Abstract: A three layer laminated plastic cushioning material having a substantially flat central layer with sealed air pockets formed on both sides of the central layer between the central layer and layers positioned on opposite sides of the central layer.

Abstract: A shaped article is formed of thermoplastic sheeting which consists of a pair of sheets of thermoplastic material spaced apart and interconnected by longitudinally extending ribs. The combination of the sheets and the ribs form elongated passageways in the sheeting. Individual sections of the sheeting have the ends of the passageways sealed closed so that a gaseous medium, such as air, is trapped in the passageways. The sheeting is formed in an extrusion process with one of the sheets having a greater thickness than the other. The individual sections of the sheeting are formed into a shaped article with the sealed character of the passageways being maintained so that the sheets remain in spaced relation in the shaped sections. The difference in thickness between the sheets is selected so that, following the shaping operation, both sheets have substantially the same thickness.

Abstract: A metal strip is used for elements in a regenerative heat exchanger employed for the exchange of latent and sensible heat from a warm outgoing air stream to a cold ingoing air stream. The strip is placed alternatingly in the form of flat and corrugated sheets to form flow channels for the warm and cold air. The metal strip, for example, an aluminum foil, is coated or laminated at least on one side with a paper-like hydrophillic material. The hydrophillic layer comprises a mixture of cellulose fibers and fibers with olefin hydrocarbons as basis. Furthermore, fungicides can be added to the mixture.

Abstract: A heat and sound insulating panel assembly for wall, ceiling or floor construction consists of a plurality of interlocking vacuum-chambered panel elements fabricated from a relatively hard, low thermally-conductive, fire-resistant or fireproof material with heat-reflective, moisture-restraining coatings on its inner and outer surfaces. Abutting surfaces may be provided with sound-cushioning pads, and vacuum-chambered spacer column elements may be employed, interlocked between panel elements, for uniform increased panel wall thickness.

Abstract: A double wall fabric panel unit for use as a wall section in the construction of inflatable buildings comprising an elongated exterior fabric envelope panel having a plastic coating on each side, and an elongated thermal liner panel having side edge strips heat-sealed to the exterior panel. The thermal liner has a foil layer facing the exterior panel and a white plastic layer on the opposite side. The side edge strips are periodically interrupted to provide air passageways to vent air from between the panels when the unit is rolled.

Abstract: A composite board structure comprising a corrugated fiberboard and a facing web which is attached to the outer face of a liner of the corrugated fiberboard by means of a layer of a hot melt adhesive material between the liner and the facing web, the liner being formed with perforations and the layer of the hot melt adhesive material having embossed spot portions respectively filling in the perforations in the liner. Such embossed spot portions are formed by building up a partial vacuum in the open spaces between the layer of the hot melt adhesive material and the corrugated paper medium forming part of the corrugated fiberboard.

Abstract: A low pressure process for expanding the cross-section of a blank of thermoformable material between a pair of mold plates having perforation means therein, with the perforation means of one plate being selectively out of alignment with the perforation means in the second plate, the expansion leading to the formation of one or more voids having a partial vacuum or reduced pressure within the cross-section of the blank, which comprises venting the voids during the expansion of the cross-section so as to equilibrate the level of pressure within the voids with the level of pressure without the blank so as to thereby regulate the uniformity and integrity of the resulting cross-sectional geometry of the expanded blank.Products having an expanded cross-section are formed by such process.

Abstract: Method of producing fibrous or sheet structure comprising melt coextruding a laminated structure comprising an assembly of two or more layers from polymeric material laminated together in intimate adherence with one another and simultaneously or subsequently so treating the assembly as to produce a regular pattern of areas of strong bonding separated by areas of weak or no bonding between the layers of the assembly.A sheet or fibrous product comprising an assembly of three or more ribbon-like elements of polymeric material with adjacent elements bonded in face-to-face relationship at regular intervals along their length.A sheet of fibrous product comprising three or more layers of polymeric material bonded to one another into an assembly at regular intervals along the length of the assembly and in which the or at least one of the inner layers of the assembly has a shorter surface length between adjacent bonds than the outer layers of the assembly, the outer layers thus having the form of loops.

