Abstract: An optical fibre transmission cable has a prestressed reinforcement which has a tensile modulus of (4-6).times.10.sup.6 psi, a flex modulus of (1.0-5.7).times.10.sup.6 psi and a thermal coefficient of linear expansion of approximately 2.8.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree.F. and comprises a glass fibre roving saturated with synthetic resin material and held under tension by the synthetic resin material. The reinforcement and an optical fibre are provided within a synthetic resin material sheathing and the reinforcement provides the required mechanical reinforcement properties without introducing electrically conductive material into the cable. A method of making the reinforcement and the cable is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for compressing packaging of articles such as insulation batts has a bomb-bay door arrangement for depositing successive batches of the articles in stacked relationship into a downwardly open chamber, and a pressure member movable around an endless path of movement for pressing the articles downwardly at the bottom of the chamber into compression space. A retainer is movable to and from a position overlying the compression space for retaining the articles in their compressed condition in the compression space until the pressure member moves downwardly again through the chamber to compress further articles into the compression space. A ram is provided for discharging the compressed articles from the compression space to a bagging apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming articles, e.g. one-piece pipe insulators, from a longitudinally advancing strip-shaped felt of fibrous material has a housing around tubular inner and outer dies, a gas supply through openings in the outer die for curing the felt as the felt is pulled between the dies from beyond the dies and a transverse cutter for cutting the cured felt to length. To facilitate easy replacement of the outer die, e.g. by another outer die of different transverse size or shape, the housing has openings larger than the cross-section of the outer die for receiving the outer die therethrough, and readily releasable closure plates around the outer die close the housing openings. The outer die may comprise separable sections connected end-to-end.

Abstract: This specification discloses ecologically desirable, improved binder compositions suitable for bonding fibers. These binders exhibit low pollutant characteristics and improved properties, due to a combination into the binder of aminoplast resins or non phenolic monomeric materials capable of co-condensing with formaldehyde, together with a substantially phenol free, low mono methylolphenol high .[.ortho para di.]. .Iadd.2,4,6-tri .Iaddend.methylol .[.phenol.]. .Iadd.phenols .Iaddend.content, water soluble thermosetting phenol formaldehyde resole solution. The phenolic resole resin is made to conform to the desired composition by mixing together a high mole ratio of formaldehyde with phenol and calcium hydroxide with cooling so that very little reaction takes place.