Abstract: A method and apparatus for expanding the fiber column produced by a rotary fiber glass manufacturing unit. A rotating bell-shaped shell is mounted beneath the rotary disc of the manufacturing unit so that the lower portion of the shell is in the path of the fiber column, causing the column to be outwardly deflected. Water is directed on the inner surface of the shell to cool the shell in order to prevent curing of binder which comes in contact with the shell, and binder is applied below the point of water application. If an amount of water in excess of the amount needed to cool the shell is provided it is thrown outward in the form of a spray which wets the fibers. The water spray also prevents fiber and binder from accumulating on the bottom edge of the shell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encapsulating a porous article in plastic film without employing supporting molds. The article is deposited onto a lower web and an upper web is moved into overlying position. The edges of the webs are gripped by moving teeth to move the webs and the article in unison. The webs are then pinched together adjacent the article to form an enclosed volume. The film is heated to its fusing temperature and the enclosed volume is evacuated through a tube inserted through the lower web and into the article. The tube is removed and the fused webs are trimmed adjacent the edges of the article, resulting in an encapsulated article.

Abstract: Insulating the exhaust pipe of an internal combustion exhaust system by sliding a flexible insulated tube over the exhaust pipe. The tube comprises concentrically arranged inner and outer corrugated stainless steel tubes, with the annulus between the corrugated tubes filled with refractory fiber insulation. The wall thickness of the corrugated tubes is in the range of 0.002 inch and 0.004 inch, which provides the insulated tube with sufficient flexibility to be trained over the angled portions of the exhaust pipe. The contact between the corrugations and the pipe assists in holding the insulated tube in place. The inner tube may extend beyond the outer tube and be flared back to the outer tube to enclose the insulation and facilitate movement of the insulated tube over the exhaust pipe. Alternatively, the insulation may also be sealed by end caps.

Abstract: An automotive headliner comprised of a laminate of double corrugated paperboard. Perforations in all the sheets of the laminate except the back paperboard sheet improve the acoustical performance of the liner. A vapor barrier on the back sheet prevents entry of moisture into the laminate from the roof, and a layer of sound dampening material on the front face of the laminate improves the sound absorption of the laminate. The front corrugation is larger than the back corrugation. When molding the laminate it is first moisturized, then heat molded. Heat is applied until the laminate has regained its rigidity.

Abstract: Zirconium based granules are produced by the steps of forming an aqueous solution of a zirconium compound such as zirconium acetate, combining the aqueous solution with a phase stabilizer, and then heating the solution to evaporation thereby forming amorphous zirconium based granules.In an alternate embodiment, an alcohol solution of a zirconium compound such as zirconium propoxide in propanol is acidified and hydrolyzed with water. The partially or fully hydrolyzed zirconium complex is mixed with a phase stabilizer to form a homogeneous solution. The solution is then subjected to evaporation by heat to form amorphous zirconium based granules.Zirconia fibers are produced by making aqueous solutions of the amorphous zirconium based granules containing the phase stabilizer to the desired viscosity, fiberizing the solution, and finally converting the fibers under appropriate conditions.

Abstract: A fiber glass board useful as a form board for lightweight cement and the like is strengthened by providing for the fibers to be predominantly oriented generally parallel to the major faces of the board in directions both parallel to and transversely of the dimension of the board corresponding to the process direction. A downstream conveyor which moves the blanket of fibers through the curing oven moves faster than the collection conveyor, thereby producing a drawing effect on the blanket and causing the desired fiber alignment. A glass fiber mat is applied to one or both major faces of the blanket prior to movement through the oven to provide additional stiffness to the board.

Abstract: A method of melting materials at power densities in excess of 25 KW/ft.sup.2 of area within the metal shell of a melting vessel which method consists essentially of continuously feeding the material to be melted to a plasma arc furnace which is equipped with at least two transferred arc plasma electrodes and with means to rotate at least the portion of the furnace containing the material to be melted, melting the said feedstock material using the at least two transferred arc plasma electrodes whilst rotating at least the rotatable portion of the furnace containing the material to be melted and continuously discharging the material which has been melted from the furnace.Apparatus for melting materials under power densities of greater than 25 KW/ft.sup.2 is also disclosed.

Abstract: An enclosed article carrier having upper sloping and panels to conform to the shape of the end articles in the carrier. The end panels are comprised of dust flaps adhered to overlapping upper and lower end flaps. Each dust flap is connected to the adjacent edge of its side panel along angled fold lines, the bottom edge of the dust flap being connected to the side panel adjacent the bottom panel of the carrier. Each dust flap has a cutout extending from its outer edge to a point spaced from the juncture of the fold lines. The carriers are thus strong enough to resist bowing during loading, resulting in well-aligned end panel flaps.

Abstract: Described is a method of reducing multivalent metal cations from beer, ale or malt liquors comprising the steps of:providing an alkali metal silicate-treated finely divided diatomaceous earth (DTE); andcontacting the beer, ale or malt liquor with the silicate-treated DTE by filtering the beer through the silicate-treated DTE thereby reducing the multivalent metal cation content of the beer, ale or malt liquor.

