF ports while avoiding conventional labor intensive, step-by-step processes is disclosed. The method may use at least three tuning blocks (comprised of capacitors and inductors) in a series topology and at least three tuning blocks in a shunt topology. These tuning blocks will yield two circles that can be charted on the Smith chart. Those circles may then be centered along the centerline of the Smith chart to adjust for latency, and then expanded to adjust for the losses. Once those circles have been expanded, the circle (either series or shunt) that encompasses one the Smith chart reference circles is used and the traditional Smith chart methodology can be used to tune the RF port.

Abstract: An out of lock condition is sensed on a data transition by transition basis in clock recovery apparatus. When an out of lock condition is sensed, a range sweeping signal is generated and summed with the correction signal to sweep the frequency of the clock signal over the frequency range of the VCO. When an out of lock condition is absent, i.e., when the VCO is phase locked, simulated data transitions are generated in the frequency/phase detector. An out of lock condition is sensed by a D flip-flop. Data is coupled to the clock input of the flip-flop, the clock signal is delayed by a fraction of its nominal period and coupled to the D input of the flip-flop. The state of the Q output of the flip-flop indicates an out of lock condition.

Abstract: A layered combination of porous material mounted over the edge of a drum to siphon water from the top of the drum over the edge thereof.

Abstract: A layered combination of porous material mounted over the edge of a drum to siphon water from the top of the drum over the edge thereof. The porous material is in two spaced layers with a groove between. A nonporous cover makes the groove into a siphon tube to enhance the speed of drainage.

Abstract: There are provided improved processes for the manufacture of enriched pitches, carbon fiber precursors, carbon fibers, and graphite fibers. The improvement comprises employing an elevated wiped-film evaporator in a wiped-film evaporator system comprising the wiped-film evaporator and a means for recovering enriched pitch, such as a positive displacement pump, to form an enriched pitch from catalytic pitch and regulating the operating conditions of the wiped-film evaporator system to provide the desired enriched pitch. The wiped-film evaporator is located a specific distance above the means for recovering enriched pitch. The vertical distance between the outlet of the wiped-film evaporator and the inlet of the means for recovering enriched pitch is within the range of about 10 feet to about 40 feet, preferably about 20 feet to about 40 feet.

Abstract: A variable gain wideband bipolar monolithic amplifier has first and second bipolar transistors connected together in a Darlington configuration. A resistive shunt feedback loop connected between the output and the input of the amplifier controls the gain of the amplifier. The feedback loop includes a field effect transistor, formed on the same chip substantially by the same bipolar process as the bipolar transistors, for varying the impedance of the shunt feedback loop thereby varying the gain of the amplifier. The gain of the amplifier is controlled in response to the application of a control voltage to the gate of the FET. Further, the FET is dc biased for inhibiting the FET from drawing dc current.

Abstract: There are provided improved processes for the manufacture of enriched pitches, carbon fiber precursors, carbon fibers, and graphite fibers. The improvement comprises employing an elevated wiped-film evaporator in a wiped-film evaporator system comprising the wiped-film evaporator and a means for recovering enriched pitch, such as a positive displacement pump, to form an enriched pitch from catalytic pitch and regulating the operating conditions of the wiped-film evaporator system to provide the desired enriched pitch. The wiped-film evaporator is located a specific distance above the means for recovering enriched pitch. The vertical distance between the outlet of the wiped-film evaporator and the inlet of the means for recovering enriched pitch is within the range of about 10 feet to about 40 feet, preferably about 20 feet to about 40 feet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for avoiding the clumping of dry fibers having diameters and lengths in certain ranges during blending of such fibers into a dry or wet particulate material. The process comprises distributing fibers in a vaporous medium, and transporting fluidized fibers to a mixing zone containing a dry or wet particulate material. Concurrently with stirring and blending of the particulate material with fluidized fibers, the fluidized fibers having been separated at least partially from a fluidized vapor are gradually introduced into the mixing zone. This process avoids the phenomena of "balling" that otherwise occurs with certain fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid particulates from vapors comprising: a disengaging chamber, a progressive flow reactor, a means for effecting flow of a gas-solid stream, and a take-off conduit which further includes providing a hole through the progressive flow reactor to permit upstream of the take-off conduit a pathway for vapors from within the disengaging chamber to pass into the progressive flow reactor. Specific limitations as to the size of the opening through the progressive flow reactor in relationship to the effective diameter of the progressive flow reactor, and the opening of the take-off conduit are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for avoiding the clumping of fibers having diameters and lengths in certain ranges during dry blending of such fibers into a dry matrix material. The process comprises distributing fibers in a vaporous medium, and transporting fluidized fibers to a mixing zone containing a dry matrix material. Concurrently with stirring and blending of the dry matrix material with fluidized fibers, the fluidized fibers having been separated at least partially from a fluidized vapor are gradually introduced into the mixing zone. This process avoids the phenomena of "balling" that otherwise occurs with certain fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved solar air heater which comprises an air fluidized bed unit having:(a) an inlet for incoming cool air;(b) an outlet for heated air;(c) a clear coverplate;(d) a solar heat collector element disposed within said unit for absorbing heat from solar energy entering said unit through said cover plate; and(e) a fluidization zone disposed within said unit wherein a bed of particles is fluidized by said incoming cool air,said bed and said fluidizing cool air absorbing heat from solar energy entering said unit through said cover plate and/or from said solar heated collector element, said particles being resistant to appreciable attrition and substantially non-dusting.