Abstract: A perlite expander control system is disclosed in which a source of and detector for penetrating radiation are used to determine the density of an expanded perlite product flowing through a conduit. The density of the perlite product will be inversely proportional to the amount of penetrating radiation transmitted to the detector. A signal generated by the detector in response to the amount of transmitted radiation received is processed in appropriate circuitry to control the feed of raw perlite ore to the expander, thus resulting in the correct amount of ore being fed to the expander per unit time to result in obtaining the desired degree of perlite expansion. Typically beta, gamma or X radiation of various energies may be used as the penetrating radiation.

Abstract: A composition is described comprising a resin matrix reinforced with nonamphibole asbestos fiber or other inorganic fibers having similar aspect ratios, fiber diameters and hydrophilic surfaces, in a concentration of 5 to 85 phr, the fiber being coated with a glycol in a concentration of 3 to 75% by weight of fiber. The glycol will have the following properties:(a) liquid and stable up to and at the processing temperature of the resin;(b) liquid at temperatures of less than 50.degree. C. (122.degree. F.);(c) chemically unreactive with the resin;(d) low hygroscopicity; and(e) generally immiscible with the resin at ambient temperatures.Preferably the glycol will be ethylene glycol, propolyene glycol or a polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight not greater than 1500. An internal lubricant may also be used in the composition. Both thermosetting and thermoplastic resins may be used; good results have been obtained with polyvinyl, polyolefin and phenolic resins.

Abstract: Tool guide for a knife-edged hand tool for use in the fabrication of an air duct transition from a sheet of fibrous material, said sheet having transversely extending folding grooves therein, for cutting from said panel a wedge-shaped piece of material of predetermined size.

Abstract: A friction material composition is described which is suitable for a wide variety of railroad brake services, particularly AAR (Association of American Railroads) service. In other embodiments the composition may also be used for heavy duty service, such as on locomotives, or as a disc brake material. The composition comprises, in percent by volume:______________________________________ organic component 30-60% steel fibers 1-12% carbonaceous component 5-30% inorganic fillers 5-35% additives 1-7% ______________________________________The composition may also contain up to 15 volume percent of friction modifiers an/or up to 20 volume percent of cashew nut shell resin particles. In addition, it contains no lead metal or lead compounds and no asbestos fiber.

Abstract: A glass composition having improved working properties and of particular utility for fiberization by the rotary or centrifugal process that does not employ conventional hot gas blast attenuation, into fibers exhibiting improved chemical durability, consisting essentially of: SiO.sub.2 ; CaO; B.sub.2 O.sub.3 ; Na.sub.2 O; Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ; and ZnO; and small amounts of Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, TiO.sub.2, K.sub.2 O, MgO and SO.sub.3.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic composite structure, particularly a pipe, is disclosed herein. The composite pipe, which resists acid attack even in underground applications where the pipe is subjected to external loading stresses, typically includes at least an inner zone, e.g. a resin impregnated fibrous sheet and an outer zone including a layer or layers of fibers. A cured polymeric resin matrix bonds the fibrous sheet and the fibrous layers together in a laminar relationship. The improvement disclosed herein comprises incorporating into this polymeric resin matrix a particulate substance which has specific particle size limitations and which is selected from the group consisting of portland cement, marble dust or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A bell and spigot pipe joint including a bell end having a locked in sealing gasket and a thickened cross-sectional configuration is disclosed herein. A method and an assembly for making the bell end with its thickened cross-sectional configuration and with the sealing gasket locked in place are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A heat resistant foamed material is disclosed, comprising a cellular foamed resin having associated therewith talc in sufficient quantity to provide enhanced fire resistance to the foam. In various embodiments the talc may be incorporated throughout the foam, concentrated at or near the surface of the foam, incorporated in a facing for the foam which facing comprises a mat (preferably of glass fiber) impregnated with talc, or incorporated into a coating, such as asphalt, with which the facing for the foam is impregnated. The heat resistant faced or unfaced foams incorporating talc are useful as thermal insulations for buildings, particularly for building roofs.

Abstract: A flame resistant low-smoke hot melt adhesive composition, particularly useful for adhering facings to building products and thermal insulations, is disclosed. The composition consists essentially of, in parts by weight, 11-45 parts of high (at least 200.degree. F.) melt point paraffin wax, 10-14 parts of halogenated (preferably chlorinated) microcrystalline or paraffin wax, 0.3-10 parts of halogen scavenger, 5-20 parts of a flame suppressant synergist, 5-20 parts of a low temperature resistant vapor barrier barrier elastomer, and 0.5-10 parts of smoke suppressant. Preferably the composition will also contain a carbon dioxide donor/filler. The material is not tacky when cold, can be readily reactivated by heating, and can be applied in discrete units.

