The invention provides a connector assembly for fastening filter elements onto a supporting plate of a press filter, comprising a first cylindrical core, a first flange extending outward from the first cylindrical core, a second cylindrical core, and a second flange extending outward from the second cylindrical core. The first cylindrical core is shaped and dimensioned such that it snugly passes through and is meshed with a central through hole of the supporting plate, and the second cylindrical core is shaped and dimensioned such that it snugly passes through and is meshed with the first cylindrical core. Both the first cylindrical core and the first flange and both the second cylindrical core and the second flange are respectively molded integrally from a non-woven fabric which has the ability of self-sustaining and shape maintenance, and is moldable. The invention also relates to a press filter fitted with the connector assembly.

Embodiments of the present invention describe secured fiber-reinforced aerogels and laminate structures formed therefrom. In one embodiment a laminate comprises at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer adjacent to at least one layer of fiber containing material wherein fibers from said at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of said at least one fiber-containing material. In another embodiment a laminate comprises at least two adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layers wherein fibers from at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of an adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layer.

A joined body includes a first member, a second member, and a joining portion disposed therebetween and joining the first member and the second member. The joining portion includes a first joining layer on a side toward the first member and formed of a first joining material, a second joining layer on a side toward the second member and formed of a second joining material, and a metal layer therebetween and having a plurality of holes communicating with one another. The metal layer includes a first-joining-material-impregnated layer on a side toward the first joining layer and in which the plurality of holes are impregnated with the first joining material, a second-joining-material-impregnated layer on a side toward the second joining layer and in which the plurality of holes are impregnated with the second joining material, and an unfilled hole layer therebetween and in which the plurality of holes are void.