Abstract: The method for forming fibers by introducing molten material into a spinner having a peripheral wall having a plurality of orifices and centrifuging the molten material through the orifices to create fibers, discharging gases from an opening in a first annular blower, the first blower positioned radially outward from the spinner, and where the gases from the first annular blower converge radially inwardly with respect to the spinner axis to partially attenuate the fibers and influence the flow path of the fibers towards a direction parallel to the spinner axis, and discharging gases from an opening in a second annular blower, the second blower being positioned radially outward from the first blower, and where the gases from the second annular blower converge radially inwardly with respect to the spinner axis to complete the attenuation of the fibers and influence the flow path of the fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a roof structure of the type having a plurality of purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel arrangement is disclosed. The space between the vertical portions of adjacent purlins defines an insulation cavity that is generally rectangular in cross-sectional shape. The apparatus includes a carriage movable in a first direction along the length of the purlins for paying out a support sheet for support of insulation material as the carriage travels along the length of the purlins. The apparatus also includes at least one roller guide extending downward on top of the support sheet, rotating along the length of the support sheet, causing the support sheet to substantially conform to the shape of the insulation cavity. The roller guide is attached to the carriage and has two ends having wheels positioned at the sides of the insulation cavity.

Abstract: A loose-fill insulation product is provided which may be poured or blown by a consumer. The insulation is comprised of irregularly-shaped glass fibers which are comprised of two distinct glass compositions. The loose-fill insulation product may be densely packaged in a small container for consumer use, and shows improved recovery, good thermal efficiency, and low dust upon blowing or pouring.

Abstract: An insulation and structural panel is disclosed. The panel includes a resin matrix which has a thermal conductivity less than about 1.3 BTU-in/hrFt.sup.2 .degree.F. in the unreinforced condition, and hollow glass fibers. The hollow glass fibers have a void fraction within the range of from about 20 to about 50 percent, and the panel has a thermal conductivity of less than about 1.6 BTU-in/hrFt.sup.2 .degree.F. The hollow glass fibers comprise form 60 to 95 percent by weight of the panel.

Abstract: A method of producing a fibrous product is disclosed. Molten material is introduced into a rotating spinner which includes a peripheral wall having a plurality of orifices. The molten material is centrifuged through the orifices to create fibers. The fibers are directed generally downwardly and away from the spinner. The fibers are intercepted on a folded conveyor so that the fibers are draped over the folded conveyor. The fibers form first and second suspended portions which are oriented generally vertically. The folded conveyor and intercepted fibers are moved away from the spinner. The first and second portions of the suspended fibers are raised to a generally horizontal orientation by unfolding the conveyor, thereby producing a generally planar fibrous product.

Abstract: A termite shield according to the present invention provides a physical barrier between a foundation and a wooden building structure, a detection mechanism for detecting termite presence, and a chemical termiticide in the form of a bait block. The termite shield includes a sill plate barrier which is positioned between a masonry foundation and a sill of a wooden structure. An interior bait block holder is removably attached to the sill plate barrier on an interior side of the foundation, and an exterior bait block holder is removably attached to the sill plate barrier at an exterior side of the foundation. The bait block holders may be provided with a block of wood which is inspected periodically to detect the activity of termites. If termites are detected, the block of wood may be replaced with a bait block of cellulosic material containing termiticide.

Abstract: A fibrous insulation batt having a length and a width and including a first and second section, where each section is approximately one half the length of the batt, is folded so that the first section is generally parallel to and contacting the second section. The batt has two folds across its width and located between the first and second sections. The two folds are spaced apart from each other a distance approximately equal to the thickness of the uncompressed insulation batt. The two sections of the batt remain generally parallel to and contact each other when the batt is laid horizontal and in an unrestrained condition.

Abstract: In a method for producing hollow mineral fibers such as glass fibers, molten glass is supplied to a rotating glass spinner having a peripheral wall. The spinner rotates so that molten glass is centrifuged through a first tube positioned at least mostly inside the peripheral wall of the spinner in an orifice to form fibers. Gas is introduced into the interior of the molten glass to form hollow glass fibers. A second tube positioned inside the first tube includes an inlet in the wall of the first tube, wherein the orifice and first tube are adapted to allow gas to be introduced through the inlet from outside the peripheral wall. The hollow glass fibers are then collected to form a product such as a mat.

Abstract: A glass fiber insulation product includes irregularly-shaped glass fibers of two different glasses having differing coefficients of thermal expansion, with the irregularly-shaped dual-glass fibers exhibiting a substantially uniform volume filling nature, and providing improved recovery and thermal conductivity abilities even in the absence of a binder material.