Abstract: In the manufacture of glass fibrous products wherein gaseous streams of fibers are directed through conduits from a generally horizontal direction downwardly in a generally vertical direction towards a moving collection surface, the improvement wherein forming tubes are telescopically associated with downwardly sloping portions of the conduits and supported so that the forming tubes may be positioned at various distances above the collection surface and at various angular orientations relative to the moving collection surface. Also, the shaping of the forming tubes allows additional gaseous streams of fibers to be produced. By selectively manipulating the height and orientation of the forming tubes, the ability to produce a uniform deposition of material onto the moving collection surface is greatly improved. A method and apparatus for the application of binder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotary pressure precoat filter system is described containing an interior valving arrangement which increases the gas flow resistance through that region of the precoat from which solids have been removed but which has not yet been reimmersed in the slurry to be filtered. The valving system comprises a fixed baffle positioned adjacent to the outlet end of conduits passing from the collection chambers inside the surface of the filter drum to the interior of a hollow central shaft, which is journaled in bearings outside the pressure vessel and which provides direct access to a receiver also outside the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting fibrous material, particularly small diameter glass fibers, i.e. within the range of 0.05 to 2.60 microns, from a gaseous medium in an efficient, environmentally sound manner is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a collection chamber which partially encloses a rotating drum having a perforated peripheral surface and having a fine mesh collection screen superimposed thereover. The drum is positioned in such a manner that the screen intercepts a gaseous stream of fibers, e.g. glass microfibers. A suction force established interiorly of the peripheral surface of the drum draws the gaseous stream through the collection screen in order to thereby continuously collect a layer of fibers upon a portion of the rotating screen. The layer of fibers is removed from the drum and wound on a mandrel at a point outside the collection chamber. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the drum surface is cleaned of any residual fibers.

Abstract: A low profile heat sealing iron for use in applying heat activatable tape in areas of very limited access, such as the sealing of periodic joints in air duct is disclosed. The low profile sealing iron requires only a few inches or less of clearance and has a tape guiding means that feeds the tape to the proper location for heat sealing as the iron is slid along the surface of the member on which the tape is being applied. Preferably, the iron has a handle of adjustable length which permits the sealing iron to be used on ducts measuring six to eight feet or more when the handle is extended, but having a handle only about three feet long or less for easy carrying and handling at other times. A method of using the low profile sealing iron to seal joints in air ducts is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a primary electrode in an open-top electric furnace whereby the primary electrode is supported in a working position and for servicing so that it may be readily moved out of the melt and off to a side of the furnace for convenient access. In addition a fixedly mounted clamp firmly securing the primary electrode in its working position and for transmitting electric power to the electrode is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a hole through the sidewall of a longitudinally extending pipe is disclosed herein. This apparatus includes a cylinder saw, i.e., a hole saw and a portable jig for supporting and guiding the saw during the hole cutting operation.

Abstract: A composition is described for formation of shaped insulating articles compatible with and resistant to molten aluminum. The composition comprises calcium aluminate cement, chrysotile fibers, cryolite, inorganic filler, and, preferably, refractory fiber. Shaped articles, especially elongated troughs and flat boards, made from the composition are also described. In addition, extrusion, press molding, and similar shaping processes for formation of the articles are described.

Abstract: A batch material feeder for an electrically heated open-top 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.

Abstract: An expansion joint for duct work is disclosed, which comprises a pair of frames, spacer means extending outwardly from said frames, and a boot. The boot has five layers: an inner asbestos/aluminum/silica material, a fibrous insulation batt, a middle asbestos/aluminum material, a vapor barrier, and an outer asbestos/fluoroelastomer material.

Abstract: A pipe elbow fitting cover is described which can be manually folded from a first open trough-like shape to a second shape generally corresponding to the shape of the elbow to be covered and which incorporates means to maintain that second shape without the application of any external force. The means to maintain the second position comprises the creation of depressions on the inner side of the elbow curve and centered on the center diagonal, tapering toward the ends of the elbow curve.

Abstract: Attempts have been made by the prior art to oscillate a veil of air entrained centrifugally spun fibers back and forth across a moving collecting surface to build a layer of fibers having uniform thickness and density. The present invention accomplishes this objective by oscillating a fiberizing rotor, preferably about an axis that runs through the bottom wall of the spinner.