Abstract: An enclosure panel for covering the access opening in an equipment compartment includes a main panel body which is constructed and arranged so as to attach directly to the equipment compartment in such a way as to substantially cover the access opening. The main panel body defines a plurality of oblong slots which are arranged into a plurality of side-by-side columns wherein each column is configured with a substantially uniform herringbone pattern. The herringbone pattern provides a unique and preferred compromise between a uniform pattern of oblong slots arranged in columns and rows and a uniform pattern of circular openings arranged in staggered rows and columns. By use of the uniform herringbone pattern the open area for preferred cooling air flow is achieved while at the same time maintaining the structural strength and integrity of the enclosure panel.

Abstract: The winding small tube apparatus comprises an extruded flat tubed strip having a plurality of openings leading to parallel lumens and a header for attaching to an end of this extruded flat tubed strip to cover the openings. Every other portion of the partition at the openings of the lumens disposed in the extruded flat tubed strip is cut away to connect the lumens to form a continuous winding, serpentine sealed channel. By this invention, the manufacturing process is facilitated, the overall height of the apparatus is lowered, and the heat exchange property is raised.

Abstract: A water heater construction including an inner tank for containing water surrounded in spaced apart relationship by an outer shell. An outer collar of insulation material is located in the annular space between the inner tank and outer shell at a preselected location within the annular space along the height of the water heater construction. The collar has a radial thickness greater than the radial width of the annular space and is radially compressed between the interior wall of the outer shell and exterior wall of the inner tank. An expandable foam thermal insulation material fills the annular space above the collar.

Abstract: A water heater construction including an inner tank for containing water surrounded in spaced apart relationship by an outer shell. An outer collar of insulation material is located in the annular space between the inner tank and outer shell at a preselected location within the annular space along the height of the water heater construction. The collar has a radial thickness greater than the radial width of the annular space and is radially compressed between the interior wall of the outer shell and exterior wall of the inner tank. An expandable foam thermal insulation material fills the annular space above the collar.

Abstract: A protective wrap for use in packaging and shipping includes a plurality of flexible material strips whose length and width may be varied as well as the selected material and a plurality of relatively rigid material strips whose length would typically be the same length as the flexible material strips but whose width will vary depending upon the application. A suitable material for the relatively rigid material strips is corrugated paper or expanded polystyrene foam. The flexible material strips and the relatively rigid material strips are arranged side by side in alternating sequence and when a backing layer is not used, the strips are joined to each other by adhesive. When a backing layer is used the strips may either be joined together by adhesive or joined by adhesive directly to the backing layer.

Abstract: An acoustical panel for use in sound reduction in connection with air compressors and similar equipment includes two oppositely disposed layers of synthetic film material which in the preferred embodiment is polyvinychloride and an intermediate layer of acoustical insulation material disposed between the two outer layers wherein the preferred material for the intermediate layer is fiberglass. The acoustical panel is made in one embodiment by adhesively bonding the first outer layer of synthetic film material to one side of the intermediate layer and then adhesively bonding the other outer layer of synthetic film material to the opposite side of the intermediate layer. Once the adhesive bonding is completed, the outer peripheral edges of each outer panel are placed in abutment and heat-sealed so as to encase the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A water heater construction and method includes arranging the inner water tank and the surrounding outer shell in an inverted orientation and positioning the outer shell into a cover which is arranged with clearance openings for the plumbing connections extending from the top of the tank to extend therethrough. With the tank, shell and cover in an inverted and assembled condition, the annular clearance space defined between the tank and shell is filled, at least the majority, with liquid, foam-in-place insulation. By inverting the water heater and injecting liquid foam insulation material, the clearance space above the inner water tank is foamed first thereby assuring that the foam material at this location will have greater uniformity in foam density and cell structure than at the lower portion of the annular space so as to provide enhanced thermal efficiency at the most critical location.

Abstract: A protective wrap for use in packaging and shipping includes a plurality of flexible material strips whose length and width may be varied as well as the selected material and a plurality of relatively rigid material strips whose length would typically be the same length as the flexible material strips but whose width will vary depending upon the application. A suitable material for the relatively rigid material strips is corrugated paper or expanded polystyrene foam. The flexible material strips and the relatively rigid material strips are arranged side by side in alternating sequence and when a backing layer is not used, the strips are joined to each other by adhesive. When a backing layer is used the strips may either be joined together by adhesive or joined by adhesive directly to the backing layer.

Abstract: A water heater construction and method includes arranging the inner water tank and the surrounding outer shell in an inverted orientation and positioning the outer shell into a cover which is arranged with clearance openings for the plumbing connections extending from the top of the tank to extend therethrough. With the tank, shell and cover in an inverted and assembled condition, the annular clearance space defined between the tank and shell is filled, at least the majority, with liquid, foam-in-place insulation. By inverting the water heater and injecting liquid foam insulation material, the clearance space above the inner water tank is foamed first thereby assuring that the foam material at this location will have greater uniformity in foam density and cell structure than at the lower portion of the annular space so as to provide enhanced thermal efficiency at the most critical location.

Abstract: A thermal insulation blanket for enclosing or draping a compound curved surface or a generally cylindrical pipe or conduit includes a first plurality of strips of insulation material comprised of an alternating pattern of blocks of flexible insulation material and blocks of rigid insulation material and a second plurality of strips of insulation material comprised of flexible insulation material is alternated with the first plurality of strips. The blocks of material are adhesively joined together to create the first plurality of strips and the two pluralities are adhesively joined together to create the blanket.

