Abstract: Vacuum heat insulator comprising a laminated core made of a plurality of sheets of inorganic fibers having 10 &mgr;m or smaller in diameter and a certain composition including SiO2 as a main component, Al2O3, CaO, and MgO, a gas barrier enveloping member, and an absorbent. The vacuum heat insulator is characterized by having at least one groove formed therein after fabrication of the vacuum heat insulator. Further, the vacuum heat insulator is characterized by using inorganic fiber core of which a peak of distribution in fiber diameter lies between 1 &mgr;m or smaller and 0.1 &mgr;m or larger, and not containing binding material for binding the fiber material. Electronic apparatuses of the present invention use the vacuum heat insulator. With use of the vacuum heat insulator, electronic and electric apparatuses superior in energy saving and not to present uncomfortable feeling to the user can be provided.

Abstract: The inventive method of preparing an insulation article comprises providing a sealed first container comprising aerogel particles under a first air pressure that is less than atmospheric pressure. The unrestrained volume of the aerogel particles at the first air pressure is less than the unrestrained volume of the aerogel particles under a second air pressure that is greater than the first air pressure. The sealed first container then is placed within a second container, and the sealed first container is breached to equalize the air pressure between the first and second containers at the second air pressure and to increase the volume of the aerogel particles, thereby forming the insulation article.

Abstract: In this vacuum heat insulator, an excellent heat insulating performance is obtained even at high temperature, and this excellent heat insulating performance is maintained for a long period. The hot insulating device and electric water heater using this vacuum heat insulator exhibit an excellent hot insulating performance, and are decreased in the power consumption for hot insulation. The vacuum heat insulator includes a laminate bag, and an insulating core placed in the laminate bag, and the inside of the laminate bag is evacuated in a vacuum state. The laminate bag is made of a laminate film. The laminate film includes a support layer, a deposition layer evaporated on the surface of the support layer, a protective layer placed at the surface side of the deposition layer, and a seal layer placed at the back side of the deposition layer. The deposition layer is formed of at least one material of metal and metal oxide.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a process for manufacturing a flexible thermoinsulating device, which is usable to obtain the thermal insulation of a body having non-flat surfaces. The process starts with obtaining a rigid vacuum panel comprising an evacuated envelope inside which there is disposed a filling material formed of at least a board of open cell rigid polymeric foam, to an operation of localized compression along at least a linear portion of the panel. Through this compression operation at least a slot is formed on at least a face of a board of filling material adjacent to the envelope. The present invention besides relates to the flexible thermoinsulating device obtained through said process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular thermoinsulating device (10; 20; 30), comprising an evacuated envelope made of barrier sheets inside which an inorganic or polymeric, discontinuous or porous filling material (13; 23) is contained. Said envelope comprises an internal tubular element (11; 21; 31) and an external tubular element (12; 22; 32) of higher diameter, which are coaxially arranged one inside the other and are reciprocally sealed at their circular edges. The circular edges of said external tubular element (12; 22; 32) are adapted to the circular edges of said internal tubular element (11; 21; 31) by means of two plies (17, 17′; 25, 25′; 35, 35′). The present invention also relates to some processes for manufacturing said thermoinsulating device.

Abstract: A multi-layer core for use in a vacuum insulation panel and an insulated container utilizing a vacuum insulation panel containing the multi-layer core is provided. The multi-layer core includes at least a first layer of a heat resistant material and a second layer of a material which is less heat resistant than the first layer or which has a lower melting point than the first layer. The core preferably includes a third layer comprising a heat resistant material. The second layer preferably comprises an open cell foam, and the first and third layers preferably comprise a silica material. A vacuum insulation panel which includes the multi-layer core is preferably provided in an insulated container including exterior and interior walls which form a pocket into which the vacuum insulation panel may be inserted. The container may be used to store and/or transport a variety of temperature sensitive items such as food, medicines, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is an insulating composite comprising (a) a first thermally reflective layer having a reflective surface and an opposite surface, (b) a second thermally reflective layer having a reflective surface and an opposite surface, and (c) a porous metal oxide film having a thickness of 20 &mgr;m or less that is positioned between the first and second thermally reflective layers such that there is substantially no direct physical contact (thermal bridging) between the first and second thermally reflective layers. The present invention further includes an insulating element in which the insulating composite is disposed within an air-impermeable container.

