Abstract: A method of producing an iridescent reflecting surface on an object is presented. Flakes of dry non metallic reflecting material such as cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) material are applied to the surface so that the flakes are parallel with the surface and bound with a binder to the surface.

Abstract: A novel gypsum board having antifungal properties is disclosed. The board comprises a gypsum core, front and back paper facings and an antifungal agent effective at inhibiting fungal growth. A preferred antifungal agent is cetylpyridinium chloride. The antifungal agent can be present in the gypsum core and/or on one or both of the paper facings. In addition, the antifungal agent may be encapsulated in a material that releases the antifungal agent over time and/or upon exposure to moisture. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the aforementioned antifungal gypsum board.

Abstract: A computer-based system for producing a multi-color multilayer image on a substrate using multi-colored cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) pigment materials made from CLC flakes tuned to predetermined bands of color. A computer-controlled image generator automatically generates an image specifying a pattern over which binder material is to be applied to a substrate by a binder material applicator. A plurality of CLC pigment applicators automatically apply patterns of different-color CLC pigment material to a pattern of binder material applied to the substrate, binding thereto as the binder material dries. An output device is used to automatically return the substrate to a different one of CLC pigment applicators after each application of a pattern of different-color CLC pigment material to the pattern of binder material.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of gypsum board having inorganic fiber, preferably glass fiber, face sheets which have been completely impregnated with a gypsum slurry so as to penetrate through said random interstices between the inorganic fibers and to thereby coat the board surfaces gypsum slurry. A gypsum board product is formed by passing the wet gypsum board through a board forming station having double forming plates, an upper forming plate having at least a portion thereof being set at a predetermined angle relative to a lower forming plate and having a separation between the forming plates defining a predetermined dimension substantially equal to the desired thickness of the manufactured gypsum board product.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of gypsum board having inorganic fiber, preferably glass fiber, face sheets which have been completely impregnated with a gypsum slurry so as to penetrate through said random interstices between the inorganic fibers and to thereby coat the board surfaces gypsum slurry. A gypsum board product is formed by passing the wet gypsum board through a board forming station having double forming plates, an upper forming plate having at least a portion thereof being set at a predetermined angle relative to a lower forming plate and having a separation between the forming plates defining a predetermined dimension substantially equal to the desired thickness of the manufactured gypsum board product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a gypsum-based substrate. The process includes the steps mixing gypsum and water to produce a gypsum slurry, providing a synthetic polymeric fibrous sheet on one side of a layer of the gypsum slurry, and adhering to the wet gypsum to the sheet with an adhesive strength of at least 7.5 lb. The present invention is also directed to a gypsum board comprised of first and second polymeric fibrous sheets adhered to opposite sides of a wet gypsum core, wherein the first surface of the first sheet and the first surface of the second sheet have pores containing set gypsum and the first and second sheets adhere to said wet gypsum core with an adhesive strength of at least 7.5 lb.

Abstract: A fabric having plant material adhered between layers of silk or hand-made paper. The silk or paper layers are translucent to allow the fabric to have the appearance of plant material. The fabric is manufactured by soaking dry plant material in water, pressing and drying the plant material to flatten it, adhering bottom and top layers of silk or paper to the plant material, and applying a stiffening agent to the fabric. Articles of various shapes may be formed by shaping the fabric into a predetermined shape prior to the step of applying the stiffening material.

Abstract: High strength ceramic components for use in dental applications are provided with a bonding layer disposed thereon to increase the bonding properties of the ceramic component in order that the ceramic component may better bond to a resin material, ceramic material or composite material. Moreover, the bonding layer provides strength to the ceramic component by forming a compressive layer thereon. The ceramic component may be partially or fully embedded in composite material. The ceramic component is bonded to the composite material either by mechanical means, chemical means or both. The material may be placed directly on the ceramic component. Alternatively, the structural component is coated with a bonding layer to provide adhesion between the composite or like material and the structural component.

