Other

Harper International Corporation

David M Bencic

Edgard Matrak

Carl H Vander Weide

Brian A Polino

Douglas E Ludwig

This invention is for a novel method of treating carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is a very unique material and its processing requires high temperatures. Also since carbon fibers are lightweight and porous, heating is accomplished in this process by radiation with a heated gas flowing through the material. Also a float is used to transfer the material from one process station to another so as to prevent delaminating of the carbon fiber.

Method of processing carbon fibers

A multi-axis rotary seal system to provide a gas-tight seal between a stationary hood and the end of a rotating tube kiln comprises a stationary hood positioned at the end of the rotary tube and having extended therefrom, a fully flexible bellows attached at the other end to a structural ring which, in turn, is attached to a graphite ring, slidably pressed against a flange on the rotary tube to form an atmospheric seal. The structural ring is held to the stationary hood by multi-axis supports that allow movement of the ring in three axial directions. In operation, during expansion and contraction of the rotating tube and eccentricities of motion, the integrity of the slidable seal formed by the graphite ring against the mating surface of the tube flange, is maintained by a biasing device pressing the graphite ring and the tube flange together in slidable engagement.

Multi-axis rotary seal system

The invention is directed to a disposable waste bag with an upper frame member and a flexible bag attached thereto. The frame member has adhesive for securing the bag closed after the bag has been filled with waste or debris. Along two parallel sides of the frame member are fold lines along which the frame member can be folded upon itself to seal the bag when full. The frame member is slightly larger than an opening of a container in which it is used.

Disposable receptacle

A solar heat collector, suitable for installation in inclined position to face the sun, as on a sloped roof, includes at least one flexible, usually substantially flat, wall member and a conforming second wall member, preferably with both wall members being of thin conductive metal, such as used aluminum printing plates, with both walls being spaced part to form passageways for the flow therethrough of a heat transfer fluid under a vacuum so that the walls are pressed toward each other. To allow flow of heat transfer fluid through the solar heat collector panel without obstruction because of the vacuum one or both walls may be formed into channel shapes or the collector may include a spacing and/or rigidifying screen or equivalent between the walls, highly preferably with the panels being indented or shaped to conform with openings in the screen, thereby helping to position the screen and to improve heat transfer. The wall members usually communicate with a plurality of manifolds to facilitate circulation of the heat transfer fluid through the solar heat collector. The external face of the wall facing the sun may be black, or such wall may be transparent and the interior of the other wall may be black; alternatively, the first wall may be transparent (or less desirably, translucent) and the heat transfer fluid may be dark colored, preferably black, to promote heat absorption. Also described are solar heating installations including pumps for circulating a heat transfer fluid through the collector and means, which may include, in part at least, the mentioned pumps, for drawing a vacuum in the interior of the collector. The use of vacuum, in conjunction with channels in the collector walls or screening or other spacing and shaping material between the walls which wall surfaces may conform to openings in such screening or other such material, promotes better thermal contacts so as to improve efficiency of the solar heat collector and the heating installation and also helps to rigidify the collector.

Growing community of inventors

Batavia, NY, United States of America

David M Bencic