Abstract: The invention provides a composite armor plate for absorbing and dissipating kinetic energy from high velocity projectiles, the plate comprising a single internal layer of pellets which are directly bound and retained in plate form by a solidified material such that the pellets are bound in a plurality of adjacent rows, the pellets having a specific gravity of at least 2 and being made of a material selected from the group consisting of glass, sintered refractory material and ceramic material, the majority of the pellets each having at least one axis of at least 3 mm length and being bound by the solidified material in the single internal layer of adjacent rows such that each of a majority of the pellets is in direct contact with six adjacent pellets in the same layer to provide mutual lateral confinement therebetween, the pellets each having a substantially regular geometric form, wherein the solidified material and the plate are elastic, characterized in that a channel is provided in each of a plurality of

Abstract: A cell confinement structure for confinement of material having a plurality of elongated plastic strips in a side by side relationship bonded together in spaced-apart, limited areas where the plurality of strips are capable of being stretched in width to form a unitary web of cells. The strips forming walls of the cells with at least one of the cell walls having a plurality of apertures in which each diameter is between about 3 mm and 17 mm. Preferably, each of the cell walls has a plurality of apertures with the total area of the apertures in the cell walls being between 19% and 28% of cell wall area. The sell structure may include tendons passing through the walls of the cell.

Abstract: A catalyst body, which contains a number of passages through which a medium can flow in a preferred direction, is to be able to operate reliably with little cleaning outlay. It is also intended for cracking during the process of manufacturing the catalyst body to be particularly rare. For this purpose, each passage, disposed at right angles to the preferred direction, is approximately rectangular in cross section, as defined by a longitudinal side and a shorter transverse side. The number of passages per unit surface area lies in the range from 0.5 to 2.5 cm−2, and the longitudinal sides of a first group of the passages are disposed approximately at right angles to the longitudinal sides of a second group of the passages. The passages are in this case combined to form subgroups, the passages of each subgroup, in terms of their cross sections, forming an approximately square configuration, and each subgroup containing in each case passages from the same group.

Abstract: An insulation material and method for producing it. A basic material is built up of cells and a filler which is present in the cells. The filler is built up of separate fibers which are bonded together by means of a foam-like bonding agent. The filler is introduced into the open cells of the basic material. A mixture of separate fibers and a foam-like bonding agent is prepared and the mixture is introduced into the open cells by way of a nozzle.

Abstract: A space truss composite panel is excellent in structural mechanics and capable of being efficiently and economically produced. The space truss composite panel has a construction in which a sheet 1 provided with a series of slits 2 is formed into a space framework 3 through a press working. The space framework 3 is provided with a series of polygonal unit lattices in one of its opposite sides and a series of polygonal pyramids in the other of the opposite sides, wherein each of the polygonal unit lattices has an intersection of its adjacent sides 3a, 3a connected with a ridgeline portion 3b of each of the polygonal pyramids, and the space framework 3 has at least one of its opposite sides connected with a board-like member 4.

Abstract: A barrier for containing an explosion in a room or the like. The barrier is a structural panel comprising a base sheet, a plurality of truncated polyhedral elements secured to and projecting from the base sheet, and a face sheet covering and secured to the truncated apexes of the polyhedral elements. The face sheet is constructed to separate from the polyhedral elements to expose them in the event of an explosion. Each polyhedral element is constructed to collapse in the event of an explosion, is filled with a liquid, and has an opening therein that is closed by a closure device that is openable or removable in response to the collapse of the polyhedral element caused by an explosion. The openings in the polyhedral elements are of a size to effect a misting action of the liquid therein when it is ejected from the openings by the collapse of the polyhedral elements caused by the explosion. The liquid mist serves to absorb and dissipate the heat and energy of the explosion.

Abstract: The invention proposes a double-walled body with cover panels between which spacers are arranged. The double-walled body is distinguished in that the spacers are designed as cylinders, in particular tubes (6), of which the cylinder axes run orthogonally with respect to the cover-panel surfaces, in that one set of tubes (6) (first tubes (7)) is of a length which corresponds to the clear width between the cover panels (3, 5), and in that another set of tubes (6) (second tubes (9)) engages in, or through, apertures (13) in the cover panels (3, 5) by way of the end regions (11) in each case, and in that the interior of at least some of the second tubes (9) accommodates fastening means, in particular threaded bushes.