Abstract: A mouse pad with improved self-cleaning and traction features. The mouse pad is a planar structure with a parallel top control layer and a bottom anti-skid coating. Formed on the top layer is a top control layer with a plurality of alternating, equal height, prismatic and pyramidal shapes, which provide improved cleaning and traction properties. Small troughs are formed between the adjacent shapes, which collect fine dirt and dust particles that are swept from the surface of the mouse ball during use. In one embodiment, the top control surface is made of flexible material that allows the prismatic and pyramidal shapes to bend slightly when the ball of a mechanical mouse rolls over the top surface. This bending action provides improved self-cleaning and traction features. In another embodiment, the top layer is made of transparent material. An ink layer may be applied to the bottom surface of the top layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a polysaccharide-based highly absorbent material, which is produced by desiccating a cross-linked hydrogel using a polar solvent.

Abstract: A switch having a molded article of which the entirety or a part is composed of an organic and inorganic complex composition is provided, wherein the base inside of the base of a box is composed of for example an organic and inorganic complex composition with the resin content at 15 to 70 wt % and the content of one or more inorganic compounds capable of dehydration at 150° C. or more at 80 to 30 wt %.

Abstract: The invention provides a set gypsum-containing product having increased resistance to permanent deformation and a method for preparing it comprising forming a mixture of a calcium sulfate material, water, and an appropriate amount of one or more enhancing materials chosen from condensed phosphoric acids, each of which comprises 2 or more phosphoric acid units; and salts or ions of condensed phosphates, each of which comprises 2 or more phosphate units. The mixture is then maintained under conditions sufficient for the calcium sulfate material to form a set gypsum material.

Abstract: The insulating cover comprises a gas and water impermeable first foil (13) which defines a first circumferential outer rim, a gas and water impermeable second foil (26) substantially coextensive with said first foil (13) and defining a second circumferential outer rim. The first (13) and second foil (26) are joined together at the first and second outer circumferential rims of the first (13) and second outer circumferential rims of the first (13) and second foils (26), to define an enclosure between the first (13) and second (26) foils. A body of insulating material (24) is inserted in the enclosure. A plurality of supporting tubular elements (20) in co-planar relationship with said first (13) and second foil (26) provide a stiffness of the insulating cover (15) in axial direction of the plurality of supporting tubular elements (20) and flexibility of the insulating cover (15) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

Abstract: A gypsum board/intumescent material ceiling board includes a gypsum board and a fire-resistive barrier. A first major surface of the gypsum board is an upper side for abutting framing and a second major surface of the gypsum board is an underside for facing a room interior. The fire-resistive barrier is a layer of intumescent coating material applied to and coextensive with one of the major surfaces of the gypsum board. The intumescent coating material contains expandable graphite and a corrosion inhibitor in sufficient quantities to provide a corrosion inhibiting layer on metal surfaces, such as the surfaces of metal fasteners, with which the intumescent coating material comes in contact. In addition, the intumescent coating material has a pH greater than 7.0 to reduce corrosive properties of the intumescent material and provide a chemical environment conducive to the forming of the corrosion inhibiting layer by the corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: A high strength, low density fiber board panel for use in the furniture industry is provided, including mineral wool, a lightweight aggregate material, cellulosic fiber, a binding agent and gypsum. The mineral wool makes up approximately 0% to 33%, the lightweight aggregate material approximately 25% to 41%, the cellulosic fiber approximately 20% to 35%, the binding agent approximately 5% to 9%, and the gypsum approximately 0% to 23%, of the dry solids weight of the panel.

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 cementitious panel comprising a cementitious core which is fabric-reinforced at the surface thereof and whose longitudinal edges are reinforced by a network of fibers. A panel may be obtained wherein the surface edge reinforcement layers are relatively strong and hard such that a nail or screw may be driven through the edge of panel without pre-drilling and without breaking, even when nailed or screwed almost at the very limit of the edge of the panel. Such a panel may provide a long lasting substrate for humid or wet areas such as shower rooms and bath rooms.

