Abstract: A cell material structure for confinement of concrete and earth material, having a plurality of plastic strips bonded together on their faces in a side by side relationship at bonding areas which are staggered from strip to strip such that the plurality of strips may be stretched in a direction perpendicular to the faces of the strips to form a web of cells, the strips forming cell walls. At least one of the strips has an aperture through which a reinforcing member extends. Preferably, the reinforcing member is a tendon made of a polymer having a nominal breaking strength of from about 100 to about 2,500 lb.

Abstract: A decorative or structural panel is formed of an array of spheroids of transparent or translucent material held in place in a grid member. This can be front and back grid members with the spheroids sandwiched therebetween. The panel can employ a semirigid grid member, or the grid can be molded in place around the spheroids.

Abstract: A structural armor assembly including a superplastically formed sandwich member having on one side one face sheet of high toughness, high-strength titanium alloy material, and on the other side a second face sheet made of non-superplastically formable metal matrix composite abrasive material. Abrasive materials in the form of "KEVLAR".RTM. or "SPECTRA".RTM. are provided inside cells in the sandwich member to serve as a "catcher's mitt" to absorb part or all of the energy of the ballistic fragments after they have been abraded by the material of the second face sheet.

Abstract: Cellular material formed from a plurality of component strips each comprising alternate ridge portions and groove portions interconnected by step portions, the step portions comprising a first riser, a second riser, and a furrowed step surface. The furrowed step surface has at least one indentation formed therein, preferably two oppositely-directed semicircular indentations. The resulting interconnected array of substantially identical cell units defines a sheet of cellular material exhibiting highly synclastic behavior. In an alternate embodiment, the step portion is replaced by a slope portion having at least one semicircular indentation formed therein. A method of fabrication of the novel cellular material is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resilient body which includes two thin layers (1, 6) of flexible material to which intermediate elastic threads (2, 3, 5) or bands are fastened in a stretched state and disposed in a regular, net-like pattern, and bodies (4) of soft material are disposed between the two layers (1, 6) in at least some of the meshes of the net formed by the elastic threads. These bodies have smaller dimensions than the meshes, so as to permit total or partial contraction of the stretched or tensioned elastic threads. The bodies also have an intrinsic stiffness such as to substantially retain their shape upon contraction of the elastic threads. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the inventive resilient body.

Abstract: High strength foam-filled materials and methods for their production are disclosed. The high strength materials include cellular structures comprising a plurality of open-ended cells containing polycyanurate foam. The polycyanurate foam-filled cellular structures have synergistically high mechanical properties and improved resistance to moisture. When cyanate ester foamable precursors in the form of tough films are foamed to fill honeycomb cells, the resulting foam-filled honeycomb has uniformly fine foam cell structure and improved bonding between the foam and the honeycomb.

Abstract: A thermal insulating layer for machine-like components includes several flat elements, mats or insulating cushions arranged to abut one another on the outside of the component. The individual elements abut each other with lateral front faces that are essentially perpendicular to the surface of the component thereunder. Both front faces of each pair of abutting front faces have at least one mutually complimentary shoulder.

Abstract: A cell material structure for confinement of concrete and earth material, having a plurality of plastic strips bonded together on their faces in a side by side relationship at bonding areas which are staggered from strip to strip such that the plurality of strips may be stretched in a direction perpendicular to the faces of the strips to form a web of cells, the strips forming cell walls. At least one of the strips has an aperture through which a reinforcing member extends. Preferably, the reinforcing member is a tendon made of a polymer having a nominal breaking strength of from about 100 to about 2,500 lb.

Abstract: A panel comprising a core member in the form of a honeycomb structure of aramid paper and thermoplastic resin sheet material reinforced with a fiber selected from the group consisting of aramid, carbon and glass bonded to both sides of said core member to form facings therefor.

