Abstract: A mixing device for outputting wet insulation is provided. The mixing device includes a nozzle and a plurality of control apertures that control penetration of a wetting material, such as foam with a binder, into insulation particles that are being forcibly moved through the nozzle. The control apertures can be used to provide a spray output and/or control the insulation density associated with the wet insulation output by the nozzle. The control apertures can be part of a primary conduit that can be adjustable or removable relative to a receiver space of the nozzle. Depending on the relative location of the control apertures in the nozzle receiver space, a desired insulation density can be achieved. Different primary conduits can also be provided having one or more of a different number of control apertures, sizes of the control apertures and positions thereof.

Abstract: A single machine (20) for blowing insulation into cavities of buildings and methods of using the machine to deliver insulation are provided. The single machine includes at least one engine (100), a hopper assembly (74), two feeding assemblies (36, 40) each operably connected to an output hose (76, 80), two air blowing assemblies (84, 88) each connected to feeder assemblies. The single machine can independently and simultaneously deliver insulation through multiple output hoses to same cavity of different cavities.

Abstract: A material feeder is provided that includes a drum having a number of compartments that receive material that is to be output by the feeder. The material can be any one of many different materials that are usually light and/or smaller in size, such as insulation, powders, grains and the like. At least a first seal is provided adjacent to the drum to close off an end of each compartment during some of its rotation. The first seal is preferably stationary during rotation of the drum and its compartments. The position of the seal relative to the drum can be adjusted to provide desired positioning between the seal and the drum. In one embodiment, the first seal is in contact with at least portions of the first end of the drum. The material is delivered to each compartment in the drum preferably using first and second fillers that are mounted adjacent to and outwardly of first and second ends of the drum.

Abstract: A material feeder is provided that includes a drum having a number of compartments that receive material that is to be output by the feeder. The material can be any one of many different materials that are usually light and/or smaller in size, such as insulation, powders, grains and the like. At least a first seal is provided adjacent to the drum to close off an end of each compartment during some of its rotation. The first seal is preferably stationary during rotation of the drum and its compartments. The position of the seal relative to the drum can be adjusted to provide desired positioning between the seal and the drum. In one embodiment, the first seal is in contact with at least portions of the first end of the drum. The material is delivered to each compartment in the drum preferably using first and second fillers that are mounted adjacent to and outwardly of first and second ends of the drum.

Abstract: A mixing device for outputting wet insulation is provided. The mixing device includes a nozzle and a plurality of control apertures that control penetration of a wetting material, such as foam with a binder, into insulation particles that are being forcibly moved through the nozzle. The control apertures can be used to provide a spray output and/or control the insulation density associated with the wet insulation output by the nozzle. The control apertures can be part of a primary conduit that can be adjustable or removable relative to a receiver space of the nozzle. Depending on the relative location of the control apertures in the nozzle receiver space, a desired insulation density can be achieved. Different primary conduits can also be provided having one or more of a different number of control apertures, sizes of the control apertures and positions thereof.

Abstract: Installing insulation for a building member using a web member is provided. The web member is attached to a surface of the building member that is to be insulated. The web member has a number of spaces defined between its wire or solid elements. The insulating material is sprayed against the web member. The insulating material can include a foamable substance and insulating particles combined therewith. The insulating material is received in the spaces of the web member. The insulating material can be sprayed to pass through the thickness of the web member. The web member facilitates the holding or capturing of the insulating material.

Abstract: Installing insulation for a building member using a web member is provided. The web member is attached to a surface of the building member that is to be insulated. The web member has a number of spaces defined between its wire or solid elements. The insulating material is sprayed against the web member. The insulating material can include a foamable substance and insulating particles combined therewith. The insulating material is received in the spaces of the web member. The insulating material can be sprayed to pass through the thickness of the web member. The web member facilitates the holding or capturing of the insulating material.

