Abstract: A structural assembly (20) providing both a surface (21) and an insulating stratum associated with the surface. The assembly (20) can comprise structural members (23-24) and pods (30) associated with the structural members (23-24). The pods (30) contribute to structural integrity, thermal insulation, and/or sound attenuation. The pods or pod-like material can be used in or on horizontal or vertical cavities, in or on horizontal or vertical surfaces, and/or incorporated into a structural assembly or equipment housing.
Abstract: A structural assembly (20) providing both a surface (21) and an insulating stratum associated with the surface. The assembly (20) can comprise structural members (23-24) and pods (30) associated with the structural members (23-24). The pods (30) contribute to structural integrity, thermal insulation, and/or sound attenuation. The pods or pod-like material can be used in or on horizontal or vertical cavities, in or on horizontal or vertical surfaces, and/or incorporated into a structural assembly or equipment housing.
Abstract: A structural assembly (20) providing both a surface (21) and an insulating stratum associated with the surface. The assembly (20) can comprise structural members (23-24) and pods (30) associated with the structural members (23-24). The pods (30) contribute to structural integrity, thermal insulation, and/or sound attenuation. The pods or pod-like material can be used in or on horizontal or vertical cavities, in or on horizontal or vertical surfaces, and/or incorporated into a structural assembly or equipment housing.
Abstract: A lightweight pellet (10) is provided having an exterior shell (11) made of an already-expanded polymer material. Each pellet (10) has a specific gravity of about 0.01 to about 0.3 and has an average size of about 0.01 mm to about 6 mm. A plurality of the pellets (10) can be used to make free-flowing materials, liquid carrier compositions, solidified pods, coating layers, and/or masonry units.
Abstract: Fault-responsive indicator beads (10) are provided for integration into the system of a substrate such as a coating structure, a vehicle, a garment, or a package part. Each bead (10) comprises a shell (11) designed to fracture when the system encounters a fault condition. A core (12), within the shell (11), contains a material which is dormant when the shell (11) is intact and functional when the shell (11) is fractured.
Abstract: A plurality of pellets include at least one of a snythetic, biomass, mineral, or polymer based material. The pellets can have a specific gravity of about 0.01 to about 0.3 g/cm3 and are dimensionally stable, substantially dust-free, substantially non-hygroscopic, and resistant to settling and compression.