Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to insulation (e.g., loose-fill insulation which may be blown into attics, wall cavities, or the like) including a mixture of fiberglass and cellulose. In certain example embodiments, the insulation mixture comprises from 15-60% cellulose, more preferably from 20-50% cellulose, and most preferably from 25-45% cellulose (with substantially the remainder of the insulation be made up of fiberglass). Example advantages include improved radiant barrier properties and thus improve R-values/inch.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for insulating a vertically extending wall (e.g., concrete wall). First and second supports are first attached to the vertical wall at respective first and second vertically spaced locations (e.g., proximate the top and bottom of the wall). After the supports have been attached to the wall, a blanket(s) of rolled fiberglass insulation (e.g., metal building insulation) is attached to the wall between the first and second supports. Then, a flexible sheet of vapor retarder is attached to protruding portions of the first and second supports so as to cover the blanket(s) of fiberglass insulation thereby causing the blanket of fiberglass insulation to be partially or fully hidden from view and retained in the cavity defined between the vertical wall and the vapor retarder.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to insulation (e.g., loose-fill insulation which may be blown into attics, wall cavities, or the like) including a mixture of fiberglass and cellulose. In certain example embodiments, the insulation mixture comprises from 15-60% cellulose, more preferably from 20-50% cellulose, and most preferably from 25-45% cellulose (with substantially the remainder of the insulation be made up of fiberglass). Example advantages include improved radiant barrier properties and thus improve R-values/inch.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for insulating a vertically extending wall (e.g., concrete wall). First and second supports are first attached to the vertical wall at respective first and second vertically spaced locations (e.g., proximate the top and bottom of the wall). After the supports have been attached to the wall, a blanket(s) of rolled fiberglass insulation (e.g., metal building insulation) is attached to the wall between the first and second supports. Then, a flexible sheet of vapor retarder is attached to protruding portions of the first and second supports so as to cover the blanket(s) of fiberglass insulation thereby causing the blanket of fiberglass insulation to be partially or fully hidden from view and retained in the cavity defined between the vertical wall and the vapor retarder.

Abstract: Apparatus which is capable of rotatably carrying a fabric roll in a vertical orientation and which is movably attachable to an element of a known fabricated wall structure. In particular, such apparatus is useful in the practice of dispensing a sheet of vapor retarding fabric when constructing insulated fabricated wall structures.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a rolled fabric across the width of at least two longitudinal structural supports. In some embodiments, apparatus which is capable of forming a fall protection system which conforms to OSHA standards when constructing metal insulated roof systems.

Abstract: Apparatus which is capable of rotatably carrying a fabric roll in a vertical orientation and which is movably attachable to an element of a known fabricated wall structure. In particular, such apparatus is useful in the practice of dispensing a sheet of vapor retarding fabric when constructing insulated fabricated wall structures.

Abstract: A system for melting and delivering glass to a work area such as spinners for making fiberglass includes a melter with heaters so arranged that the “hot spot” in the molten glass is located away from the walls and corrosion sensitive parts so that the various elements of the melter wear out at substantially the same time. The system is further provided with a dual exhaust arrangement when the melter, conditioner and forehearth are located on the same floor of the plant, the first exhaust being at the juncture of the melter and conditioner, and the second being an alternating replacement for one of the heating/cooling orifices and mechanisms in the conditioner, so as to effectively limit the amount of corrosive volatiles reaching the forehearth.

Abstract: An insulated roof or wall structure is formed by creating a depth of drape to the approximate thickness of the R-value of a fiberglass insulation batt in a draped, untaut sheet of vapor barrier material which defines an insulation cavity in which the fiberglass is located thereby minimizing compression of the fiberglass and approximating in the structure its intended R-value.

Abstract: A system for melting and delivering glass to a work area such as spinners for making fiberglass includes a melter with heaters so arranged that the “hot spot” in the molten glass is located away from the walls and corrosion sensitive parts so that the various elements of the melter wear out at substantially the same time. The system is further provided with a dual exhaust arrangement when the melter, conditioner and forehearth are located on the same floor of the plant, the first exhaust being at the juncture of the melter and conditioner, and the second being an alternating replacement for one of the heating/cooling orifices and mechanisms in the conditioner, so as to effectively limit the amount of corrosive volatiles reaching the forehearth.

Abstract: A system for melting and delivering glass to a work area such as spinners for making fiberglass includes a melter with heaters so arranged that the “hot spot” in the molten glass is located away from the walls and corrosion sensitive parts so that the various elements of the melter wear out at substantially the same time. The system is further provided with a dual exhaust arrangement when the melter, conditioner and forehearth are located on the same floor of the plant, the first exhaust being at the juncture of the melter and conditioner, and the second being an alternating replacement for one of the heating/cooling orifices and mechanisms in the conditioner, so as to effectively limit the amount of corrosive volatiles reaching the forehearth.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing rolled fabric as a vapor retarder in an insulated building structure which includes a frame member and a purlin contact which firmly biases the roll of fabric against the structural members on which the fabric is being laid but which is of a construction so as to avoid abutment with building cross members that would normally interfere with the dispensing operation.