Abstract: A thermal insulation system consisting of air or gas filled channels is described, where the channels are filled at the installation site.

Abstract: A thermally insulating wall based upon a vacuum insulation technique includes two outer layers and a cavity bridged by a duct to accommodate cables or similar devices. The duct is produced by ducting bodies with flange-like inserts and is created by a material deformation on at least one of the outer layers. The material deformation at least substantially reaches the other outer layer and is linked in a vacuum tight manner with the other layer. Alternatively, both outer layers can have the material deformation.

Abstract: The invention relates to inflatable fabrics which comprise two separated and distinct fabric layers in discrete areas of such fabrics as well as connecting seam-producing materials to which such fabric layers are simultaneously attached. The resultant inflatable fabric composite thus includes inflatable areas separated, at least partially, by seamed barrier areas. This configuration will form “pillowed” structures within the target fabric upon inflation. Such connecting seam-producing materials are incorporated within the two-layer structure as peel seams in relation with the individual fabric layers. Upon inflation, the seams then act as shear seams which greatly increases the overall strength of the two-layer inflatable fabric. These shear seams thus provide a relatively effective manner of reducing air permeability within the entire fabric article. Such a fabric may be utilized in numerous and various applications wherein fabric inflation is desired or necessary.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cost-effectively provide a high-strength large vacuum heat-insulating panel with a honeycomb core of non-permeable independent cells by means of simplified instruments and method. One goal of the invention is that the core retains an original shape at its lateral ends from the beginning of a procedure of evacuating air into a vacuum condition till the end of panel bonding, and another is ensuring a long lasting air-tight sealing in the honeycomb core. The vacuum heat-insulating panel 100 according to the invention includes a vacuum core element (50) of non-permeable honeycomb structure and a surface element (60) bonded thereto by fusing an air-permeable bonding element (woven cloth made of fibrous adhesive of thermoplastic resin or unwoven cloth of the fibrous adhesive) 70. The surface element 60 has its edges bent to provide protection covers 65.

Abstract: A method of easily deforming a plate-shape vacuum insulation material and producing a smaller but highly effective insulation container, comprising steps of inserting a thermoplastic open-celled rigid foam as a core material into a packet composed of gas barrier film, evacuating and sealing the packet so as to produce a vacuum insulation material, heating and softening the vacuum insulation material so as to deform the same, and cooling the vacuum insulation material so as to cure the same, and also a freezing and refrigerating container having Peliter element.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating (IG) unit and method of making the same. A low pressure space is provided between opposing substrates. An edge sealing system includes at least first and second edge seals. A plurality of spacers or pillars are located at least partially between the first and second edge seals, in order to better control the gap or spacing between the two opposing substrates.

Abstract: An insulated barrier comprising first and second gas impermeable rigid walls, preferably of a composite of an organic substrate, such as plastic, coated with an inorganic matrix, such as a metal oxide, adjoining surfaces between the first and second walls in order to create an entirely closed and substantially hermetically sealed structure, a core material between the walls comprising an open-cell structure and an optional vacuum breach sensor within the insulated barrier by which the presence of atmospheric oxygen may be detected. Also disclosed is a process by which insulated barriers may be manufactured in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A vacuum thermal insulator which is excellent in thermal insulation property and maintainability in that property is disclosed. The vacuum thermal insulator comprises a shell which defines a vacuum space inside and comprises at least one layer (GB layer) comprising a thermoplastic resin and satisfying the formula (1): W×&lgr;×P<1×10−6  (1) wherein W is a thickness (m) of the GB layer, &lgr; is a thermal conductivity (W/m•K) of the GB layer and P is an oxygen permeability (cc/m2•day•atm) of the GB layer at 23° C. in a humidity of 50% RH.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of open celled rigid polyurethane or urethane-modified polyisocyanurate foams by reaction of a polyfunctional isocyanate-reactive composition with a polyisocyanate composition comprising a prepolymer of NCO-value 21-30% based on a high molecular weight oxyethylene-containing polyol.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of manufacturing the same. The vacuum IG unit is preferably provided with polymer inclusive spacers for spacing the substrates from one another. In certain embodiments, the spacers may be of or include a polymer material selected from the group consisting of: polyimide, polyamide, polysiloxane, polyphenylene, polyphenylene oxide, polyaramide (e.g., Kevlar), polysulfone, and polycarbonate.