Abstract: A process for preparing silica gel is disclosed. The silica gel is produced by immersing a base in silica sol, drying the impregnated base in a mixed solution of an alkali silicate and an alkali hydroxide, removing the impregnated base form the mixed solution, heating the impregnated base, and subsequently treating the impregnated base with an acid. A sufficient amount of silica gel for use as a dehumidifying element can be produced through a single series of treatments.

Abstract: A thin flexible heat transfer device for transferring heat from a heat source to a heat sink which may be located a substantial distance apart from each other. The heat transfer device includes a thin sheet of a non-structural, high thermal conductivity core material consisting of pyrolytic graphite or highly ordered pyrolytic graphite of a thickness between 2 microns and 2 mm and a pair of flexible face sheets each of a metallic composition having a maximum thickness of less than 25 mils disposed upon opposing surfaces of said core material to form a sandwich construction in cross section with the sheet of core material having a width smaller than the width of said face sheets such that the face sheets overlap the width of said core material around the perimeter of the device for enclosing and sealing the core material there within.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a magnetic display panel capable of writing on both face and rear surfaces. A magnetic display panel, comprising a face substrate, a rear substrate, cell walls for forming a cell, for binding the face substrate and the rear substrate and for enclosing a dispersion liquid including a magnetic particle, wherein the cell walls having U-shaped cross sections are formed by bending and standing partially one or both of the face substrate and the rear substrate to almost 90 degrees, wherein a clearance of the U-shaped cross sections in each cell wall has an open angle of 0 to 20 degrees, wherein a base portion clearance of the U-shaped cross section is 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, and wherein a top portion clearance of the U-shaped cross section is 0 to 1.0 mm.

Abstract: A treated fabric for use in fabricating expandable and retractable window coverings, partitions and the like, particularly honeycomb panels. The treated fabric is a textile material having at least one portion thereof treated with a fabric treatment composition and at least one portion thereof left untreated. A method of making a treated fabric, treated expandable and retractable window coverings, partitions and the like made from the treated fabric, and methods of making treated expandable and retractable window coverings, partitions and the like are also described.

Abstract: A module especially intended for being laid on floors, and possibly also walls or ceilings, is provided. The module comprises a base plate of a cellular light weight material and a fire proof cover plate. The underside of the cover plate is permanently connected to a lateral surface of the base plate using an intermediate bonding material. The module includes two elements, the base plate and one cover plate that comprises a wooden material, such as a hardwood. The elements are assembled to form a flat unit in a plank or parquet patten. The plate is of a thickness between 2 and 6 millimeters and is impregnated with a fire retardant agent. The other lateral surface of the base plate is uncovered, with the reverse surface of the base plate being free.

Abstract: A ceramic honeycomb structural body comprises a plurality of open-ended cells defined by an outer peripheral wall and many cell walls, wherein cell walls constituting the irregular open-ended cells located near to the outer peripheral wall have a thickness thicker than those of the other remaining cell walls.

Abstract: A platform, breakwater, or endless track includes an array of molded cells nterconnected by a system of elongate flexible members, such as wire ropes or lines. The molded cells are cast in molds located at overlapping portions of the cables. The molds may be flexible nylon bags having openings for receiving the cables through them and a fill port to receive material. The molds may be retained on cast cells or removed and reused. A buoyant material, such as expanding self-hardening foam is pumped from foam mixing and pumping equipment into the molds to cast the cells for floating on water, although negatively buoyant cells could be cast for some applications. The cells may be cast on site or elsewhere and then transported to the work site. The cables either can be secured or free running in the molded cells.

Abstract: A method of forming a laminate for construction units and particularly laminates of fiber reinforced plastic, includes the step of locating a core between a pair of laminas, the core including a plurality of transverse openings such as a tesselated structure joined at intersections, permitting passage of an adhesive therethrough for joining the laminas. The core is of a lightweight very inexpensive material.

Abstract: The objectives of the invention is to obtain the complex cell structured material which has the advantages of toughness and of being light in weight. Also it is economical when utilized in the field of the general structural materials such as architecture, civil engineering, machinery structure field, automobiles, ships, cars, aircrafts, space crafts, space stations, submarines. The manufacturing of this invention also consists of simple procedures. A complex cell structure is comprised of a maintained spatial surface on which is the complex cell bodies are bonded. The complex cell bodies are distributed/bonded on the maintained spatial surface. The maintained spatial surface is rolled, annual ring shaped, whirlpooled, laminated, plate shaped or crossed. The liquid coagulant fills the empty space. The coagulant is coagulated to produce the complex cell structure. Also, the method to produce is as follows. Prepared complex cell bodies are composed of rigid sections and a light material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to composites and multi-composites of a prefabricated core of a cellulosic honey comb filled with a rigid polyurethane and layers of fiber saturated thermoset resins. More specifically, the present invention is directed to composites and multi-composites of a cellulosic honey comb filled with rigid polyurethane prefabricated core and a fiber reinforced material, either fibers or woven fibers selected from the group consisting of glass, polyester, carbon and aramid fibers as a mat or cloth saturated with a thermoset resin selected from the group consisting of catalyzed polyester, amine catalyzed epoxy, catalyzed vinyl ester and acid catalyzed furan resins.