Abstract: A non-combustible gypsum/fiber board comprises two surface layers and at least one core layer, wherein the surface layers comprise a gypsum composition that is reinforced with organic fibers, and the core layer comprises a gypsum composition containing no more than about 3% by weight of organic materials.

Abstract: A cementitious panel comprising a cementitious core which is fabric-reinforced at the surface thereof and whose longitudinal edges are reinforced by a network of fibers. A panel may be obtained wherein the surface edge reinforcement layers are relatively strong and hard such that a nail or screw may be driven through the edge of panel without pre-drilling and without breaking, even when nailed or screwed almost at the very limit of the edge of the panel. Such a panel may provide a long lasting substrate for humid or wet areas such as shower rooms and bath rooms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cementitious structural panel and its method of manufacture. The method of manufacture involves encapsulating a top and bottom layer of porous reinforcing material with a cementitious mixture by vibration. The structural panel may be coated with a layer of waterproof material.

Abstract: An oxygen-absorbing label consisting of a base sheet, adhesive on the base sheet for securing the base sheet to an internal surface of a container, an oxygen-absorbing composition on the base sheet, and a cover sheet secured to the base sheet to confine the oxygen-absorbing composition therebetween, the cover sheet being fabricated of material which will permit oxygen to pass therethrough but will not stain due to the oxidation of the oxygen-absorbing composition or due to contact with materials in the container. A plurality of the foregoing labels are mounted on a web to be used with conventional labeling equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an architectural material obtained by forming a decorative layer containing calcium carbonate as a binder component on the surface of a base material, and laminating a ventilating protective sheet having a peeling strength of 200 to 4000 mN on the surface of the decorative layer without interposing an adhesive layer separately, and a process for producing the architectural material. The architectural material has excellent soiling resistance or abrasion resistance, and is highly practical.

Abstract: A forming material for the fabrication of appliances for fixing, supporting, correcting and holding human bodies, characterized by a main forming material body including a quantity of granulated materials each coated with a moisture-curable urethane prepolymer contained within a water-permeable material container, the main forming material body being hermetically enclosed in a moisture-impermeable material container, wherein the moisture-curable urethane prepolymer and the water-permeable material container are unreactive with each other and have a low adhesive strength with respect to each other to provide good long term preservability and ease of operability to allow modeling and conforming the main forming material body to a desired shape.

Abstract: A sealing mat is proposed for use in civil and underground engineering for the insulation of soil against liquids, especially water, having two outer layers consisting of a fibrous material, between which is placed a powder of mineral sealing material, e.g. bentonite, and the two layers are connected with each other, whereby between the two layers (1, 2) an aero-fleece is place, in which the powder (4) of mineral sealing material is stored, and the two layers (1, 2) are sewn to each other with the aero-fleece located in between.

Abstract: A construction element for cladding of a structural surface which consists of a glass pane and a layer of bonding mortar on one side of the glass pane, which bonding mortar consists of a fine-particle neutral aggregate and cement and is gauged with an aqueous dispersion of a polyacrylic acid derivative, whereby the polyacrylic acid derivative has a logarithmic decrement determined in accordance to DIN 53445, which has a maximum at Celsius temperatures below 0.degree. C., and the bonding mortar is hardened on the glass pane with a deficiency of hydration water. The construction element is bonded to the surface to be cladded with the adhesive or by contact of the bonding mortar layer with setting concrete of the structure which is cladded with the element.

Abstract: A barrier membrane for use with articulating mechanical devices includes hinges formed along preferred folding lines. The hinges encourage the membrane to fold in a predetermined manner in response to articulation of the mechanical device. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane is composed of flexible outer thermal layers encasing rigid panels that are spaced apart from each other at the hinges.

Abstract: Fire-resistant structures are provided having at least a 20 minute ASTM E-152 fire test rating. The structures include glass partition walls having framing members formed from a gypsum-containing composition having a density of at least about 60 lbs/ft.sup.3, a flexural strength of at least 30 lbs (1/2 inch thick material), and a screw-holding capacity of at least about 400 lbs. The gypsum-containing composition further contains a substantially uniform distribution of solids including about 65 wt. % to about 90 wt. % set gypsum dihydrate, about 7 wt. % to about 30 wt. % paper fiber, and about 1.5 wt. % to about 35 wt. % of one or more performance boosters selected from inorganic fiber, clay, vermiculite, and binder polymer.