Abstract: A loose-fill insulation product is provided which includes a dry mixture of loose-fill fiberglass and an inorganic (being composed of matter other than plant or animal) adhesive in the form of a redispersible powder. During application, the dry loose-fill mixture is coated with a liquid (e.g. water) so as to activate the adhesive. Thereafter, the loose-fill mixture with activated adhesive is blown or sprayed into a cavity (open or closed) so as to insulate same. According to certain embodiments, this mixture may be blown into open attic areas so as to insulate same and reduce the movement of loose-fill insulation. It has been found that the redispersible powder (RP) dry adhesive mixes more uniformly within the dry mixture and clings better to the glass fibers when the mixture is substantially free of anti-static material. In certain embodiments, a color dye is provided in the mixture, and is activated upon installation.

Abstract: A device for installing roof fabric on the roof of a metal frame building having a plurality of parallel purlins on the top thereof. The device retains a spool of fabric therein and includes a frame having a guide that movably slides on the top of the purlin and a tensioning device that engages a lower surface of the purlin, whereby movement of the device allows the fabric to unroll over the roof.

Abstract: An electric open-top melter for use in the manufacture of mineral fibers, such as fiberglass, is provided with a side-discharge outlet. The side-discharge outlet allows the melter, conditioner/refiner, and forehearth to all be located on substantially the same level, thereby allowing molten glass to flow from the side of the melter, through the conditioning zone, and into the forehearth from which spinners produce glass fibers or the like. Isolation members are provided in the conditioning or refining area so as to enable molten glass therein to be isolated from the melter and forehearth when the molten glass level is lowered below the tops the isolation members.

Abstract: Apparatus for impregnating surfaces, including edge surfaces, of fiberglass insulation batts with synthetic fibers, comprising a conveyor for advancing the batts in a common direction and, initially, in a side-by-side orientation. Separators thereafter interrupt the side-by-side orientation, exposing the edges of the batts. Extrusion heads located in the area of side edge exposure impregnate the exposed edges with synthetic fibers while other extruder heads apply synthetic fibers to one or optionally both of the top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: An accurate method and apparatus for installing blown-in-place insulation to a predetermined density and R-value includes the use of a removable container of known unfilled weight and volume located between wall studs during the blowing operation. By removal of the container after filled, and determining its fill weight by weighing it, the density of the insulation is calculated and correlated, if desired, to R-value. If the calculated density is not acceptable, the container is emptied and is reinserted in the cleaned out cavity between the studs. Appropriate adjustments to one or more operating parameters are made until the desired density through further filling of the container and weighing it is achieved. Once achieved, the space to be filled is filled with blown-in-place insulation using the adjusted parameter values.

Abstract: A system for melting and delivering glass to a work area such as spinners for making fiberglass includes a melter with heaters so arranged that the "hot spot" in the molten glass is located away from the walls and corrosion sensitive parts so that the various elements of the melter wear out at substantially the same time. The system is further provided with a dual exhaust arrangement when the melter, conditioner and forehearth are located on the same floor of the plant, the first exhaust being at the juncture of the melter and conditioner, and the second being an alternating replacement for one of the heating/cooling orifices and mechanisms in the conditioner, so as to effectively limit the amount of corrosive volatiles reaching the forehearth.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method are disclosed for blowing or spraying loose-fill insulation (e.g. fiberglass) into wall cavities and the like the system including a fiber recovery or recycling subsystem that vacuums up overspray or waste fibers and forwards them back toward the hopper. A fiber collector device having a fiber inlet and outlet is mounted above the hopper, and receives the recovered waste fibers and redistributes them back into the hopper so that they mix with virgin fibers therein. The mix of recovered and virgin fibers is then blown through the blow hose toward a wall cavity or the like to be insulated.

Abstract: A loose-fill insulation product is provided which includes a dry mixture of loose-fill fiberglass and an inorganic (being composed of matter other than plant or animal) adhesive in the form of a redispersible powder. During application, the dry loose-fill mixture is coated with a liquid (e.g. water) so as to activate the adhesive. Thereafter, the loose-fill mixture with activated adhesive is blown or sprayed into a cavity (open or closed) so as to insulate same. According to certain embodiments, this mixture may be blown into open attic areas so as to insulate same and reduce the movement of loose-fill insulation. It has been found that the redispersible powder (RP) dry adhesive mixes more uniformly within the dry mixture and clings better to the glass fibers when the mixture is substantially free of anti-static material. In certain embodiments, a color dye is provided in the mixture, and is activated upon installation.