Abstract: A heat-insulating wall has two spaced-apart, at least essentially vacuum-tight cover layers, between which an evacuable heat-insulation material is provided and which are connected to one another by a vacuum-tight connecting profile which runs along the free edges of the cover layers. The connecting profile has a membrane which spans at least essentially the distance between the cover layers. The connecting profile is made up of a plurality of profile sections adjoining one another in a vacuum-tight manner. At the adjoining ends of the profile sections, the membrane has an end section with a thickness of at least approximately the material thickness of the cover layers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature controlled radiation transmission material for plural component films, the material being present in one or more cores allsidedly surrounded by a transparent sheath layer. The plural component films are particularly useful for the reversibly temperature dependent control of the radiation transmission of buildings and of technical facilities, especially solar energy apparatus, in the apparel industry and/or for decorative purposes.

Abstract: A heat insulation box body includes inner and outer boxes forming a shell of the heat insulation box body and triangular structural materials inserted in the shell held by close-contact by means of a vacuum. Further, at the time of disassembling the heat insulation box body after scrapping, a shell surface is cut and air is introduced into the inside of the shell to return the state of the shell to an atmospheric pressure state and then respective members are separated from each other.

Abstract: A method for covering a lagoon, manure storage basin, waste water retention pond, water reservoir, open top material storage tank, stacks or piles of commodities, having a perimeter and a containment portion, wherein the method acquires the placement of a perforated tubular member about the perimeter, laying a resilient cover on the containment portion such that an edge of the cover is covering the tubular member and is sealed at the edge. A pumping device attached to the tabular member for extracting air through the tubular member with the pumping device which forces the cover downwardly by the use of negative air pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates, on the one hand, to a prismatic, especially panel-formed thermal insulation element which is enveloped in a gas-tight foil and evacuated, whereby a stable core pre-formed from a porous material is completely enveloped in a single cut sheet of the gas-tight foil; as well as a manufacturing process for same comprising the following steps:

Abstract: An advanced thermal container has a thermally insulated open receptacle, a thermally insulated closure member, a data monitoring system incorporated into the container that can send and receive information via wireless communication, and a sealing system to minimize heat transfer and air exchange between the interior and exterior of the container. Hard plastic casing enclosing foam-encased vacuum insulation panels is used to construct the insulated receptacle and closure member. The closure member and receptacle each have an elongated portion with shoulders above and below the elongated portion. When the container is closed, a lower seal and an upper seal are compressed between the mating lower and upper shoulders, respectively. The onboard data monitoring system records important parameters concerning the internal and external environments of the container, particularly temperature information, as well as other significant events such as the number of times the container was opened during transit.

Abstract: For producing a structural component of fiber-reinforced material by a resin transfer molding process, a preform unit is inserted in a form tool including upper and lower metal molds enclosing the preform unit therebetween, without a seal between the molds. The preform unit includes a resin-impregnatable and curable preform body of reinforcing fibers, and an envelope that encloses the preform body and includes an envelope sleeve and closures with valves at the two ends thereof. The sealed envelope is evacuated around the preform body through one valve, and resin is injected through the other valve. The envelope prevents resin discharge from the unsealed form tool during resin impregnation of the preform body.

Abstract: A vacuum panel composed of two foam slabs positioned one on top of the other which slabs are covered with a film in which the panel has been evacuated and sealed with a gas-tight seal. One of the foam slabs is an open-pored polystyrene foam. The other foam slab is an open-pored polyurethane foam. These vacuum insulating panels are useful for the production of insulating elements that are used as external walls in refrigerators.