Abstract: A fibrous product is produced by providing a collection of fibrous material, and encapsulating the fibrous material by covering the fibrous material with a film to form an encapsulated blanket of the fibrous material. The encapsulated blanket is then needled to cause entanglement of the fibrous material, thereby producing a needled, encapsulated fibrous product.

Abstract: An electronic circuit substrate is sealed with a sealing material made of thermoplastic resin having a thermal-expansion coefficient close to that of a ceramic substrate by a compound filler dispersedly mixed in the sealing material. The filler includes at least two of milled fiber, glass fiber, and flaked filler.

Abstract: Multi-layer covering articles having a base layer adapted to yieldably conform to a surface to be covered and having properties appropriate for a particular application in which the article is to be used, and a thermoplastic surface layer bonded to a surface of the base layer and incorporating a reinforcing material to provide strength and tear resistance for the covering article. The reinforcing material permits the surface layer to function as the strength-providing member of the article, permitting the base layer to be designed solely in accordance with the requirements of a particular application without regard to its strength.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tile having a desired pattern. The pattern goes through the tile in the thickness direction. For manufacturing such a tile, e.g. a partition plate 84 is disposed in a pressure forming die 91 so as to divide its inside space into an outer forming space 95 and an inner forming space 96. Light black granules and light red granules are filled respectively in the outer and inner forming spaces 95, 96. Then, the partition wall 84 is taken out from the die 91, and lining granules are filled over the colored granules. Thereafter, they are pressed into one body and burned.

Abstract: A vacuum insulation panel includes a blended wool media made up of fibers having at least two different average fiber diameters. The blended wool media includes small fibers which improve thermal performance of a vacuum insulation panel and large fibers which improve the mechanical strength of the insulating media and reduce the time required to produce a vacuum within the panel.

Abstract: A building element has a slab of concrete having a face, a sheet of glass juxtaposed with the face, and a layer of mortar between and bonded monolithically to the glass sheet and the slab face. The mortar consists essentially of a fine-particulate neutral aggregate, cement, and an aqueous dispersion of a polyacrylic-acid derivative having a logarithmic decrement according to DIN 53,445 which is at a maximum below 0.degree. C. The aqueous dispersion is in an amount insufficient to fully hydrate the cement. In addition the mortar layer has a thickness and a content of polyacrylic acid sufficient to permit differential thermal expansion of the slab and glass without cracking of the mortar layer.

Abstract: A composite floor covering having an upper decorative layer, a stabilizing layer, and an optional cushioning layer is characterized in that the decorative layer itself comprises a fabric base and a plastic matrix having a transparent portion. The plastic matrix may include an opaque portion. At least the transparent portion of the plastic matrix has discrete fibrous structures embedded therein. The plastic matrix material is selected with melting and rheological characteristics such that the plastic matrix is prepared and applied to the fabric base in fluid form and solidifies under conditions at which the fabric base and embedded fibrous structures remain substantially intact. The fabric layer may be totally embedded within the plastic matrix or may form the lower surface of the plastic matrix. The decorative layer may include (i) fabric fragments, (ii) groupings of multi-oriented individual fibers, or (iii) mixtures of fragments and individual fibers.

