Abstract: The application discloses cellulose ester compositions comprising two or more miscible blends of cellulose ester each comprising a plurality of propionyl substituents having tunable rheology and physical properties not achievable by any one of the cellulose esters alone. These cellulose ester compositions can be further processed, with or without other materials such as plasticizers, flame retardants, and blowing agents, and converted into articles. These cellulose ester compositions have higher modulus and have low to no butyryl/butyric acid content relative to cellulose acetate butyrate (“CAB”) cellulose ester compositions made from CABs having a butyryl content of greater than 30 wt %.

Abstract: The invention relates to an item of seating furniture, which comprises at least one seat (1,21) in the manner of a seat pedestal (1) or in the manner of a stool and also at least one seat cushion (5). The seat has a hard core (22) and a soft outer layer (23-26), wherein the hard core is preferably composed of at least one hard foam plastic and the outer layer is preferably composed of at least one soft foam plastic. The seat cushion has a filling of microspheres composed of hard foam plastic and having a diameter of less than 2 mm.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing, layer-upon-layer, an integral composite aeronautical structure, wherein the method comprises: (a) providing an additive manufacturing tool comprising a depositing mold shaping an aerodynamic surface and at least one head configured to be moved over the depositing mold and to deposit fibrous material reinforcement and/or meltable material; (b) depositing fibrous material reinforcement embedded within meltable material onto the depositing mold, at least one layer of a lower aerodynamic face-sheet being built thereby; (c) depositing meltable material onto at least a portion of the outer layer of the lower aerodynamic face-sheet, at least one layer of core structure being built thereby; and (d) depositing fibrous material reinforcement embedded within meltable material onto at least the outer layer of the core structure, at least one layer of an upper aerodynamic face-sheet being built thereby; wherein steps (b), (c) and (d) are performed using Additive Manufacturing technology.

Abstract: Internally reinforced aerogels, articles of manufacture and uses thereof are described. An internally reinforced aerogel includes an aerogel having a support at least partially penetrating the aerogel and having the aerogel penetrating the porous structure of the support.

Abstract: A method of forming a component includes depositing a ceramic material within an open-cell void of a polymer body. The ceramic material deposited around the periphery of the open-cell void structure forms a thermally-conductive path through the polymer body. The ceramic material circumscribes an open volume extending the entire length of the thermally-conductive path that is filled with a sealant such that fluids are incommunicable from the first surface to the second surface via the thermally-conductive path. A method of forming a heat exchanger includes forming a plurality of plates, each plate formed as a thermally-conductive polymer body. The method of forming the heat exchanger further includes arranging the plurality of plates within a housing to form a plate and frame heat exchanger configured to place a first flowpath in a heat exchange relationship with a second flowpath.

Abstract: A composite panel structure has opposing outer walls or surfaces and a core comprising a plurality of ribs extending between and connected to the outer walls and defining chambers which are filled with expanding foams, non-expanding foams, gases, or a combination thereof. The outer panel surfaces and internal chamber walls or ribs are made of woven or non-woven fibrous material impregnated with one or more resins. The panel structure may be used for making a variety of products including sports equipment such as sports paddles, surfboards, kite boards, skateboards, wakeboards, as well as construction panels for walls, ceilings or floors, display panels, panels for the vehicle industry, furniture, and other structures requiring high strength to weight properties.

Abstract: An additive manufactured structure and methods for making and using same. The structure includes a plurality of layers stacked in a stacking direction. The structure further includes at least one reinforcement structure affixed to the layers and extending at least partially in the stacking direction. The reinforcement structure can hold the layers together to stiffen and strengthen the structure. Mechanical strength of the structure in the stacking direction can advantageously be improved. Shape and spatial distribution of the reinforcement structure can be customized and adapted to the geometry of the layers to enhance strengthening effect. The reinforcement structure can be tension free or have a compressive stress induced by a preload applied during manufacturing. The compressive stress can be adjusted dynamically via a sensor. The structure and methods provide, among other things, a novel means for addressing the inherent weaknesses in parts created by large-scale extrusion deposition processes.