Abstract: A flexible surface coating which promotes the removal of deposits as they reach the surface by preventing adhesion and crust formation. Flexible layers are attached to each side of a flexible mesh substrate comprising of a plurality of zones composed of one or more neighboring cells, each zone having a different compressibility than its adjacent zones. The substrate is composed of a mesh made of strands and open cells. The cells may be filled with foam. Studs or bearings may also be positioned in the cells to increase the variation in compressibility and thus the degree of flexing of the coating. Surface loading produces varying amounts of compression from point to point causing the coating to flex as deposits reach it, breaking up any hardening deposits before a continuous crust forms. Preferably one or more additional layers are also used, such as an outer layer of a non-stick material such as TEFLON, which may be pigmented, and an inner, adhesive layer to facilitate applying the coating to a surface.

Abstract: An ablative fibrous ceramic article comprises a honeycomb core having a plurality of cells, fibrous ceramic insulation (including fibers, microballoons, microparticles, or mixtures thereof) at least partially filling each cell of the core and forming a porous sheet on one face of the core, and, optionally, an ablative material infused into a portion of the porous sheet. Such an article is a candidate for fabricating an effective lunar/Martian aerobrake.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a phenolic resin composition useful for preparing a binder for reinforced composites, to a binder for reinforced composites made using the phenolic resin composition, and to a reinforced composite made using the binder. The phenolic resin composition of the present invention contains an aqueous mixture of: (a) a resole formed by reacting phenol with formaldehyde in the presence of an ortho directing catalyst at a mole ratio of formaldehyde to phenol ranging from about 0.7:1 to about 3:1 and (b) a water-soluble borate, wherein the composition contains at least about 0.02 equivalent of the ortho directing catalyst per mole of phenol, has a pH at least about 7 and contains from about 0.02 to about 0.5 mole borate per mole of phenol. When the ortho directing catalyst has a cation that forms an insoluble material with a borate anion, the cation is removed after the resole is formed and prior to adding the water-soluble borate.

Abstract: An expandable structural member comprises two outer skin members, a plastically deformable reinforcing layer arranged between the two outer skin members, and a foamable polymer composition coated on at least one of each adjacent surface of the reinforcing layer and the respective outer skin member. Each adjacent surface of the reinforcing layer and the respective outer skin member contact one another and are intermittently bonded to one another, with the intermittent bonds on one surface of the reinforcing layer being non-aligned with the intermittent bonds on the other surface of the reinforcing layer. Additionally, the foamable polymer composition is foamable by application of heat to the structural member, whereby the foamed polymer resulting from application of heat to the structural member expands the outer skin members from contact with the reinforcing layer at non-bonded areas and plastically deforms the reinforcing layer into a three-dimensional reinforcing configuration.

Abstract: An electrical conducting wire for providing high visibility. The conducting wire is coated with a conducting, colored paint which improves the wires visibility. The conducting wire can be used in electric fencing of livestock or high-tension power lines commonly seen around airports.

Abstract: The invention relates to honeycomb core components having an undulating configuration reinforced with structural rods or columns which provide nesting sites for indexing with the flutes or nodes of adjacent components when assembled in stacked relation. Methods are also disclosed for producing the core components and assembling them in finished honeycomb core configuration.

Abstract: The composite comprises ceramic fiberformed insulation bonded to a fiber reinforced ceramic matrix laminate. Ceramic insulation has a mat of intersecting, discrete ceramic fibers bonded with a sol-gel glass binder. The insulation is prepared by forming a slurry of ceramic fibers, molding the slurry to form a soft felt mat, drying the mat, and incrementally introducing the binder into the mat with a multiple-impregnation technique, which controls shrinkage of the ceramic fiber mat. This process provides a layering technique that permits formation of a continuous fibrous structure having layers that impart distinct characteristics at desired regions within the structure. By using different ceramic fibers and fibers of differing physical dimension, or by including additives with the slurries, tailoring of the physical characteristics of the insulation is achieved.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing polyimide foam filled structures such as honeycomb panels. A polyimide foam precursor is prepared in powder form. A layer of the powder is heated and foamed at the resin condensation temperature and pre-cured to an easily handleable, stiff and inflexible state. A multi-cell, thin-walled structure having open cells along a surface is pressed into and through the foam sheet so that foam pieces fill the cells. The foam is then heated to a final cure temperature at which the foam becomes stable, resilient and flexible. Face sheets may be bonded to the structure to retain the foam pieces in the cells. If desired, the walls of the structure that contact the foam may be coated with an adhesive, such as a liquid polyimide adhesive resin precursor, so that the foam will be bonded to the cell walls when the liquid resin precursor is cured as a necessary result of the final foam cure conditions.