Abstract: Composite panels that include a metal skeleton of two superposed metal plates or sheets having groups of protruding bridge-shaped elements that extend into the interspace between the plates or sheets and overlap in a manner to form one or more elongated cage-like columns; a coherent matrix material made of a flowable or pourable mineral and/or organic matrix precursor is provided to substantially fill the interspace to form a substantially rigid compound structure of the panel constituents due to the plate-interlocking function of the cage-like columns. The panels can be flat or curved and are suitable as structural materials, notably as load supporting walls for buildings. Methods for producing such composite panels in a batchwise or continuous operation are disclosed.

Abstract: The fabric comprises a novel type of netting which will have particular utility in screening out mosquitoes and like insects and pests. The fabric is defined of voids having depth as well as width and length. The fabric is usable as a material from which to form clothing for wear, or bed coverings, or sleeping bags, etc., besides use simply as a netting.

Abstract: A place mat, coaster or the like possessing exceptional anti-skid characteristics comprises a planar base member, such as paper or plastic sheet, provided on the top and bottom surfaces thereof with a plurality of arrayed, discrete, spaced-apart projections of a high friction material. Such place mats, coasters and the like are produced by imprinting the aforementioned high friction material in the desired pattern or array on the top and bottom surfaces of the base member.

Abstract: A new thermally insulating sheet material in which a thin drapeable specularly reflective sheet is supported in spaced relation from a thermally radiating surface by an array of resiliently flexible and compressible polymeric foam segments that cover only a portion of the area of the sheet.

Abstract: A process with minor variations for producing a configuration of glass and/or any similar material such as plastic or epoxy is disclosed. The configuration is basically a honeycomb of pipes of transparent material attached to a transparent plate, such as window glass. The pipes are closed at one end by the plate. Then pipes prevent convection movement of a fluid parallel to the plate near its surface, except for very short distances. The unique inventive feature of the process lies in the fact that the honeycomb of pipes are produced simultaneously by a drawing process, during which either a part of a plate, which part is in the form of a grid, is softened, or a grid of new soft material is added to a plate, and the pipes are always attached to the plate both during formation and upon completion of formation.Also disclosed is a special configuration to render the pipes resistant to breakage under thermal stress.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing fiberglass sheet material in which an inflatable envelope having a plurality of marginally sealed perforations therethrough is applied to the surface of the material. A wet layer of settable reinforcing material is then applied over the envelope and onto that part of the sheet material exposed by the perforations. The envelope is then inflated so as to cause the wet layer to assume a cratered form which is then allowed to solidify to form a reinforcing structure on the sheet material.

Abstract: A light transmitting building panel comprising a flat central sheet and upper and lower corrugated sheets secured to the opposite faces of the flat central sheet, thereby to provide a set of upper cells and a set of lower cells. The upper corrugated sheet is laterally offset relative to the lower corrugated sheet whereby each upper cell is positioned intermediate of adjacent ones of the lower cells and whereby heat conduction between the internal and external surfaces of the panel is minimized. The flat central sheet and the upper and lower corrugated sheets are formed from a light transmitting glass fiber reinforced plastic. The present building panel is particularly useful in greenhouses as roof panels and wall panels. The long span capability, the light transmitting characteristic and the unique cell arrangement of the present building panel are advantageously employed in greenhouses.

Abstract: A novel blown microfiber web having a network of compacted high-density regions and pillowed low-density regions exhibits a unique combination of low density and good tensile strength and integrity. Such a web may be collected on a perforated screen so that microfibers deposited on the land area of the screen form the compacted high-density regions, and microfibers deposited over the openings of the screen form the pillowed low-density regions.

