Abstract: Flexible ceramic composite materials that include a polymer and silica aerogel disposed within the polymer are disclosed. The materials have extremely low thermal conductivity and excellent thermal stability and can be used to form seals, gaskets, and insulation for a variety of applications.

Abstract: A method is provided for associating content objects with a database wherein the content objects are accessible over a network communication medium by a user. The method includes: receiving a suggestion for a new content object for addition to the database; approving the suggested content object; generating a list of information users desiring the approved content object; compelling an information provider to provide the desired content object based at least in part on demand identified by the generated list; and making the generated content object available to the database.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for distributing content objects to a personalized access point of a user over a network-based environment. The apparatus includes a server, a selection client, and a retrieval client. The server includes a database operative to store indicia associated with at least one content object and further operative to store user identifiers as well as information about which content objects have been selected by a particular user. The selection client communicates with the server via a communication link. The selection client is configured to allow a user to select content objects to add to a personalized access point by submitting an indicia and a user identifier to the server. The retrieval client communicates with the server over a communication link allowing a user to retrieve information from a personalized access point.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for distributing information over a network-based environmente. The apparatus includes a first client, a server, and a second client. The server communicates with the first client via a communication link and includes a database operative to store indicia associated with at least one content object and user identifiers. The second client communicates with the server over a communication link. The second client is remote from the first client and is operative to submit indicia and a user identifier to the server. In response to submission of the indicia and the user identifier, at least one of: (a) a content object, and (b) a link to the content object are received into a personalized access point of the server. The user can access the personalized access point of the server with the first client. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: A retractable distributed array antenna has a multiplicity of radiative elements arranged in a beam-forming array of desired configuration and resolvable into a plurality C of columns, with each column having at least one of the antenna radiator elements. Each of a number P of elongated column members, up to but not exceeding C in number, supports the antenna elements of an associated column. The column members are arranged with their elongated dimension generally parallel to one another. The adjacent end portions of each pair of column member, or of a column member and a central stowage module, are joined by a spring-loaded hinge assembly, which urges the joined column member end portions away from each other, to place the columns of elements into the desired distributed array antenna configuration, if no retroactive forces are present.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing neon and similar signs. The method includes a direct bending of glass tubing over a drawing which is protected by a translucent heat resistant sheet. The sheet and process for its production are also described.