Abstract: The present invention discloses an extruder for producing a thermoplastic material having a first and second portion comprising an axially extending barrel and a screw conveyer axially disposed within said barrel so as to define a passage for conveying thermoplastic material from an input through a melt zone to an output. Furthermore the present invention discloses an insulation member comprising an elongated insulation member formed of a thermoplastic insulating material, said insulating member having a top edge, a bottom edge, and first and second side edges; the top edge comprising a protrusion, said top edge extending beyond a corresponding top edge of a corresponding panel of siding; and the bottom edge comprising a ledge, said ledge operable to overlap the protrusion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an extruder for producing a thermoplastic material having a first and second portion comprising an axially extending barrel and a screw conveyer axially disposed within said barrel so as to define a passage for conveying thermoplastic material from an input through a melt zone to an output. Furthermore the present invention discloses an insulation member comprising an elongated insulation member formed of a thermoplastic insulating material, said insulating member having a top edge, a bottom edge, and first and second side edges; the top edge comprising a protrusion, said top edge extending beyond a corresponding top edge of a corresponding panel of siding; and the bottom edge comprising a ledge, said ledge operable to overlap the protrusion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing residual gases from a foamed polymer material by subjecting the foamed polymer material to a vacuum.

Abstract: A coupler and a method for securing foam tube insulation elements to one another for pipes, comprising of a strip having a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface may have a series of tab-like projections that define openings between the top surface and the bottom surface. The top surface may also have a series of teeth.

Abstract: A floatable lounger includes a first buoyancy means; second buoyancy means spaced from said first buoyancy means; first and second extending means; and headrest rotatable about said first extending means between a first stored position and a second operable position. The floatable lounger provides for a simpler construction for a floating lounger with excellent buoyancy.