Abstract: A ceramic composite is provided comprising ceramic fibers, glass microballoons and/or diatoms, bound together with a ceramic reinforcing cloth with a sol-gel ceramic binder. The composite is particularly useful as a high strength, high temperature insulation material.

Abstract: Ceramic structural body having improved material properties of a sealing member, such as adhesion properties at room temperature and high temperature, and having an improved durability. The ceramic structural body comprises an assembly of plural united ceramic members each having a plurality of through-holes arranged side by side along a longitudinal direction, in which end faces at either side of these through-holes are closed in a checkered pattern so as to have a reverse relation of open and close between gas inlet side and gas outlet side and adjacent through-holes are permeable to each other through porous partition walls. A plurality of the ceramic members are integrally adhered by interposing a sealing member of an elastic material comprising at least inorganic fibers, an inorganic binder, an organic binder and inorganic particles and mutually bonded three-dimensionally intersected organic fibers and inorganic particles through the inorganic binder and organic binder between the mutual ceramic members.

Abstract: A plurality of closed structural metal cells are joined into an aggregate arrangement to form a composite material. Each cell encapsulates a fluid or fluid-like filler therein to provide controllable strength and shock-absorbing characteristics to the material. The resulting closed cell metal composite finds many advantageous uses including use as a prosthetic device, a casting, or an automotive component. The component material is elastically compliant or stiff, depending on the design, as well as lightweight and crush resistant. The material provides desirable physical properties such as thermal and electrical conductivity and shock-absorbing characteristics.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a load-bearing structure with a novel interlocking edge. Also provided is a method of making a load-bearing structure having an overlapping edge, in which structural members are combined so that a stepped-down lip of one structural member covers a peripheral edge of another member. Also provided is a load-bearing structure having cellular structure and which is useful with or without an overlapping edge. In addition, there is provided a molding method for making cellular, load-bearing structures.

Abstract: An element made of a reinforced low density heat protective material including an elastomer and/or a silicon resin matrix loaded with organic and/or inorganic components, wherein the reinforcement is formed of glass or ceramic thread sections or the like or organic materials fitted in the mass of the matrix along directions approximately orthogonal to at least one of the faces of the element and being flush, at least at one of their extremities, with at least one of the faces. The method for obtaining this element, includes, after molding to the general dimensions and shapes of the element with the aid of a loaded silicon matrix, placing the thread sections by stitching.

Abstract: A thermally conductive structure for transferring heat energy transversely, relative to a heat source interconnected to the structure, is disclosed. The structure generally includes a plurality of non-metallic thermal plugs insertable into a corresponding plurality of cells of a honeycomb core. Each of the thermal plugs are primarily axially thermally conductive. The honeycomb core is sandwiched between first and second panels, the heat source being mounted on the first panel. As such, the structure with high through the thickness thermal conductivity (e.g., greater than 200 W/m .degree.K) and conductance primarily transversely transfers heat energy from the heat source to the second panel via the plurality of thermal plugs.

Abstract: An improved reinforced friction material is comprised of a cured friction material mixture of friction particles, filler particles, and binder particles, and has a embedded honeycomb core reinforcement whose individual cells are filled with and bonded at the cell walls to the cured friction material mixture by a novel manufacturing method.

Abstract: A ceramic honeycomb catalyst having an excellent thermal shock resistance in which a carrier is coated on a ceramic honeycomb structural body, has a mean thermal expansion coefficient in a range from 40.degree. to 800.degree. C. of smaller than 0.7.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree.C. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a ceramic honeycomb catalyst having excellent thermal shock resistance in which a mechanical strength of a ceramic honeycomb structural body to which a carrier such as .gamma.-alumina is coated is not decreased and the carrier is not peeled off from the ceramic honeycomb structural body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a load-bearing structure having interlockable peripheral edges. The peripheral edges provide at least one pair of upper and lower offsets. Each offset includes a plurality of spaced apart projections.

