Abstract: A sampling apparatus for taking a core sample of dense packed fibrous material including: (a) a generally cylindrical sampling tube open on its distal end, wherein the length of the sampling tube is greater than the sample length; (b) at least one exhaust port outside the sampling length adjacent to its proximate end; (c) a ram rod movable from the proximate end to the distal end of the sampling tube for discharging a sample from the sampling tube; and (d) a drive attached to the proximate end of the sampling tube for aiding in sampling.

Abstract: An insulation system comprising: a supply of material having discrete elements; an applicator assembly for installation of the material having discrete elements to a surface; and a scrubber for finishing the face of the material, the scrubber including: (a) a vacuum conduit; (b) a blade assembly attached to the vacuum conduit; (c) a drive for the blade assembly; and (d) a vacuum substantially adjacent the face of the material during finishing. In the one embodiment, the system comprises a transporter system downstream of the supply of material having discrete elements for delivery of the material to the applicator assembly. Also, in one embodiment, the blade assembly comprises an axis of rotation perpendicular to the face of the material during finishing.

Abstract: An insulation material including a supply of material having discrete elements and an amorphous polyolefin hot melt adhesive for providing structure to the material having discrete elements, the amorphous polyolefin hot melt adhesive having a viscosity of less than about 400 centipoise at about 350° F. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the supply of material having discrete elements is selected from the group consisting of fibrous material, granular material, pellet material, agglomerated material, aggregated material and mixtures thereof. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the amorphous polyolefin comprises greater than about 5 wt. % wax.

Abstract: A casket bed comprises a mechanism for vertically adjusting the thoracic area of a body. The bed comprises two parts connected by a hinge and arranged such that the hinge may be raised with respect to the ends of the bed. The hinge is located along the bed such that it is adjacent the thoracic area of a body whereby vertical adjustment of the hinge adjusts the position of the thoracic area.