Abstract: A compound includes a combination of materials for manufacturing a resin based product. The materials include a blend of asphalt and resin. The asphalt functions as at least one of a colorant to change the color of the product and a resin replacement to reduce the amount of resin in the product. The asphalt is included in an amount within a range of from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the compound. A pellet for use in the compound includes from 40% to 90% asphalt and from 10% to 60% resin by weight of the pellet. The asphalt has a softening point from 200° F. to 350° F.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of extended polyacrylic acid based binder compositions comprising a low molecular weight polyacrylic acid (typically hypophosphite or sulfite terminated), a crosslinking agent (such as triethanolamine or glycerol) and one or more water soluble materials, such as lignin, low molecular weight starch and soybean protein. The extended binder composition of the present invention provides a lower cost binder composition without degrading the performance and may be selected to alter one or more characteristics of the basic binder composition such binder wetting, emulsion compatibility, dust suppression and wash water flow properties.

Abstract: A construction beam includes a pair of lateral members and a resilient web extending therebetween, so as to present a cross-sectional profile corresponding to commonly used construction beam members. The resilience of the web helps to attenuate sound transmission through the beam from one lateral member to the other. Ends of the resilient web are fixed to respective ones of the lateral members on opposite sides of an imaginary reference plane passing orthogonally through both of the lateral members. In particular, in a wall frame, the lateral members are mounted at opposite ends thereof to end plates consisting of other construction beams according to the present invention. When used in a frame of a building structure, the lateral members of the end plates on the same side are attached to the surrounding structure, leaving the other side of the frame resiliently free floating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of extended polyacrylic acid based binder compositions comprising a low molecular weight polyacrylic acid (typically hypophosphite or sulfite terminated), a crosslinking agent (such as triethanolamine or glycerol) and one or more water soluble materials, such as lignin, low molecular weight starch and soybean protein. The extended binder composition of the present invention provides a lower cost binder composition without degrading the performance and may be selected to alter one or more characteristics of the basic binder composition such binder wetting, emulsion compatibility, dust suppression and wash water flow properties.

Abstract: A quick and easy technology for attaching, and facilitating reconfiguration (detachment and reattachment) of, panels to walls that uses a clamp assembly including a base, a receptacle attached to the base and a clasp that fits into and attaches to the receptacle. The clasp has resilient arms and a head. Insertion of the resilient arms of the clasp into the receptacle draws the head towards the base, which produces a clamping action. Alternatively, the clamp assembly includes a channel having sidewalls attached to a base and at least one fastener having a blade-like shank and a head. The sidewalls converge so as to be more closely spaced together at the opening of the channel than at its base. The at least one fastener appears T-shaped in cross section, and is sized so that insertion of the blade-like shank into the channel widens the opening. Alternatively, the clamp assembly includes a first clamping piece and a second clamping piece configured to cooperatively engage each other.

Abstract: A quick and easy technology for attaching, and facilitating reconfiguration (detachment and reattachment) of, panels to walls that uses a clamp assembly including a base, a receptacle attached to the base and a clasp that fits into and attaches to the receptacle. The clasp has resilient arms and a head. Insertion of the resilient arms of the clasp into the receptacle draws the head towards the base, which produces a clamping action. Alternatively, the clamp assembly includes a channel having sidewalls attached to a base and at least one fastener having a blade-like shank and a head. The sidewalls converge so as to be more closely spaced together at the opening of the channel than at its base. The at least one fastener appears. T-shaped in cross section, and is sized so that insertion of the blade-like shank into the channel widens the opening. Alternatively, the clamp assembly includes a first clamping piece and a second clamping piece configured to cooperatively engage each other.

Abstract: Fabric retainers and methods for installing the fabric retainers within an acoustically treated room. The fabric retainers have a fabric retaining portion, and a chase or a raceway for running wires within the interior of the retainers. The chase has an open side which allows fasteners to be installed through the base of the retainer, and which allows for the insertion of wires into the chase. Retainers also have a retainer groove in which an acoustical fabric is secured, and a fabric retaining pocket to store the inserted fabric. Alternative retainer embodiments have two retainer grooves. A removeable cover is provided to secure the wiring within the chase, and to conceal the wiring within the chase. Also disclosed are methods for combining various retainer embodiments within a structure.

Abstract: A quick and easy technology for attaching, and facilitating reconfiguration (detachment and reattachment) of, panels to walls that uses a clamp assembly including a base, a receptacle attached to the base and a clasp that fits into and attaches to the receptacle. The clasp has resilient arms and a head. Insertion of the resilient arms of the clasp into the receptacle draws the head towards the base, which produces a clamping action. Alternatively, the clamp assembly includes a channel having sidewalls attached to a base and at least one fastener having a blade-like shank and a head. The sidewalls converge so as to be more closely spaced together at the opening of the channel than at its base. The at least one fastener appears T-shaped in cross section, and is sized so that insertion of the blade-like shank into the channel widens the opening. Alternatively, the clamp assembly includes a first clamping piece and a second clamping piece configured to cooperatively engage each other.

Abstract: An insulation product includes an elongated comformable body of fibrous insulation having front and rear major surfaces and two elongated side surfaces. A facing is adhered to the front major surface of the conformable body, the facing having sufficient tensile strength to withstand a pressure, without tearing, of about 1.0 pound per square foot from the fibrous insulation in a wall cavity defined by wall studs, when the facing is adhered to the wall studs. The facing is bonded to the conformable body with sufficient strength to provide product integrity to the insulation product when it is cut lengthwise. The insulation product can be expanded when unconstrained to a high loft thickness so that when the batt is placed in an insulation cavity having a thickness less than or equal to the high loft thickness, the insulation product can be expanded to fill the insulation cavity. The fibrous insulation material has a resistance to compression less than about 1.