Abstract: A filter media containing continuous nanofiber or submicron fiber having low air resistance that that can be incorporated into cigarettes, cigarette attachments, pipes, and cigars. The media may formed in circular or cylindrical shapes and is comprised of thin, flexible fabric forms that can be cut and fit into the body or cavity of cigarettes, cigarette attachments, pipes, cigars, and other tobacco related products and incorporates a nanofiber or submicron fiber coating creating an interfiber spacing between 1.0 to 2.0 ?m, preferably between 1.2 and 1.5 ?m.

Abstract: This invention concerns the testing of surveillance camera installations. In particular, the invention involves an automatic testing system for surveillance camera installations, and a method for testing. The invention involves receiving test or “probe” images from at least one camera in the installations. Storing a reference image from at least the one camera. Comparison of the probe image with a reference image from the same camera, and production of an output when maintenance is required for that camera. The comparison involves the steps of: Extracting salient features from both the probe and reference images. Calculating matching factors between the salient features extracted from both images. And, computing a decision about whether maintenance is required from the matching factors.

Abstract: This invention concerns the testing of surveillance camera installations. In particular, the invention involves an automatic testing system for surveillance camera installations, and a method for testing. The invention involves receiving test or “probe” images from at least one camera in the installations. Storing a reference image from at least the one camera. Comparison of the probe image with a reference image from the same camera, and production of an output when maintenance is required for that camera. The comparison involves the steps of: Extracting salient features from both the probe and reference images. Calculating matching factors between the salient features extracted from both images. And, computing a decision about whether maintenance is required from the matching factors.

Abstract: A novel class of transparent polymeric foams comprising submicron cells and a process for their production is described. The polymers are preferably high glass transition materials and the process comprises saturating a consolidated polymer shape with an inert gas at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the polymer and under a pressure of at least 9000 psi for a period adequate to dissolve the gas in the polymer shape and then controllably cooling the polymer shape to produce the submicron cell structure.

Abstract: A novel class of transparent polymeric foams from high Tg polymers comprising submicron cells and a process for their production is described. The polymers are preferably high glass transition materials and the process comprises saturating a consolidated polymer shape with an inert gas at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the polymer and under a pressure of at least 9000 psi for a period adequate to dissolve the gas in the polymer shape and then controllably cooling the polymer shape to produce the submicron cell structure.

Abstract: A novel class of carbon fiber precursor derived carbon foams and a method for their production are described. A new class of C/C composites comprising unidirectional or woven carbon fabrics in a matrix of the novel carbon foams, and the method for their production are also described.

Abstract: According to the present invention there are provided compositions and tooling useful in the fabrication of composite structures and prepared from compositions that are mixtures of elastomeric and ceramic materials that can be tailored to obtain desired mechanical properties or thermal expansion coefficients. The compositions and tooling prepared therefrom are inexpensive and easy to fabricate and reconfigure. Such compositions generally comprise blends of clays that harden at elevated temperatures, clays that soften at elevated temperatures and uncured silicone rubbers that exhibit high temperature stability. Compositions comprising from about 5% to about 60% by weight of uncured silicone rubber, from about 20% to about 80% by weight of a clay that hardens at elevated temperature and from about 5% to about 50% by weight of clays that soften at elevated temperatures are specifically preferred.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly, commercially practicable process for the production of microcellular polymer foams from amorphous, semi-crystalline and crystalline polymers that comprises consolidating the polymer into a polymer shape, saturating the polymer shape with an inert gas at elevated temperature, above the Tg of the polymer, and under elevated pressure, releasing the pressure and cooling, i.e. quenching, the saturated polymer polymer shape under controlled temperature and pressure conditions to produce either a closed or open celled, low to medium density microcellular foam or a closed cell, high density microcellular foam.