Abstract: A hot tub cover consists of an impermeable exterior shell and at least one multilayered insulative and structural core. Each multilayered insulative and structural core may further have multiple core layers layered adjacent to each other in various configurations, providing superior protection from heat losses from within the hot tub as well as structural strength and durability.

Abstract: An adsorption temporary fixing material comprises an adsorption temporary fixing sheet including a foam layer having an open-cell structure, wherein the adsorption temporary fixing material includes the foam layer in the entirety of the sheet or on at least one surface thereof, wherein a shear adhesive strength of a surface of the foam layer with a SUS304BA plate at 23° C. is 1 N/100 mm2 or more at a tensile rate of 50 mm/min, wherein a peel strength of the surface of the foam layer from the SUS304BA plate at 23° C. is 1 N/20 mm or less at a peel angle of 180° and a tensile rate of 300 mm/min, and wherein a weight change ratio after the adsorption temporary fixing sheet has been immersed in distilled water for 1 minute and then water droplets have been wiped off the surface thereof is 50% or less.

Abstract: An adsorption temporary fixing material comprises an adsorption temporary fixing sheet including a foam layer having an open-cell structure, wherein the adsorption temporary fixing material includes the foam layer in the entirety of the sheet or on at least one surface thereof, wherein a shear adhesive strength of a surface of the foam layer with a SUS304BA plate at 23° C. is 1 N/100 mm2 or more at a tensile rate of 50 mm/min, wherein a peel strength of the surface of the foam layer from the SUS304BA plate at 23° C. is 1 N/20 mm or less at a peel angle of 180° and a tensile rate of 300 mm/min, and wherein a weight change ratio after the adsorption temporary fixing sheet has been immersed in distilled water for 1 minute and then water droplets have been wiped off the surface thereof is 50% or less.

Abstract: An insulation product may include a container, a first insulation material forming a first layer inside the container, and a second insulation material forming a second layer inside the container, and the first layer is compressed by the second layer. A structure in a building may include studs, first and second claddings mounted to opposite sides of the studs, and structure spaces defined between the studs and the opposing claddings. A first insulation material may include first layers on and substantially covering a first one of the claddings inside the structure spaces. In addition, a second insulation material may have second layers inside the structure spaces. The first layers are compressed and substantially covered by the second layers, and the second layers substantially cover a second one of the claddings inside the structure spaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing polyisocyanurate plastics having a functionalized surface, comprising the following steps: a) providing a polyisocyanate composition A) containing monomeric and/or oligomeric polyisocyanates; b) catalytically trimerizing the polyisocyanate composition A) so as to obtain a bulk polyisocyanurate material as intermediate; c) surface functionalizing the intermediate by contacting at least one surface of the intermediate with at least one functionalizing reagent D); d) continuing the catalytic trimerization. The invention further relates to a polyisocyanurate plastic having a functionalized surface obtainable from the process of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulation product formed from at least two insulating layers containing aerogels, each of said layers comprising from 25 to 95 wt % of aerogel(s) and from 5 to 75 wt % of fibers, said insulating layers being joined together by means of an organic adhesive, advantageously aqueous, based on vinyl polymer(s). The invention also relates to a method for obtaining said product.

Abstract: Bridge tape with directed foam expansion comprised of thermally foamable composition, useful for applying coating material through holes in the tape to a substrate beneath the tape, after which the holes can be sealed by heating to cause the foamable composition to foam and the foam to seal the holes.

Abstract: A spa cover lifting system is provided for selectively removing and replacing the cover of a spa. The spa cover lifter system has a frame configured to hold a cover of the spa and an actuator coupled to the frame. Selective actuation of the actuator by a user causes at least a portion of the frame and the cover to rotate about and between a first, closed position, in which access to the water of the spa is restricted, and a second, open position, in which access to the water of the spa is not restricted. The actuator and at least a portion of the frame are positioned below a deck that is around the outside of the spa so that the actuator and at least a portion of the frame are inaccessible to a user of the spa during normal usage.

Abstract: Example insulated pliable door panels or curtains include various internal vapor barriers. The vapor barriers have a relatively high water vapor transmission rate that inhibits water vapor from permeating through the door panel. With such vapor barriers, outer sheets of the door panel can be made of polyurethane or other tough materials that might have an inadequate water vapor transmission rate. In some examples, the vapor barrier encircles or encloses a thermally insulating pad. In some examples, the door panel includes a sleeve or pocket that holds the vapor barrier in place. Some examples include means for draining water that might condense within the door panel.

