Abstract: A method and an apparatus facilitate the processing of a core structure for a composite sandwich structure. The core has an open three-dimensional structure and is not self-supporting due to an insufficient strength or stiffness. The method involves temporarily providing a support arrangement on the core structure to mechanically support and stabilize it, then subjecting the supported core structure to the desired processing, and then separating and removing the core structure and the support arrangement from one another. The processing can involve immersion into a processing liquid such as a curable resin, or mechanical machining operations. The support arrangement preferably includes a core impression that is surfacially form-fitting on a structured surface of the core structure. The apparatus includes a support arrangement including a core impression to be disposed on a surface of the core structure. The core impression may be formed of a polymer, a metal, or a casting material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel load-bearing space lattice structure, lightweight construction elements comprising such structure, and a process for the preparation of such lightweight construction elements. The structure is characterized by comprising faces or edges of truncated octahedrons in a space-filling arrangement. Such structures have an optimum ratio of surface area to volume and can therefore be realized with a minimum expense of material. Lightweight construction elements containing such structures, e.g., as a sandwich core, are superior to conventional elements with honeycomb cores in terms of strength properties. For the preparation of such structures, it is proposed to assemble them from molded parts represented by the faces of truncated octahedrons cut in half and arranged in a space-filling manner.

Abstract: A self supporting panel system used to fabricate ceilings, floors, walls, or roofs. The panel system is assembled from a plurality of panels, each having a core that is sandwiched between opposing plate members. In a preferred embodiment, the core of each panel includes a unifying material to enhance the load bearing capacity of the panel.

Abstract: An extruded hollow aluminum alloy panel includes a panel body and a guide rail that are integrally formed by extrusion so as to extend in an extrusion direction. The panel body has a plurality of closed spaces defined between plates by ribs in a cross section perpendicular to the extrusion direction. The guide rail has an open space in the cross section.

Abstract: Producing a composite structure involves providing a core structure having a folded configuration with fold valleys forming open channels extending along the valleys, and then forming a local reinforcement zone in the core structure itself, before applying any cover layer onto the core structure. The method may further involve applying two cover layers on two opposite sides of the core structure to form a composite sandwich structure, after the local reinforcement zone has been formed in the core structure. A core structure preferably has a local reinforcement zone formed by two molded bodies, e.g. of cured synthetic resin or foam, arranged form-fittingly on the opposite sides of the core.

Abstract: The invention provides a translucent glazing panel comprising: (a) a thermoplastic panel comprising (i) an outer wall having an inner surface defining an internal channel, the internal channel having an internal volume, and (ii) at least one inner wall protruding from the inner surface into the internal channel, and (b) hydrophobic aerogel particles, the hydrophobic aerogel particles being disposed within the channel. The invention also provides an insulated glazing system comprising: (a) a first U-shaped element, (b) a second U-shaped element, the first and second elements being disposed to define a cavity therebetween, and (c) an insulating panel disposed within the cavity. The insulated glazing system can further comprise hydrophobic aerogel particles disposed within the internal channel of the insulating panel. The insulating panel of the glazing system also can be the same as the translucent glazing panel described herein.

Abstract: A hollow panel includes a panel body and a guide rail member joined thereto. The panel body is formed in a structure such that two plate-like members are joined by many ribs. The panel body includes an open space portion and a closed space portion. The open space portion is formed so as to extend in the extrusion direction of the panel body and is formed as an open space in a cross-section perpendicular to the extrusion direction. The closed space portion has a shape such that a plurality of closed spaces are defined by the ribs between the plate-like members in a cross-section perpendicular to the extrusion direction. The guide rail member is press-fitted into the open space portion.

Abstract: Aircraft floor panels where core-skin bonding is improved between honeycomb and composite face sheets (skins) by applying a nylon-based (polyamide) adhesive to the edge of the honeycomb prior to bonding. Edge coating of the honeycomb allows one to reduce panel weight without reducing the performance parameters that are required for different types of aircraft floor panels.

