Abstract: A collective network purchasing (CNP) website is disclosed, via which bidding processes are performed for items available for collective purchasing. The bidding processes include receiving bids from CNP members, and deducting each bid from a purchased balance of the bidding CNP member and adding the bid to a cumulative number of bids for the bid-upon item. The CNP website converts an item available for collective purchasing to a collectively purchased item in response to the cumulative number of bids for the item reaching a value assigned to the item. The converting including assigning ownership of the collectively purchased item to a last-acting CNP member in the bidding process for the item.

Abstract: A high output alternator and regulator for generating electrical power in a motor vehicle having a storage battery for providing stand-by power at a predetermined voltage. The alternator is a mechanically driven generator having stator windings across which a three-phase AC voltage is produced at an amplitude determined by the amount of current fed through a field winding. A first rectifier is for rectifying the three-phase AC voltage to provide a DC battery voltage to supply other DC voltage loads and a second rectifier rectifies the three-phase AC voltage and inputs into a voltage multiplier circuit which amplifies the rectified voltage. The voltage multiplier circuit inputs the amplified voltage into a voltage regulator having inputs which sense the battery voltage.

Abstract: The invention is an improved compression member for use in the packaging of insulation material. The compression member includes a plurality of curvilinear finger members defining a plurality of voids extending in the machine direction of the insulation material. The finger members and defined voids enhance the compression operation by encouraging an even release of compressed air across the width of the insulation pack and by guiding the insulation material into the packaging apparatus in a desired orientation.

Abstract: Core material of shaped glass fiber board is impregnated with resin in outer surface portions, the resin is cured, an additional resin casing is formed therearound, and the additional resin is cured. Glass strands may be included with the resin impregnation, and a continuous strand mat, a veil mat, and glass rovings may be included with the resin encasing.

Abstract: Apparatus for packaging mineral fiber insulation material includes a compression member to gradually compress the material, where the compression member contains a plurality of depressions, the downstream edge of the depressions being sloped to gradually blend with the plane of the compression surface, and the upstream edge of the depressions forming an abrupt drop from the plane of the compression surface, thereby defining an aperture at the upstream edge of the depressions for the escape of air during compression of the material, where the upstream edge is adapted to support the insulation material during the venting of the compressed air.

Abstract: Core material of shaped glass fiber board is impregnated with resin in outer surface portions, the resin is cured, an additional resin casing is formed therearound, and the additional resin is cured. Glass strands may be included with the resin impregnation, and a continuous strand mat, a veil mat, and glass rovings may be included with the resin encasing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for packaging flexible compressible strips of mineral fibers into rolls comprises an endless belt, means for supporting the belt in a manner to define a loop inside which the strips can be rolled, and a compression member from maintaining the strip in compression upstream from the loop, where the compression member is mounted for movement toward and away from the loop.

Abstract: A stretchable knitted article of predominately terry loop construction, e.g., an athletic headband, with a design printed thereon, includes a knitted fabric of single jersey construction the reverse side of which has a predominant terry loop region bordering an integrally knit smaller reverse-side plain jersey region. The plain jersey region is oriented in the article for coursewise stretching such that the sinker loop and needle loop crests of the yarn thereof are substantially the only visible yarn portions in both the stretched and unstretched conditions of the article. The design is printed on the plain region whereby it maintains its definition and continuity of appearance when stretched in ordinary use.

Abstract: Air nozzle assemblies are provided for stripping the release strips from a laminated pressure-sensitive adhesive strip construction applied to a jacket for pipe insulation.