Abstract: An insert for a pneumatic tire including an annular member adapted to contact at least 10% of an interior surface of the pneumatic tire and provide an outward pressure thereagainst. An insert for a pneumatic tire including an annular member adapted to contact at least 10% of an interior surface of the pneumatic tire and provide an outward pressure thereagainst, and an inflatable bladder disposed adjacent to the annular member. A tire assembly including a pneumatic tire having an interior surface and an annular member contacting at least 10% of the interior surface and providing an outward pressure thereagainst.

Abstract: An insert for a pneumatic tire including an annular member adapted to contact at least 10% of an interior surface of the pneumatic tire and provide an outward pressure thereagainst.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a fiber molded article includes fiber impregnated with thermoplastic resin, a plane base portion molded from the fiber, and a wall portion molded from the fiber and extending to an outside of a surface of the base portion to form an outer edge of the base portion. The wall portion has a through-hole. An entire periphery of an inner peripheral surface of the through-hole is covered with a film. The film is formed by melting the thermoplastic resin soaked into the fiber on the inner peripheral surface.

Abstract: The invention is an article of footwear incorporating insulation material, such as a low bulk insulation material, to provide warmth in cold weather, yet with the style, agility, and breathability of a typical conventional shoe or boot. Additionally, in a further embodiment, the invention includes these features in a shoe or boot which is also waterproof and breathable. These aspects of the present invention are achieved through a placement, or mapping, of low bulk insulation to maximize the footwear article attributes of warmth, style, agility, and breathability.

Abstract: A polymeric coating composition for use in overlaying at least a portion of a substrate element composed of a plural component polymeric system composed of a reactive blend of at least one first component and at least one second component, wherein the first component essentially of a polymer and/or blend of polymers present in an amount sufficient to impart a predetermined amount of tensile strength, hardness, flexibility and adhesive strength to the resulting polymeric coating, and the second component is an isocyanate or isocyanate quasi-prepolymer. The substrate element is a blast-resistant polymeric material having low surface energy and/or low reactivity at or near the surface of the substrate. Also disclosed is a blast and/or ballistic-resistant construction element composed of a structure having the aforementioned polymeric material thereover. The polymeric material has a substrate matrix containing at least one of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, aramid materials, and the like.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a foam body having an anisotropic cell structure, the method including the steps of: expanding a polymer at an elevated temperature to form an initial foam body; and cooling the initial foam body under a negative pressure. There is also provided a method of manufacturing a foam body having an anisotropic cell structure, the method including the steps of: (a) in a first expansion step, expanding a foamable polymer composition substantially isotropically to form an initial foam body having an isotropic cell structure; and (b) in a second expansion step, expanding the initial foam body anisotropically in a selected direction under a negative pressure which applies an expanding force in the selected direction to provide a final foam body having an anisotropic cell structure. Apparatus for the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a floor panel (10) including a foamed cement board (1) having at least a foamed cement layer (3), a top plate (5a) attached to an upper surface of the foamed cement board (1), and a bottom plate (5b) attached to a lower surface of the foamed cement board (1). The foamed cement layer (3) is configured so that the layer (3) has a porous hardened cement phase and a fiber dispersed in the phase. Also, the layer (3) has a thickness within a range from 12 to 30 mm and a specific gravity within a range from 0.8 to 1.5. Thereby, the floor panel can be light in weight while desired strengths for the floor panel are established. The floor panel can be readily produced without any complicated processes.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed, in part, to a selectively apertured nonwoven material forming a portion of a disposable absorbent article. The nonwoven material comprises a layer of bicomponent fibers, and a plurality of apertures formed in the layer of bicomponent fibers. Each aperture has a major axis and a minor axis. Each major axis is larger than each minor axis. Each major axis has a length of greater than about 1.5 mm and less than about 10 mm and each minor axis has a length of greater than about 0.4 mm and less than about 1.25 mm. The nonwoven material has a basis weight of less than 25 gsm, but greater than 10 gsm. The layer of bicomponent fibers has an effective open area greater than about 3% but less than about 30%. The apertures have an aperture area greater than about 0.5 mm2 and less than about 10 mm2.

