Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing energy usage of a structure include reading data associated with the structure, determining the energy usage of the structure, conducting a thermal analysis of the structure, and generating/displaying the results of the energy analysis. The data associated with the structure includes basic information regarding features and aspects of the structure, devices associated with energy usage, and utility bills. Energy usage from occupant activity can be isolated from energy used for heating and cooling of the structure. Other embodiments include real-time monitoring and calculating of energy usage, energy efficiency, and savings from energy-based improvements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to asphalt generally, and more particularly to polymeric products containing asphalt-based additives to achieve various properties and/or reduce cost. In one embodiment, this invention relates the use of asphalt as a resin replacement and/or a colorant in a plastic product. In one such embodiment it relates to rigid foamed polymeric board wherein asphalt is added to increase insulating capability of the polymeric foamed board.

Abstract: Wet-laid chopped strand glass mats for use in roofing applications that have improved hot wet tensile strengths are provided. The chopped strand mats are formed by the application or inclusion of at least one coupling agent to the chopped strand mat during a wet-laid mat forming process. The coupling agent may be added to the chopped strand mat as part of a two-part binder composition that includes a binder and at least one coupling agent. Alternatively, the coupling agent may be added directly to the chopped strand mat independent of the binder. As a further alternative, the coupling agent(s) may be added to the white water in the wet-laid mat forming process and incorporated into the formed glass mat via the glass fibers. The binder may be a modified urea-formaldehyde binder, a non-modified urea-formaldehyde binder, and/or a formaldehyde-free binder. The coupling agent(s) may be silane coupling agents and/or reactive siloxanes.

Abstract: A method for incorporating wet use chopped strand glass (WUCS) in a screw extrusion process is provided. A polymeric resin is added to an extruder in a polymer feed zone and conveyed to a first compression zone where the resin is at least partially melted. The molten resin is conveyed to a high volume zone where WUCS fibers are added. In the high volume zone, the flights of the screw may have a greater pitch to facilitate the introduction of the WUCS into the extruder. The molten resin/fiber mixture is conveyed to a second compression zone where the resin and fibers are intimately compounded. Next, the molten resin/fiber mass is conveyed to a low pressure zone where moisture evaporated from the fibers is released through an opening. The resin/fiber mixture is then conveyed through a compression/die feed zone to further compound and mix the resin and fibers.

Abstract: A type of (and method of making) fiberglass insulation is disclosed. Such insulation comprises: glass fibers; a polyacrylic glycerol (PAG) binder coating said glass fibers; and at least one of a coloring agent and a biocide adhered to said PAG binder. Such fiberglass insulation can take the form of a batt, board (a heated and compressed batt) or molding media (a different form of heated and compressed batt). The coloring agent and/or the biocide can be applied where the batt (or board or molding media, as the case may be) is manufactured or can be applied after the batt is installed in the field.

Abstract: This disclosure depicts a feeder or bushing where the heat transfer members or fin shields have outwardly disposed surfaces with a ceramic coating bonded to those surfaces. The heat transfer surfaces also are in direct contact with and adjacent to the discharge wall of the feeder where they act as support members to support the discharge wall. This combination is especially useful in designing feeders or bushings with a greater number of orifices.