Abstract: The invention relates to inflatable fabrics which comprise two separated and distinct fabric layers in discrete areas of such fabrics as well as C-shaped seam-producing materials to which such fabric layers are attached. The resultant inflatable fabric composite this includes inflatable areas separated, at least partially, by seamed barrier areas. This configuration will form “pillowed” structures within the target fabric upon inflation. Such seam-producing materials are incorporated within the two-layer structure as C-shaped peel seams in relation with the individual fabric layers. Upon inflation, the seams then act as shear seams which greatly increases the overall strength of the two-layer inflatable fabric. These shear seams thus provide a relatively effective manner of reducing air permeability within the entire fabric article. Such a fabric may be utilized in numerous and various applications wherein fabric inflation is desired or necessary.

Abstract: An organic EL structure is received in a gas-tight casing to construct an organic EL display assembly. The organic EL structure includes a hole injecting electrode, an electron injecting electrode, and at least one organic layer disposed between the electrodes. A desiccant selected from calcium hydride, strontium hydride and a mixture thereof is disposed in the casing out of contact with the organic EL structure. This EL display assembly substantially eliminates the influence of moisture and has a long lifetime.

Abstract: Multilayered sheet insulating material for heat insulation and sound proofing having at least two separation layers made of flexible material, such as sheets, non-woven fabric, paper or the like, and spacer elements between the separation layers. The spacer elements are formed by spacer fibers which are oriented perpendicular to the separation layers, and at least one end of the spacer fibers is linked, e.g., by adhesive, to a separation layer. The sheet insulating material also includes supporting fibers arranged between the separation layers and proximate the spacer fibers for supporting the spacer fibers. The sheet insulating material has very good insulating properties, a particularly low weight and high flexibility.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of making the same. An edge seal of the vacuum IG unit includes at least one fiber (e.g. elongated glass fiber) provided at least partially between first and second opposing substrates in order to hermetically seal off a low pressure space between the substrates. A plurality of spacers are located between the substrates to space the substrates from one another and maintain the low pressure space therebetween.

Abstract: A vacuum covering method for covering a profiled surface of a base member with a sheet by effecting bonding between the sheet and the base member under vacuum, wherein the base member has a multiplicity of spaced vacuum grooves extending across the profiled surface. When air is evacuated from the vacuum grooves, the sheet is drawn by vacuum or suction down onto the profiled surface. The base member is injection-molded of synthetic resin and undergoes thermal shrinkage when it becomes cool after molding. With the vacuum grooves provided in the profiled surface, thermal shrinkage is distributed uniformly over the entire area of the profiled surface and does not generate shrink mark which may form a depression on a front surface of the sheet bonded to the base member.

Abstract: A vacuum thermal insulator which is excellent in thermal insulation property and maintainability in that property is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulating member and a method of producing said member. Such an insulating member consists of two sheet metal walls 1, 2, a sealing profile 3 connecting the walls 1, 2 hermetically at the edge, and dimensionally stable sealing material 4, more particularly an open-pored cellular material, which is accommodated in the evacuated cavity formed by the walls 1, 2 and the sealing profile 3 hermetically connected thereto. The sealing material 4 is dimensionally stable and supports the walls 1, 2. To improve the insulating effect of the insulating member in the edge zone also, the hermetic connection of the sealing profile 3 to the walls 1, 2 takes the form of a heat sealing, and the sealing profile itself does not consist of sheet metal, but of a material having a lower thermal conductivity, low vapor permeability and satisfactory hot sealing properties.

