Abstract: The present invention provides a process for thermosetting pitch fibers in reduced times, at low concentrations of oxygen and at higher temperatures than previously possible. Additionally, the present invention provides a pitch fiber which has an oxygen diffusion rate to the center of the fiber which is competitive with the rate of oxidation at the fiber's surface. Further, the present invention provides a high density pitch fiber batt which thermosets without loss of fiber structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting objects within a panel hole, and method of use, the apparatus comprising a housing having a flanged opening in one end and a plurality of flat coil springs each having a free inner end and an outside edge attached to the housing adjacent to the flange so that upon installation of the housing into the panel hole, the flange engages the exposed surface of the panel and the springs become biased against the hidden panel surface for secure vibration-resistant mounting of the housing within the hole, as well as rapid releasable installation and removal of the housing from panels of any thickness dimension.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and for producing a single layer batt of fibers prepared by multiple die tips. The present invention also provides a novel multiple tip blow spinning die.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for producing a unique metals-containing anisotropic pitch suitable for carbon fiber manufacture. Soluble, aromatic-organometallic compounds are added to a carbonaceous feedstock which is substantially free of mesophase pitch and the resulting composition is heat soaked to produce an isotropic pitch product containing mesogens and soluble, aromatic-organometallic compounds. Next, the pitch product is solvent fractionated to separate mesogens which contain metals from the organometallic compounds. The metals-containing mesogens are heated to a temperature sufficient to cause fusion to produce a metals-containing mesophase pitch.In another method, the carbonaceous feedstock is heat soaked to produce an isotropic pitch product containing mesogens and high molecular weight, soluble, aromatic-organometallic compounds are added to the mesogen containing isotropic pitch product prior to solvent fractionation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing a single layer batt of fibers prepared by multiple die tips. The present invention also provides a novel multiple tip blow spinning die.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blow spinning die particularly suited for spinning solvated pitch into fibers having a random cross-sectional structure. Additionally, the present invention provides a process for blow spinning fibers from solvated pitches. The present invention also provides pitch fibers having a high energy internal molecular structure. Finally, the present invention provides carbon fibers which have a non-radial internal structure.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for producing a unique metals-containing anisotropic pitch suitable for carbon fiber manufacture. Soluble, aromatic-organometallic compounds are added to a carbonaceous feedstock which is substantially free of mesophase pitch and the resulting composition is heat soaked to produce an isotropic pitch product containing mesogens and soluble, aromatic-organometallic compounds. Next, the pitch product is solvent fractionated to separate mesogens which contain metals from the organometallic compounds. The metals-containing mesogens are heated to a temperature sufficient to cause fusion to produce a metals-containing mesophase pitch.In another method, the carbonaceous feedstock is heat soaked to produce an isotropic pitch product containing mesogens and high molecular weight, soluble, aromatic-organometallic compounds are added to the mesogen containing isotropic pitch product prior to solvent fractionation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for collecting relatively straight blow spun fibers in a two dimensional configuration. The process utilizes a venturi to preclude the kinking and bending of the fibers until the fibers have substantially thermoset. A diffusion chamber allows the fibers to be collected without entangling.

Abstract: A device for facilitating forced insertion of a golf tee into a ground surface at a predetermined height. The inventive device includes a clamp for engaging a shaft of a golf tee. A positioning screw engages a head of the golf tee such that a predetermined length of the shaft projects beyond the clamp for insertion into the ground.

Abstract: A device arranged to be releasably mounting within a hole in a panel, e.g., a ceiling, to hold a lamp bulb and associated reflector or any other member therein. The device comprises a tubular body, a flange for engaging one side of the panel, and plural, equidistantly, peripherally-spaced, flexible arms for engaging the other side of the panel. Each arm extends outward from the body and is moveable from an extended position to a retracted position and vice versa. The arms are moved from the extended position to the retracted position when the body is pushed into the hole while being twisted about its longitudinal central axis in one rotational direction. The arms automatically move back to the extended position when the device is in place to hold the device securely within the hole. The device can be removed by pulling it out of the hole while twisting it about its longitudinal axis in the same rotational direction as used to insert it, whereupon the arms flex to the retracted position.

Abstract: A portable oven and grill heated by solar energy, which is fabricated of lightweight materials. The oven box is formed of a shaped open diagonal box, the walls of which are heat insulators, finished on their inner surfaces with a black matte surface to absorb radiated heat. Vanes formed of insulated panels coated on their upper sides with aluminum foil to reflect radiation are mounted along the top of each edge of the oven box and oriented at an obtuse angle to the vertical inner walls of the oven box. A glass panel is mounted across the open face of the oven box, which is inclined at an angle to horizontal bottom base wall of the oven, to retain the heat inside the oven compartment. A slidable metal grill plate is mounted to the inner bottom base wall so as to slide part ways out of the rear side of the oven wall while remaining in contact with an aluminum plate loosely mounted to the inner base bottom wall so as to be heated, for grilling purposes, when so extended out of the side wall.

Abstract: A ducted fan gas turbine engine power plant has an augmenter air intake and a flow mixer for selectively mixing the augmenter air with the remaining engine flows.

Abstract: An aircraft jet propulsion power plant is fitted with a sliding ejector sleeve for the provision by selection, of an auxiliary flow of ambient air within the sleeve so as to quieten the noise of the gas efflux. The sleeve is mounted independently of the power plant and is supported from a side of the aircraft fuselage. The sleeve mounting structure has an arm which projects into the fuselage to provide a further mounting point, the reaction loads of which act downwardly so as to counteract the downwardly acting weight of the cowl on the side mounting.