Abstract: A process and apparatus for creating an acoustically absorbent porous panel comprises the steps of dispensing cement and fibers with a dry mixer to create a dry mix and aqueous mixing water, surfactant and air with an aqueous mixer to create a foam. The process and apparatus provides for combining and mixing the foam and dry mix in a combining mixer to form a foamed cementitious material comprising on a wet basis about 53% to about 68% by weight cement, about 17% to about 48% by weight water, about 0.05% to about 5% by weight fibers, and about 0.01% to about 10% by weight surfactant. The foamed cementitious material is then dried or cured in a drying chamber. The dried foamed cementitious material may then textured with an embossing roller. The cementitious material provides good acoustical performance with enhanced durability and moisture resistance.

Abstract: An acoustical panel formed from a fibrous, open-celled material comprised of up to about 50% by weight fibers, between about 3% and about 10% by weight binder, between about 20% and about 75% by weight filler and about 0.01% to about 2.0% by weight surfactant. Additionally, voids are formed within the panel having an average distribution size diameter of about 50 &mgr;m to about 250 &mgr;m. The acoustic panel achieves very high sound absorption properties without the need for additional surface perforations, while maintaining a very high surface hardness.

Abstract: Miniature hollow beams for easy installation onto a conventional inverted T-bar subceiling framework are disclosed. The beams comprise two flat portions adapted to fit snugly against the T-bar rail, the beams having two hooked arms that snap over the edges of the rail and inwardly sloping, downwardly extending sidewalls that provide a decorative V-shaped or U-shaped appearance when sighted from below.

Abstract: Miniature beams for easy installation onto a conventional inverted T-bar subceiling framework are disclosed. The beams are composed of 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 a plurality of elements extending from the web that provides a decorative pattern when sighted from below.

Abstract: A locking connection fastens two oppositely positioned cross runners perpendicular to another runner. Compressible tabs on the cross runners are inserted in slots of the other runner to fasten the three runners together. The tabs at one connection are positioned one above the other and the tab on one cross runner projects into a cutout of the opposite cross runner. Two cutouts on the opposite sides of each tab lock the runners together.

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: 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: A fabric covered board structure made with a base of a mineral fiber material having a corrugated face surface. A discontinuous coating of high tack adhesive on the corrugated face surface and a flexible textile or vinyl sheet adhered to the face surface by the adhesive.