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: An apparatus for providing a roof structure of the type has a plurality of purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel arrangement. The space between the vertical portions of adjacent purlins defines an insulation cavity which is generally rectangular in cross-sectional shape. The apparatus includes a carriage movable in a first direction along the length of the purlins for paying out a support sheet for support of insulation material as the carriage travels along the length of the purlins. The apparatus also includes a platform attached to the carriage and extending in the direction opposite the first direction and placed in the insulation cavity. The platform is mounted on the carriage by two pairs of hinges for vertical movement.

Abstract: Mineral fiber compositions with increased levels of SiO.sub.2 and reduced levels of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 compositions are suitable for insulation. The compositions have high temperature resistance and high biosolubility, yet have properties which allow current processes to fabricate them into insulation. The mineral fibers also meet proposed German regulations regarding K1.gtoreq.40.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a roof structure of the type having a plurality of purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel arrangement, is disclosed. A carriage moves in a first direction along the length of the purlins and pays out a support sheet for support of insulation material as the carriage travels along the length of the purlins. The support sheet depends from the top portion of adjacent purlins. At least one guide member guides the carriage along the length of the purlins and prevents the carriage from moving in a direction lateral to the first direction when the guide member is in a first position. The guide member is pivotally mounted on the carriage so that the guide member can be elevated into a second position to avoid obstructions encountered as the carriage moves along the length of the purlins. The guide member includes a movable arm which is pivotally mounted on the carriage and has a roller for rolling against a purlin while the guide member is in the first position.

Abstract: A method for providing a roof structure having a plurality of purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel arrangement the purlins having top portions is disclosed. A carriage is providing upon which is mounted a roll of support sheet. A first section of the roof structure comprising purlins, a support sheet, insulation material, and hard roofing material is completed. An insulation support sheet having side edges which enable the support sheet to be laid on adjacent purlins is then provided. The side edges are aligned with the top portions of adjacent purlins so that the support sheet can depend from the adjacent purlins. The carriage is moved along the length of the purlins and away from the first section of the roof structure, in which the movement of the carriage pays out the support sheet in a pleated condition having a first width so that the edges of the support sheet are aligned with the top portions of adjacent purlins and the support sheet depends from adjacent purlins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using pneumatic pressure and reduced, controlled clamping pressure to provide reliable, high speed pneumatic forming of thin foil workpieces at ambient temperatures without lubricants or cull plates. Forming elements are provided which incorporate a combination of surfaces and features which enable the reduced, controlled net clamping pressures for forming thin foil workpieces, and control of material slip during forming. Thin foil workpieces formed therewith have reduced incidence of tearing and wrinkling of the foil material. The method is capable of fast cycle times and produces minimal waste.

Abstract: A fiber insulation product comprising hollow fibers. Each hollow fiber may be composed of at least two different thermoplastic insulating materials, such as glasses, having differing coefficients of thermal expansion, with each of the hollow fibers being an irregular-shape exhibiting a substantially uniform volume filling nature, and providing improved recovery and thermal conductivity abilities even in the absence of a binder material. An apparatus for making hollow fibers for such a product is also provided.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and devices are disclosed for collecting a veil including long fibers with high speed conveyor surfaces to produce a web of loosely related fibers, and further forming a wool pack by distributing the web of fibers with low frequency sound. The methods, apparatuses, and devices are particularly useful in collecting long fibers, and producing wool packs including long glass fibers.

Abstract: An insulated appliance cabinet is provided comprising a mounting structure and a plurality of vacuum insulation panels retained by the mounting structure and positioned relative to one another so as to define a substantially completely enclosed insulation shell.

Abstract: A fibrous insulation batt having a length and a width and including a first and second section, where each section is approximately one half the length of the batt, is folded so that the first section is generally parallel to and contacting the second section. The batt has two folds across its width and located between the first and second sections. The two folds are spaced apart from each other a distance approximately equal to the thickness of the uncompressed insulation batt. The two sections of the batt remain generally parallel to and contact each other when the batt is laid horizontal and in an unrestrained condition.

Abstract: A loose-fill insulation product is provided which is formed from a blend of first and second insulating materials having three-dimensional groups of fibers of different sizes and densities. At least one of the insulating materials is comprised of irregularly-shaped glass fibers comprised of two distinct glass compositions. When blended with the fibers of a standard insulation or with other irregularly-shaped fibers of different sizes, the resulting loose-fill insulation product shows improved coverage and thermal efficiency.