Abstract: The present invention relates to ceiling grid runners and associated assembly details that utilize metal reinforcement of thermoplastic compounds in order to obtain the necessary stiffness required to meet load/deflection standards for suspended ceiling systems. The metal is strategically positioned at the areas of highest stress, the top and bottom of the runner cross-section in what is analogous to the bulb and flange of traditional all metal grid.

Abstract: The grid member is formed of sheet metal and has an inverted T-shape with a bulb at the top, a double thickness central web and oppositely disposed flanges at the bottom. To achieve controlled expansion, an extended angular lance is cut at the top of the bulb. No metal is removed at this area of maximum bending stress. Further, staggered cutouts are placed in the two thicknesses which make up the web. By staggering the cutout areas of adjacent web layers, the overall web strength is maintained. These web cutouts and the lance at the top of the bulb cooperate upon thermal expansion, causing the bottom flanges to buckle down, and the web and bulb to separate laterally and fold. The folded web configuration directed by the staggered cutout pattern will maintain longitudinal rigidity.

Abstract: A pipe cladding composition is described which is a phosphate ceramic permeating a non-woven fibrous network. The overall thickness of the sheet is between about 5 and about 20 mils. The phosphate ceramic permeates the fibrous network and extends beyond the fibrous network only up to a maximum thickness of about 3 mils across each side of the sheet. The sheets are prepared using wet reaction mixtures which produce phosphate ceramics. These reaction mixtures are mixed and pressed into the non-woven fibrous network which forms a wet sheet that is then cured to provide the cladding material.

Abstract: A novel product is disclosed comprising a single layer of thermoplastic chips having electrically conductive material coated on the vertical edges of the chips disposed on a continuous electrically conductive support, bonded thereto and to each other and consolidated to form a continuous, electrically conductive sheet.

Abstract: A novel composite board of mineral wool, perlite, and cellulosic newsprint fibers for use as an acoustical tile is disclosed. The board displays a high porosity, a fine pore structure, a low density gradient through its thickness and an acceptable strength. The board is manufactured by a process that includes a flotation step prior to the final formation step.

Abstract: A surface covering including a blend of a silane-grafted ethylene/vinyl acetate polymer and an ungrafted thermoplastic polymer retains the desirable balance between indentation, tensile strength and elongation of a fully grafted EVA while permitting the reprocessibility of scrap material. Preferably, the silane graft density is one graft per about 100 carbons to one graft per about 5,000 carbons. The preferred EVA has about 18% to about 28% vinyl acetate.

Abstract: Miniature beams for easy installation onto a conventional inverted T-bar subceiling framework are disclosed. The beams comprise a flat portion or web adapted to fit snugly against the T-bar rail, the web having two hooked arms that snap over the edges of the rail and at least one element extending from the web that has a decorative element at the end of its vertical extension.

Abstract: Improved durability and sharper chemical embossing images are obtained in a thick foamed thermoplastic floor structure by the use of an unfoamed inner layer. The floor covering is formed on a release paper and includes an unfoamed thermoplastic base coat, lower foamed thermoplastic layer, an unfoamed thermoplastic inner layer, an upper foamed thermoplastic layer and a clear coat. The enhanced chemical embossing is achieved by printing an inhibitor containing ink on the inner layer and below the upper foamed layer. Multilevel embossing is obtained by embossing both foamed thermoplastic layers or applying a growth-controlling agent to both surfaces of one foamable thermoplastic layer. The preferred embodiment includes a pearl platelet containing layer above the upper foamed layer to give the illusion of deeper embossing. The preferred embodiment also includes a wear coat of the reaction product of an aminoplast, a urethane and a polyol.

Abstract: The safety mechanism will act to provide a security device which will prevent a kerfed ceiling panel from falling to the floor if the panel is disengaged from the grid system due to improper installation, seismic event, or other reasons. The mechanism is designed to use a retractable hook structure which moves from an inactive position prior to installing the ceiling tile to an active position where the hooked mechanism will be able to engage the vertical web of the runner of the grid system to prevent a disengaged ceiling panel from falling out of the grid system to the floor of a room.