Abstract: An acoustical partition for use in home, office and industrial environments includes a generally rectangular, rigid, hollow frame whose interior opening is filled with an acoustical core wherein the outer planar surfaces of the frame and core are covered with further insulation material and a fabric outer layer. The interior acoustical core is configured with an alternating sequence of insulation material strips wherein the alternating strips of insulation material may either be different materials of the same density, the same material with different densities, different materials and different densities and with all of the foregoing may be either the same or different thicknesses.

Abstract: A water heater construction and method includes arranging the inner water tank and the surrounding outer shell in an inverted orientation and positioning the outer shell into a cover which is arranged with clearance openings for the plumbing connections extending from the top of the tank to extend therethrough. With the tank, shell and cover in an inverted and assembled condition, the annular clearance space defined between the tank and shell is filled, at least the majority, with liquid, foam-in-place insulation. By inverting the water heater and injecting liquid foam insulation material, the clearance space above the inner water tank is foamed first thereby assuring that the foam material at this location will have greater uniformity in foam density and cell structure than at the lower portion of the annular space so as to provide enhanced thermal efficiency at the most critical location.

Abstract: An insulation panel for an appliance for reducing one or more undesirable side effects due to the operation of the appliance such as noise, vibration and heat includes a first layer of enclosing material such as polyethylene or polypropylene which has greater tear resistance and configuring this first layer of enclosing material to a size and shape based upon the appliance and the area of the appliance to be covered. Next, a second layer of similar enclosing material is selected and configured so as to having a matching peripheral edge or contour with the first layer. Ultimately these two layers of enclosing material are joined together around their peripheral edges so as to define and completely enclose an interior cavity. Into this interior cavity a blanket of insulating material is dispersed of a generally uniform blanket thickness. In certain applications, the insulating material includes a binder so that the insulating material will not shift or settle relative to the enclosed cavity.

Abstract: A water heater construction including an inner tank for containing water surrounded in spaced apart relationship by an outer shell. An outer collar of insulation material is located in the annular space between the inner tank and outer shell at a preselected location within the annular space along the height of the water heater construction. The collar has a radial thickness greater than the radial width of the annular space and is radially compressed between the interior wall of the outer shell and exterior wall of the inner tank. An expandable foam thermal insulation material fills the annular space above the collar.

Abstract: A water heater for containing water surrounded in spaced apart relationship by an outer shell includes a sleeve of insulation material, such as fiberglass, located in the annular space between the inner tank and outer sleeve. The top edge of the insulation sleeve includes an annular cuff which is of a radial thickness greater than the radial thickness of the rest of the insulation sleeve such that the cuff is compressed between the interior wall surface of the outer shell and excterior wall surface of the inner tank. An expanded foam thermal insulation material fills the annular space above the cuff of the insulation mat.

Abstract: An acoustical partition for use in home, office and industrial environments includes a generally rectangular, rigid, hollow frame whose interior opening is filled with an acoustical core wherein the outer planar surfaces of the frame and core are covered with further insulation material and a fabric outer layer. The interior acoustical core is configured with an alternating sequence of insulation material strips wherein the alternating strips of insulation material may either be different materials of the same density, the same material with different densities, different materials and different densities and with all of the foregoing may be either the same or different thicknesses.

Abstract: An insulated refrigerator door designed and arranged to enable a flow path for air from the interior of the refrigerator through the door insulation includes an outer door panel of a generally rectangular shape having a surrounding peripheral frame so as to define an interior recessed area, an inner door panel having a plurality of vent holes arranged in two spaced-apart series and an insulation panel disposed between the inner and outer door panels. The insulation panel is configured with a first layer of porous enclosing material, an opposite layer of enclosing material and loose discrete insulation material disposed therebetween. The porous enclosing layer of material is disposed adjacent the inner door panel such that the vent holes of the inner door panel communicate directly with the porous nature of the enclosing layer so as to enable a natural flow of air and moisture from the interior of the refrigerator through the loose, discrete insulation material.

Abstract: An appliance, such as a refrigerator or water heater construction, typically includes a first wall in surrounding spaced apart relationship to a second wall. An insulating and sealing device of insulation material, such as fiberglass or foamed material partially enclosed in an open-topped envelope of plastic or foil material is circumferentially located in the space between the first wall and outer wall at a preselected location within the space. The insulating and sealing device which is of a radial thickness greater than the radial width of the space is radially compressed between the first wall surface and second wall surface. An expanded foam thermal insulation material fills the space to one side of the insulating and sealing device.

Abstract: An appliance, such as a refrigerator or water heater construction, typically includes a first wall in surrounding spaced apart relationship to a second wall. An insulating and sealing device of insulation material, such as fiberglass of foamed material partially enclosed in an open-topped envelope of plastic or foil material is circumferentially located in the space between the first wall and outer wall at a preselected location within the space. The insulating and sealing device which is of a radial thickness greater than the radial width of the space is radially compressed between the first wall surface and second wall surface. An expanded foam thermal insulation material fills the space to one side of the insulating and sealing device.

Abstract: A water heater construction and method includes arranging the inner water tank and the surrounding outer shell in an inverted orientation and positioning the outer shell into a cover which is arranged with clearance openings for the plumbing connections extending from the top of the tank to extend therethrough. With the tank, shell and cover in an inverted and assembled condition, the annular clearance space defined between the tank and shell is filled, at least the majority, with liquid, foam-in-place insulation. By inverting the water heater and injecting liquid foam insulation material, the clearance space above the inner water tank is foamed first thereby assuring that the foam material at this location will have greater uniformity in foam density and cell structure than at the lower portion of the annular space so as to provide enhanced thermal efficiency at the most critical location.