Abstract: Gas-permeable 100% reinforced thermosetting polyester film material for the manufacture of pest control applicators, comprising a grid including a base of polyester yarn overlain with top and bottom layers of polyester fibers, and an aqueous-based paste of the same polyester filling the spaces between the grid yarn and fibers and having a melting point lower than the grid yarn and fibers polyester. A pest control applicator is formed of such film material, filled with pest control agent reactive with water to release a fumigating gas, and after reaction of the pest control agent with air humidity, the applicator is immersed in water to deactivate residial pest control agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-weight, high-strength composite pad, and a method of making the same. The composite pad has a substantially rigid board and at least one reinforcing coating on one or more sides of the board. The reinforcing coating has a foamable material with a fibrous fabric bonded thereto. At least one layer of a slurry mixture then covers the reinforcing coating. Also generally described, the method of making the present invention involves forming in a mold a reinforced core of the substantially rigid board, the foamable material, and the fibrous fabric, removing the reinforced core from the mold, and then applying the layer of slurry mixture thereto.

Abstract: A packing material for refractory capable of restraining the deterioration of working environment since there is generated no smoke and foul smell even if used for setting preheated submerged nozzles or long nozzles, allowing easy visual observation of fitting operation, and maintaining the packing material deformation suppression performance. A packing material for refractory of the present invention is characterized in that a part or the whole surface of a packing base material for refractory formed from inorganic refractory powder, inorganic and/or organic fibrous raw material, and being agents and/or various types of additives is covered with a metal foil. This packing material may be used together with an inorganic paint or ceramic fiber sheet, and when so used, the metal foil is to be applied to the outermost surface thereof. In addition, a metal foil having recessed and raised portions thereof may be used.

Abstract: A filling body (1) for introduction into a hollow space of an automobile body, consisting of a foam filling material which is surrounded by a plastic film (2), the foam filling material being adapted to be reduced in size, for example, by an evacuation of the hermetically closing covering for introduction into the hollow space and being adapted to be held fast in the hollow space by a release of restoring forces of the foam filling material, the foam filling material having foam flakes 5, 5'.

Abstract: A method (38) for packaging a microelectronic device (10) and a device (10) packaged by the method (38). The method (38) includes a step of providing (42) a first material (16) on an active surface of the microelectronic device (10). The first material (16) has a first temperature coefficient of expansion. The method (38) also includes steps of heating (46) the microelectronic device (10) and the first material (16) to a predetermined first temperature and molding (48) a second material (20) about the microelectronic device (10) and the first material (16). The second material (20) has a second temperature coefficient of expansion less than that of the first material (16). A final step of cooling (50) the first material (16), the second material (20) and the microelectronic device (10) provides a packaged microelectronic device (30).

Abstract: In the manufacture of vacuum insulation panels, it is necessary to prevent deformation and damage to the brazed seal-off provided to maintain internal vacuum. The invention provides seal-off port geometries which improve the integrity of the vacuum panel. Annular troughs are formed in the metal sheet around the seal-off port to provide improved strength and stability to the seal-off area and to permit movement to compensate for melt-back of the glass mat contained within the panel.

Abstract: An oxygen-absorbing label consisting of a base sheet, adhesive on the base sheet for securing the base sheet to an internal surface of a container, an oxygen-absorbing composition on the base sheet, and a cover sheet secured to the base sheet to confine the oxygen-absorbing composition therebetween, the cover sheet being fabricated of material which will permit oxygen to pass therethrough but will not stain due to the oxidation of the oxygen-absorbing composition or due to contact with materials in the container. A plurality of the foregoing labels are mounted on a web to be used with conventional labeling equipment.

Abstract: A panel for an office sound screen includes a core which includes an asphalt layer and insulation layers positioned on both sides of the asphalt layer. Preferably the asphalt layer has a thickness between 0.030 inch (0.076 cm) and 0.125 inch (0.318 cm). The asphalt layer acts as an adhesive so that the insulation layers are laminated thereto. Preferably the insulation layers are made from a fibrous glass wool insulating material having a density between 0.5 pounds per cubic foot (8 kg/m.sup.3) and 5 pounds per cubic foot (80 kg/m.sup.3). The panel further includes a cover layer positioned on at least one side of the core.

