Abstract: The invention relates to batch feeders for furnaces. Heretofore batch feeders have been complex, expensive to construct, use and maintain and have not ensured a uniform deposition of particulate batch material onto the batch cover in the furnace. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for obtaining a uniform layer of batch material by moving a particulate-covering trough 62 over a desired area. Disposed within the trough 62 is a feed means 80 having a cavity at one end with an opening in alignment with a discharge opening in the trough. The sidewalls defining the cavity have a plurality of perforations 87 therein. The other end of the feed means is connected to a vibrator so that as the vibrator is vibrated the one end of the feed means moves back and forth through the particulate material in the trough 62. The particulate material is forced through the perforations 87 in the feed means 80 and falls, under the influence of gravity, towards the desired area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a luminaire and more particularly a downlight for industrial lighting applications. Energy considerations, lowered ceiling heights, and greater demand for illumination uniformity has resulted in a demand for a versatile and efficient downlight. The present invention anticipates providing a reflector, lamp, and refractive lens construction which utilizes an incrementally painted reflective surface to provide a versatile spacing between each downlight in an array, using the same basic downlight configuration. The refractive lens includes prismatic refractor elements which reshape the downwardly directed conical beam of light to provide even more uniform illumination when used in conjunction with the plurality of such downlights arrayed in an industrial lighting situation.

Abstract: A method of fastening a sheet of material to a support by first positioning the sheet material adjacent the support, cutting an elongated slot in the sheet material while embedding a portion of the sheet material in the support, securing a fastener to the support by moving a first fastener portion into frictional engagement with the support, positioning a second portion of the fastener to extend through the slot and providing a fastening portion to the fastener is disclosed. The slot is larger than the portion of the fastening means positioned therein so as to permit relative movement between the sheet material and the fastening means. This capability for relative movement between the sheet material and the support accommodates for thermal expansion and contraction of the sheet material thereby preventing binding and buckling of sheet material while retaining its alignment on the support.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for improving the dispersability of siliceous (preferably diatomite) filter aid particles in hot (i.e., 140.degree. F. or higher) aqueous acid systems used in the "wet process" formation of orthophosphoric acid from phosphate rock. In this process the filter aid particles are prewetted with water to cause the adsorption of 15 to 75 weight percent of water on the filter aid prior to dispersing the prewetted filter aid in the acid system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of roof coverings, specifically laminated roof shingles formed of mineral granule covered, asphalt saturated felt material. The disclosed shingle when combined with other shingles on a roof deck simulates a tile covered roof. This simulation is accomplished by making a generally rectangular laminated shingle having a headlap portion and an exposed butt portion made up of a regular uniform series of substantially identically shaped tabs with spaces therebetween defining exposed portions of an underlay member attached to the lower surface of the tabs. The lower edges of these tabs and spaces define a butt edge having a generally continuously curving sinuous contour. The tabs have generally straight sides which taper from this butt edge to the lower edge of the headlap portion. A plurality of such shingles are placed on a roof deck such that the tabs are aligned vertically up the roof deck and the spaces between these tabs are also vertically aligned.

Abstract: A glass fiber article having enhanced alkali resistance is described. The glass fiber has thereon a coating comprising zinc stearate and a film forming polymer with the coating being present in an amount of 1 to 60% by weight of solids based on weight of the glass fiber. The polymer is preferably initially in the form of a latex and is selected from the group consisting of acrylic terpolymers, vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymers, vinyl acetate/vinyl chloride/ethylene terpolymers, urethane polymers and epoxy polymers. The glass fiber is used at a rate of approximately 5% to 20% as reinforcing fiber in Portland cement and other alkaline cementitious composites. Such composites are also described, as is a method of imparting alkali resistance to glass fiber by applying such coating to the fiber.

Abstract: A device is described for support of electrical heater elements in a furnace thermally insulated by blocks of fibrous insulation and heated by the electrical heater elements. The device comprises a bar shaped member disposed at the hot face of the block and having element support means therewith, the member being releasably secured in position by securing means integral with the block.

Abstract: An apparatus and its method of use are described for the preparation of samples for organic material analysis, especially for gas chromatographic analysis. The samples in question are samples of organic materials (usually in trace quantities) which have originally been dissolved in water. In the process and apparatus of the present invention each sample is initially transferred to an adsorbent material from which it is in turn transferred to an organic solvent (which may be subsequently dried) and collected and from which the chromatographic analysis sample can later be withdrawn.

Abstract: The bell end of a bell and spigot joint is disclosed herein and includes an end section of a plastic pipe, an axially extending circumferential insert located concentrically within this end section, and a circumferential sealing gasket located within a groove in the inner surface of the insert. A method of making this bell end is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of preparation of catalyst supports is disclosed as well as supports made by the method. Natural diatomite, bentonite clay, silica, cellulose fiber, corn meal and water are mixed, extruded, pelleted, dried and calcined to form porous catalyst supports pellets comprising fused natural diatomite, bentonite clay and silica.

Abstract: An improved process for the formation of alumina-containing fiber is described. The process utilizes alumina having an alpha crystalline phase content in the range of from 5% to 60%, preferably 5% to 35%, as compared to the alpha alumina contents of 75% to 90% of the prior art materials. Use of the low alpha crystalline phase content alumina permits substantial increase in the melt rate of the alumina-containing composition and thus increases production of fiber without any significant deterioration of other processing parameters or properties of the finished fiber.

