Abstract: Composite face panels for use with structural insulated panels (SIP) are provided to form a suitable replacement for structural insulated panels that employ oriented strand board or plywood. The structural insulated panel has a sandwich structure with a generally planar, insulating core. A composite face panel is disposed on each of the opposed surfaces of the insulating core. The insulating core composition includes an insulating material that is formed of an expanded polystyrene or a rigid polyurethane foam. Each composite face panel includes a core and face sheets on each surface of the core. The core composition includes mixture of a resin binder and a fire retardant. The resin binder can be formed of a methacrylate modified urethane, and the fire retardant can be formed of alumina trihydrate.

Abstract: A thermal management system includes a base element and a heat producing element disposed for heat transfer from the heat producing element to the base element. An adherent zone includes an adherent element in physical attachment between the heat producing element and the base element. A heat transfer zone, separate from the adherent zone, includes a heat pipe between the heat producing element and the base element. The heat pipe includes a circulatory flow path between an evaporator section and a condenser section, and a working fluid on the circulatory flow path.

Abstract: A device for transmitting a load from an object to a load-bearing element is provided. The device includes an attachment mechanism for attaching to a load-bearing element, such as a vertical stanchion. A loading mechanism includes a pressure block and a mechanism interconnecting the pressure block and the attachment mechanism. The loading mechanism can apply a preload to an object and transmit a force from the object to the load-bearing element.