Abstract: The present invention provides a building material derived from straw, such as rice straw, that has significantly improved fire-resistance properties over traditional cellulose-based materials. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of fabricating a board from milled rice straw. The milled rice straw is blended with a binder to form a mixture. The mixture is then formed into a mat with sufficient size to achieve a predetermined board thickness and density. The mat is then pressed into the board. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a fire resistant board that includes milled rice straw, a resin binder, and a fire retardant material such as an organic phosphate, zinc borate, aluminum trihydrate, sodium silicate, or even rice hulls.

Abstract: The present invention provides a building material derived from straw, such as rice straw, that has significantly improved fire-resistance properties over traditional cellulose-based materials. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of fabricating a board from milled rice straw. The milled rice straw is blended with a binder to form a mixture. The mixture is then formed into a mat with sufficient size to achieve a predetermined board thickness and density. The mat is then pressed into the board. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a fire resistant board that includes milled rice straw, a resin binder, and a fire retardant material such as an organic phosphate, zinc borate, aluminum tribydrate, sodium silicate, or even rice hulls.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for cutting multiple sheets of fabric by a laser beam and removing the smoke and debris from the fabric. The multiple layers of fabric are disposed upon a honeycomb structure that is secured to a vacuum table connected to a vacuum source where the structure includes a plurality of vertically extended openings through which a laser beam is aimed and focused to cut a pattern in the multiple layers of fabric exclusing any impermeable sheets that cover the fabric above and below the fabric. By eliminating the impermeable sheets, the movement of the airstream is directed to flow towards the laser beam and take with it, the smoke and debris from the multiple layers of fabric. When the airstream is directed generally through the opening in the fabric, it assumes a path that moves substantially parallel to the laser beam.