Abstract: Method and system for filling a muffler with fibrous material. The muffler includes a muffler shell comprising a first shell member and a second shell member, at least one partition extending between the first and second shell members, and at least one slot formed in the first shell member above the partition. The first shell member is positioned and held relative to the second shell member to form an open portion, a closed portion, and a space between an upper surface of the partition and the first shell member. Fluid is introduced into the space through a fluid delivery device inserted into the muffler shell through the slot, and fibrous material is introduced into the muffler shell through a filling nozzle inserted into the muffler shell through the open portion. The fluid delivery device and nozzle are removed after filling and the shell members are closed and affixed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for filling a muffler body with a fibrous material prior to completing assembly of the muffler body are disclosed. The muffler body is composed of two half shells and the fibrous material is injected between the shells by a filling nozzle.

Abstract: A method of forming high strength glass fibers in a refractory-lined glass melter, products made there from and batch compositions suited for use in the method are disclosed. The glass composition for use in the method of the present invention is up to about 64-75 weight percent SiO2, 16-24 weight percent Al2O3, 8-12 weight percent MgO and 0.25-3 weight percent R2O, where R2O equals the sum of Li2O and Na2O, has a fiberizing temperature less than about 2650° F., and a ?T of at least 80° F. By using oxide-based refractory-lined furnaces the cost of production of glass fibers is substantially reduced in comparison with the cost of fibers produced using a platinum-lined melting furnace. High strength composite articles including the high strength glass fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A submerged combustion melting system (90) includes a submerged combustion melter (100) having a housing (102) that defines a melting chamber (104) and one or more vibration damping devices (340) operatively coupled to the housing (102).

Abstract: A continuous fabric for use in forming a repair liner for reinforcing a pipe. The fabric includes a top layer and one or more bottom layers. The width of the top layer is less than the width of the continuous fabric and the density of the top layer is less than the density of at least one of the at least one or more bottom layers. The top layer may serve as a guide for winding the fabric in an overlapping pattern about a mandrel so that the essentially only the top layer is visible in the fabric winding.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for quantifying a degree of texturization of fibrous materials, such as muffler fill materials, are disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly for chopping glass fibers including a cutter wheel having radially extending blades and a cot wheel adjacent the cutter wheel. The cot wheel may include an inner hub and an elastomeric ring mounted onto the inner hub for rotation therewith. The elastomeric ring may include an inner portion having a first hardness and an outer portion having a second hardness that is less than the first hardness. The outer portion being positioned to contact the cutter blades during operation of the system.

Abstract: UV-curable glass fiber sizing compositions, glass fibers sized with a UV-curable sizing composition, sizing methods, and composites comprising such UV-curable sized glass fibers are disclosed.

Abstract: Composite fibers and methods of manufacturing composite fibers for the reinforcement of concrete are provided. The composite fibers include fibers and a polymeric coating. The composite fibers have a length of about 10 mm to about 80 mm and an equivalent diameter from about 0.3 mm to about 2 mm. A method for reinforcing concrete using the composite fibers is further provided.

Abstract: A non-weft, unidirectional fabric is provided that includes a plurality of substantially parallel reinforcement fiber bundles. The reinforcement fiber bundles have a first surface and an opposing second surface. The non-weft, unidirectional fabric further includes at least one of a non-woven veil bonded to at least one surface and one or more bands of sprayed adhesive spanning across at least a portion of the width of one of the first and second surfaces of the plurality of substantially parallel reinforcement fibers.

Abstract: A device for texturizing strand material into a wool-type product includes outer and inner nozzle sections. The outer and inner nozzle sections interface and define a passage through which the strand material travels. A locking device in the inner nozzle section is operable to selectively stop movement of the strand material. The locking device includes a seal holder that positions a sealing member within the inner nozzle section to prevent debris from entering the inner nozzle section, thereby promoting continued effective operation of the locking device. The outer nozzle section includes an end nozzle assembly including a hardened outlet tube. The hardened outlet tube is distinct from the outer nozzle section and, thus, can be repaired or replaced independently of the outer nozzle section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemically resistant glass composition for the production of reinforcing strands which comprises the following constituents within the limits defined below, expressed in mol %: SiO2 67-72%; ZrO2 5-9.5%, preferably ?7.5%; R2O (R?Na, K and Li) 11-17%; Li2O 0-5.5%; K2O 0-5.5%; Na2O<10%; and CaO 3-9%, the composition furthermore containing less 1% of impurities (Al2O3, Fe2O3, Cr2O3, TiO2, MgO, SrO, BaO and P2O5) and being free of F. It also relates to the glass strands obtained from this composition and to the composites based on an organic or inorganic material containing such strands.