Abstract: A blast reducing structure having a first web and a second web. Each of the webs having a first section defining a first plane, a second section defining a second plane, the second plane being generally parallel to the first plane, an interconnecting section interconnecting the first section to the second section. The first web is disposed in mirrored relationship to the second web to define a volume. An energy absorbing liquid is disposed in the volume, such that the first section, the second section, and the interconnecting section cooperate to collapse in response to an impact pulse, thereby dissipating force associated with the impact pulse. Alternate volumes may be air-filled so as to accept the expelled liquid.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing structure component has two cover layers and an intermediate layer that is arranged between them. The intermediate layer extends in an alternating form between the cover layers, with the material of the intermediate layer being selected such that it has a higher capacity elongation prior to breaking than that of the outer cover layer. The energy of an impact can thus be absorbed as the intermediate layer is stretched into a bag shape and the inner cover layer breaks off progressively.

Abstract: A shelter comprises a roof, a floor, and a plurality of side walls secured to the floor and the roof. At least one of the floor, the roof, and the plurality of side walls comprises an exterior panel, an interior panel, and an attachment device secured to the exterior panel and the interior panel for relative movement of the exterior panel and the interior panel between collapsed and expanded positions. An associated method of assembling the shelter is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34. The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32. At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building element for erecting internal walls, outer walls and or ceilings or roofs, preferably flat or slightly slanted roofs of a building, consisting of an insulating layer forming an insulating core made of mineral fibers bound by a binding agent, especially rock wool fibers and/or glass wool fibers bound with a synthetic resin, and at least one preferably metal covering layer which is disposed on a large surface of the insulating layer. An adhesive layer is placed between the covering layer and the insulating layer and used to glue the covering layer to the insulating layer.

Abstract: A drill assembly, for example for drilling or coring concrete, has a drill column formed from a composite material. A track for a wall saw or for supporting other structures for movement along the track is formed from a composite material. A composite column, rail or other longitudinally extending composite structure having a hollow interior portion includes an internal support structure.

Abstract: A sound attenuation panel includes a resistive layer with a reinforced structural component, comprising at least a honeycomb structure (1) flanked, on one side, with a resistive layer (2) consisting of at least a porous layer (2b) and of at least a perforated structural layer (2a), and, on the other side, with a layer forming a total reflector (3). The structural layer (2a) is perforated with non-circular holes (4) having each its largest dimension and its smallest dimension along respectively two perpendicular axes. The panel is particularly applicable to pods for aeroplane jet engines.

Abstract: A lightweight multilayer heat reflective concrete cure blanket having a moisture-impervious top outer layer, a moisture-impervious bottom outer layer, and the top and bottom layers sealingly connected to each other at the boundaries of the layers to form a moisture-impervious chamber between the first and second layers. The chamber includes at least one bubble type insulative layer therein, and the bottom surface of the blanket comprises a heat reflective material to reflect heat emanating from the concrete when the blanket is placed over the concrete. In a further embodiment, heat reflective material is applied to at least one inner bubble type layer to reflect additional heat which radiates from the concrete through the insulative layer and back towards the concrete.

Abstract: A door and frame combination for an air handling unit consists of a frame, a hinged door with a hollow core filled with insulating material, and a gasket having a flexible gasket wall with anti-roll extensions. The gasket may have a friction-reducing material on its surface to assist in preventing roll-over by the closing door. Optional thermal pockets in the door and frame are filled with high-density polyurethane to provide further protection against air leakage.

Abstract: A wall element, comprising two outer layers extending at least substantially parallel to each other, between which two or more intermediate layers are provided, characterized in that said intermediate layers extends between the outer layers in a zigzag fashion, wherein the intermediate layers are arranged in a nested fashion.

Abstract: A highly protective firewall (13) supported between upstanding columns or beams (15). The firewall is made of an inorganic cementitious material which is preferably inorganic phosphate cement. In one form, the firewall comprises a group of vertically stacked panels (14) made of such material, and the panels are in turn formed by a plurality of elongated and vertically stacked hollow members (21) of the same material.

