Abstract: A polymeric amide which comprises:(i) from 30% to 60% by weight of units derived from .epsilon.-caprolactam or .epsilon.-aminocaproic acid(ii) from 25% to 55% by weight of units derived from equimolar quantitites of hexamethylene diamine and isophthalic acid and(iii) from 5% to 35% by weight of units derived from equimolar quantities of hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid.The polymeric amide can be used as a hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for converting a stream of attenuable material into a fiber by a two-stage attenuation technique, the two stages being effected sequentially by employment of a gaseous jet and a gaseous blast, thereby producing a single long fiber from each stream of attenuable material.

Abstract: A cutter for cutting continuous stock materials into discrete lengths is disclosed. The cutting device includes a plurality of rotatable cutting tools or blades extending transversely across a cutting zone. The cutting tools are mounted in a common plane, are intermeshed, and are synchronously driven in opposite directions. The cutting zones of the intermeshed cutting tools overlap and thus the cutting device is capable of performing the cutting operation by movement in one direction through the material being cut. The cutting tools have opposed segments that carry cutting edges. In one form of tool, the cutting edges are spaced from the axis of rotation of the cutting tool by a distance that continuously increases in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the cutting tool. This change in distance can be related to the speed of rotation of the cutting tools and the speed at which the cutting tools are advanced through the material being cut.

Abstract: Gas blast attenuation of thermoplastic attenuable material is disclosed including the use of a principle current or blast with one or more jets of smaller cross section directed transversely into the blast and creating zones of interaction having whirling currents, especially of the kind developed in toration techniques, the whirling currents including fuel and comburent components in proportions providing a combustible mixture, and a stream of thermoplastic attenuable material at a temperature at least as high as the ignition temperature of said mixture being delivered into each zone of interaction.

Abstract: Methods and equipment are disclosed for production of mineral fibers, by attenuation, involving the use of a substantial volume of gas, in which water is also employed at least in a fiber binder, the methods and equipment providing for recirculation of most of the gases, and preferably also of the water employed in the system. Both the gases and the water are purified and the pollutants are separated and are also treated to convert the pollutant constituents to a form not ecologically objectionable for disposal. The methods and equipment also minimize discharge of fluids and aural efflux from the plant. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for controlling said stabilizing various operating conditions of the fiberization; such as the temperature and the pressure in the fiber forming section or chamber.

Abstract: A salt reclamation system especially for use with molten salt baths used for treating articles by immersion of the articles in the bath and then withdrawal thereof, with resultant drag-out of salt. The salt removed from the bath on the surface of the articles is washed from the articles and the salt-laden wash water is returned to the surface of the molten salt bath, with consequent volatilization of the water, which is withdrawn or dissipated as steam, thereby returning the drag-out salt to the bath.

Abstract: Methods and equipment are disclosed for production of mineral fibers, by attenuation, involving the use of a substantial volume of gas, in which water is also employed at least in a fiber binder, the methods and equipment providing for recirculation of most of the gases, and preferably also of the water employed in the system. Both the gases and the water are purified and the pollutants are separated and are also treated to convert the pollutant constituents to a form not ecologically objectionable for disposal. The methods and equipment also minimize discharge of fluids and aural efflux from the plant. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for controlling and stabilizing various operating conditions of the fiberization; such as the temperature and the pressure in the fiber forming section or chamber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the production of fibrous materials from attenuable substances, particularly molten glass, are disclosed, along with the fiber products which result. In the disclosed system the material to be fiberized flows into a region established as a result of the interaction of a jet transversely oriented with respect to a larger blast, the material being acted upon in the interaction zone to produce a highly attenuated fiber. Method and apparatus are disclosed utilizing a glass admission orifice and jet blast generating devices which are spaced from each other. Moreover, method and equipment are disclosed for forming fibers from attenuable material by the use of high velocity whirling gas currents or tornadoes. Attenuation is preferably effected in two sequential stages, each of which utilizes a pair of high velocity whirling currents or tornadoes, with the gases in the two tornadoes of each pair turning in opposite directions.

Abstract: System for suppression of pollution in fiber attenuating operations, especially in mineral fiber insulation blanket production. The system disclosed provides gas blast attenuation of the attenuable material in a fiber forming chamber and for recirculation of attenuating gases and for discharge of a portion of the gases by means of a controllable blower. The operation of the blower is regulated by a pressure sensor responsive to the pressure in the forming section.

Abstract: Phenolic foams, mixtures for producing phenolic foams, and processes of manufacturing phenolic foams are disclosed. The resin utilized is a base catalyzed polycondensation product of phenol and formaldehyde which is obtained in a solid, reactive, fusible, substantially anhydrous state. The resin is foamed and hardened by the application of heat without the use of a catalyst. Heat sensitive blowing agents, either in liquid form or in particulate form may be mixed with the resin prior to heating. Surfactants and lubricants may be utilized to enhance the uniformity of the voids in the foam. The resulting foams are non-acidic, are resistant to color changes, and are substantially anhydrous.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for converting a stream of attenuable material into a fiber by employment of a gaseous jet penetrating a gaseous blast, thereby producing a zone of interaction in which the stream is attenuated to form a single long fiber. The gaseous jet may have lower velocity than the blast but may have lower temperature than the blast, thereby providing a jet of higher kinetic energy than the blast so that the jet will penetrate the blast. It is also contemplated that the glass stream may be initially delivered to the jet to be carried thereby into the zone of interaction with the blast, thereby providing for preliminary attenuation in the jet before the stream reaches the blast.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for cutting continuous strand or roving, particular strands of mineral material such as glass, into short lengths is disclosed. The apparatus employs a rotatable drum equipped with a large number of radially disposed cutting blades, the drum cooperates with a supporting device for supporting the strand as it is cut. Ejector bars are maintained in position on the drum between adjacent cutting blades by elastic mounting members that receive the ends of the ejector bars. The elastic mounting members cause the ejector bars to compress the strand against the support drum as the strand is being cut and, in conjunction with centrifugal force arising from rotation of the drum, to eject the cut pieces of strand from the cutting drum.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the production of fibrous materials from attenuable substances, particularly molten glass, are disclosed, along with the fiber products which result. In the disclosed system the material to be fiberized flows into a region established as a result of the interaction of a jet transversely oriented with respect to a larger blast, the material being acted upon in the interaction zone to produce a highly attenuated fiber. There are also disclosed techniques for suppression of pollution in manufacturing plants using the disclosed fiberization techniques.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for winding a continuous strand formed from an attenuable material is disclosed. The winding collet has a starting drum mounted on one end. An end face of the starting drum includes diametrically opposed strand engaging members that engage the strand as it is brought against the face of the starting drum. The strand is conducted from the strand engaging means to the starting drum and is wound on the starting drum until the winding collet reaches operating speed. When the winding collet is at its operating speed, the strand is urged away from the starting drum and onto the winding collet to form the winding.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the production of fibrous materials from attenuable substances, particularly molten glass, are disclosed, along with the fiber products which result. In the disclosed system the material to be fiberized flows into a region established as a result of the interaction of a jet transversely oriented with respect to a larger blast, the material being acted upon in the interaction zone to produce a highly attenuated fiber. The disclosed method and apparatus utilizes a glass admission orifice spaced above the blast.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the production of fibrous materials from attenuable substances, particularly molten glass, are disclosed, along with the fiber products which result. In the disclosed system the material to be fiberized flows into a region established as a result of the interaction of a jet transversely oriented with respect to a larger jet or blast, the material being acted upon in the interaction zone to produce a highly attenuated fiber. Use of a tertiary jet is also disclosed for certain purposes.