Abstract: A duct pre-form configured for forming a section of curved duct is provided. The duct pre-form includes a layer of foam insulative material. The layer of foam insulative material has a first and second major side. A first facing layer is attached to the first major side of the foam insulative material. A second facing layer is attached to the second major side of the foam insulative material. A plurality of depressions is formed in one of the major sides of the layer of foam insulative material and one of the first or second facing layers. The plurality of depressions is formed without breaking, tearing, ripping or otherwise marring the continuity of the first or second facing layers.

Abstract: A fastening channel configured for use in insulating uninsulated ductwork is provided. The fastening channel includes a plurality of members forming one or more cavities. The cavities are configured to receive sections of an insulation envelope. The insulation envelope is formed from a duct board. The duct board is formed from a thermoplastic polymer sheet, a plurality of facing sheets and a layer of foam insulation. A plurality of angled splines extends from the plurality of members and form a plurality of clamps. The clamps are configured to engage one of the facing sheets such as the maintain the insulation envelope in place.

Abstract: A ceiling panel for use in a gridwork of a suspended ceiling is provided. The ceiling panel includes a layer of foam insulation. A first facing sheet is positioned on a lower major face of the layer of foam insulation and a second facing sheet is positioned on an upper major face of the layer of foam insulation. A surface covering layer is positioned on an exposed face of the first facing sheet.

Abstract: A system including modular units of packaged phase change material; means to secure the modular units of packaged phase change material to a roof of a structure; and wherein the phase change material being packaged in an infrared reflective and ultraviolet stable material. A housing may also be used to retain the modular units of packaged phase change material. The phase change material serves to reduce the energy load of the structure.

Abstract: A panel clip formed from a clip pre-form and configured for use with insulated, reinforced duct is provided. The panel clip includes a first plurality of gripping teeth formed in a first panel section. A second plurality of gripping teeth is formed adjacent the first plurality of gripping teeth. A first bending zone is positioned adjacent the second plurality of gripping teeth and opposite the first plurality of gripping teeth. A second bending zone is positioned spaced apart from the first bending zone and opposite the second plurality of gripping teeth. A third bending zone positioned spaced apart from the second bending zone and opposite the first bending zone. A distance formed from the first bending zone to the second bending zone is defined by a thickness of a layer of rigid insulation.

Abstract: An insulation assembly is provided. The insulation assembly includes a three-sided insulation envelope configured to form a cavity. The cavity is configured to receive a section of uninsulated, existing ductwork. The three-sided insulation envelope forms an opening. An insulation cap is configured to seat against the three-sided insulation envelope thereby encapsulating the uninsulated, existing ductwork and sealing the opening.

Abstract: A fastening channel configured for use in insulating uninsulated ductwork is provided. The fastening channel includes a plurality of members forming one or more cavities. The cavities are configured to receive sections of an insulation envelope. The insulation envelope is formed from a duct board. The duct board is formed from a thermoplastic polymer sheet, a plurality of facing sheets and a layer of foam insulation. A plurality of angled splines extends from the plurality of members and form a plurality of clamps. The clamps are configured to engage one of the facing sheets such as the maintain the insulation envelope in place.

Abstract: A duct that, in cross section, has one or more rounded portions is disclosed together with a method and a machine for producing it. The duct can be made from rigid foam panels with a facing on at east one side of the panels. A crimping element is used to form several substantially parallel indentations or crimps on a faced side of a panel, without breaching the facing, so that the crimped panel can be manipulated to form a section of duct with the crimps extending longitudinally. Depending on the number of crimps, the duct will appear more or less round in cross section although the crimped foam panels can be manipulated to have cross sections of different shapes such as oval. Adjacent duct sections may be joined, for example, with tape or bands, several of which are described.

Abstract: An insulation assembly is provided. The insulation assembly includes a three-sided insulation envelope configured to form a cavity. The cavity is configured to receive a section of uninsulated, existing ductwork. The three-sided insulation envelope forms an opening. An insulation cap is configured to seat against the three-sided insulation envelope thereby encapsulating the uninsulated, existing ductwork and sealing the opening.

Abstract: A ceiling panel for use in a gridwork of a suspended ceiling is provided. The ceiling panel includes a layer of foam insulation. A first facing sheet is positioned on a lower major face of the layer of foam insulation and a second facing sheet is positioned on an upper major face of the layer of foam insulation. A surface covering layer is positioned on an exposed face of the first facing sheet.