Abstract: A sound-proof wall made of FRP in the form of a sound-proof wall panel that includes a core and skin members made of FRP positioned on both sides of the core and whose weight per nit area is within the range of 10-60 kg/m2; and a method of producing the same. This sound-proof wall, though light in weight, has a superior sound insulation property and will never corrode because it is made of FRP. Further, it has a high degree of freedom of engineering design including sound-proof property, design, and shape, capable of producing a desired sound-proof wall with case. Further, since it has a high specific strength, it is possible to attain a drastic weight reduction while retaining the necessary strength, and facilitate working, shorten construction time, and reduce construction cost.

Abstract: An insulator is provided having a folded, stacked substrate with a plurality of insulating cells. The substrate is folded such that cells on one folded portion are interleaved with cells on another portion.

Abstract: A stress-optimized structural support which may be utilized as a beam or assembled with similar supports to form a building floor or roof panel or a bridge deck utilizes an open core element, made preferably of suitably treated fluted paper, upper and lower thin skin sheets, preferably steel skins, and a layer of concrete poured over the top skin. Modules comprising the hollow core element and the upper and lower skin sheets are fabricated to lengths required for building floor, roof or bridge spans and, when joined by welding or otherwise joining the upper and lower skin sheets of adjacent elements along their full lengths, provide a floor or roof deck structure of a large span with horizontal stresses distributed omnidirectionally. A post-stressing tensile system redistributes and reduces the load on the roof deck by about one-half.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing cellular laminate structural panels includes one or more supply stations of a flexible strip material including folding rollers for sequentially folding the strip material into cellular structures and feeding the cellular structures into a conveyor where the cellular structures are held in compression. The apparatus further includes a laminating station where the folded cellular structures are laminated to an upper and/or lower sheet material to which lines of a bonding medium have been applied prior to engagement with the cellular structures. The folded cellular structures are heated before engaging the sheet material so as to enhance the bonding of the sheet material to the cellular structures and subsequent to bonding, the laminate is passed through a cooling station to set the bonding medium.

Abstract: A composite structure, and method of manufacturing it, having a specified width, length, and height defining a top and bottom the composite structure. The composite structure includes a three dimensional structural core constructed of a polymer with a first series of a geometric pattern repeated along its length. The structural core also has a second series of the geometric pattern repeated along the width thereof. The geometric patter may be a sinusoidal curve or a substantially pyramidal shape. The composite structure also includes a first reinforcement layer made of a polymer positioned above the structural core and bonded thereto. It also includes a second reinforcement layer made of a polymer that is positioned below the structural core and bonded thereto. The composite structure may also include a decorative layer above the first reinforcement layer, an acoustical batting layer positioned between the first reinforcement layer and the structural core, and may include fire retardant chemicals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite structural members comprising polymers, natural and synthetic fibers, and nano-scale platelets arranged in two- or three-dimensional cellular skeletal structure; more particularly referring to a low-cost natural-fiber based structural member with material hybridization and material layout for improved behavior that leads to efficient structural beam and plate/panel components that can be used in a plurality of modular structures, resulting in lower cost and reduced environmental impact.

Abstract: A self supporting panel system used to fabricate ceilings, floors, walls, or roofs. The panel system is assembled from a plurality of panels, each having a core that is sandwiched between opposing plate members. In a preferred embodiment, the core of each panel includes a unifying material to enhance the load bearing capacity of the panel.

Abstract: Internally stiffened composite panels and associated manufacturing methods. In one embodiment, an internally stiffened composite panel includes a first face sheet, a second face sheet offset from the first face sheet, and at least one core portion sandwiched between the first and second face sheets. In one aspect of this embodiment, the composite panel further includes a stiffener disposed between the first and second face sheets adjacent to the core portion. The stiffener can have a first attachment portion attached to the first face sheet, a second attachment portion attached to the second face sheet, and an intermediate portion extending between the first and second attachment portions. In another aspect of this embodiment, one or both of the first and second attachment portions is configured to engage a fastener, such as a blind fastener, for attaching a part to the composite panel.

Abstract: This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34. The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32. At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.