Abstract: This invention relates to pipe insulation useful at relatively high temperatures, e.g., 850.degree. F. Mineral fibers bonded with phenol-formaldehyde resins and conventional anti-punking liquid resin systems have been developed as a means of producing thermal insulation of relatively low density. However, sustained punking of the binders employed caused exothermic reactions whose temperatures fused the low density mineral fibers causing thermal and structural degradation of the insulation. The present invention utilizes a relatively dense layer of fiber glass having a relatively low binder content, bonded with a binder comprising an antipunk phenolic resin and high levels of silane based on the solids content in the resin. An outer layer may surround the dense layer and be constructed with a lower density and a higher binder content.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an improved blade retaining means for a blade roll used in a chopper assembly which severs continuous lengths of a material into discrete increments. Prior art devices provided blade retaining means which facilitated stress-inducing vibrations and generated stress concentrations in the ends of the blades. Attempts to cushion the blades using an elastomer blade restraining insert were incapable of eliminating contamination of the work product due to a severing of the insert when the blades were installed and used. Other blade retaining means were incapable of reuse and prevented use of the chopper blades directly from the manufacturer, i.e., all of the blades had to be cut to an exact and equal length. Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved blade retaining means comprising an annular blade retainer 52 positioned at each end of a blade roll cylinder member 50 wherein a side surface of each of the blade retainers 52 has at least one annular groove 62.

Abstract: A process and apparatus therefor are described for reclaiming waste material from a fiberizing system and for converting a molten stream of material into reclaimable cullet when the system is not fiberizing. When the system is fiberizing the waste is collected in a dry environment and continually conveyed away; when the system is not fiberizing the molten stream is reduced to cullet and collected in a wet environment and continually conveyed away; and when fiberizing is resumed there is a return to the collection of waste in a dry environment.

Abstract: A dust shroud is disclosed for a pipe-cutting portable circular saw. The shroud comprises upper and lower blade housings which are nested and guided so that the lower housing can be moved into and out of the upper housing. The lower periphery of the lower housing generally conforms to the shape of the pipe to be cut. A device which cooperates with the saw and which fits into the pipe to collect dust from within the pipe is also described.

Abstract: A dust shroud for a portable circular saw is described comprising an upper blade housing, a lower blade housing, an external connecting link connecting the two and aligned with the saw blade, and flexible sealing means attached to the upper part of the lower blade housing. The thickness of the connecting link is not greater than the thickness of the saw blade and since the link is aligned with the saw blade it follows the saw blade through the kerf created by the blade in the worksheet. The upper blade housing is attached directly to the saw's motor housing and moves therewith while the lower blade housing is attached to the upper blade housing through the connecting link and is thus kept aligned with the upper housing as the saw cuts through the workpiece. The flexible sealing means keeps dust from escaping from the lower blade housing since it continuously conforms to irregularities in the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: An improved process for the centrifugal spinning of refractory fibers is described. In the improved process rotor circumferential speeds of at least about 21,000 linear feet per minute (6,400 linear meters per minute) are used. In a preferred embodiment the circumferential surfaces of the rotors are also inclined from being perpendicular to the axis of the molten stream, preferably by about 8.degree. to 20.degree..

Abstract: An improvement in a roof structure including a built-up roof located over and above a roof deck and particulate material located over and above the built-up roof and method of preparing such a structure is disclosed herein. This improvement comprises the utilization of a relatively inexpensive, preferably flexible non-insulating sheet material which is located over and against the top surface of the built-up roof between the built-up roof and particulate ballast material. The primary purpose of this sheet material is to protect the built-up roof from the harmful effects of the sun and abrasion from the particulate ballast material. The primary purpose of the particulate material is to hold down the sheet material. In one embodiment, this non-insulating sheet material is substantially completely unattached to the built-up roof and in another embodiment it is attached to the built-up roof, at most, only at discrete spotted locations.

Abstract: .[.Prior art high temperature electric furnaces of the type using two or more, usually three, primary electrodes positioned around an electrically conducting central outlet brought the electrodes in through a side or bottom wall of the furnace at points below the melt line causing many problems. The present invention provides a primary electrode arrangement for such melting furnaces wherein the primary electrodes do not pass through the wall or bottom of the furnace below the melt line, but instead enter the furnace over the top of the melt line and then protrude through the top surface of the melt. The primary electrodes of the present invention are provided with means for preventing wear and deterioration at the interface between the top surface of the melt and the unmelted batch and/or the oxidizing air atmosphere surrounding the top of the furnace. The improved furnace of the present invention does not require the use of a purging neutral or reducing atmosphere to protect the primary electrodes..]. .Iadd.

Abstract: A batch material feeder for an electrically heated opentop refractory furnace, particularly a circular furnace, wherein the feeder includes a trough holding batch material and mounted over the furnace top, there being a rotatable agitator within the trough for moving batch material over discharge openings in the trough bottom, so as to deposit the batch material over the top of the molten mass in a manner that provides for a thin uniform layer of batch while assuring proper control of the thickness of the deposited layer.