Abstract: This homogenized, multilayer sandwich structure has a total bending stiffness. The structure has two external skins each of a material having a modulus, a thickness and a width with contribution to the total moment of inertia. The structure also has a core of a foam material sandwiched between the two external skins, wherein the core has a modulus, a thickness and a width with contribution to the total moment of inertia. The external skins are fixed to the core, the strength of the structure being dependent on the core thickness via cubic power, as well as on the placement of the layers within the structure.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to inflatable mattresses in the form of beds, chairs, couches, or other gas-inflatable structures. The mattress has an internal support structure with one or more diagonal structural support elements comprised of rigid or flexible cords or cables that are coupled to the top, bottom, and/or sides of the air mattress. The support elements provide increased top-to-bottom, side and/or corner rigidity when subject to top loading. The mattress may also include an integral handle structure so as to allow a user to readily lift and/or transport the air mattress when inflated.

Abstract: A flooring assembly (100) for a compartment floor includes a panel (104) made up of a first skin (126), a second skin (128) positioned below the first skin, and a core (120) encapsulated within the panel between the first and second skins and peripheral closeouts (124). A heat dissipation layer (116) is provided in the flooring assembly at or above the first skin.

Abstract: A method for potting hollow fiber membranes comprises the steps of forming a bundle of membranes with a layer of adhesive; covering one end of the bundle with a permeate pan, the ends of the membranes protruding upwards into the permeate pan; and flowing a liquid potting material into the permeate pan. The bundle may be tilted to more quickly distribute the liquid potting material. An apparatus for filtering liquid with hollow fiber membranes comprises a bundle of membranes, a layer of adhesive spaced from the end of the bundle, a permeate pan covering the end of the bundle, and a header formed with the membranes, the adhesive and the pan.

Abstract: An illuminable mat adapted for use in a variety of settings is provided. The illuminable mat includes an illuminable region and a light source that illuminates the illuminable region. The light source is powered by a receiver that is wirelessly supplied by a transmitter.

Abstract: Shaped articles are provided herein. In one example, the shaped article (10) comprising a carrier (20) and a flexible decorative part (30) of planar design with an edge (31) and an edge region (32), wherein the carrier (20) features a groove (22) for the edge region (32), the decorative part (30) comprises a visible layer (40) and a cushion layer (50), the decorative part (30) is arranged on the carrier (20) in such a way that the cushion layer (50) faces the carrier (20) and the edge region (32) engages into the groove (22), and wherein the decorative part (30) features one or more recesses (41) that are arranged in the edge region (32) and partially or completely extend across the depth of the visible layer (40).

Abstract: Ultrasound scanners with anisotropic heat distributors and associated methods of operation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an ultrasound scanner can include a housing having a surface enclosing an internal cavity, an electronic component in the internal cavity of the housing, and a heat distributor between the surface of the housing and the electronic component. The heat distributor is in thermal communication with both the electronic component and the surface of the housing. The heat distributor includes a laminated structure having a conductive layer and a insulative layer stacked one on the other.

Abstract: Plastic panels for motor vehicles and methods for making plastic panels are provided herein. In one example, a plastic panel for a motor vehicle comprises a first molded microcellular polymeric substrate and a second polymeric substrate. The first molded microcellular polymeric substrate has a first outer skin, a second outer skin, a microcellular structured core that is disposed between the first and second outer skins, and a wall that extends between the first and second outer skins to define a support structure in the microcellular structured core. The second polymeric substrate comprises a weld feature that is aligned with the support structure and that is coupled to the second outer skin of the first molded microcellular polymeric substrate.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body includes stiffening struts created from a composite fiber material. Each stiffening strut is connected at both ends to the adjoining body components via a connection section. The fibers of the stiffening strut run essentially unidirectionally in the direction of loading of the stiffening strut and the cross-sectional area of the stiffening strut remains constant at least between the connection sections of the stiffening strut along a length of the stiffening strut.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle, including rigid core board panels joined together to form a support structure having an exterior surface and an interior surface opposite the exterior surface. The interior surface of the support structure faces an occupant compartment. Each of the panels includes a honeycomb core sandwiched between opposing fiberglass-reinforced sheets. The vehicle includes a layer of energy absorbing material mounted on the exterior surface of the support structure and wheels mounted on the support structure. At least one of the wheels is steerable from the occupant compartment. A motor is mounted on the support structure and operatively connected to at least one of the wheels.

