Abstract: Wallboards, as well as other building materials, are produced by methods which use significantly reduced embodied energy, generating far less greenhouse gases when compared with the energy used to fabricate gypsum wallboard. A novel cementitious core, consisting in one embodiment of post-industrial waste such as slag and combined with pH modifiers, provides a controlled exothermic reaction to create a gypsum-wallboard-like core which can be wrapped in a selected material such as recycled paper and manufactured on a conveyor system to appear, weigh and handle similar to gypsum wallboard, but without the large amounts of energy required to make gypsum wallboard. The manufacturing process results in lower greenhouse gas emissions than the processes used to make gypsum wallboard.

Abstract: A material for use in building construction (partition, wall, ceiling, floor or door) that exhibits improved acoustical sound proofing and fracture characteristics optimized for efficient installation. The material comprises a laminated structure having as an integral part thereof one or more layers of viscoelastic material which also functions both as a glue and as an energy dissipating layer; and one or more constraining layers, such as gypsum or cement-based panel products modified for easy fracture. In one embodiment, standard paper-faced wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminated structure with the inner surface of said wallboard being bare with no paper or other material being placed thereon.

Abstract: A material for use in building construction (partition, wall, ceiling, floor or door) that exhibits improved acoustical sound proofing and fracture characteristics optimized for efficient installation. The material comprises a laminated structure having as an integral part thereof one or more layers of viscoelastic material which also functions both as a glue and as an energy dissipating layer; and one or more constraining layers, such as gypsum or cement-based panel products modified for easy fracture. In one embodiment, standard paper-faced wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminated structure with the inner surface of said wallboard being bare with no paper or other material being placed thereon.

Abstract: An improved acoustical damping wall (ceiling or floor) or door material comprises a laminar structure having as an integral part thereof one or more layers of viscoelastic material which also functions as a glue and one or more constraining layers, such as metal, ceramics, composites, cellulose, wood, or petroleum-based products such as plastic, vinyl, plastic or rubber.

Abstract: Wallboards, as well as other building materials, are produced by methods which use significantly reduced embodied energy, generating far less greenhouse gases when compared with the energy used to fabricate gypsum wallboard. A novel cementitious core, consisting in one embodiment of post-industrial waste such as slag and combined with pH modifiers, provides a controlled exothermic reaction to create a gypsum-wallboard-like core which can be wrapped in a selected material such as recycled paper and manufactured on a conveyor system to appear, weigh and handle similar to gypsum wallboard, but without the large amounts of energy required to make gypsum wallboard. The manufacturing process results in lower greenhouse gas emissions than the processes used to make gypsum wallboard.

Abstract: Panels for use in building construction (partitions, walls, ceilings, floors or doors) which exhibit improved acoustical sound proofing in multiple specific frequency ranges and also present improved structural integrity, are provided. The improved performance is achieved through the use of one or more layers of glue such that at least one layer of glue includes a viscoelastic material in a first pattern and a structural adhesive in a second, non-overlapping pattern. The viscoelastic material may have a varied shear moduli and functions as a glue and energy dissipating layer. In some embodiments, one or more constraining layers separating one layer of glue may be included. The constraining layer may be formed of a material such as gypsum, cement, metal, cellulose, wood, or petroleum-based products such as vinyl, plastic, or rubber. In some embodiments, standard wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminated panel.

Abstract: An insulating spacer for creating a thermally insulating bridge between spaced apart panes of a multiple pane window unit comprises in one embodiment, a solid fiber-stabilized aerogel insulation material, hardened with a desiccant-impregnated hot melt adhesive. The spacer defines a thermally insulated space between the panes. Several embodiments of the insulating spacer of the present invention are disclosed. Insulated glass units using the disclosed insulating spacers and windows employing these insulated glass units have significantly better thermal performance than prior art insulated glass units and windows.

Abstract: A material for use in building construction (partition, wall, ceiling, floor or door) that exhibits improved acoustical sound proofing and fire resistance. The material comprises a laminated structure having as an integral part thereof one or more layers of intumescent viscoelastic material which also functions as a glue, energy dissipating layer, and a fire resistive layer; and one or more constraining layers, such as gypsum, cement, metal, cellulose, wood, or petroleum-based products such as plastic, vinyl, plastic or rubber. In one embodiment, standard wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminated structure.

Abstract: Wallboards, as well as other building materials, are produced by methods which use significantly reduced embodied energy, generating far less greenhouse gases when compared with the energy used to fabricate gypsum wallboard. A novel cementitious core, consisting in one embodiment of post-industrial waste such as slag and combined with pH modifiers, provides a controlled exothermic reaction to create a gypsum-wallboard-like core which can be wrapped in a selected material such as recycled paper and manufactured on a conveyor system to appear, weigh and handle similar to gypsum wallboard, but without the large amounts of energy required to make gypsum wallboard. The manufacturing process results in lower greenhouse gas emissions than the processes used to make gypsum wallboard.

Abstract: A laminated panel is provided including a first layer of material having external and internal surfaces; a second layer of material having external and internal surfaces; a layer of viscoelastic glue in contact with the internal surface of said first layer of material and with the internal surface of said second layer of material; said glue including an acrylic polymer in a concentration between 10% and 60% by weight, or a tackifier in a concentration between 1% and 70%; or a plasticizing compound in a concentration between 0% and 15%; or a material with Tg greater than 0° C. in a concentration between 0% and 30%. A soundproof assembly is also provided including a first and second panel; at least one spacer between the panels, and a gap between the panels, wherein at least one of the panels comprises a laminated panel as provided above.

Abstract: An improved acoustical damping wall (ceiling or floor) or door material comprises a laminar structure having as an integral part thereof one or more layers of viscoelastic material which also functions as a glue and one or more constraining layers, such as metal, cellulose, wood, or petroleum-based products such as plastic, vinyl, plastic or rubber. In one embodiment, standard wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminar structure; and one or more constraining layers are fabricated between the gypsum exterior. The resulting structure improves the attenuation of sound transmitted through the structure.

Abstract: A window having electrically controllable transmission and reflection includes a layer of liquid crystal material and polarizers on either side thereof. Different combinations of absorptive and reflective polarizers are disclosed. These different combinations can be used in different applications to achieve the desired results. Transparent, conductive layers are provided to apply an electrical field to the liquid crystal material so as to selectively control the rotation of the polarization of light passing therethrough.

Abstract: An improved radio frequency wave attenuating wall (ceiling or floor) or door material comprises a laminated structure having as an integral part thereof one or more layers of a viscoelastic material which also functions as a glue and one or more electrically conducting layers. An electrically conducting material such as tape or a formed metal channel provides an electrical connection between the electrically conducting material and an exposed outer surface of the laminated structure. In one embodiment the electrically conducting material is paint. In one embodiment, standard wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminated structure and one or more conductive layers are constructed between the gypsum exterior. In one embodiment, the conducting layer material is selected to provide physical security in addition to radio frequency wave attenuation. The construction is such that acoustical attenuation is also achieved.