Abstract: A foamable binder composition and methods for producing the same are provided. The foamable binder composition of the present invention comprises a corrosion preventing agent, a main adhesion material, a surfactant capable of inducing formation of foams, and water. In addition, a fast wet tack material may also be present. In one application, the foamable binder composition is used with insulating materials in thermally insulating a building.

Abstract: A layered structure that includes a product mixture of numerous particles, a foamable substance, such as including a liquid binder, and a reacted dry binder is provided. The particles preferably are comprised of cellulosic, fibrous materials. The dry binder reacts with the liquid binder to create a strong bond among separated particles. The particles are separated during transport, together with the dry binder, before the dry binder is reacted with the foamed liquid binder. Upon contact with the liquid binder, the dry binder reacts to cause desired adhesion among the separated particles. The reacted dry binder is disposed relatively inwardly of the product mixture, while the liquid binder is located outwardly thereof, with at least some of the liquid binder, after curing, being disposed on outer portions of the product mixture. The layered structure also includes one or more outer members or panels that are laminated or otherwise joined to the outer surface portions of the product mixture.

Abstract: A method of insulating a building assembly is provided. The building assembly includes a building structure with cavities. Netting material overlies the building cavities. Insulation particles are received behind the netting material. An air barrier layer is formed by spraying a material composition over the netting material. The air barrier layer covers the netting holes, as well as apertures that might be created when the netting material is connected to the building structure. The building assembly that includes the air barrier layer provides increased resistance to the passage of air through the building assembly and thereby provides greater insulation.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing loose materials, such as insulation or fireproofing in worksite areas, may be used for depositing a single or premixed loose material. Alternatively, the apparatus may be used both for combining two constituent loose materials to form a composite loose material and for depositing the composite loose material in a worksite area. The apparatus includes a separate hopper or bin for each of the constituent loose materials. Each hopper is operatively connected to a single loose material combining channel for supplying their respective constituent loose material for forming the composite loose material immediately before it is deposited in the worksite area. A single motor is used for supplying both constituent loose materials to the combining channel. The ratio of constituent loose materials in the composite loose material may be changed by replacing an easily accessible gear used in driving an auger for extracting the constituent loose material from one of the hoppers.

Abstract: A foamed adhesive insulation, consisting of a mixture of a foamed adhesive material and a fibrous insulation material, is provided which adheres to a desired surface without the need for a retaining means to hold the mixture in place. While in the flowable state, the foamed fiber insulation can be molded to a desired shape and texture. The foamed fiber insulation adheres and can be applied to substantially any surface, such as wood, metal, masonry, concrete, or urethane, with virtually any orientation. The compression and tensile strengths of the layer of foamed fiber insulation can be selected by adjusting the mixture of foamed adhesive material and insulation particles. The foamed fiber insulation can include additives such as a dye to produce a substantially rigid insulation layer of a desired color, or a fire retardant material to produce a fire retardant insulation layer.

Abstract: An insulating material consisting essentially of fly ash particles and a binder and a method for making the same. In one embodiment of the present invention, fly ash particles are mixed with a dissipating foam which contains a binder. The foam acts to spread the binder and separate the fly ash particles, thereby coating the fly ash particles with the binder. When the foam dissipates the binder acts to bind the fly ash particles together in clusters. The clusters of fly ash particles are then suitable to be used as blown-in insulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously insulating cavity portions and securing batt insulation in the cavity to be insulated. The present invention provides a system for using a mixture of insulating material, a dissipating foam, and an adhesive to hold the batt insulation in a frame that defines a cavity to be insulated. In one embodiment the mixture is applied only to the border of the cavity. In another embodiment the insulating material comprises fly ash particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided to retain loose fill or particulate insulation between the outer and inner walls of a structure. The apparatus comprises a barrier assembly comprised of laminate layers of a netting material and a polypropylene material both with some degree of flexibility. The netting material is constructed to strengthen the polypropylene material and bulge slightly when a desired amount of insulation has been received and positioned within an enclosed space of the wall structure. The polypropylene material is constructed to be substantially air permeable but substantially impermeable to the passage of all size fractions of insulating fibers and other particulates typically found in insulation materials.