Abstract: An inexpensive spirit level having means for easy attachment to upper surface portions of picture frames or the like. The device comprises a transparent tape having blister-like cavities at regular intervals, a base tape affixed in face-to-face relation against one side of the transparent tape and having a pressure sensitive adhesive on the outside for attachment to a surface portion of a frame, and a liquid partially filling said cavities. Eash blister cavity has a bubble corresponding to the unfilled space which bubbles will move along the curvature of the blister, thereby indicating the relative position of the device with respect to a horizontal plane. Suitable markings on the transparent tape are provided to facilitate reading level position with respect to the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A custom fitted pilot's helmet includes a liner attached within the confi of a helmet shell having numerous pressure relief holes over its entire surface. The liner includes a flexible sheet on one side of which is formed a plurality of elastic cell pairs separated by permanent heat seals or partitions overlaid with air tubes. The cells within a cell pair are separated from each other by a removable partition or severable heat seal. One cell of the cell pair contains one component of a foamable mixture and the other cell of the cell pair contains the second component of the foamable mixture. The liner-shell combination is positioned on the pilot's heat and the removable cell partitions are all virtually simultaneously removed. Thereafter, the foaming components within the cells admix and foam in situ to form a custom fitted helmet liner.

Abstract: An improved strip material which may be inflated and sealed at the site of its intended use to form cushioning material. The strip material comprises two heat sealable films which are fused together in discrete areas to form two rows of inflatable chambers along the strip and a passageway extending the length of the strip material between the rows, with each of the chambers having an inlet opening narrower than the main portion of the chamber communicating with the passageway. The strip material is inflated by propelling the passageway in the strip over an air nozzle to inflate the chambers through their inlet openings, and the inlet openings are then sealed.

Abstract: Stiffened structural components, particularly integrally stiffened light weight shell structures, produced by molding astiffening member, preferably formed of a graphite-epoxy composition and having a so-called isogrid rib stiffening configuration, to a partially cured (B-stage) condition, injecting a suitable elastomer, e.g. a silicone, into the open spaces of the isogrid rib stiffener, to stabilize the partially cured composite during subsequent heat forming and curing operations, heat forming the resulting stiffening member to the required contour, e.g. for a cylinder into approximately 90.degree. arcuate isogrid panels, heat forming the skin of the shell structure by laying up a plurality of layers of a pre-impregnated tape within a cylindrical mold, installing a plurality, e.g.

Abstract: A transparent thermal insulating system having controllable transmissivity to visible radiation comprising a first layer generally transparent to visible radiation, a second layer generally transparent to visible radiation and spaced from the first layer; partition means for separating the space between the layers into compartments; a thermal radiation suppression device for suppressing thermal radiation transmission; and a variable transparency thermal control device for controlling transmisson of visible radiation as a function of temperature.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is (1) a sine wave web for structural elements made of composite materials, (2) structural combinations incorporating the web, and (3) a method of manufacturing the web. The concept disclosed avoids bunching and distortion of the fibers of the composite web material as it is shaped and flanged for attachment to adjacent structure, such as the chords and capstrips of an I-beam.

Abstract: Pneumatic structural and cushioning material of plastic sheets, bands, and/or tubes, which are compartmentized into a plurality of chambers. The material is capable of convenient and economical storage and shipment in a collapsed state and rapid inflation to an operative state at the point of use. The chambers embody one-way valving arrangements to maintain the chambers in an expanded state over long periods of time, rendering the product useful in cushioning loads during shipment by land, air or water; in safety devices for humans in vehicle bumpers, air cuhsins, and buoyant devices of all types; and in structural assemblies of either temporary or permanent types to attain heat and sound insulation effects.

Abstract: Device for measuring temperature differentials on mammalian skin surfaces comprising separate dots of liquid crystals, sealed in a grid pattern between thin, performed, flexible films.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion formed of marginally bonded superimposed flexible thermoplastic sheet material characterized by a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced thermally bonded areas each of a thickness less than the combined thickness of the component sheet material and characterized by a plurality of integral closely spaced ribs projecting from one surface, and by a marginal integral portion of greater thickness than the combined thicknesses of the component sheet material. The bonded areas are formed by a method wherein superimposed sheets are pressed to a predetermined extent between a supporting surface and a die heated to a temperature above the melting point of the thermopolastic sheet material and characterized by a plurality of closely spaced ribs substantially uniformly engaging said sheet material while bearing on said supporting surface.