Abstract: A decorative article is provide which comprises a substrate including a front side, a rear side and a perimeter side, with the perimeter side of the substrate including at least one perimeter corner of the substrate. An elongated slot is formed in the rear side of the substrate. The elongated slot includes at least one slot corner and at least one slot corner extension, with the slot corner extension extending from the slot corner to the perimeter corner of the substrate. A decorative covering which covers the front side, the perimeter side and a peripheral region of the rear side of the substrate, with the decorative covering being located in and terminating the slot including the slot corner and the slot corner extension to conceal a perimeter edge of the decorative covering.

Abstract: The present application provides an insulated foam panel for a refrigerated display case. The insulated foam panel may include a polyurethane foam core, a number of polystyrene support rails surrounding the polyurethane foam core in whole or in part, and a pair of liners positioned about the polyurethane foam core.

Abstract: A heat-insulating housing (21) includes: a wall body; and an open-cell resin body (4) of thermosetting resin with which a heat-insulating space formed by the wall body is filled by integral foaming, the open-cell resin body including: a plurality of cells (47); a cell film portion (42); a cell skeleton portion (43); a first through-hole (44) formed so as to extend through the cell film portion; and a second through-hole (45) formed so as to extend through the cell skeleton portion, wherein the plurality of cells communicate with one another through the first through-hole and the second through-hole.

Abstract: A skin-stiffened composite panel (1) comprising at least two essentially longitudinal stiffeners (3) arranged distant to each other in a plane with a skin (2) of a planar outer continuous composite layer (9) and an inner continuous composite layer (10). The at least two essentially longitudinal stiffeners (3) have a height “a” perpendicular to the skin (2). At least two sandwich assemblies (4) in said plane are along each one of the at least two essentially longitudinal stiffeners (3), said at least two sandwich assemblies (4) comprising each the planar outer and the inner continuous composite layers (9, 10) and a grid-type foam module (8) with openings and with a height “b”, with the foam modules (8) on the same side of the planar outer continuous composite layer (9) as the essentially longitudinal stiffeners (3) between the inner continuous composite layer (10) and the planar outer continuous layer (9).

Abstract: A multifunctional fully integral panel system design, a unique material configuration, and a process for fabricating a net shape (or nearly net shape) panel in one production cycle. The panel may comprise a base facing with an outer perimeter, a decorative film applied to the exterior of the base facing, an aft facing having an outer perimeter fused to the base facing, and a reinforcement core disposed between the unfused portions of the base and aft facings, which reinforcement core also acts as acoustic insulation (i.e., a noise attenuator). Alternatively or additionally, a foam core or blanket having thermal and/or acoustic insulation properties is attached to the external surface of the aft facing. The fabrication process involves the application of different heat treatments to panel components having different forming temperature or rubbery/elastic plateaus.

Abstract: A foam wall structure includes a frame, at least one primary support member, a slab of polyiso board and a foam layer. The frame can include: a first member, a second member spaced apart from the first member, and two side members extending between the first and second members. The frame defining a front frame surface and an opposite rear frame surface. The at least one primary support member can be positioned between the two side members and extend between the first and second member. The primary support member defines a front support surface and an opposite rear support surface. The slab of polyiso board may be attached to the front frame surface. The foam layer can be received within at least a portion of the frame and overlies the front surface of the primary support member. A method of making a foam wall structure and a pre-fabricated wall is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat transfer system is provided by the present disclosure that includes, in one form, a structural member having an upper skin, a lower skin, and a foam core disposed between the upper skin and the lower skin. At least one heat conducting array extends through the foam core and between the upper skin and the lower skin, the heat conducting array defining at least one upper cap, at least one lower cap, and a wall portion extending between the upper cap and the lower cap, the upper cap being disposed proximate a heat source. A heat conducting spreader is disposed between the lower cap of the heat conducting array and the lower skin of the structural member.