Abstract: A packaging material, which is capable of absorbing trace amounts of volatile odorous sulfur compounds particularly from food, is made from a structural support material which is preferably a polymer film, and a defined molecular sieve. The packaging material may be in the form of a film which forms at least one layer of a film package, or it may be in the form of a cap liner, or it may be in the form of an insert. Film materials may be oriented film or oriented shrink film. The molecular sieve may be defined either by its measured ability to adsorb hydrogen sulfide, or by certain physical and chemical structural parameters of the molecular sieve. These are pore-opening size, Si/Al atomic ratio, pore-structure dimensionality, and basicity.

Abstract: An insulating blanket for a bulkhead in an engine nacelle comprises a fabric backing layer, a central insulating core, a ceramic precursor-impregnated hot-side fabric layer and, as required, erosion-preventing wire mesh. The backing layer comprises a fiberglass fabric. The insulating core comprises a ceramic felt. The hot side layer comprises one or more layers of resin-impregnated fiber glass fabric. The blanket is precured to provide a predetermined geometric shape.

Abstract: Insulation barriers incorporating a cementitious structural matrix formed from a cementitious mixture including a hydraulic cement and water. The insulation barriers are manufactured from cementitious materials in order to be lightweight, insulative, less expensive, and more environmentally compatible than those currently used; they may augment, and even take the place of, traditional insulation materials including insulations made of glass fibers, polyurethane foam, urea-formaldehyde foam, polystyrene, wood fiber, cellulose fiber, rock-wool, etc. The cementitious structural matrix of the insulation barriers usually includes a hydraulic cement paste (formed from the reaction of water with, e.g., a portland-type cement) in combination with a rheology-modifying agent, such as methylhydroxyethylcellulose, and a lightweight aggregate material, which lowers the density of the insulation barrier and increases its insulation ability.

Abstract: Laminate insulation barriers including a highly insulative layer and a structural layer which has a cementitious structural matrix. The laminate insulation barriers are lightweight and more environmentally compatible than those currently used; they may augment, and even take the place of, traditional insulation materials which typically contain nondegradable, environmentally damaging materials.

Abstract: A semiconductor protection tube is a ceramic tube with a layer of silicon carbide covering at least a portion of the tube adjacent an open front end of the tube and extending forward of the open end to form a hollow, closed-end tip. The protection tube is formed by providing the ceramic tube, inserting a mandrel through the tube to extend forward of the front end, and depositing silicon carbide by chemical vapor deposition over at least a front portion of the ceramic tube and over the forward-extending portion of the mandrel. Subsequent removal of the mandrel completes the production of the protection tube.

Abstract: An all-ceramic dental restoration comprising a ceramic core over and at least one coating thereon of a porcelain composition having a maturing temperature of from about 850.degree. to about 1050.degree. C. and a coefficient of thermal expansion of from about 4.0 to about 13 (room temperature to 500.degree. C.) parts per million per .degree.C. comprising:______________________________________ Component Amount (Wt. %) ______________________________________ SiO.sub.2 69-75 Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 4.0-9.5 Na.sub.2 O 5-10 K.sub.2 O 0-4 CaO 0-1.5 MgO 0-6 B.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: Fire-resistant structures are provided having at least a 20 minute ASTM E-152 fire test rating. The structures include glass partition walls having framing members formed from a gypsum-containing composition having a density of at least about 60 lbs/ft.sup.3, a flexural strength of at least 30 lbs ( 1/2 inch thick material), and a screw-holding capacity of at least about 400 lbs. The gypsum-containing composition further contains a substantially uniform distribution of solids including about 65 wt.% to about 90 wt.% set gypsum dihydrate, about 7 wt.% to about 30 wt.% paper fiber, and about 1.5 wt.% to about 35 wt.% of one or more performance boosters selected from inorganic fiber, clay, vermiculite, and binder polymer.

Abstract: A flexible, protective and waterproofing membrane for application onto a body to conform to a surface of the body and to be bonded thereto is provided. The membrane includes a flexible polymeric sheet which has an open-textured surface on each of its opposite faces. The textured surfaces are impregnated with a dry, cementitious material and define interconnected internal voids open to the atmosphere. The dry cementitious material includes a water-hardenable cement which is substantially non-hydrated.