Abstract: A honeycomb type core configuration for composite structural panels generated by folding sheet material. The box shaped core, when attached to a surface sheet imparts rigidity to the sheet for use as a high strength to weight ratio structural sheet panel. The cell walls of the folded core are integral with the cell bottom which provides a large surface area for ease of attachment to the surface sheet.

Abstract: A system of providing convenient filling and sealing of air cushions at the site of their intended use, such as at a packaging line. A concatenation of inflatable cushions is prepared with each cushion comprising two thin films of a thermoplastic, at least one of which films has a generally central opening. The films are fused together in discrete areas to define a plurality of inflatable chambers between the films disposed around the opening, with each of the chambers having an inlet passageway communicating with the opening. The cushions are shipped uninflated to the site where they are to be used, and are then inflated and sealed on a device which includes a nozzle for simultaneously directing air through the opening of the cushion and the inlet passageways to inflate the chambers, and a means for sealing together the films in a small area around the opening to close the inlet passageways to the chambers.

Abstract: Webs of blown microfibers having a network of compacted high-density regions and pillowed low-density regions are reinforced by a mesh of filaments used to collect the web.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination board or plate made of a relatively small quantity of material and yet having a considerable thickness, a great load carrying capacity, a cushioning action and a ventilating ability.

Abstract: A portable insulation blanket made of flame resistant materials for protecting concrete surfaces. The blanket has a flame resistant core having a plurality of layers of insulating structures. Each layer of insulating structure has a plurality of closed cell portions defining gas containing chambers. A cover of flame resistant plastic sheet material encloses the core. The cover has edges that are stitched or welded together. A plurality of holding assemblies are mounted on the cover and project through the core to hold the core in a flat position between the covers.

Abstract: A panel of spaced, parallel, translucent, outer sheets of set plastic material with an inner sheet of corrugated sheet plastic disposed therebetween with the crests of the corrugations at the opposite faces of the corrugated sheet being engaged with, and secured in fixed relation to, adjacent outer sheets, respectively. Each corrugation has alternate show areas and shade areas. The show areas are coated with material which reflects light or impedes the passage of light therethrough. The shade areas are generally uncoated so that, relative to the show areas, their reflectivity is less and their light transmission is greater. The corrugations are so related to the outer sheets that, in the panel cross section, they define with the outer sheets right angle triangles with one side of each corrugation at a right angle to both outer sheets. The resultant panel is thus a truss structure, having high strength, desirable controlled light transmitting characteristics, and high heat insulating properties.

Abstract: A core having a repetitive pattern for ribbing comprising triangles and hexagons where each side of any given hexagon is extended pinwheel fashion toward the appropriate side extensions of each of the six adjoining hexagons, all of the hexagons having sides extending to form pinwheels having the same sense, i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise. The triangles are defined by the extensions and are located between the hexagons. Panels using this core are stiff about all axes and do not have an angle of inherent weakness. The core may be stamped, rolled or vacuum-formed out of many materials including paper, cardboard, sheets of various metals and reinforced or thermosetting plastic.

Abstract: Metal, fiber or plastic panels are fabricated by the attachment of planar imperforate and/or partially perforated outer sheets to a specially formed center member comprising a web or sheet having a deformed surface defining an array of adjacent triangular projections and depressions. The center member is produced by the longitudinal cutting and folding of the web as it passes between two forming cylinders which mesh with one another, the cylinder peripheries carrying complementary arrays of spaced triangular-shaped tooth elements having their base lines aligned in the opposing cylinders, to shear and thereby relieve the passing web laterally so as to produce intermittent parallel cuts and angular folds in the web while gathering the web longitudinally thereby to form triangular, flat-topped cells in the center member. Instead of using two outer sheets, the formed center member can be used per se, e.g., as a packing medium, or it can be combined with only one outer sheet to form a single-face product.

Abstract: A thin metallic film is superposed on a light transmitting, dielectric substrate through a lattice-shaped, electric conductor disposed on the substrate to maintain it spaced away from the latter. The film is provided on the exposed surface with a lattice-shaped electric rib and fixed at the periphery to the substrate by a binder.

