Abstract: A sheet comprising a uniformly dispersed coating of silicon carbide whiskers is produced by: (a) deagglomerating a whisker mass; (b) forming a slurry of deagglomerated whiskers; (c) coating the slurry upon a clean surface of the sheet; and (d) driving off the solvent of the slurry.

Abstract: A composite brazing material is described, composed of a layer (usually an ingot) of high manganese content aluminum alloy (3000 series alloy; the "core") and a layer of high silicon content aluminum alloy (4000 series alloy; the "cladding") with a layer of aluminum alloy having the following composition:______________________________________ silicon 6.8-8.2 wgt. % iron up to 0.8 wgt. % copper up to 0.25 wgt. % manganese up to 0.10 wgt. % zinc up to 0.20 wgt. % other elements up to 0.15 wgt. % aluminum balance ______________________________________disposed between the cladding and core layers and in contact with both. Subsequent hot rolling of the multi-layer composite produces a good bond between the core and the cladding through the intermediate layer. The resulting brazing material has the external properties of a simple two-layer composite of core and cladding without the intermediate layer.

Abstract: The invention features a method and resultant article of the method, wherein deagglomerated silicon carbide whiskers are uniformly dispersed and/or distributed in a matrix material, generally a metal. The uniform distribution achieved by the invention greatly enhances the mechanical properties of the composite, such as the ultimate strength. The method comprises the deagglomeration of silicon carbide whiskers prior to mixing with matrix materials.

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: 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: Compositions and papers made therefrom useful as separator materials in starved electrolyte lead/acid batteries are described. The compositions comprise a mixture of 30% to 80% by weight of perlite and 20% to 70% by weight of glass fibers. The glass fibers have diameters in the range of from 0.3 to 1.0 micrometers while the perlite has particle sizes in the range of from about 3 to about 100 micrometers.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for the formation of thermal insulation blocks from rolls of fibrous blankets. The apparatus comprises folding means to make alternating transverse folds in the blanket, insertion means to insert block supporting members (pronged beams) into and through folds of the block, and sequencing means to control the location of beam insertion according to a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam composition is disclosed which has low smoke generation characteristics (i.e., a rating of less than 50 in the ASTM E-84 Tunnel Test). The composition comprises 80-100 parts by weight of poly(trichloro-oxybutylene) carbohydrate adduct, 0-20 parts by weight of an amine-based polyol, 80-155 parts by weight of a polyalkylene polyphenyl isocyanate, 10-50 parts by weight of a fluorcarbon foaming agent, 0.3-3.0 parts by weight of a surfactant, and 0.005-4.0 parts of a catalyst. The foam finds use as a thermal insulation, particularly pipe insulation.

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

Abstract: A universal mounting pad for electrical transformers is described. Adjustable means comprising a plurality of recesses with channel irons therein engage movable bolts to which a variety of different size transformers can be attached. The pad is normally made of plastic. A plurality of collared earth augers hold the pad firmly in position.

Abstract: Gaps or seams between adjacent modular refractory fiber blanket insulation modules are filled by inserting therein strips of refractory fiber blanket. The strips are bent into a U-shape over a blade or plate and then inserted between two spreader members, called lubricators, to overcome the tendency of the blanket in the strip to adhere to the blanket in the module.

Abstract: Alkali resistant glass articles are disclosed comprising glass fibers coated with zinc stearate. The coating will be present as 1 to 50, preferably 3 to 10, percent by weight of the coated fiber. The zinc stearate may be applied as a powder and converted to a coating by heating, or may be applied to the fibers from a water suspension.

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: 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 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 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.