Abstract: A glass composition including SiO2 in an amount from about 70.0 to about 78.2% by weight, Al2O3 in an amount from about 18.6 to about 26.2% by weight, MgO in an amount from about 3.1 to about 10.7% by weight, CaO in an amount from 0.0 to about 7.6% by weight, Li2O in an amount from about 0.1 to about 5.0% by weight, and Na2O in an amount from 0.0 to about 0.2% by weight is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the glass composition is free or substantially free of B2O3 and fluorine. The glass fibers have a specific strength between about 1.6×106 J/kg and 2.24×106 J/kg and a specific modulus between about 3.3×107 J/kg and 3.7×107 J/kg. Glass fibers formed from the inventive composition possess exceptionally high specific strength and a low density, which make them particularly suitable in applications that require high strength, high stiffness, and low weight, such as in wind blades and aerospace structures.

Abstract: Methods and systems for filling a muffler body with a fibrous material prior to completing assembly of the muffler body are disclosed. The muffler body is composed of two half shells and the fibrous material is injected between the shells by a filling nozzle.

Abstract: A hybrid sheet molding compound material is provided that includes at least one hybrid assembled roving comprising a plurality of reinforcement fiber strands (12) and a plurality of carbon fibers (14) comingled with the reinforcement fibers (12). The carbon fibers (14) are coated with a compatibilizer. The hybrid sheet molding compound material further includes a polymer resin material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass composition which is resistant to alkalis and to acids, in particular for the preparation of reinforcing glass strands, which comprises the following constituents within the limits defined below, as percentages by weight: SiO2 ?58%, preferably ?65% ZrO2 15-20% R2O (R = Na, K or Li) ?14% K2O ?0.1%, preferably ?0.05%, RO (R = Mg, Ca or Sr) 2.5-6% MgO ?4% TiO2 >1 and ?4% the composition additionally being devoid of F, comprising less than 1% of impurities (Al2O3, Fe2O3 and Cr2O3) and satisfying the following relationships: ZrO2+TiO2?17% ZrO2/TiO2?6 It also relates to the use of the glass strands obtained in the reinforcing of inorganic materials, for example cementitious materials, or organic materials, for example plastics, and to the composites including such strands.

Abstract: Multi-axial fabrics (including hybrid, multi-axial fabrics) and polymer-fiber laminates are disclosed. Bodies (e.g., cylindrical and/or flanged bodies) incorporating the fabrics and/or laminates are also disclosed. The bodies exhibit improved performance and/or reduced costs for connecting applications.

Abstract: An electrically conductive fiber reinforced thermosetting resin molding compound which includes a microencapsulated curing agent is provided. Any electrically conductive fillers, including carbon fillers and metal fillers, may be used to impart electrical conductivity to the fiber reinforced thermosetting resin molding compound.

Abstract: A microencapsulated curing agent for use in curing a thermosetting resin is provided. The microencapsulated curing agent includes an organic peroxide curing agent and a polyurethane resin encapsulating the organic peroxide curing agent. The microencapsulated curing agent, when heated to 100° C. for 30 minutes, exhibits a loss of weight of no greater than 10 wt. %. Additionally, when heated to 140° C. for 5 minutes, the microencapsulated curing agent exhibits a loss of weight of at least 4 wt. %.

Abstract: A method of forming high strength glass fibers in a refractory-lined glass melter, products made there from and batch compositions suited for use in the method are disclosed. The glass composition for use in the method of the present invention is up to about 64-75 weight percent SiO2, 16-24 weight percent Al2O3, 8-12 weight percent MgO and 0.25-3 weight percent R2O, where R2O equals the sum of Li2O and Na2O, has a fiberizing temperature less than about 2650° F., and a ?T of at least 80° F. By using oxide-based refractory-lined furnaces the cost of production of glass fibers is substantially reduced in comparison with the cost of fibers produced using a platinum-lined melting furnace. High strength composite articles including the high strength glass fibers are also disclosed.