Abstract: A heat insulation wall has two outer surface layers disposed at a distance from one another; the outer surface layers have a contour and are at least substantially vacuum-tight. The heat insulation wall has a connecting profile which extends along the contour, connects the two outer surface layers in a vacuum-tight fashion, and encloses, together with the two outer surface layers, an evacuable space. The connecting profile is composed of a plurality of profile sections. An evacuable thermal insulation material is filled in the evacuable space. A support element is fastened to the outer surface layers and serves as a bearing for the profile sections. The profile sections are supported on the support element and are connected to the support element in a vacuum-tight fashion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lightweight gypsum coated decorative moulding, for installation on an interior building surface. The moulding is lightweight and flexible enough to withstand handling without cracking of the finished gypsum surface of the moulding. A gypsum coated surface is advantageous in that: fire resistance is enhanced; the moulding can be painted and repaired easily; and liquid gypsum compound can be used as an adhesive to install the lightweight moulding without mechanical fasteners or other support. Bevel joints can be cut with standard carpentry tools and the joints can be secured with liquid gypsum compound as well. The use of liquid gypsum compound as an adhesive and finishing coat ensures accurate fitting and finishing of joints as well as ease of repair. The moulding has an elongate foam core of a resilient expanded polystyrene foam solid, having a cross-sectional profile proportionately smaller than the desired cross-sectional profile of the finished decorative moulding.

Abstract: A lightweight, partially evacuated load-supporting insulation panel comprising an outer gas-impermeable envelope and an inner gas-permeable envelope. The inner envelope is filled with a mixture of coarse gas-permeable granules and fine gas permeable particles, void spaces formed within and between said granules and particles containing a gas of low thermal conductivity. An intermediate gas impermeable envelope may also be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to barrier membranes including a barrier layer which includes one or more thermoplastic urethane formed from polyester polyols. More particularly, the membranes include a barrier layer including blends of one or more polyester polyol based thermoplastic urethanes and one or more copolymers of ethylene and vinyl alcohol. The barrier membranes can be employed in a variety of applications and can be used as either monolayers or multi-layered laminates.

Abstract: A hydrogen getter comprising a thin film having a layer of inert material, and a hydrogen reactive material disposed in or attached to the layer of inert material. The hydrogen reactive material may comprise palladium oxide powder, and the layer of inert material may comprise an epoxy resin. Various forms of the hydrogen reactive material may be used including porous composite, or a solid composite comprising a powder coated organic thin film, for example. An alternative gettering system that is operative in an oxygen environment uses a thin film of hydrogen reactive material that catalyzes the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to form water. Improved sealed microelectronic packages are also disclosed along with methods of fabricating same.

Abstract: The invention concerns a heat-insulating body comprising: a) a pulverized hard foamed plastics material and optionally an inorganic porous material; and b) a foil enveloping component a). The foil enveloping component a) is evacuated and then hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A method of preparing a vacuum insulation panel is disclosed. In the method of the present invention, a plurality of metal oxide-containing compacts, each of which contains less water than the amount of water contained therein at atmospheric equilibrium, are enclosed in a film that retards the passage of moisture therethrough. The film is breached and the metal oxide-containing compacts are positioned in an air-impermeable container at atmospheric pressure. The pressure is reduced in the air-impermeable container, and the air-impermeable container is sealed to form the vacuum insulation panel. Also disclosed is a vacuum insulation panel comprising a plurality of metal oxide-containing compacts disposed in an air-impermeable container, wherein the metal oxide-containing compacts contain less water than the amount of water contained therein at atmospheric equilibrium.

Abstract: A shock absorbing cushioning device suitable for products, objects and footwear which is comprised of a compressible insert encapsulated within an elastomeric barrier member. The elastomeric barrier member is secured to the compressible insert by a plurality of tensile members having a first portion embedded in the elastomeric material and a second portion embedded in the compressible insert. The elastomeric member is also filled with a fluid, preferably a compressible gas.

