Abstract: A cooking system includes a housing defining a hollow chamber configured to receive food. The housing has an upper portion defining an opening to said hollow chamber. A lid is movable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position. The lid seals the opening to the hollow chamber when in the closed position. A portion of the lid is selectively positionable to form a pressure-tight heating volume between the hollow chamber and the portion of said lid. At least one heating element is associated with at least one of the housing and the lid. The at least one heating element is arranged within the pressure-tight heating volume.

Abstract: A system for measuring the conductivity of a flexible media positioned between a conductive backing and a conductive roller, wherein the conductive roller contacts the flexible media in a roller contact region. A pressure control mechanism presses the conductive roller against the second surface of the flexible media with a specified contact pressure, and a motion control system provide a relative motion between the conductive roller and the flexible media. A resistance measuring system connected to the conductive roller and the conductive backing measures the conductivity of the flexible media within the roller contact region. A data recording system records the measured conductivity of the media as a function of position.

Abstract: A flywheel system suitable for storing energy when demand for energy from a power plant is low, and from which energy can be retrieved when energy demand increases. The flywheel includes (a) a circular composite or metallic glass ring with a radial width limited to less than about 30 percent of the ring's outer radius, and (b) at least one spoke extending along a diameter of the ring, and attached to the ring at either end. The spoke has sufficient radial extendability due to either bending and elastic radial elongation, or only elastic elongation so that, when the flywheel rotates at operating speed, the spoke extends radially to match the radial growth of the ring, without subjecting the flywheel to significant tension at points of attachment of the spoke to the ring. In one embodiment, both flywheel ring and spoke are made of oriented high strength fibers embedded in a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lightweight honeycomb structure that comprises a top panel (34) and bottom panel (32) and a large-celled honeycomb layer (36) disposed between the top and bottom panels. The honeycomb panel structure according to the present invention can be used in such applications as a sound-absorbing payload shroud for launch vehicles, flooring and walls in aerospace applications, aircraft wings and in structures that will be exposed to high heat. Additionally, a method of making a honeycomb structure of thermoplastic material is disclosed.