Abstract: An improved panel structure wherein at least one face of the panel is perforated with small holes and where it is desirable to minimize the number of holes that get filled in with adhesive. For example, an improved noise reducing acoustic panel (30) (FIG. 3) constructed of a nonperforated inner skin (14), a perforated outer skin (16) having small holes (18), two sections (12, 12a) of honeycomb core material which are bonded or spliced together by a partially or fully encapsulated foaming adhesive (32e) which has been foamed and expanded, thereby forcing a supported film adhesive (34c) against the walls (24, 24a) of the honeycomb cells in the area of the gap (22) whereby the supported film adhesive (34c) bonds to the walls (24, 24a) of the honeycomb cells in the area of the gap (22). The nonperforated inner skin (14) has been adhesively bonded by a film adhesive to the honeycomb core sections (12, 12a).

Abstract: A syntactic structural foam product in flat sheet form or curved three-dimensional form adaptable to such uses as a light weight structural core for composite laminates, is made of a mixture of hollow ceramic microspheres and dry resin powder, of either thermosetting or a high-temperature thermoplastic resin, distributed in the interstices of the mass of microspheres for integration of the mixture into desired form upon heating and cooling. The dry resin powder in another embodiment of the invention includes unexpanded expandable powder which will expand into microballoons in the confined spaces in which they reside and effect a bonding relation with surrounding particles upon supply of heat to the mixture. The foam product is produced by thoroughly intermixing and depositing the mixture as a layer over a surface having a release agent thereover within a dimension defined region.

Abstract: A ceramic composite is provided comprising ceramic fibers, glass microballoons and/or diatoms, bound together with a ceramic reinforcing cloth with a sol-gel ceramic binder. The composite is particularly useful as a high strength, high temperature insulation material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to composites and multi-composites of a prefabricated core of a cellulosic honey comb filled with a rigid polyurethane and layers of fiber saturated thermoset resins. More specifically, the present invention is directed to composites and multi-composites of a cellulosic honey comb filled with rigid polyurethane prefabricated core and a fiber reinforced material, either fibers or woven fibers selected from the group consisting of glass, polyester, carbon and aramid fibers as a mat or cloth saturated with a thermoset resin selected from the group consisting of catalyzed polyester, amine catalyzed epoxy, catalyzed vinyl ester and acid catalyzed furan resins.

Abstract: Sandwich construction building materials are produced using conventional facings of plywood, fiberboard, particle board, mineral board, wood, metal, plastic, etc. on both faces of the building material, the inner core therebetween being made from natural wood veneer, made from wood fibers or wood shavings combined with synthetic resin, bamboo, etc. bent into elongate strips of angular, corrugated or undulating configuration or rolled into hollow tubes. The strips or tubes may be cut transversely into strips of rings of equal height and assembled proximately of contiguously to form an inner core layer having an openwork pattern. Openwork spaces may be filled with insulation or strengthening materials, and core elements may be coated with resins or adhesives. The resulting building products may be modular and lightweight, strong and suitable for use as plywood, flooring, walls, beams, joists, trusses and posts.

Abstract: A noncombsutible material is produced by making paper from a slurry essentially consisting of a sepiolite as a main material, an inorganic fiber or a glass fiber as a reinforcer, a first binder composed of PAA (polyacrylamide) as a thermoplastic resin, and a second binder composed of EPA (polyamide-polyamine-epichlorohydrine) as a thermosetting resin. The noncombustible material is given incombustibility and water resistance by the main material of the sepiolite, so that its productivity is improved thereby enabling a paper making of low costs.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a blue-emitting SrS:Ce based electroluminescent device, which improves in brightness and blue color purity of the electroluminescent device, is disclosed. The blue-emitting luminescent layer of the device is formed as follows: a luminescent layer based on strontium sulfide (SrS) with cerium (Ce) doped at a concentration in a range of 0.01% by atomic or higher but less than 0.3% by atomic is deposited; and then heat treatment is applied thereto at a temperature in a range of 400.degree. C. or higher but 550.degree. C. or lower before forming any other layer thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilized fluid barrier member and to methods of forming the same. The fluid barrier comprises a first outer sheet member having a top surface and a bottom surface, with a stabilizer element overlying at least part of the first sheet member top surface and abutting the top surface along at least a portion thereof. The stabilizer element contains a plurality of interstitial apertures adapted to contain a quantity of a selectively fluid-impervient barrier material and for substantially preventing displacement of the barrier material from the apertures, notwithstanding the angular inclination at which the fluid barrier member is oriented during manufacture, transport, installation and/or use. The barrier material is chosen for its ability to prevent passage of one or more particular fluids, in liquid or gas form, depending upon the application for which the barrier member is intended.