Abstract: A seam cleaning paste, cream or liquid is disclosed, which comprises a hydrocarbon solvent and a finely divided inorganic powder. Treatment of the area near the seams of various types of floor coverings, especially highly stain resistant and soil resistant floor coverings, does not significantly change the appearance of the floor nor its resistance to soiling or staining. Yet it results in much improved adhesion of certain seam coaters subsequently applied to bridge the seam and prevent dirt from lodging therein. These creams do not exaggerate bubble formation in subsequently applied seam coaters and in fact, preferred embodiments help prevent such bubbles from forming.

Abstract: A fibrous backing sheet for a surface covering includes a layer of fibrous material and at least one resinous binder coating. The resinous binder is highly filled having a filler to binder ratio of at least 2:1. The coating is hydrophilic and has at least some porosity. Preferably, the thickness of the coating is at least 1 to 2 mils and at least 5% of the backing sheet.

Abstract: The invention is a ceiling board with a factory cut aperture therein. The edges of the ceiling board and/or the edges of a design cut in the face of the board are of the same or compatible design to that of the edge(s) of the aperture.

Abstract: A wear resistant laminate having a polymer-impregnated glass fiber substrate and a textured surface, the texture resulting from relieving stress in pre-stressed chips and the wear resistance resulting from the substantially uniform covering over the chips and the recesses of the textured surface.

Abstract: Calcium aluminum magnesium phosphate ceramic hard tiles and processes for them are described. The tiles have a density in excess of about 110 pounds per cubic foot, a curl value less than about 20 mils and a flexural strength of at least about 2500 pounds per square inch. To prepare the hard tiles 100 parts (by wt.) of an aluminum phosphate-phosphoric acid solution is mixed with at least 5 parts magnesium oxide and 50-110 parts wollastonite. If the acid has more than 15% by weight water, then mica or vermiculite is added.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional image is obtained in a substantially flat surface covering by aligning the platelets of a platey material in the optical surface of the surface covering parallel to the exposed surface of the surface covering and realigning predetermined platelets to a predetermined angle with respect to the original alignment. The platelets can be realigned by pressing a gelled transparent or translucent element into the platey material containing layer or by mechanically embossing the platey material containing layer.

Abstract: Variegated color and optimally textured effects are produced on substantially non-wicking surfaces by applying gel particles of at least two different colors formed from at least two alginate compositions, each containing a different color from the other and each having been mixed with a second composition containing a gelling agent to produce the particles.

Abstract: A water reaction synthesis with polyoxyethylene diol, diisocyanate and dibutyltin bis lauryl mercaptide produces a high molecular weight thermoplastic polyurethane-urea linear polymer with surface resistivity 10.sup.11 -10.sup.6 ohm/sq. Thermoplastic and/or elastomeric antistatic compositions containing other melt processable polymers and/or filler, and the polymer exhibit permanent protection. Antistatic protection can be increased when the polymer complexes with a metal salt such as lithium chloride, or lithium acetate. The composition is useful in the manufacture of antistatic floor coverings and textile texturing and drafting elements such as cots and aprons.

Abstract: A seam cleaning paste, cream or liquid is disclosed, which comprises a hydrocarbon solvent and a finely divided inorganic powder. Treatment of the area near the seams of various types of floor coverings, especially highly stain resistant and soil resistant floor coverings, does not significantly change the appearance of the floor nor its resistance to soiling or staining. Yet it results in much improved adhesion of certain seam coaters subsequently applied to bridge the seam and prevent dirt from lodging therein. These creams do not exaggerate bubble formation in subsequently applied seam coaters and in fact, preferred embodiments help prevent such bubbles from forming.

Abstract: The present invention concerns loose-lay floor structures comprising at least two layers of reinforcing material and processes to design and produce them. Loose-lay floors may be designed which will be suitable for use over stable subfloors, or which will accommodate the movement of very unstable subfloors. Flooring constructed according to this invention will have the ability to resist buckling, curling and doming, and will resist moving under a rolling load. A process is also provided for modifying structures comprising a single reinforcing layer in situ so as to convert structures with unacceptable buckling characteristics into structures with acceptable buckling characteristics. As an alternative, the reinforcing layer may be premodified such that, when used to provide a surface covering, the covering will have acceptable buckling characteristics.