Abstract: A refrigerator is provided which combines the benefits of superinsulation materials with thermoelectric devices and phase change materials to provide an environmentally benign system that is energy efficient and can maintain relatively uniform temperatures for extended periods of time with relatively low electrical power requirements. The refrigerator includes a thermoelectric assembly having a thermoelectric device with a hot sink and a cold sink. The superinsulation materials include a plurality of vacuum panels. The refrigerator is formed from an enclosed structure having a door. The vacuum panels may be contained within the walls of the enclosed structure and the door. By mounting the thermoelectric assembly on the door, the manufacturer of the enclosed structure is simplified and the overall R rating of the refrigerator increased. Also an electrical motor and propellers may be mounted on the door to assist in the circulation of air to improve the efficiency of the cold sink and the hot sink.

Abstract: Mineral fibers, and products (e.g., building insulation products) formed of mineral fibers are treated, and thus rendered fire-resistant, by placing a phosphate-containing compound onto or in close proximity to the mineral fibers. The phosphate-containing compound is at least one which forms a high-temperature protective coating or layer on the surfaces of the mineral fibers. A preferred product of the invention will include two mineral wool layers with a septum carrying the phosphate-containing compound interposed therebetween. Exemplary phosphate-containing compounds include monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, monocalcium phosphate, phosphoric acid, aluminum phosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, potassium tripolyphosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, monosodium dihydrogen phosphate, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiberglass composite which possesses outstanding armor properties. This ballistic resistant composite material employs high strength magnesia aluminosilicate glass fibers and phenol formaldehyde condensation product as the matrix resin. The composite is produced from sheet molding compound using little or no solvent.

Abstract: Aqueous size compositions for glass fibers including melamine formaldehyde resins, phenoxy resins and epoxy coupling agents which are particularly suitable glass fiber reinforcements for thermoplastics. In particular, chopped glass fibers coated with the size are useful in reinforcing acetal composites.

Abstract: A sheet molding composition is disclosed which includes a four component resinous system which comprises (a) an unsaturated polyester comprising a polycondensation product of one or more dihydric alcohols and one or more ethylenically unsaturated polycarboxylic acids; (b) one or more low-profile additives which are thermoplastic polymers which cause phase separation and porosity during the curing reaction; (c) one or more olefinically unsaturated monomers which copolymerize with the unsaturated polyester; and, (d) one or more compatible components comprising at least one compound containing one or more polyoxyethane substituents. The compatible component remains compatible when the polyester and monomer cure and imparts improved surface characteristics when added to low-profile resin systems.

Abstract: Apparatus particularly adapted for applying foamed treating liquor to a flat width of a traveling non-woven textile substrate includes a longitudinal tubular foam distribution nozzle one side of which has a plurality of closely-spaced staggered apertures for engaging and applying pressurized foam widthwise across the substrate and a driven drum opposed to the nozzle engaging widthwise the opposite side of the substrate for imparting traveling movement to the substrate. The drum and nozzle cooperate to compress the substrate therebetween in covering relation over the apertures to prevent lateral escape of the foam therefrom and to confine the emission of foam therethrough, thereby to uniformly control foam application across the substrate width as it travels by the nozzle. Limited contact of the apparatus with the substrate prevents frictional pulling and structural damage thereto. The drum is perforated for escape of the air component of the foam and to enhance foam penetration of the substrate.

Abstract: We have developed a new pattern for continuous strand fiberglass mat which gives improved torsional rigidity to the molded structure. The pattern is basically an elongated elliptical loop where the strands lay on the conveyor and look like lazy whirl formations or concentric circles with diameters dependent upon properties such as bending rigidity and torsional rigidity. The lay-down pattern looks cycloidal in nature. Elongated elliptical strand loops become further elongated until at some point they also contain "pigtails" or somewhat straight strands with small elliptical loops oriented in the cross-machine direction.

Abstract: Composite spinners for use in forming glass fibers are formed by transient liquid phase bonding of an oxide dispersion strengthened foraminous sidewall portion to a non-oxide dispersion strengthened bottom wall portion.

Abstract: An underground storage tank has an inner wall and an outer wall defining a generally annular space for receiving a leak detecting fluid, and a plurality of ribs bonded to the inner and outer walls and projecting radially outwardly from the inner wall, each rib comprising sidewalls and a top wall, the outer wall being attached to the top wall of each rib but substantially unattached to the sidewalls of each rib, and the outer wall substantially conforming to the contour of the inner wall and the ribs.

