Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide an insulated structural panel including a superinsulating, desiccant-filled, vacuum-sealed insulating panel sandwiched between a pair of composite panels. The composite panels are configured to impart structural strength to the panel without introducing heat transfer pathways through the vacuum-sealed insulating panel. The desiccant material disposed within the vacuum-sealed insulating panel is capable of absorbing moisture within the vacuum established within the vacuum-sealed insulating panel and thereby reducing the degradation of the vacuum-sealed panel's insulating capacity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated composite floor unit and front wall assembly that can be used in a variety of structures. The integrated composite floor unit and front wall assembly is formed of a floor unit having a front portion and a front wall integrally formed with and rising up from the front portion of the floor unit. The assembly can include other structural features and may be easily combined with a number of further structural components to form a structure. In specific embodiments, the assembly forms part of a modular trailer. In particular, the trailer can be formed of the composite assembly, a composite roof, composite side walls, and a composite rear frame. Such composite trailers advantageously provide a storage volume approximately equal to or greater than conventional trailers but are lighter in weight, thus allowing for storage and/or hauling of a greater weight of cargo than in conventional trailers.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a blast-resistant reinforcement assembly and/or system for engaging a surface of an existing structure to protect the structure from an applied force, such as an explosive detonation. The assembly includes one or more energy absorbing panels that may be attached to the structure. The energy absorbing panels include a core material configured to absorb some portion of the applied force by pulverizing in response to the applied force. In some embodiments, the energy absorbing panels also include one or more ballistic-resistant composite panels configured to protect the core material and the underlying existing structure from debris. Some embodiments further provide one or more energy deflecting panels engaged with the plurality of energy absorbing panels so as to be disposed between the energy absorbing panels and the location of the applied force for at least partially deflecting the applied force.

Abstract: A foam insulating liner includes a liner frame comprising a first side, a second side and a perimeter disposed about an injected foam insulating core. The method of its manufacture includes the steps of placing a first side of an insulating liner frame in a first half of a mold; placing a second side of said insulating liner frame in a second half of said mold; sealing together said first half and said second half of said mold; disposing a quantity of foam material between said first side and said second side of said insulating liner frame within said sealed mold; and removing a foam insulating liner from said mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulated cargo container that may have, in combination, an interior panel covering a layer of thermal insulation that has an air-impermeable layer thereon. The thermal insulation is attached to the exterior panel of the container, which may have structural supports on its interior surface. In one embodiment, the insulated cargo container is an insulated railroad boxcar.

Abstract: A panel apparatus comprises a tongue-in-groove connection connecting first and second panels. A support secured to one of the panels underlies the tongue-in-groove connection for support thereof when a load is applied.

Abstract: An open-top rail car cover is defined by a frame having dimensions sufficient to fit an open-top freight car designed in accordance with the Association of American Railroads, a roof and a pair of end walls. A latch disposed about a side of the frame includes a first flange and a second flange that combine to define a means for receiving an engagement member of a rail car. Both the first and second flanges include a at least one first aperture and at least one second aperture designed to receive a means for securing the car cover to the rail car. The first and second apertures have dimensions sufficient to permit movement of the first and second flanges about the means for receiving.

Abstract: A method of insulating an existing cargo container, such as a boxcar. The method allows for the application of improved insulation materials to improve the R-Value of an existing boxcar without building a new boxcar. In one implementation, the method includes preparing multiple insulating panels comprising an insulating layer and an outer skin located on at least one face of the insulating layer and attaching the insulating panels on an exterior surface of the side walls, end walls, and roof of the boxcar. The method also includes installing closures on uncovered areas of the boxcar and applying foam insulation to the bottom surface of the boxcar.

