Abstract: The system and method of the present invention optically transmits redundant packets of data using infrared signals at pseudo-random intervals to allow a receiver to distinguish between multiple simultaneous sources. The emitters repeatedly transmit a short packet at randomized intervals much shorter than the frame rate. Statistical analysis shows that the probability of collision of the desired packet with a packet from some other source is sufficiently low such that timely reception of at least one uncorrupted packet in the required time frame is assured.

Abstract: A sprayer, which in one embodiment, is a hand held ergonomic sprayer is disclosed herein. The sprayer may include: a housing through which water flows; a handle for gripping by a user, which is joined to the housing; at least one spray nozzle operatively connected to the housing; and, a connection for a hose, the connection being joined to the housing. In one non-limiting embodiment, when the sprayer has one end of a water-filled hose connected thereto, the combination of the sprayer and suspended portion of the hose has a combined center of gravity that passes through the axis of the sprayer handle. The sprayers described herein may also have other features, and provide other benefits that do not require the sprayers to have an ergonomic design.

Abstract: A resilient monolithic plastic sheet transparent display cover is used to hold a photograph or other item next to a surface, such as the surface of a refrigerator door. The plastic sheet, such as a cling vinyl, is removably adherent to the surface chosen, and may be peeled off and repositioned as desired. The display cover may include one or more de-bossed portions of suitable sizes for receiving photographs or other items, and may be provided with an attractive decorated, non-transparent border, or frame region for enhancing the appearance of the item to be displayed.

Abstract: A unitary composite structure having improved flexural strength and a reduced coefficient of thermal expansion comprising a heterogeneous combination of a carbonaceous reinforcing material interbonded with a matrix material, wherein the said matrix material is a poorly graphitizing carbonaceous pitch containing polymerized and cross-linked aromatic components is disclosed. Graphite electrodes comprised of the poorly graphitized pitch matrix material acting as a binder and/or an impregnant are also disclosed. Processes for the preparation of the poorly graphitizing pitch, the composite structure, and particularly the graphite electrodes are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A unitary composite structure having improved flexural strength and a reduced coefficient of thermal expansion comprising a heterogeneous combination of a carbonaceous reinforcing material interbonded with a matrix material, wherein the said matrix material is a poorly graphitizing carbonaceous pitch containing polymerized and cross-linked aromatic components is disclosed. Graphite electrodes comprised of the poorly graphitized pitch matrix material acting as a binder and/or an impregnant are also disclosed. Processes for the preparation of the poorly graphitizing pitch, the composite structure, and particularly the graphite electrodes are disclosed as well.

Abstract: An article, such as a seal ring, suitable for reduction of chatter when used in stuffing boxes with reciprocating stems. The article has an amorphous carbon phase at the surface of the article with the amorphous carbon phase extending into the article from the surface.

Abstract: Composites of flexible graphite particles and an amorphous carbon phase useful for applications such as valve packing end rings.

Abstract: Method and assembly for reinforcing flexible graphite by fusion bonding a film of thermoplastic polymer to the flexible graphite to form a laminiated product. One side of the thermoplastic polymer is raised to its softening temperature to cause it to bond to the flexible graphite while the opposite side thereof is maintained at a temperature below its softening point.

Abstract: A fire retardant flexible graphite composite is formed from particles of exfoliated flexible graphite and particles of unexfoliated graphite flake treated with an intercalating agent in a desired ratio based upon the strength and desired fire retardant properties of the composite. A wall or floor covering is formed by compressing the composite into a sheet and rolled into a roll.

Abstract: A process for forming pinhole free ultra-thin flexible sheet material from natural graphite comprising treating low ash natural graphite particles with an oxidizing agent to intercalate the graphite, introducing the particles after they are dried to less than 2% by weight water into a furnace preheated to at least 2000.degree. F. to cause rapid expansion to a specific volume of at least 800 cc/gm and compressing the expanded graphite to below 8 mils in thickness with a density of less than 1.3 g/cc.

Abstract: An expandable seal of flexible graphite composed of a prestressed flexible graphite composition of a mixture of flexible graphite and a thermoplastic material having a preselected melting temperature corresponding to the temperature at which the seal is to commence expansion. The flexible graphite composition is prestressed under a compressive force and a temperature such that the thermoplastic material is in a plastic state.

Abstract: A pipe thread sealant paste composition comprising from about 30 to about 80 percent by weight of natural flake graphite particles of a size sufficient to pass through a 100 Tyler mesh sieve and a liquid carrier comprising a mixture of mineral oil and petrolatum, the paste composition preferably having a total ash content of no greater than about 1 percent by weight and containing leachable chlorides in amounts equal to or less than about 50 parts per million. The invention also relates to a method for preparing and applying the pipe thread sealant paste to pipe joints.

Abstract: A flexible graphite laminate suitable for use as gaskets in which a polymer resin coated cloth, such as polytetrafluroethylene coated fiber glass cloth, is disposed and bonded between two sheets of flexible graphite material. A method for producing the flexible graphite laminate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pipe thread sealant paste composition comprising from about 30 to about 80 percent by weight of natural flake graphite particles of a size sufficient to pass through a 100 Tyler mesh sieve and a liquid carrier comprising a mixture of mineral oil and petrolatum, the paste composition preferably having a total ash content of no greater than about 1 percent by weight and containing leachable chlorides in amounts equal to or less than about 50 parts per million. The invention also relates to a method for preparing and applying the pipe thread sealant paste to pipe joints.

Abstract: Composites of flexible graphite particles and an amorphous carbon phase useful for applications such as valve packing end rings.

Abstract: A process for making an improved electrode by providing on a conductive current distributor layers of active and hydrophobic materials, uniting these materials together with sufficient force to lock them together and subsequently roll-bonding the resulting preformed assembly to form the finished electrode.

Abstract: A metal current carrier for use in fabricating thin electrochemical cell electrodes comprising a thin metal screen having disposed on one side a thin layer of coarse metal particles which at least partially fill the multiple openings in the metal screen and which are sintered to themselves and to the metal screen.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding sheets of paper or the like in succession from the top of a stack of sheets. A member extending over a corner portion of the stack controls a stack elevator mechanism, and co-operates with a vertically movable suction element which pulls a corner portion of the top sheet from beneath the member so as to feed one sheet at a time.

Abstract: A few cycles of an input signal are correlated, or compared, with a few cycles of the input signal received at a previous interval and the interval is varied when correlation, or a positive comparison, has been obtained with the apparatus providing an output or detection signal after a predetermined number of correlations have occurred.

Abstract: A pipe thread sealant paste composition comprising from about 30 to about 80 percent by weight of natural flake graphite particles of a size sufficient to pass through a 100 Tyler mesh sieve and a liquid carrier comprising a mixture of mineral oil and petrolatum. The paste composition preferably having a total ash content of no greater than about 1 percent by weight and containing leachable chlorides in amounts equal to or less than about 50 parts per million. The invention also relates to a method for preparing and applying the pipe thread sealant paste to pipe joints.