Abstract: A continuous process for the production of gypsum board of variable yet predictable density, wherein a fibrous from of stucco produced from gypsum crystals or fibers is combined with standard calcined gypsum and formed into the board. The density of the resultant board varies inversely with the content of fibrous stucco. The process yields lightweight boards suitable as standard wallboards and inorganic insulating boards.

Abstract: A method of producing an acoustical mineral fiberboard comprising(a) forming an aqueous slurry of mineral fiber-containing solids suitable for forming an acoustical board, the solids content of the slurry being sufficiently high to bring about predominant formation of nodules of mineral fiber throughout the slurry upon mixing of the slurry;(b) mixing the slurry to form the nodules of mineral fibers;(c) dewatering the slurry to form a wet felt;(d) drying the wet felt; and(e) texturing one surface of the dried felt without mechanically punching holes in the surface.

Abstract: This invention provides a process and apparatus which automatically and in a continuous and uninterrupted manner laminates a narrow strip of bituminous coated glass mat to the bottom side of a coated glass mat, cuts the laminated product to produce a laminate having cut-out areas between remaining tabs and then adheres thin strips of coated glass mat across the tabs to underlie the tabs and the cut-out areas. The final shingle is made from a single glass mat which is processed into a three level shingle, each level being made of a portion of the original glass mat.

Abstract: A process of forming a durable waterproof coating on a substrate comprising (a) applying to the surface of the substrate an aqueous dispersion comprising at least one film-forming polymer, pigment material including clay in an amount sufficient to improve the adhesion of the coating to the substrate, and water, the pigment volume concentration of the dispersion being greater than 15, and (b) allowing the dispersion to dry on the surface.

Abstract: A method of making an embossed gypsum panel including an embossing device mounted on a moveable support and positioning the device so that it is located at the point of "set" of the gypsum slurry from which the board is made.

Abstract: A closed cell, rigid, polymer foam containing as filler at least about 2 percent by weight of carbon black, based on the weight of the polymer in the foam, the carbon black being uniformly dispersed throughout the foam so that there is present in the cell walls of the foam an amount of carbon black which reduces the aged k-factor of the foam to below the aged k-factor of the corresponding unfilled foam.

Abstract: An apparatus for making an embossed gypsum panel on a conveyor including an embossing device mounted on a movable device such that the embossing device can be moved to the optimum location for embossing.

Abstract: This invention provides a process and apparatus which automatically and in a continuous and uninterruped manner laminates a narrow strip of bituminous coated glass mat to the bottom side of a coated glass mat, cuts the laminated product to produce a laminate having cut-out areas between remaining tabs and then adheres thin strips of coated glass mat across the tabs to underlie the tabs and the cut-out areas. The final shingle is made from a single glass mat which is processed into a three level shingle, each level being made of a portion of the original glass mat.

Abstract: A thermally insulating structural laminate comprising a core of rigid plastic foam having two major surfaces, at least one of the major surfaces of the foam being attached to a facer comprising a fribrous sheet having at least one layer of an air- and moisture-impervious polymer disposed on the inner surface thereof and interposed between the fibrous sheet and the foam, the oxygen transmission of the polymer being a value of less than about 1 cc/100 in.sup.2 -24 hrs-atm sufficient to make the facer substantially impervious to the passage of air and water vapor, resulting in the long-term preservation of insulation value.

Abstract: A process of forming a durable waterproof coating on a substrate comprising (a) applying to the surface of the substrate an aqueous dispersion comprising at least one film-forming polymer, pigment material including clay in an amount sufficient to improve the adhesion of the coating to the substrate, and water, the pigment volume concentration of the dispersion being greater than 15, and (b) allowing the dispersion to dry on the surface.

Abstract: This invention provides a process and apparatus which automatically and in a continuous and uninterrupted manner laminates a narrow strip of bituminous coated glass mat to the bottom side of a coated glass mat, cuts the laminated product to produce a laminate having cut-out areas between remaining tabs and then adheres thin strips of coated glass mat across the tabs to underlie the tabs and the cut-out areas. The final shingle is made from a single glass mat which is processed into a three level shingle, each level being made of a portion of the original glass mat.

Abstract: Polyoxyalkylene surfactants for cellular foams can be prepared by reacting a polyoxyalkylene adduct and an esterified unsaturated dibasic acid in the presence of a free-radical initiator.

Abstract: This invention relates to siding panel units in which an area near fastener receiving slots has an isolation means disposed in a U-shaped configuration partially around at least some of said fastener receiving slots and said isolation means comprises vertical stress relief means at each side of at least some of said fastener receiving slots and an elongated slot lying below corresponding ones of said fastener receiving slots and spanning the distance between said vertical stress relief means.

Abstract: Polyisocyanurate foams are prepared by reacting together an organic polyisocyanate, a blowing agent, a trimerization catalyst, and a minor amount of a polyol mixture prepared by digesting polyalkylene terephthalate, particularly polyethylene terephthalate, with a polyol, especially a glycol. Laminates of such foams exhibit a high degree of fire resistance, low smoke evolution on combustion, low foam friability and high compressive strength.

Abstract: Rigid polyisocyanurate foams are prepared by (a) bringing together on a continuously advancing conveyor an organic polyisocyanate, a minor amount of a polyester polyol, a blowing agent and, in an organic solvent, a catalyst mixture comprising: (i) a salt of a low molecular weight carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal salt and an alkaline earth metal salt and mixtures thereof, and (ii) a tertiary amine, the amount of the salt of the low molecular weight carboxylic acid being sufficient and the molecular weight of the carboxylic acid of the salt being sufficiently low to provide a firm foam having a non-friable surface, and (b) foaming the foam-forming mixture.

Abstract: An assembly of individual, decoratively embossed fibrous boards having a well-defined, repeating surface pattern, each board of said assembly:(a) being formed by a process comprising the steps of:(i) forming a wet mat of entangled mineral fibers;(ii) pressure molding said fibrous mat while it is still wet to create a decorative textured surface thereon; and(iii) drying said board; and(b) having a higher strength than a board composed of substantially the same amounts of the same ingredients but produced by a dry embossing process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a window sash balance of the coil spring and cord type in which a friction drag element is in frictional contact with multiple lengths of loops of said cord.

Abstract: Rigid polyisocyanurate foams are prepared by reacting together an organic polyisocyanate, a blowing agent, a trimerization catalyst, and a minor amount of a polyol, the polyol comprising a sufficient proportion of at least one polyoxyalkylene polyol having (i) terminal oxypropylene oxide blocks, (ii) a molecular weight of from about 300 to 3000, and (iii) an average hydroxyl functionality of from about 2 to 5 to form a foamed polyisocyanurate whose gel time is greater than about 70 seconds and friability is less than about 20 percent, as measured by the ASTM C-421 friability test. Laminates of such foams exhibit a high degree of fire resistance, low foam friability and good facer adhesion.

Abstract: A process for sealing geological formations and mine stoppings by applying to these substrates an aqueous, non-cementitious caulk composition comprising an alkali metal silicate; filler material including at least one silica product or silicate other than an alkali metal silicate; a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer modifier; and water, and allowing the caulk composition to dry to form an air flow resistant seal on the substrates. A highly satisfactory polymeric modifier is used in the form of a polymer emulsion, such as an emulsion of a self-plasticizing acrylic polymer having a low Tg.

Abstract: This invention relates to a balance assembly for windows in which a gas pressurized piston and cylinder device with pulley wheels at each end acts as a balance element for the windows.