Abstract: A sound-absorbing multi-layer structure is disclosed comprising a structural part which is capable of oscillating and a loosely engaging damping sheet, which sheet comprises a flexible material and high material absorption factor and is made up of a heavy sheet with a viscoelastic support layer tightly connected thereto. The support layer comprises a plurality of angularly constructed support elements which are shaped and arranged so that together with the structure which can oscillate and the flexible heavy sheet they form a coherent labyrinth of hollow spaces with acoustically effective cavities.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a sheet-like sandwich material provided with a local reinforcement, comprising a core material sandwiched between two reinforced top layers, which core material is a thermoplastic, foamed core material or a core material having a honeycomb structure, and which top layers consist of a thermoplastic synthetic plastics material reinforced with fibres, preferably in the form of a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a fibrous web, or unidirectionally applied fibres, and at least one local reinforcement consisting of an amount of plastic material injected under pressure into the core material through one of the top layers, and which plastic material has hardened after injection and to a process for providing a local reinforcement in a sheet-like sandwich material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a double cloth comprising a face cloth and a back cloth which are made of warp and weft threads and are held together by tied-in pile threads. To form a double plush cloth of high strength and stiffness it is provided that the warp and weft threads are each crossed by a warp thread float foundation weave, and additional cover weft threads essentially extended and floating on the outer surfaces of the face and/or back cloths are tied in by the warp threads, with adjacent cover weft threads being tied in by different warp threads of the particular face or back cloth.

Abstract: A fan case liner for a gas turbine engine includes a foreign body impact resistant area and a sound suppression area. The foreign body impact resistant area includes a face sheet of a high impact resistant material which substantially resists denting when struck by a foreign body. A first honeycombed layer of aluminum or an aluminum alloy is disposed over and attached to the face sheet. The first layer has a selected compressive strength to distribute loading forces caused by the impact of a foreign body and to resist plastic deformation. The hexagonally shaped voids in the honeycombed structure of the first layer are filled with a microballoon/resin filler material to further improve resistance to damage or denting. At least one second honeycombed layer of a aluminum or an aluminum alloy is disposed over and attached to the first honeycombed layer.

Abstract: A body 20 includes a support structure 30 in which is formed monolithic aerogel 32 and has terminal insulating properties or other desirable properties. The body 20 can be enveloped in an impermeable membrane 34, 36 so as to allow a vacuum or another environment to be contained in the aerogel 32. The support structure 38 can include individual cells 22, each of which can support its own independent environment which is unaffected by the accidental or planned interruption in the environment of any adjacent cell 22.

Abstract: A light weight structural composite comprised of a cellular core having high dynamic load-bearing properties and a fiber reinforced resinous skin, the panel further comprised of an internally disposed elastomeric membrane which covers the core and acts to disperse shock waves created from impact loads.

Abstract: Laminates with stable attachment areas have a foam or honeycomb core layer A comprising a heat resistant plastic and cover layers B comprising fiber reinforced heat resistant plastic, the core layer having at least one foam insert C of a heat resistant thermoplastic material whose density is higher than the density of the core.

Abstract: A locally reinforced honeycomb core panel having a honeycomb core, at least one coiled insert in at least one honeycomb cell and at least one face sheet. These components are formed from high temperature resistant metals. Elongated foil strips are coiled into cylindrical shapes having diameters slightly less than the width of individual cells in the honeycomb panel and heights no greater than the depth of the cells. These coiled inserts are placed in individual cells in selected portions of the honeycomb core to locally improve density, strength and thermal transfer characteristics of the panel. The coiled inserts have sufficient resiliency so that when they are inserted into cells and allowed to unwind, they press tightly against the cell inside wall even if the cell shape has been distorted in handling. The cells are held in place by the face sheet(s) bonded to the honeycomb core. If desired, the coils may be bonded to the cell walls by diffusion bonding or brazing.