Abstract: A ceramic honeycomb structure is disclosed which includes a ceramic honeycomb body having a matrix of partition walls forming a multiplicity of cells extending in an axial direction of the honeycomb body. The radially outermost array of the cells are open to an outside of the honeycomb body in radial directions thereof, to provide a plurality of grooves formed in an outer periphery of the honeycomb body to extend in the axial direction. The honeycomb structure further includes an outer coating which fills at least the grooves to cover the outer periphery of the ceramic honeycomb body, so as to provide an outer surface of the honeycomb structure. Also disclosed are a process of producing such a honeycomb structure, and a coating material used for forming the outer coating as described above.

Abstract: A process for producing a fiber reinforced, staged resin composite or repair patch containing a staged and cobonded adhesive, comprises providing a composite or patch formed of one or more layers of a fiber reinforced thermosetting resin such as a graphite-epoxy material and applying a layer of a thermosetting resin adhesive, e.g. an epoxy adhesive, to a surface of the fiber reinforced resin material. The arrangement is then placed in a vacuum environment such as a nonautoclave tool, to draw off volatiles from the resin, and the temperature is raised under conditions to stage the thermosetting resin of the adhesive and of the composite or patch, and cobonding the staged adhesive to the staged composite or patch. The resulting cobonded and staged composite-adhesive can be stored until ready for use, e.g. in repairing a damaged substrate.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite article having a composite stiffening member co-cure bonded in integral combination therewith wherein the composite article comprises outer mold line (OML) and inner mold line (IML) composite skins and a modified honeycomb core interposed therebetween. The method includes a first set of steps for modifying the honeycomb core of the composite article and includes the steps of providing a detail mold that defines a detail cavity and a core engagement surface, aligning the honeycomb core with the detail mold by abuttingly engaging a first surface of the honeycomb core with the core engagement surface wherein a base segment of the honeycomb core is aligned with the detail cavity, to injecting a RIM foam to fill the detail cavity and the honeycomb cells of the base segment, and curing the injected RIM foam to form the modified honeycomb core that includes a densified base segment and a detail mandrel integral with the densified base segment.

Abstract: A process for making a layered product having a honeycomb core having cells filled with a foam material, the process comprising the steps of: (a) placing a first layer of an uncured, heat-expandable, foamable material on the top side of a central honeycomb core having empty cells, and placing a second layer of an uncured, heat-expandable, foamable material on the bottom side of the central honeycomb core; (b) placing a first layer of an uncured preform material above the first layer of uncured, heat-expandable, foamable material, and placing a second layer of an uncured preform material above the second layer of uncured, heat-expandable, foamable material; (c) placing the charge made by steps (a) and (b) inside a mold and closing the mold; (d) heating the mold to the cure temperature of the heat-expandable, foamable material, and holding the mold at this temperature for sufficient time to expand and cure the heat-expandable, foamable material; (e) reducing the temperature of the mold to the injection temperat

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing an aircraft thermal protection system for hypersonic cruise and space launch vehicles. A flexible outer skin formed from a metal super alloy is designed to flex and accommodate thermal growth in the vehicle structure. The flexible super alloy skin is made from a plurality of hexagonal shaped cups which are welded together at the edges in a honeycomb type of array with thermal expansion gaps provided between the outermost surfaces of the hexagonal cups. Gap covers extend across the thermal expansion gaps to reduce aerodynamic drag. The flexible outer skin extends over hexagonal shaped, high temperature ceramic blocks, which provide both an insulation layer and support for the outer skin. The flexible outer skin distributes airloads across various ones of the rigid ceramic blocks.

Abstract: A foamed phenolic molding composed of a core made of a kraft paper honey comb structure consisting of plate and corrugate members impregnated with a phenolic resin; and expandable phenolic composites laminated to said core, wherein the expandable phenolic composites are made of a matted fiber material formed in the shape of a plate to which phenolic resin is bonded to at least one thereof. The expandable phenolic composites and core are molded such that the expandable phenolic material fills the cells of the kraft paper honey comb structure. The molding has excellent thermal insulation and sound insulating properties as well as high strength as compared to conventional cores without sacrificing to the lightweight characteristics and workability of the quadratic surfaces.

