Abstract: A motion-transmitting combination comprising a cast member of a self-lubricating polymer composite adapted for movable joinder with a metal member of at least one metal, metal alloy or metal mixture is provided. The metal member has a wear-resistant, porous surface layer impregnated with a self-lubricating compound, and is capable of contacting the cast member with low clearance. Methods for preparing a motion-transmitting combination comprising a cast member adapted for movable joinder with a metal member are also provided.

Abstract: A novel rigging for a sailboat is disclosed in which the mainsail is mounted between a luff boom and a foot boom, the luff boom being attached to the top of the mast by a fitting that allows rotation at least about a vertical axis parallel to the mast and about a tilt axis normal to the mast such that the luff boom can tilt out of the vertical. The fitting is joined to the luff boom at a pivot point above the center of effort of the sail, and not necessarily at its head. A tack sheet and a clew sheet restrict the tilt of the luff boom and its rotation around the mast. A jib sail, too, may be tiltably mounted by attaching it to a luff boom which is suspended at its head from a high point on the mast. The mast may be retractable or extendable and either luff boom may be given a streamlined cross section.

Abstract: An electric motor brush or other electrical contact fabricated with intercalated graphite exhibits improved electrical conductivity, strength and performance when compared with electrical brushes made with non-intercalated graphite or with carbon. Such contacts may be formed by filling a mold of the appropriate shape with intercalated graphite powder and applying sufficient pressure and heat to produce a coherent mass. The ability of intercalated graphite powder to be compacted in such a fashion leads to economic methods of manufacturing electrical contacts. The properties of these contacts may be further improved by the incorporation of metal powder, organic polymers or ceramic powders into the intercalated graphite prior to pressing.

Abstract: A gasket or other sealing member containing intercalated graphite exhibits improved strength and safety properties and simplified manufacture. Such a gasket may be formed by filling a mold of the appropriate shape with intercalated graphite powder and applying sufficient pressure and heat to produce a coherent mass. The properties of an intercalated graphite gasket may be further improved by incorporating metal reinforcement, metal powders, organic polymers ceramic powders or even exfoliated graphite into the intercalated graphite gasket.

Abstract: A bearing or other support member containing intercalated graphite exhibits many of the properties of a metal (ie: conductivity, luster, ductility) while enhancing the lubricating properties of pure graphite. The bearings are made by pressing an intercalated graphite powder either alone or mixed with metal powders, organic polymers or ceramic powders into the desired shape. This results in a bearing that has low friction properties, improved load bearing characteristics, higher operating temperatures and a reduced cost of manufacture.

Abstract: Members, such as bearings, gaskets, electrical conductors and the like, as well as containing coatings, made from graphite intercalated with a metal halide exhibit superior stability except when used or stored in an extremely humid atmosphere. In a humid atmosphere these members and coatings tend to swell, crack and develop a corrosion layer over time. In accordance with the present invention, however, members and coatings made from intercalated graphite mixed with from 2 vol. % to about 30 vol. % of a metal powder do not exhibit this environmental instability.