Abstract: A lightweight hybrid structural energy-absorbing panel having a plurality of layers of soft energy-absorbing material, such as Kevlar, disposed between facesheets with a plurality of rigid rod members extending between the facesheets through the layers of energy-absorbing material to structurally connect the facesheets, such panel to absorb the energy of ballistic projectiles.

Abstract: A nested fiberglass structure (10) comprises a plurality of strips (66) each in the shape of a sinusoidal wave (20). The waves (20) have peaks (22) and valleys (24) which have equal amplitudes about a central axis (26). A positioning string (32) is placed over the peaks (22) and into the valleys (24) to provide a guide for the depth of penetration of adjacent strips during nesting of the strips (66). The structure (10) may be formed on an apparatus for manufacturing (46) which forms a continuous web (48) into the strips (66) and nests the strips (66) into the structure (10). The structure (10) may then be wound onto a reel (154) for fabrication into a cylindrical structure (34). The apparatus (136) spirally winds the nested structure (10) around a mandrel (182) to form the cylindrical structure (34).

Abstract: This invention is directed to a high strength, lightweight honeycomb core composite sandwich panel. Typical composite sandwich panels comprise a honeycomb panel disposed between upper and lower composite panels. In this invention, a shim is disposed between the upper and lower composite panels around a portion of the periphery of the composite sandwich. The shim is disposed over an inner layer of foaming adhesive.

Abstract: A method for making a thermal insulating structure for providing thermal insulation, structural load accommodation, and noise attenuation for surfaces in aerospace systems that are exposed to high temperatures is disclosed. Structure to be protected is a high-temperature solid back sheet to which is a honeycomb core having a perforated buried septum is bonded to a substrate. A layer of cast fiber-ceramic insulation is secured to the honeycomb core, filling portions of the core outward from the septum and extending beyond the outer face of the core. To absorb structural loads, a densified top coat overlies the insulating layer. To minimize the transmission of shear-inducing loads into the insulating layer, the outer face of the honeycomb core has an irregular surface. Core cell vents extending through the walls of adjacent cells provide a controlled airspace between the back sheet and the buried septum through which a fluid coolant may be circulated.

Abstract: The invention is generally accomplished by providing a roll having cavities suitable for retaining small quantities of particulate material. The roll further is adapted to be rotated such that the particulate material is deposited onto a web in discrete areas. These areas correspond to the depressions on the roll. The apparatus and method of the invention further provides in its preferred form a roll applicator device for adhesive having a series of lands and valleys wherein the lands correspond to the areas between the discrete particulate material. The applicator roll provides adhesive on the land area that is transferred to a web of material which is brought into contact with the substrate bearing the discrete deposits of particulate material and sealed thereto. There is thereby provided areas of discrete particulate material securely separated by the adhesive connected webs.

Abstract: A two-piece mount is provided that is adapted to have the two pieces scre together and has a central bore through one of the two pieces for mounting an insert therein. Each of the two pieces of the mount has means for containing adhesive to allow the two mount pieces to be bonded to a composite structure when the two pieces have been mounted relative to the composite structure.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire is disclosed, which comprises a carcass ply, two vulcanized rubber composition layers arranged radially inside the carcass ply, and a continuous layer of a sealing material arranged between the two vulcanized rubber composition layers. The sealing material has a viscosity of not more than 6.times.10.sup.4 poises at 60.degree. C. Bonding portions are formed through the continuous layer, and discontinuously bond two vulcanized rubber composition layers.

Abstract: A cellular earth confinement material having texturized surfaces in the cells provides improved structural integrity and reduced long-term settlement in single layer and multilayer filled cell structures. The texturized earth confinement structures can be used with a wide variety of fill materials including sand, soil, cement, asphalt and gravel. The optimum texture of the surface varies depending on the size, shape, and type of fill particles, and the density of the fill.

Abstract: A method of constructing an equipment pad and the resultant pad is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a mold with fiberglass material laminated to the interior walls of the mold, providing a layer of polymer concrete in the base of the mold, covering the layer of concrete with a sheet of fiberglass material, covering the fiberglass material with an additional layer of polymer concrete, placing honeycomb material on the additional layer of concrete, filling selected cells of said honeycomb material with a polymer concrete, laminating a fiberglass sheet to the upper surface of the honeycomb material and sealing the upper sheet of fiberglass to the fiberglass laminated to the walls of the mold. The finished pad is then removed from the mold and inverted. If desired, an opening may be molded into the pad.