Abstract: A bladder for use as a cushioning element and footwear incorporating the bladder. The enclosed core is formed of spaced apart first and second fabric layers connected together by a plurality of connecting yarns. The shell is formed of see-through plastic material whereby the connecting yarns are visible through the sidewall. The plurality of connecting yarns preferably are arranged in bands with gaps devoid of connecting yarns between adjacent bands, and the ends of the bands and the gaps are visible through the sidewall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel-shaped, evacuated and thermally insulating molded element which contains pressed and optionally hardened, microporous insulating material, wherein the insulating material is in one or more sheathed and evacuated layers, and the molded element has a surface with a lamellar structure, the lamellae being produced by elongate incisions into the surface and having a depth of 40 to 95% of the thickness of the molded element. The invention also relates to a method of insulation for curved surfaces with thermally insulating material, wherein the molded element is made to fit with the surface with a lamellar structure snugly against the curved surface, is fixed in position, and the vacuum is destroyed in at least one layer.

Abstract: Absorptive pads including catamenial tampons are provided which are characterized by O.sub.2 levels sufficiently reduced so as to reduce the introduction of air into the vaginal canal with a resulting reduction in the probability of production of toxic shock syndrome exotoxin during internal use of the pads.

Abstract: A solar heated windshield comprises two matching glass sheets with a hollow interlayer therebetween for inhibiting frost or ice formation on the outer glass sheet by collecting and retaining solar energy within the interlayer. The inner sheet includes a tinted film such that solar energy passing through the windshield is partially deflected into the interlayer to warm the air contained therein. Deflected solar energy may also impinge on or be deflected into a reservoir containing a heat retentive and conductive liquid such as propylene glycol. Air within the interlayer will be warmed repetitively by the heated glycol through the fluid motion of convection. Heat may be transferred by convection to air throughout the interlayer or only to specifically focused areas.

Abstract: A heat-insulating body comprisesa) a porous pressed molded part having a bulk density of from 50 to 350 kg/m.sup.3, preferably of from 100 to 250 kg/M.sup.3, which has been obtained by comminution of plastics foam to powder or flakes, and binding of the power or of the flakes using a binder with simultaneous or subsequent pressing with shaping, andb) a film covering the pressed molded part,with the film which covers the pressed molded part having been evacuated and then hermetically sealed.

Abstract: The heat insulation wall is a sandwich formed by two outer, at least substantially vacuum-tight, spaced-apart surface layers and a thermal insulation in between. The outer surface layers are connected to one another in vacuum-tight fashion by a connecting profile that extends along their contour. The connecting profile has an essentially U-shaped cross section and it is composed of a plurality of profile sections. The connecting profile and the surface layers together enclosing an evacuable space that is filled with the evacuable thermal insulation material. The profile sections of the connecting profile include corner sections which enclose the corners of the heat insulation wall in one-piece form.

Abstract: A heat insulated wall having two surface layers disposed at a distance from one another and are at least substantially vacuum-tight in construction. The two surface layers together with an at least substantially vacuum-tight connection element enclose an evacuable space that is filled with an evacuable thermal insulation material. The surface layers have angled sections with free ends directed away from the space and on which the connection element is disposed and is fastened in a vacuum-tight fashion to the angled sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electroluminescence device having at least one light-emitting layer which comprises conjugated, stiff-chain polymers which are soluble in organic solvents, wherein the emitted electroluminescence is polarized and the intensity of the light which is polarized parallel to the longitudinal axis of the substrate is at least three times the intensity polarized perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insulation panel comprising an air-impermeable container and disposed therein a gas and an adsorbent material that has a surface area of at least about 200 m.sup.2 /g and that adsorbs more of the gas at a temperature below about 0.degree. C. than at 22.degree. C., wherein the pressure in the container at -34.degree. C. is not more than about 80% of the pressure in the container at 22.degree. C. The present invention also provides a method of insulating a surface from environmental thermal effects comprising placing the insulation panel of the present invention over the surface to be insulated.

Abstract: A vacuum thermal insulating material of the present invention and a thermally insulating case using the vacuum thermal insulating material are used as thermal insulation in, for example, refrigerators and freezers. The vacuum thermal insulating material has a core material including two or more different powders and an adsorbent. The vacuum thermal insulating material of the present invention has excellent performance of thermal insulation and is light in weight and manufactured at a low cost. The thermally insulating case of the present invention enables the performance of thermal insulation to be practically maintained over a long time period.