Abstract: An improved hose is used to install loose fill insulation. The hose includes projections extending from an inner surface which serve to condition the insulation as it proceeds through the hose and is dispensed. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed so as to be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hose. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed so as to be angled, by an angle less then ninety (90) degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hose. In a third embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed with a serrated edge. In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed as part of a cap member which is disposed around the periphery of the hose.

Abstract: A multi-layer shingle is made by cutting an anterior layer of shingle material to have a headlap area and a tab area, and with a plurality of tabs being present in the tab area, separated by slotted openings. The tab area of the anterior layer has a predetermined design that has a repeatability in the longitudinal direction, or from one edge of a shingle to another in the right-to-left direction, which repeatability is a function of the length of the shingle between said left and right edges, as well as being a function of the number of tabs in the shingle's anterior layer, with the repeatability being smaller or greater than the length of the shingle in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, an ornamental appearance is provided that has a random, natural-looking effect when the shingles are laid up on a roof.

Abstract: A laminated shingle is provided, having lighter and darker granule portions visible from the front, at different planes; the front-most or anterior lane generally having granules of lighter shading and the more rearward or posterior plane generally having darker granules. The darker granules in the more posterior plane are visible from the front of the shingle to provide visually sharp, precise delineation between zones of lighter and darker shading. The shingles may be of multi-layer construction with suitable adhesives securing the layers together. The darker granules may be visible from beneath the lower edge(s) of the anterior shingle, to provide a shadow line effect. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the darker shingle zones from the more posterior plane may be visible through tab-separating slots of the lighter shaded anterior shingle portion.

Abstract: This invention provides reinforced, water-resistant structures, and methods of manufacturing and installing such structures. These structures include bituminous mastic material having first and second major surfaces and semi-rigid, open mesh material disposed within the mastic material. The structure may be prefabricated or assembled in situ and can be bonded to an underlying substrate by the application of heat or pressure to form an adherent bond. The reinforced structure has a tensile strength of at least about 300 psi or more.

Abstract: A lightweight, preferably clay roofing tile, preferably having surface configurations to simulate the thick heavyweight of natural slate, or to simulate natural wood shakes, or other natural materials, is provided, constructed so as to be molded from materials with weight-reducing zones, and strengthening webs, integral with the tile, such that each tile is of unitary, molded, one-piece construction. The placement, type and number of webs enable the cutting of the tiles to form tile accessory pieces, at ends of laid-up courses, hips, ridges and the like, to minimize or eliminate the necessity of inventorying large numbers of special accessory pieces. The webs provide strengthening while the hollow zones reduce weight, with at least some of the webs being located to provide strength to the tiles along newly cut edges. An interlock design at tile edges facilitates reduction in weight by eliminating the need for a double coverage overlap.

Abstract: A sorbent glass fiber material is useful for sorbing spills of water and water-soluble liquids. The sorbent material includes glass fibers combined with hydrophilic absorbent particles. The particles may be made from polymers having hydrophilic groups such as crosslinked polyacrylamide, crosslinked sulfonated polystyrene, crosslinked polyacrylate, crosslinked polymethacrylates, crosslinked copolymers of acrylates and methacrylates, and mixtures thereof. The glass fibers may be bindered (e.g., batting insulation) or unbindered (e.g., loose-fill blown wool insulation).

Abstract: A method for the production of a laminated shingle wherein at least two strips of a continuously advancing sheet are coated with differently colored aggregates of granules. Present among one of the aggregates are a multitude of granules having at least one color and/or hue thereof not present among the granules of the other aggregate or aggregates. The strips are cut from the sheet and laminated one above the other so as to form at least two layers with the differently colored aggregates exposed to view. The difference in coloration creates a pleasing color contrast and accentuates the difference in elevation between the shingle layers.