Abstract: A thermal barrier for controlling heat transfer across through buildings, appliances and textile products is disclosed. The thermal barrier includes opposing, spaced apart sheets which define at least one chamber therebetween. A temperature stabilizing material is disposed in the chamber. The temperature stabilizing material is preferably a phase change material such as a paraffinic hydrocarbon, hydrated salt, plastic crystal or glycol. In one embodiment, an interconnecting structure is disposed between opposing sheets to create a plurality of cells of the chamber into which the temperature stabilizing material is uniformly disposed. A method of manufacturing the thermal barrier is also disclosed.

Abstract: A honeycomb sandwich panel modified by the controlled incursion of a foaming fiber-filled adhesive into the upper region of the honeycomb provides a panel having increased durability when the upper surface is subjected to localized compressive loads.

Abstract: In order to obtain a honeycomb structural body having excellent mechanical strength, which can eliminate a waste use of a catalyst, incomplete cells at an outermost peripheral portion of the honeycomb structural body are sealed selectively by ceramic materials. An incomplete cell does not have a square cross section if the complete cell has a square cross section, and is preferably defined by the cell having an area not more than 90% as that of the complete cell.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure having a periphery and two ends, including a plurality of passages which are defined by partition walls and extend in an axial direction between the ends, wherein the partition walls are formed of a plurality of through holes for forming turbulent flow so that the fluid pass through the through holes from one of the passages to the adjacent passage, each of the through holes having an open area of at least 0.25 mm.sup.2, thereby a stream of the fluid passing through the honeycomb structure is efficiently mixed to increase its contact with a catalyst composition coated on a surface of the partition walls. The honeycomb structure may have a corrugated thin metal foil. Alternatively, the honeycomb structure may have a unitary structure formed by sintering an extruded body comprising a powder material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a honeycomb table having a table leaf with apertures suitable for mounting components in sensitive applications, attaches a supporting section to that table leaf, attaches a sealing sheet to that supporting section, attaches a section of honeycomb core to that sealing sheet, and attaches a facing sheet at a position on the table such that the section of honeycomb core is positioned between the table leaf and that facing sheet. Apertures are drilled and tapped in the table leaf.

Abstract: A novel "three-dimensional" appearing light-transmitting and insulating sandwich panel of planar outer facing sheets in which the illusion of a three-dimensional array of step-like block structures is produced by periodic light transmission contrasting blocks containing, internally of the panel, contrasting light-transmitting insulation filler battes in alternate blocks, and method of constructing the same.

Abstract: Fire extinguishers include portions formed of heat fusible material that contain powderized fire extinguishing material. The heat fusible material releases the fire extinguishing material upon exposure to predetermined temperatures, and is preferably self-extinguishing. Such extinguishers may contain collection layers which collect the heat fusible material during a fire in order to minimize future gratuitous untidiness otherwise caused by coagulated heat fusible material on floors, furniture, and other surfaces. The extinguishers may conveniently be formed in panels which may supplant SHEETROCK.RTM. or ceiling panels, and thus escape notice of the casual observer. Similarly, a collar according to the present invention may be placed around the flue of a kitchen ventilator and effectively fight fire but remain out of sight.

Abstract: A process for fabricating panels of a core material with thermoplastic resin facings. The core material is either foam or a honeycomb structure from aramid paper. A belt press machine provides a means for rapid heating and cooling such that the core will not degrade. Since the process is so rapid, aramid fibers can be used to reinforce the resin facings without deleterious decomposition of the fibers under the temperatures used to heat the panels during forming.

Abstract: A ceramic armor having a tough backup plate and metal reinforcement in the ceramic to minimize damage thereto as projectiles smash into the armor and are shattered.

Abstract: A composite sandwich structure which includes upper and lower skin structures, first and second honeycomb core structures, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second honeycomb core structures. The intermediate portion comprises a composite laminate, a barrier member and a foaming adhesive layer disposed between the composite laminate and the barrier member. The foaming adhesive layer is of a type designed to expand when exposed to an elevated temperature. The composite laminate and the barrier member operate to limit the expansion of the foaming adhesive layer into the open cells of the first and second honeycomb core structures. The foaming adhesive layer, upon expansion, applies pressure against the composite laminate. This pressure, acting concomitantly with the applied curing pressure and the elevated temperature, cures the laminate. Furthermore, the expansion of the foaming adhesive urges the composite laminate and the barrier member apart so as to fill any core discrepancies, i.e.