Abstract: A collapsible cellular insulation panel for use with mobile shelters is provided. The panel comprises first and second outer sheets with a plurality of intermediate thin flexible membranes. The membranes are secured along first and second edges to inner surfaces of the outer sheets. The membranes are attached to adjacent membranes along strips that are parallel to and intermediate the first and second membrane edges. The interconnected membranes form cells that trap insulating air and break up convective currents between the outer sheets. Supported from underneath on a horizontal surface, the membranes lay substantially flat, such that a thickness of the panel substantially equals the sum of the thicknesses of the membranes and outer sheets. The panel is thus well adapted for use with mobile shelters, because it occupies little volume in the collapsed state.

Abstract: The fundamental technique of the method for making cellular cores is to make stacks of components which are configured such that cutting slices off the stacks produces cellular cores and, when needed, components used in stacks used to produce cellular cores. One of the basic components used in the stacks is termed a ribbed ply which is a ply (thin sheet of material such as wood) with a number of ribs (long thin strips of material such as wood) attached to the ply, parallel to each other. The spaces between the ribs are filled with filler material such as foam plastic, and the cells in the cellular core are filled with the filler material. The filler material is introduced as layers of the material stacked alternately with plies and adhesively attached. Slices of such a stack, sliced parallel to the grain of the plies (if wood) are called ribbed fillers. Stacking ribbed fillers and plies produces a stack having a cross section which, when sliced, produces filled cell cellular cores.

Abstract: A skylight fall protection safety panel formed from a single sheet of metal having a predetermined surface area A1 and a plurality of apertures are punched out of at least one central perimeter surface area A3. A2 is as great as or greater than 0.60A1. The shape of the apertures can take many different forms but they would have a greatest width D1 that is less than 2.0 inches. The central perforated portion has a sufficient number of apertures of a sufficient size that 50 percent of A2 is open to pass light therethrough. The sheet metal safety panel would be secured under an existing fiberglass skylight panel. The sheet panel can also be corrugated to match translucent skylight panels that are corrugated. The sheet metal panel can also be inserted into a mold or cast with a top layer of resin material and a bottom layer of resin material and also having the central perforated portion apertures filled with resin.

Abstract: A panel for use in a drop ceiling system, or with appropriate modification, a wall, wherein the ceiling system includes stringers and cross-members defining areas therebetween for support of the panels wherein the panels include at least one planar sheet of material secured to a reinforcement member having channels formed therein to extend in at least one direction relative to the sheet material. When more than one sheet of material is used, the sheets of material are disposed on opposite sides of the reinforcement member. The panels are flexible for easy insertion into the openings between the stringers and cross-members of the support system and are readily compressed into a thinner profile for shipping purposes.

Abstract: A flexible shock absorbing component providing cushioning for surfaces, especially wall and floor surfaces, is described. The shock absorbing component includes two sheets of thermoplastic, each sheet with inwardly facing, opposing, resiliently compressible indentations extending into a cavity between the two sheets. The shock absorbing component also includes a layer of particulate matter applied to and adhered to the outer surface of one of the sheets, to provide wear and weather resistance. A moderator may also be attached to the outer surface of the sheet.

Abstract: The invention is intended to reduce heat accumulation in the heat insulator provided around the periphery of the living room of a house structure, thereby achieving simplification of a construction work, energy-saving, and rationalization in maintaining the living environment, and by covering the external face of the heat insulators (2) disposed around the periphery of partition sheet members surrounding the living room, such as the roof, ceiling, wall, and so forth, with the heat shielding members (1) provided with the heat reflection foil, so that radiant heat which will otherwise heat up the heat insulators (2) can be blocked, and heat accumulation in the heat insulators (2) can be reduced.