Abstract: A laterally projecting flange (18) is formed on the upper portion of an edge of a flat section (12) of foam core material. The inner surface of the flange (18) and the adjacent lower edge surface of the foam section (12) are positioned adjacent to the upper surface and flat edge surface of a honeycomb core section (14). Hot melt adhesive is applied to hold the sections (12, 14) in this abutting position. The abutting sections (12, 14) are assembled together with upper and lower skins (24, 26) of fiber reinforced resin/matrix composite material prepreg fabric or tape. The assembly of core sections (12, 14) and skins (24, 26) is positioned in compression molding apparatus and subjected to a crushed core compression molding procedure. During the molding, a bend (32) is formed in the panel assembly substantially along the abutting edges of the core sections (12, 14). The flange (18) is positioned on the outer radius of the bend (32).

Abstract: This invention discloses lightweight panels consisting of a honeycomb, boards on both sides, and phenolic foam of a density of 7-20 Kg/m.sup.3 in the cavities of the honeycomb and a method of making a honeycomb core, with the panels characterized by being light, fireproof, fire-resistant, thermally insulating, and of high strength and useful for building panels, particularly for panels in transportation equipment.

Abstract: An imaging sheet comprising a substrate having an open porous matrix and a photohardenable composition contained within said porous matrix; said imaging sheet being useful in a process wherein said sheet is image-wise exposed to actinic radiation and is subjected to pressure to cause said photohardenable composition to image-wise exude from said porous matrix to a receiver sheet is disclosed. Also disclosed is a process for forming an image by using the inventive imaging sheet, an imaging system including the inventive imaging sheet, and a process for forming a lithographic printing plate by using the inventive imaging sheet.

Abstract: The invention includes a composite panel and a method for manufacturing it. The panel has a smooth polyester plastic face, a first fiberglass reinforced polyester layer adjacent to the smooth face, a honeycomb structure core of polypropylene plastic with one face adhered to the first polyester layer, and a second fiberglass reinforced polyester layer adhered to the second face of the core. The panel is manufactured by assembling the components in a series of steps and curing the polyester layers in sequence on a flat horizontal mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to the construction of a self-supporting body of cellular structure, great rigidity, and capable of withstanding stresses exerting in all directions, either separately or together, of withstanding impacts, pressure, shock waves, acoustical and thermal phenomena, and using free volumes as assemblies having different characteristics or as shock absorbing means. The invention also provides the possibility of varying the weight of said body by being filled with various fluids which may be static or flowing, which may be at various different pressures, and which may contain specialized agents on a permanent basis or which may be put into action under certain constraints of pressure, temperature, etc.

Abstract: Abradable coatings are applied to turbine or compressor shroud structures to facilitate reductions in blade tip-to-shroud clearances for improved engine performance or airfoil durability. Coating compositions include a chemically table, soft, burnishable ceramic material (such as CaF.sub.2 or BaF.sub.2) in a ceramic or metallic matrix or honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A surface-reinforced lightweight article is described, which includes a honeycomb structure whose sidewalls are reinforced by an expanded foam. The article can be manufactured by laying a fibrous third layer, such as several layers of dry tissue paper backed by a layer of dry fiberglass cloth, on the walls of a mold, laying a second layer of multi-cell honeycomb-like material against the third layer, and laying a finely porous first layer such as tissue paper over the second layer. Foamable plastic is poured in the mold over the three layers and the mold is closed. As the plastic foams and expands, it forces the three layers into a tight sandwich and permeates the layers to reinforce them. Specifically, expanded foam in the cells of multi-cell honeycomb-type material braces the honeycomb sidewalls against collapse, to greatly increase the strength and rigidness of the article.

Abstract: A multilayer fabric including a plurality of layers of distinct fabrics each consisting of ground warps, ground wefts, connecting warps connecting the layers of the distinct fabrics, and temporary wefts which can be broken by external action after weaving. These temporary wefts are, for example, made of weaker yarn compared with the other yarn, so when the external action is applied to the multilayer fabric, there is no chance of damaging the connecting yarn. Thus, the multilayer fabric can easily be expanded to a large thickness.Also, a fabric form made of the multilayer fabric and composite structure made of the fabric form and filling matter.