Abstract: A foam-filled panel is provided. The foam-filled panel can have a substrate layer with a padded area, an unpadded area, an opening within said unpadded area, and a bounding region between the padded area and the unpadded area. A skin can extend across the padded area of the substrate layer and a foam layer can be present between the padded area of the substrate layer and the skin. In addition, a disposable foam injection port is attached to the substrate layer at the bounding region of the padded area and can extend into and be an obstruction to the opening. The disposable foam injection port can be in fluid communication with the foam layer and unattaching the disposable foam injection port from the substrate layer can remove the obstruction to the opening.

Abstract: A composite sheet includes: a graphite layer that is disposed on a high temperature portion; an aerogel layer that is disposed on a low temperature portion; and an adhesive layer to which the graphite layer and the aerogel layer are fixed, in which the adhesive layer is formed of a water-based adhesive. The water-based adhesive layer is formed of an adhesive containing water as a solvent or an adhesive containing water as a raw material. The water-based adhesive layer includes gaps.

Abstract: A composite chassis frame may include a primarily-formed core material having a steel core material and internal composite materials laminated on both surfaces of the steel core material, an internal core material disposed between the primarily-formed core materials, wherein the primarily-formed core materials may be laminated on both surfaces of the internal core material, and a secondarily-formed external composite material covering outer surfaces of the primarily-formed core materials and the internal core material as a skin material.

Abstract: A foam product integral with trim cover element, which is formed by injecting a liquid polyurethane material, with carbon oxide mixed therein, into an inside of the trim cover element, and curing the liquid polyurethane material into a soft foam padding filled in the trim cover element. In this kind of foam product, a material capable of impregnation with the liquid polyurethane material is attached to an inward surface of the trim cover element. This material capable of impregnation with the liquid polyurethane material is impregnated and bonded with the resulting soft foam padding during a foaming process, and is greater in hardness than the soft foam padding, sufficient to withstand shrinkage of the soft foam padding within the trim cover element. An impregnation-preventive film, or the combination of the impregnation-preventive film and a soft polyurethane open-cell foam layer, may be attached to an inward surface of the afore-said material.

Abstract: Insulating materials, methods of forming insulating materials, and products including insulating materials are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an insulating material may include a lining material layer, a face material layer, at least one layer of continuous synthetic insulation disposed between the lining material layer and the face material layer, fill disposed between the lining material layer and the face material layer, one or more first seams coupling the lining material layer and the at least one layer of continuous synthetic insulation, and one or more second seams coupling the face material layer and the at least one layer of continuous synthetic insulation. The first and second seams may form two or more baffles partitioning the fill in the insulating material. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed.

Abstract: Exterior wall systems, cladding for same and components of such systems, including an adjustable clip for use in mounting cladding and a thermal block comprising a silica aerogel material.

Abstract: Mat for gymnastics and physical rehabilitation and re-education, apt to perform appropriate treatment in order to strengthen and re-educate the muscle and tendon structure of the human body. The mat is made from a tray delimited by a perimetric frame of polyethylene containing at least one layer of viscoelastic or memory, glued on underlying layers of polyethylene and polyurethane glued together, always contained inside the said tray, and at least one step removable and repositionable firmly on the mat, and at least one insert also removable and repositionable firmly into the carpet. The perimetric frame of density higher than of the layers of the material contained, allows the feet resting astride the perimetric frame, a flexion movement, extension of the tibiotarsal articulation along its transverse axis, exerting a pressure massage due to the body weight standing upright on the foot plant, at vascular vesicles level, obtaining a venous return increase.

Abstract: A method to manufacture cushion composite structure utilizes a mold including a first mold body and a second mold body wherein at least one thereof forms a mold room. The method includes the following steps: injecting foam material into the mold room, placing a compressible core into the mold room, closing the mold, rotating the mold and foaming the foam material to fill up the mold room, and removing the mold to form the cushion composite structure. Thereby, the core is embedded in the foam material at a predetermined position, and parting line on surface of the cushion composite structure is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention provides articles and methods related to insulation panels made from aerogels, and specifically polyimide based aerogels. Such insulation panels have a wide variety of applications, including specifically in aerospace applications.