Abstract: A ceramic cellular structure having a cell density of up to 1600 cells per square inch and wall thicknesses down to 2 mils is produced by a process which comprises: (1) forming a slurry consisting essentially of finely divided sinterable solid particles of ceramic raw materials and a controlled amount of a plastic supporting matrix containing thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin, a plasticizer, an organic solvent and a small amount of a deflocculant; (2) ball milling the slurry; (3) casting the slurry in the form of a film; (4) removing the solvent to produce a self-supporting green ceramic tape; (6) molding a portion of the tape to form a corrugated first member; (7) providing another portion of the tape to form a substantially flat second member; (8) forming a first bilayer by bonding the second member to the nodes of the first member; (9) mutually bonding a predetermined number of bilayers substantially identical to the first bilayer to form a cellular green structure of a desired shape; and (10) fir

Abstract: A greenhouse cloche etc comprising an outer light transmitting wall relatively impermeable to carbon dioxide and an inner light transmitting wall relatively permeable to carbon dioxide and gas admitting means for introducing carbon dioxide gas into the space between the inner and outer walls.

Abstract: An isogrid structure having inset strips of composite materials at the top and bottom of the grid webs. A preferably flanged isogrid basically consists of I-beam members arranged in an integral repeating pattern of substantially equilateral triangles. One flange may be integral with a skin sheet covering the structure. At least some of these flanges are provided with grooves running parallel to the beam webs, filled with advanced composite materials comprising high-strength fibers in a supporting matrix. Preferably, the fibers run parallel to the beam webs. Preferred arrangements of the fibers are described.

Abstract: A multicelled structure which may be used as a body support or other cushioning device has inflatable cells against which a supported or cushioned body bears. The structure is formed from a flexible material on mandrels which have a fluted or other shaped configuration and spaced apart. This prevents the material which is in a soft or uncured condition from bridging adjacent cells during the forming operation. The fluting or shape on the resulting cells is configured to enable the side walls of adjacent cells to closely approach or contact each other when the cells are expanded by internal fluid pressure so that the end walls of the cells form a generally continuous surface.

Abstract: A wet-laid composite, soft, bulky and absorbent paper structure is prepared from two or more layers of furnish which are preferably comprised of different fiber types. The layers are preferably formed from the deposition of separate streams of dilute fiber slurries, the fibers typically being relatively long softwood and relatively short hardwood fibers as used in tissue papermaking, upon one or more endless foraminous screens. The layers are subsequently combined to form a unitary web, and the layered, unitary web is dewatered by the application of fluid forces. The moist, layered web is thereafter transferred to an open mesh drying/imprinting fabric. The application of a fluid force to the web creates patterned discrete areas of fibers numbering from about 100 to about 3600 per square inch of projected surface area on the side of the web which contacts the drying/imprinting fabric.

Abstract: A plurality of corrugated sheets are fixedly superimposed one on another so that the axes of the corrugations of one sheet are not parallel to those at adjacent sheets.

Abstract: A wall structure characterized by inner and outer wall coverings and positioned therebetween at least one protective inner layer defined by a rib-like formation defining a series of pocket-like spaces between said wall coverings, which spaces embody a protective medium forming with the rib-like formation and said wall coverings a wall structure which is highly resistant to impact, fragmentation or severe damage by piercing. The rib-like formation is of a material selected from the group consisting of precipitation hardening stainless steels, mar-aging nickel steels, alloy steels and titanium alloys and having a yield strength of at least about 200 ksi. The protective medium may include a fire quenching material.

Abstract: Absorbent paper sheets in multi-ply web form in which the outer webs of the sheet are creped and consist of a series of ribs and grooves. The webs have their ribs secured together by adhesive dispersed in a pattern consisting of individual adhesive zones. The adhesive zones are obtained by providing in embossing apparatus cooperable rolls each having alternating ribs and grooves, the ribs of one roll being provided with protuberances and the other with recesses. The protuberances cover a relatively small area of the total rib area and carry a web on the protuberances through an adhesive applicator so that a relatively small area of the web receives adhesive for attachment to a second web.