Abstract: A thermal insulating structure for providing thermal insulation, structural load accommodations, and noise attenuation for surfaces in aerospace systems that are exposed to high temperatures. At the side adjacent the structure to be protected is a high-temperature solid back sheet to which is adhesively bonded a honeycomb core having a perforated buried septum. A layer of cast fiber-ceramic insulation is secured to the honeycomb core, filling portions of the core outward from the septum and extending beyond the outer face of the core. To absorb structural loads, a densified top coat overlies the insulating layer. To minimize the transmission of shear-inducing loads into the insulating layer, the outer face of the honeycomb core has an irregular surface. Core cell vents extending through the walls of adjacent cells provide a controlled airspace between the back sheet and the buried septum through which a fluid coolant may be circulated.

Abstract: The mirror comprises a cellular structure core having a stack of plies each constituted by fiber-containing polymerized resin fixed on at least one face thereof, with a reflecting surface being made on the stack, and with the fibers in each ply extending in one direction only. The invention enables ultralight-weight mirrors to be made having excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: Drainage mats with high compression resistance comprising two fabrics and grains fixedly arranged therebetween, wherein the grains are placed in one layer and are spaced a distance of at least 50% of the average grain size. One of the two fabrics is basically a filter layer, whereas the second fabric can be a filter layer or a tightly woven strip. In addition, a three-dimensional mat with positioning seats for the grains can be placed between the two fabrics. This drainage mat is suitable for constructing waste-dump bases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a layer construction formed as a net for the protection of earthworks, constant or periodical water courses, steep area surfaces, for building dams and embankments, for the laterial delimitation of materials tending to spreading, as e.g. sludges, soaked embedding materials. The net to be built-in into the protective layer or earthwork is fixed to the substructure of compacted soil by means of proper fixing elements. After having filled the meshes of the net with a filler, the confining walls of the meshes are carrying the load and stresses acting on the surface. The structure according to the invention follows the motion, consolidation of the earthwork and the substructure flexibly, without getting damaged.

Abstract: An interstitial sub-floor formed of concrete contained in a prefabricated formwork composed of a plurality of rigid plastic eggcrate-type modules positioned adjacent to one another and bonded to one another.

Abstract: A light weight structural composite comprised of a cellular core having high dynamic load-bearing properties and a fiber reinforced resinous skin on all edges of the core and on the top and bottom surfaces thereof. The cellular core may comprise an array of balsa wood blocks, the skin may comprise a fiberglass reinforced epoxy or polyester resin, and the core and skin may be formed into a monolithic composite which is particularly suitable for use as a high strength to weight ratio ground opening cover.

Abstract: A grid system for stabilizing an underlayer and providing a support surface ncludes 60 longitudinally extending polyethylene strips which are bonded one to another in an offset manner and are adapted for providing a grid. The grid has a first collapsed orientation wherein the strips are generally linearly aligned and substantially contiguous and a second expanded orientation wherein the strips are generally longitudinally sinusoidal for providing a plurality of cells. The cells are filled with compacted naturally occurring beach sand. An asphalt layer is applied to the upper surface of the grid and penetrates the cells to a predetermined depth for thereby providing a roadway surface adapted for vehicler traffic.

Abstract: A surface-reinforced lightweight article is described, which includes a honeycomb structure whose sidewalls are reinforced by an expanded foam. The article can be manufactured by laying a fibrous third layer, such as several layers of dry tissue paper backed by a layer of dry fiberglass cloth, on the walls of a mold, laying a second layer of multi-cell honeycomb-like material against the third layer, and laying a finely porous first layer such as tissue paper over the second layer. Foamable plastic is poured in the mold over the three layers and the mold is closed. As the plastic foams and expands, it forces the three layers into a tight sandwich and permeates the layers to reinforce them. Specifically, expanded foam in the cells of multi-cell honeycomb-type material braces the honeycomb sidewalls against collapse, to greatly increase the strength and rigidness of the article.