Abstract: The invention provides a structural panel with an integrated bulkhead structure for promoting airflow within a refrigerated container, such as a refrigerated trailer. More specifically, the invention provides a front wall portion for a refrigerated container defining an aperture through which a refrigeration device may extend to the interior of the container. The front wall portion includes a bulkhead structure integrally formed with the front wall via a connecting structure defining one or more air ducts for promoting air flow from a floor of the container and up through an inlet of the refrigeration device. The invention also provides a front wall structure that minimizes hot spots in the container front wall by integrally-forming the front wall, connection structure, and bulkhead structure in a single structural component so as to minimize the use of fastener devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a cargo bed structure comprising a sub-floor assembly comprising a plurality of cross members in spaced relation and a cargo bed defined by a longitudinally extending load-bearing deck overlying the sub-floor assembly and comprising a plurality of interlocking fiber reinforced polymer decking planks extending in a direction perpendicular to the cross members; an upwardly extending bulkhead assembly comprising at least one fiber reinforced polymer panel; a tailboard opposing the bulkhead and spaced apart therefrom; and two opposing upwardly-extending sidewalls, wherein each of the sidewalls and the tailboard comprise at least one fiber reinforced polymer panel pivotally mounted to the load-bearing deck.

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: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a blast-resistant reinforcement assembly and/or system for engaging a surface of an existing structure to protect the structure from an applied force, such as an explosive detonation. The assembly includes one or more energy absorbing panels that may be attached to the structure. The energy absorbing panels include a core material configured to absorb some portion of the applied force by pulverizing in response to the applied force. In some embodiments, the energy absorbing panels also include one or more ballistic-resistant composite panels configured to protect the core material and the underlying existing structure from debris. Some embodiments further provide one or more energy deflecting panels engaged with the plurality of energy absorbing panels so as to be disposed between the energy absorbing panels and the location of the applied force for at least partially deflecting the applied force.

Abstract: The invention provides a submicron magnesium hydroxide particulate composition comprising a first distribution of magnesium hydroxide particles having a D50 of no more than about 0.30 ?m, a D90 of no more than about 1.5 ?m, and a BET surface area of at least about 35 m2/g, which can be used as a flame-retardant additive for synthetic polymers, optionally in combination with other flame-retardant additives such as nanoclays and larger-sized magnesium hydroxide particulate compositions. Polymeric resins comprising the submicron magnesium hydroxide particles and methods of manufacturing submicron magnesium hydroxide particles are also provided.

Abstract: A king pin assembly for securing a trailer to a fifth wheel comprises a king pin and a king pin mount. The king pin is adapted to be secured to the fifth wheel. The king pin mount is secured to the king pin and adapted to mount the king pin to the trailer. The king pin mount comprises at least one component comprising a fiber-reinforced composite material.

Abstract: A method to insulate an existing door for an existing cargo container, such as a boxcar. In one implementation, the method includes attaching a liner to at least one surface of the door, incorporating an insulating layer, and attaching a gasket to the liner. A door retrofit by this method will have improved thermal efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulated cargo container with an insulated floor. The insulated floor includes insulating members and insulation layers in order to remove thermal shorts and increase the thermal efficiency of the cargo container.

Abstract: A combination structural/thermal mat for use in environments subject to extreme low temperatures for at least a portion of a year comprises multiple portions including a structural portion, an insulation portion positioned vertically below the structural portion, and an energy-absorption portion positioned vertically below the insulation portion. The energy-absorption portion comprises a material that changes phase at a temperature below 0° C.

Abstract: A panel system connector may be used to connect a system of panels to be used as a structure, such as a temporary roadbed, for example. The panel system connector may include a latch movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch may be biased to the locked position. The connector may include multiple portions with a first portion including the latch and a second portion including a receiver configured to receive the latch in the locked position to secure multiple panels together.

Abstract: Slats and a supporting structure for a reciprocating floor located on a surface of a base are provided. The slats may be constructed of ultra high molecular weight materials. The slats may be configured to be retained on the surface of the base.

Abstract: A composite panel comprises composite first and second sheets, a core sandwiched between the first and second sheets, a plurality of fiber insertions extending from the first sheet through the core to the second sheet, and a utility space defined in the core between a number of the fiber insertions. A method of making the composite panel is disclosed.