Abstract: A construction element 1 consists of multiple individual layers 2, 3, 4 whereas the medium layer 3 is in turn composed of a multitude of additional individual layers 23, 24, 25. The individual layers 2, 4, 23, 24, 25 are configured in such a way that they interlock and clamp into each other thereby producing or defining surfaces that allow the elements or individual layers 2, 4, 23, 24, 25 that are integrated in the construction of the construction element to evenly absorb the forces that are being applied. At the same time, not only pressure or lateral forces but also tensile and transverse forces can be absorbed so that altogether a construction element 1 with a low weight but high stability has been created. This construction element 1 can be shaped or deformed appropriately and can also be extended three-dimensionally so that an adaptation to the individual conditions in any plane or direction is possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rigid multilayer material for thermal insulation, in particular in a vacuum, the material comprising at least one insulating plate of honeycomb material sandwiched between two aluminum- or gold-coated skins of low emissivity. In order to optimize thermal insulation, the diameter of the cells is at least twice their height. The multilayer material may have as many layers as needed. The cells of adjacent layers may be offset in order to further minimize paths for heat conduction through the structure. Holes may be pierced in the side walls of the cells in order to allow them to empty out when the material is put into a vacuum. The invention also provides a method of making such a material.

Abstract: This invention relates to fibre reinforced plastic (“FPR”) roofing materials with a sandwich structure. A pair of sheets of FRP are arranged with a gap between them, and a rib structure which joins the sheets is interposed. Further, this invention relates to a method for producing FRP roofing material in which channels are provided in the core material and a reinforcing fibre impregnated with a resin is distributed through these channels. A preferred joint structure for the roofing material is to use butt joints and to provide a connecting layer extending across the surfaces of both ends of the sandwich structures. A layer containing a resin distribution medium is provided between the abutting end faces. This invention overcomes various problems of conventional joint structures, permitting the ends of the sandwich structures to be easily, firmly and cheaply joined together, ensuring high joint strength and rigidity, while achieving excellent appearance.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement for a hollow member comprising a rigid reinforcing member having a shape that substantially conforms to the cross section of the section of the hollow member to be reinforced with an expandable adhesive material over at least a portion of the surface of the rigid reinforcing member sufficient to bond the reinforcing member to at least two nonparallel internal surfaces of the structure.

Abstract: The fundamental technique of the method for making cellular cores is to make stacks of components which are configured such that cutting slices off the stacks produces cellular cores and, when needed, components used in stacks used to produce cellular cores. One of the basic components used in the stacks is termed a ribbed ply which is a ply (thin sheet of material such as wood) with a number of ribs (long thin strips of material such as wood) attached to the ply, parallel to each other. If the spaces between the ribs are filled with filler material such as foam plastic, the cells in the cellular core will be filled with the filler material. The filler material is introduced as layers of the material stacked alternately with plies and adhesively attached. Slices of such a stack, sliced parallel to the grain of the plies (if wood) are called ribbed fillers. Stacking ribbed fillers and plies produces a stack having a cross section which, when sliced, produces filled cell cellular cores.

Abstract: A panel structure for a transport machine is disclosed which is constituted by an integral combination of an outer panel and an inner panel. The inner panel has reinforcing protuberances and recesses, possessing a higher rigidity than the outer panel. The protuberances of the inner panel and a back side of the outer panel are bonded together through insulating layers present on the protuberances.

Abstract: A lumber substitute product formed by two elongated plastic members which are secured together and configured to have the external cross sectional shape of the product for which it is a substitute while providing an internal longitudinal channel adjacent each in which reinforcing member is mounted.

Abstract: A honeycomb acoustic unit is provided, the unit comprising first and second honeycomb layers, the layers being made of honeycomb core, each being formed by metallurgical bonds, and a deformable septum having two opposing sides, the first and second honeycomb layers being metallurgically bonded to the two opposing sides of the deformable septum.

Abstract: A fenestration sealed frame insulating glazing panel has an integral planar frame formed by four rigid plastic profiles interconnected end-to-end to define corners, the profiles having a low heat conductivity. Two glazing sheets are arranged in a spaced parallel relationship attached on opposite sides of the frame in a rigid manner by thermosetting adhesive to form an integral structure having an insulating cavity enclosed by the frame. The front face of each frame profile facing towards the cavity is covered by a low permeability sealant. The sealed frame glazing panel can include a third glazing sheet positioned in parallel between the first two glazing sheets and likewise interconnected at its perimeter to the frame to divide the insulating cavity into two parallel coextensive sub-cavities. The profiles of the frame can be made from structural plastic foam material, glass fiber, oriented thermoplastic, or various other materials of low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: An acoustic board with an improved composite structure (1), suitable for reducing the sound of aircraft engines, wherein an upper layer consists of a fabric (7) having a high sensitivity to sound velocity and a supporting sheet (4) having a certain porosity; the upper layer is combined, in turn, with an intermediate honeycomb layer (2) and with a lower layer (5) of the conventional type.