Abstract: An insulated exhaust pipe comprising inner and outer spaced corrugated metallic tubes separated by refractory fiber isulation. Strips of higher density refractory fiber insulation hold the low density insulation in place during operation and prevent degradation of the fiber by vibration. The pipe is made by rolling the inner tube over a layer of insulation, including strips, to which adhesive has been applied. The insulated tube is then inserted into the outer tube, rotating the insulated tube so that the corrugations of the outer tube do not damage the insulation. Specific structure for carrying out these method steps is disclosed.

Abstract: A paperboard carrier for beverage cans the bottom of which tend to be deformed when subjected to sharp blows. The panel adjacent the can bottoms is formed of two sheets in face-to-face engagement. The interior face of the inner sheet contains a number of raised embossed portions against which the can bottoms abut. The embossed portions, which may be comprised of spaced embossed protrusions of circular or other shape, effectively increase the cushioning effect of the sheet and, in conjunction with the other sheet of the panel, protect the can bottom against damage. The embossed portions are arranged so as to contact the circumferential rims normally provided at the bottom of beverage cans.

Abstract: Attachment means for connecting an insulated pipe to an element, such as the manifold, in the exhaust system of a vehicle. The attachment means includes a conduit which extends into the end of the insulated pipe. A transverse lug or a helical flange on the conduit engages the spiral corrugations of the inner diameter of the pipe to allow the conduit to be threaded into the pipe. The end of the pipe is received in an end cap slidably mounted on the conduit. When the cap hits a stop on the conduit during threading of the conduit into the pipe the lug or helical flange pulls the pipe against the cap, tightening the connection to the pipe.

Abstract: Testing open-ended cartons to determine the centrifugal force at which the contents will move out an open end. A filled carton is positioned on a support and the carton is gripped at the end portions of the carton side panels and rotated. Upon reaching a rotational speed at which the carton can no longer hold the contents in place, the contents strike an end wall of the support, indicating that the carton has failed.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method is shown for continuously, in an on-line production, applying a layer of coating material to the horizontal upper surface of a fiber glass blanket and the opposed vertical edge surfaces in a generally even layer and curing the applied material to form surface and edge coated fiber glass duct liner material.

Abstract: Described is a lightweight open-cell flexible foam having a density no greater than about 6 pounds per cubic foot, preferably less than 1.0 pound per cubic foot (pcf) comprising the reaction product of an organic polyisocyanate and a mixture of difunctional acids, acid anhydrides, and difunctional anhydrides in the presence of a tertiary amine triazine catalyst, which reactants during the manufacturing process generate carbon dioxide, wherein the ratio of imide groups in the final product is greater than 1.

Abstract: Described is a lightweight open-cell flexible foam having a density no greater than about 6 pounds per cubic foot, preferably less than 1.0 pound per cubic foot (pcf) comprising the reaction product of an organic polyisocyanate and a mixture of difunctional acids, acid anhydrides, and difunctional anhydrides in the presence of a tertiary amine triazine catalyst, which reactants during the manufacturing process generate carbon dioxide, wherein the ratio of imide to amide groups in the final product is greater than 1.

Abstract: Metal building insulation comprising a low density glass fiber layer and a vapor retarding facing. The facing extends beyond one edge of the fibrous layer to form a tab, and comprises a laminate of a glass fiber mat bonded to the lower surface of the insulation layer, an intermediate glass fiber scrim and an outer vapor retarding sheet. The low density insulation is cost effective and easy to handle, the mat provides body to allow the tab to maintain contact with the facing of an adjacent insulation layer so as to form a vapor barrier across the butt joint between the adjacent layers, and the scrim provides tear strength.

Abstract: A handle for a sleeve-type carrier. The handle comprises an opening extending transversely of the length of the carrier, the opening being defined by elongated edges and short end edges located in the top panel. Flaps covering the handle opening are connected to the elongated edges along fold lines. An enclosed area extending from each end of the opening into the nearest side panel is defined by a periphery comprised of an interrupted slit, enabling varying concentrations of stresses resulting from lifting the carrier from either edge of the handle opening to be transferred from the ends of the handle opening to the sides of the carrier through the interrupted slits.

Abstract: A fully enclosed carton divided into four cells. Cell-dividing flaps connected to the bottom panel flaps extend into the interior of the carton through the spaces separating adjacent dust flaps. A cell-dividing flap connected to the top panel flap extends into the interior through spaces separating adjacent bottom panel cell-dividing flaps. The carton is formed from an integral blank, and the contents can be reached through tear strips in the top panel or through openings in the side panels.

Abstract: A wrap-around bottle carrier with short end panels and reinforced side and top panels formed by folded-under edge flaps. Tuck flaps connected to the edge flaps permit folding of the edge flaps. Neck retainer openings are provided in the top panel and in the folded-under top panel edge flaps. The side panels include short angled portions adjacent the top panel. One of the side panels contains a handle opening extending from the adjacent bottom panel into the adjacent angled portion. The carrier can be lifted by means of either the handle or the ends of the top panel.