Abstract: A reaction container includes a cylindrical container body, a source gas introduction pipe group and a gas discharge pipe group extended in the opposite directions from both left and right side portions of the container body, and a cylindrical substrate inserted into the container body. Source gases introduced from the source gas introduction pipe group into the container body are thermally decomposed by the reaction with a catalyst carried on the substrate at a predetermined high temperature to grow micro coils from the substrate.

Abstract: A proximity and contact sensor (10) is provided with a sensor element (11) and a detection circuit (16). The sensor element is provided with a matrix (13) in which coil-shaped carbon fibers (12) are dispersed. A high-frequency oscillation circuit (19) of the detection circuit (16) supplies the sensor element with a high-frequency signal. A detector (22) in the detection circuit (16) receives an output signal from the sensor element (11) and detects proximity of an object (24). In one example, the coil-shaped carbon fibers (12) are contained in the matrix by 1 to 20% by weight. In another example, a high-frequency oscillation circuit generates a high-frequency signal of 100 to 800 kHz.

Abstract: A proximity and contact sensor (10) is provided with a sensor element (11) and a detection circuit (16). The sensor element is provided with a matrix (13) in which coil-shaped carbon fibers (12) are dispersed. A high-frequency oscillation circuit (19) of the detection circuit (16) supplies the sensor element with a high-frequency signal. A detector (22) in the detection circuit (16) receives an output signal from the sensor element (11) and detects proximity of an object (24). In one example, the coil-shaped carbon fibers (12) are contained in the matrix by 1 to 20% by weight. In another example, a high-frequency oscillation circuit generates a high-frequency signal of 100 to 800 kHz.

Abstract: A resin particle of a first embodiment in accordance with the present invention contains a resin and coil-shaped carbon fiber. Content of the coil-shaped carbon fiber in the resin particle is 15 wt % or less. A resin particle of a second embodiment in accordance with the present invention contains a resin, coil-shaped carbon fiber and a foaming agent. Content of the coil-shaped carbon fiber in this resin particle is 15 wt % or less. The resin particles of both the first and second embodiments can be used for the purpose of absorbing electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: Hollow carbon microcoils are provided having a pitch that is substantially zero. Also provided are ceramic microcoils comprising a metal nitride, a metal carbide or a metal carbonitride. The invention also includes methods for producing such microcoils.