Abstract: An improved plastic blow-molded panel structure is shown and described that is lightweight and provides superior resistance to sagging, warping and creeping under high stress loads, especially when used in a horizontal position. The disclosed panel structure includes a combination of transverse or lateral beams extending from the second panel towards the first panel and, in certain embodiments, a plurality of transverse ribs disposed within the lateral beams. The disclosed shelving units may be fabricated from conventional blow-molding processes.

Abstract: A mass transit flooring assembly including a plurality of sandwich panels. The sandwich panels (30) include a top skin (54), a bottom skin (58), a perimeter defining closeout (46), and a core (50) between the top (54) and bottom skin (58) and within the closeout parameter (46). The closeout (46) includes mating surfaces used to connect adjacent panels. The core is a precured reinforced core including a plurality of phenolic ribs and foam strips positioned in an alternating fashion. The precured core is manufactured by impregnating a layer of fabric with phenolic resin between two foam cores and stacking in a similar alternating fashion to create a bun. After the bun is cured at a constant pressure and temperature and cooled, the bun is cut along a plane perpendicular to the plane of the layers to provide a precured reinforced core panel ready to be inserted as a core in a sandwich panel.

Abstract: An extrusion die has a distributing tool; a profiling nozzle; and at least three melt-flow ducts; a first melt-flow duct is routed around a second melt-flow duct or the distributing tool using a branch and is merged again downstream from the branch; and a third melt-flow duct opens into the second melt-flow duct. The extrusion die is suitable for extrusion of a hollow-chamber profiled panel of a thermoplastic plastic with a layered structure which comprises a top and bottom layer of a first plastic melt; and an intermediate layer of a second plastic melt disposed in an interior of a hollow chamber profile. The first plastic melt is allocated to the first melt-flow duct and to the second melt-flow duct and the second plastic melt is allocated to the third melt-flow duct. During the extrusion the second plastic melt is deposited onto the first plastic melt upstream from or in the region of the branch, and a distribution of the deposited second plastic melt is regulated using the distributing tool.

Abstract: A light construction panel having excellent outer appearance and high persistent against deformation is disclosed. The light construction panel is formed with an outer frame and a core, the frame and the core having the same material thickness, and also with an upper and a lower cover sheet which cover the frame and the core. The core consists of an inner part made from light construction material and an upper and lower sealing layer. Such a panel is distinguished by a particular rigidity. Moreover the transition between frame and core no longer shows on the surface of the panel.

Abstract: The prefab external-wall structure is provided to increase the resisting strength of the external-wall against the external destruction force under the condition that the original wall strength is not damaged. The external-wall structure mainly comprises a main frame, a honeycomb structural board and an outer decorative wall-portion, wherein the main frame has on the two ends thereof a first receiving recess and a second receiving recess for embedding respectively therein the honeycomb structural board and the outer decorative wall-portion, and they are firmly stuck with silicone adhesive material. The main frame between the first and the second receiving recesses is formed therearound cut grooves for the purpose of fixing the external-wall structure of the present invention onto the wall of a building using fixing members.

Abstract: The invention presents a composite profile for use in the production of windows, doors, facade elements or the like, having inner and outer metallic profiles spaced at a specific distance from each other by a plastic profile. The invention further proposes that the plastic profile contain a surface of a solid, non-porous first plastics material, in a core region, a fine-pored cellular structure of a second plastics material. Additionally, the plastic profile may either be a solid, multilayer profile or a hollow profile. Such plastics profiles are particularly adapted to absorb tensile, bending and/or pressure loads.