Abstract: An aqueous coating composition for glass fibers is provided which contains a polycarbonate precursor material and a water soluble film former or binder. The resulting coated glass fibers have excellent flexibilty with little or no powdering of the coating composition off the fibers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing roofing shingles having tabs and cutouts comprises a cutting cylinder for engaging a membrane and cutting it into continuous strips, where the circumference of the cutting cylinder and the length of the shingle have a common factor other than the length of the shingle, and an endcut cylinder for cutting the continuous shingle membrane strips into discrete roofing shingles, so that the pattern of tabs and cutouts will repeat itself periodically.

Abstract: Citrate ester compositions which are useful as compatible components in a resinous system for sheet molding compositions and have a general formula ##STR1## wherein X is selected from the group consisting of --OC.sub.3 H.sub.6).sub.3 --OCH.sub.3 and OH are disclosed. Also disclosed is a sheet molding composition which includes a four component resinous system comprising (a) an unsaturated polyester comprising a polycondensation product of one or more dihydric alcohols and one or more ethylenically unsaturated polycarboxylic acids; (b) one or more low-profile thermoplastic polymer additives which cause phase separation and internal voids during the curing reaction; (c) one or more olefinically unsaturated monomers which copolymerize with the unsaturated polyester; and, (d) one or more compatible components which remain compatible when the polyester and monomer cure and impart improved surface characteristics when added to typical low-profile resin systems.

Abstract: An insulation panel comprises a mineral fiber board having a density between 8 and 28 pounds per square foot, the fibers having no organic binder thereon, and between 5 and 40 percent by weight of particulate material packed in the interstices of the board, and a gas-tight envelope encapsulating the board, the envelope being evacuated to a vacuum between 10.sup.-4 Torr and 10 Torr.

Abstract: An insulation panel comprises a mineral fiber board having a density between 8 and 28 pounds per square foot, the fibers having no organic binder thereon, and between 5 and 40 percent by weight of particulate material packed in the interstices of the board, and a gas-tight envelope encapsulating the board, the envelope being evacuated to a vacuum between 10.sup.-4 Torr and 10 Torr.

Abstract: A sheet molding composition is disclosed which includes a four component resinous system which comprises (a) an unsaturated polyester comprising a polycondensation product of one or more dihydric alcohols and one or more ethylenically unsaturated polycarboxylic acids; (b) one or more low-profile additives which are thermoplastic polymers which cause phase separation and porosity during the curing reaction; (c) one or more olefinically unsaturated monomers which copolymerizes with the unsaturated polyester; and, (d) one or more compatible components containing one or more polyoxyethane substituents. The compatible components remain compatible when the polyester and monomer cure and impart improved surface characteristics when added to typical low-profile resin systems.

Abstract: Oxide dispersion strengthened metals are ring rolled into a profiled member which can be employed as a spinner in the manufacture of fibrous glass. Sufficient hot working and annealing are provided to develop the desired coarse grain structure.

Abstract: An aqueous glass size composition comprising a water dispersible phenoxy resin modified with an acid, cyanurate or isocyanurate, and an organosilane coupling agent is disclosed. The glass fibers coated with the aqueous size composition are useful for incorporation into molding compositions for strength improvement.

Abstract: Crystallization-resistant, low liquidus, fluoride glasses are disclosed which consist essentially of ZrF.sub.4, optionally HfF.sub.4, BaF.sub.2, at least one of CsF or NaF, preferably AlF.sub.3 and LaF.sub.3, and at least one of InF.sub.3, YF.sub.3 and GaF.sub.3. The glasses are of utility as optical components because of their high IR transmission.

Abstract: A strip of reinforcing material is applied to an edge portion of a glass wool thermal insulation blanket. In a folded, two-layer unit, the reinforcing strip is applied to a major surface of one of the layers on an edge portion opposite the fold.

Abstract: A package winder for a plurality of multiple-filament strands or bundles includes a fixed strand shoe for forming strands, a movable strand shoe for separating the strands into an array of distinctly spaced and oriented bundles and a strand array guide which reciprocates along an axis parallel to the axis of a rotating collet. The guide includes an obliquiely oriented slot which maintains the arrangement of the strands of filaments as they are wound onto the collet. A pair of obliquely oriented parallel guide pins are disposed proximate the transverse limits of the reciprocating guide. The pins engage one or more of the strands, limiting the axial width of the package and greatly improving the edges of the package. The movable strand shoe, strand array guide and pins may be utilized in pairs to produce a pair of packages on a single elongated collet.