Abstract: A panel clip formed from a clip pre-form and configured for use with insulated, reinforced duct is provided. The panel clip includes a first plurality of gripping teeth formed in a first panel section. A second plurality of gripping teeth is formed adjacent the first plurality of gripping teeth. A first bending zone is positioned adjacent the second plurality of gripping teeth and opposite the first plurality of gripping teeth. A second bending zone is positioned spaced apart from the first bending zone and opposite the second plurality of gripping teeth. A third bending zone positioned spaced apart from the second bending zone and opposite the first bending zone. A distance formed from the first bending zone to the second bending zone is defined by a thickness of a layer of rigid insulation.

Abstract: A system for marking products to indicate compliance with the requirements of various agencies and organizations such as UL. Markings are applied to products with indicia that is selectively visible. The indicia may be formed with an ink that is visible only outside of the visible light spectrum. The markings can be discerned at any time by rendering the markings visible. Visibility may be achieved by exposing the marking to ultraviolet light, for example. When the light is extinguished, the markings are no longer perceptible.

Abstract: A duct that, in cross section, has one or more rounded portions is disclosed together with a method and a machine for producing it. The duct can be made from rigid foam panels with a facing on at east one side of the panels. A crimping element is used to form several substantially parallel indentations or crimps on a faced side of a panel, without breaching the facing, so that the crimped panel can be manipulated to form a section of duct with the crimps extending longitudinally. Depending on the number of crimps, the duct will appear more or less round in cross section although the crimped foam panels can be manipulated to have cross sections of different shapes such as oval. Adjacent duct sections may be joined, for example, with tape or bands, several of which are described.

Abstract: A method for connecting two duct sections having an outer layer of thermoplastic material and an inner layer of foam, and duct produced by the method. The method entails the use of thermoplastic material to form at least one flange in the finished duct. The thermoplastic material may be a portion of the outer thermoplastic layer of the duct section or it may be made, in-situ, from a separate strip or strips of thermoplastic material. In the latter case, a strip of thermoplastic material may be fashioned into a sleeve in which the ends of the duct sections reside or a separate strip may be securely fastened to each of the ends of each of the duct sections. In the latter case, a portion of the strip extends radially outwardly and a belly band or the like is positioned over the radially outwardly extending portion of the strip and tightened to bring them together and seal the interface between the ends of the duct sections.

Abstract: Reinforced duct section comprising side walls defining a duct interior. At least two of the side walls are parallel. A compression member extends between ribs provided on the inside surfaces of the two parallel side walls to prevent the parallel side walls from bowing inwardly. A tension member extends between two force distribution members provided on the outside surfaces of the parallel side walls to prevent the side walls from bowing outwardly. The compression member may comprise a truss provided between two ribs. The truss may be longer than the duct section. The ribs may connect first and second flanges provided on the ends of the two parallel side walls.

Abstract: A clad duct comprising an outer sheet of thermoplastic material and an inner duct of rigid foam is disclosed. The outer sheet of thermoplastic material is bonded to the inner duct. The outer sheet has a first edge and a second edge and a seal is provided to seal the first edge and the second edge.

Abstract: A method for producing clad duct from a laminate is disclosed. The laminate is a sheet of thermoplastic material bonded to an insulative foam board. V-shaped grooves are formed in the foam board, opposite the sheet. The sheet is heated in the vicinity of one of the grooves, until pliable. The sheet is then bent, where it has become pliable, to close the groove. The heated and bent sheet is then cooled until it is no longer pliable and retains its bent shape. The heating, bending, and cooling steps are repeated for the other grooves until edges of the laminate are brought together. The edges are then sealed.

Abstract: A clad duct comprising an outer sheet of thermoplastic material and an inner duct of rigid foam is disclosed. The outer sheet of thermoplastic material is bonded to the inner duct. The outer sheet has a first edge and a second edge and a seal is provided to seal the first edge and the second edge.

Abstract: Reinforced duct section comprising side walls defining a duct interior. At least two of the side walls are parallel. A compression member extends between ribs provided on the inside surfaces of the two parallel side walls to prevent the parallel side walls from bowing inwardly. A tension member extends between two force distribution members provided on the outside surfaces of the parallel side walls to prevent the side walls from bowing outwardly. The compression member may comprise a truss provided between two ribs. The truss may be longer than the duct section. The ribs may connect first and second flanges provided on the ends of the two parallel side walls.

Abstract: A heat brake for heating and softening a thermoplastic sheet for bending is disclosed. The heat brake has a split work piece support table having two edges defining a slot between adjacent portions of the table. A first plenum is provided below the split work support table. During operation, the first plenum has a negative pressure. Air is drawn into the first plenum through the slot when a work piece does not span the slot. When a work piece spans the slot, the flow of air into the first plenum is reduced. The heat brake has a tube heater with an outlet nozzle positioned in the first plenum. A portion of the tube heater is positioned in a second plenum which is pressurized during heating. Air is moved from the second plenum through the heater tube and is directed against a work piece supported on the table.