Abstract: A shaped, elongated board having shaped face surfaces is formed of a foamed thermoplastic material and may be substituted for wood or composite moldings which are now used in the manufacture of frames for pictures and the like. The molded board has a cellulated interior and a density that varies continuously between a greatest density at the outer surface of the board to a least density at the greatest spacing inwardly of said surface and without discreted delineation between the relatively denser surface and the lesser dense interior of the board. The average bulk density of such a product is in the range of between about 24.7 and 33.5 lbs. per cubic foot, which is approximately equivalent to that of natural wood. The board has a good quality surface finish and where appropriate can accurately replicate an ornamental surface design for the finished frame. The molded board can be subsequently processed in the same manner as present wood moldings with existing production tooling and equipment.

Abstract: A packing for a gas/liquid contact apparatus, particularly a cooling tower, comprising corrugated sheets assembled together to form a honeycomb structure. The sheets are formed with transverse ribs which project into the tubes of the honeycombs and which define liquid passages communicating between adjacent tubes. The sheets are also formed to provide the tubes with spiral guide surfaces which impart rotational motion to the gas.

Abstract: A method of making cellular or expanded polymeric shaped articles having relief patterns which comprises forming a thermoplastic polymer composition containing azodicarbonamide as a chemical blowing agent into a desired shape, irradiating a surface of the shaped body thus obtained with light of wave lengths of 100 to 500 m.mu. through a printed pattern applied thereto or a screen which locally shades light rays, such as a stencil or a positive or negative transparency, superposed thereon and heating the shaped body to effect foaming or expansion thereof.

Abstract: A ceramic cellular structure having a cell density of up to 1600 cells per square inch and wall thicknesses down to 2 mils is produced by a process which comprises: 1) forming a slurry consisting essentially of finely divided sinterable solid particles of ceramic raw materials and a controlled amount of a plastic supporting matrix containing thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin, a plasticizer, an organic solvent and a small amount of a deflocculant; 2) ball milling the slurry; 3) casting the slurry in the form of a film; 4) removing the solvent to produce a selfsupporting green ceramic tape; 6) molding a portion of the tape to form a corrugated first member; 7) providing another portion of the tape to form a substantially flat second member; 8) forming a first bilayer by bonding the second member to the nodes of the first member; 9) mutually bonding a predetermined number of bilayers substantially identical to the first bilayer to form a cellular green structure of a desired shape; and 10) firing the gr

Abstract: A multi-ply woven fabric article as disclosed has opposite woven face plies and a pair of woven rib plies which extend alternately between and are interwoven with the face plies. The rib plies which are interwoven with each other at the regions of interweaving with the face plies form parallel pairs of ribs extending between the opposite face plies in zig zag fashion and defining generally planar pockets therebetween. The pockets so formed are capable of readily receiving generally planar stiffening elements to provide a woven fabric article of substantial compressive strength.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-nested, two-ply, absorbent fibrous sheet material consisting of two webs which each have a plurality of crests and depressions on its surface facing the other web. The crests on each web are positioned between the crests of the other web and are spaced from the depressions of the other web to leave spaces in the sheet material for increased absorbency and bulk. The two webs are joined together at locations intermediate the crests and depressions of at least one of the webs, preferably by mechanical welding in a manner which produces perforations in the sheet material. Also disclosed is the method and apparatus for making the two-ply sheet material.

Abstract: The core of a sandwich panel is formed with projecting nodes, the faces of the nodes being bonded to the face sheets of the panel. The node faces have the central portions thereof excised such that the remaining portion of these faces form flanges. These flanges are bent away from the center plane of the core and are shaped for optimum attachment to the curved panel face sheets without the need for crippling or deforming the node body and so that they enable the formation of a good bonded or brazed joint between the node faces and the face sheets.

Abstract: An elongated shape or strip from which packing cases may be made is formed as a hollow section of plastic material, the secton having outer walls and inner interconnecting and strengthening walls. The general form of the section may be flat, rectangular, polygonal or triangular, and the inner and outer walls may be of differing thicknesses. Preferably the outer sides of the shape are smooth or curved, and a packing case may use several different sections, all of plastic material or some of wood or metal.