Abstract: A sprayed-in fibrous insulation is provided in a substantially homogeneous-density form. A foamed material in its foamed state is mixed with already-lofted fibrous particles and the mixture is sprayed into a desired space. A mixing assembly designed to provide the described mixing of materials and to avoid backflow and consequent clogging or plugging is provided. The velocity of the mixture is increased to a level to cause spraying of the mixture by means of a plurality of hoses, each hose having a smaller inner diameter and cross-sectional area than the preceding hose, with all hoses having a smaller inner diameter and cross-sectional area than the mixing assembly. The foam acts to maintain the fibrous particle loft during impaction from subsequent applications of the insulation material or from the weight of insulation material above. The foam preferably contains an adhesive material which sets or cures to maintain the fiber loft by the time the foam material dries and dissipates.

Abstract: A feeder apparatus is provided for delivery of insulation material or the like using pressurized air, particularly where such material is relatively light and fluffy and/or delivered at a low rate. The feeder apparatus includes a hopper and a chute. The hopper receives the material, which is to be carried using the pressurized air. A chute housing a pair of tine assemblies receives the material from the hopper and is used in carrying the material to an inlet. The inlet is formed by first and second adjusting assemblies, which are located on opposite sides of the chute. The user is able to provide a desired size inlet by rotating crank handles of the two adjusting assemblies to cause linear movement of adjustable plates. Material passing from the inlet is received by a rotary pocket feeder having a number of vanes. Pressurized air is also delivered to the rotary pocket feeder. The pressurized air carries the material through an outlet formed in the pocket feeder for delivery to a predetermined site.

Abstract: A blown-in fibrous insulation is provided in a substantially homogenous-density form. A foamed material in its foamed state is mixed with already-lofted fibrous particles and the mixture is blown into a desired space. The foam acts to maintain the fibrous particle loft during impaction from subsequent applications of the insulation material or from the weight of insulation material above. The foam preferably contains an adhesive material which sets or cures to maintain the fiber loft by the time the foam material dries and dissipates. A nozzle designed to provide the described mixing of materials and to avoid backflow and consequent clogging or plugging is provided.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing batt-type insulation from loose fibrous particles is provided. A stream of carrier air and loose fiber insulation particles is introduced into a nozzle. The nozzle includes a reducing section tapering from the diameter of a body portion to an exit portion having a diameter about one-third of the main body. An auxiliary stream of gas is injected into the reduced exit portion of the nozzle to aid in the movement of fibrous material through the exit portion. The gas is introduced by an injector tube along the inside surface of the exit portion of the nozzle. The compressed fibers are surrounded by high pressure gas and are expanded as they exit from the nozzle by the expanding gas pressure. A stream of liquid adhesive is injected in a spray pattern within the exit portion so that all fiber particles passing through the nozzle will be thoroughly wetted.

Abstract: A fiber insulation application nozzle having a small opening for introducing insulation into cavities through a small opening is provided. The diameter of the body portion of the nozzle corresponds with the diameter of the conventional deliver hose from an insulation blowing machine. The nozzle includes a reducing section tapering to an exit portion having a diameter one-third of the main body. A gas injector tube is introduced along the inside surface of the exit portion of the nozzle and is directed along the surface. Fiber insulation in the nozzle is compressed prior to entering the exit portion. The gas injected into the exit portion aids in moving the particles through the nozzle. The compressed fibers are surrounded by high pressure gas and are caused to expand into a fluffed condition upon leaving the nozzle. An impinging stream of liquid adhesive is provided within the exit portion of the nozzle so as to thoroughly wet and coat the insulation fibers within the nozzle as they exit the nozzle.