Abstract: Fibrous insulation products have an aqueous binder composition that includes a carbohydrate and a crosslinking agent. In exemplary embodiments, the carbohydrate-based binder composition may also include a catalyst, a coupling agent, a process aid, a crosslinking density enhancer, an extender, a moisture resistant agent, a deducting oil, a colorant, a corrosion inhibitor, a surfactant, a pH adjuster, and combinations thereof. The carbohydrate may be natural in origin and derived from renewable resources. Additionally, the carbohydrate polymer may have a dextrose equivalent (DE) number from 2 to 20. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the carbohydrate is a water-soluble polysaccharide such as dextrin or maltodextrin and the crosslinking agent is citric acid. Advantageously, the carbohydrates have a low viscosity and cure at moderate temperatures. The environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free binder may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats.

Abstract: A method of forming a needled fiberglass glass insulation product is provided. The formation of the needled insulation product may be conducted in a process in which the fibers are formed, a binder is sprayed onto the fibers, the fibers are collected and formed into a fiberglass pack, the fiberglass pack is passed through the oven, and at least partially cured insulation blanket is passed through a needling apparatus. The reduction in thickness and increased density caused by the needling process permits the production of lower thickness and high density insulation products.

Abstract: Fibrous insulation products have an aqueous binder composition that includes a carbohydrate and a crosslinking agent. In exemplary embodiments, the carbohydrate-based binder composition may also include a catalyst, a coupling agent, a process aid, a crosslinking density enhancer, an extender, a moisture resistant agent, a deducting oil, a colorant, a corrosion inhibitor, a surfactant, a pH adjuster, and combinations thereof. The carbohydrate may be natural in origin and derived from renewable resources. Additionally, the carbohydrate polymer may have a dextrose equivalent (DE) number from 2 to 20. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the carbohydrate is a water-soluble polysaccharide such as dextrin or maltodextrin and the crosslinking agent is citric acid. Advantageously, the carbohydrates have a low viscosity and cure at moderate temperatures. The environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free binder may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats.

Abstract: A method of forming a needled fiberglass glass insulation product is provided. The formation of the needled insulation product may be conducted in a process in which the fibers are formed, a binder is sprayed onto the fibers, the fibers are collected and formed into a fiberglass pack, the fiberglass pack is passed through the oven, and at least partially cured insulation blanket is passed through a needling apparatus. The reduction in thickness and increased density caused by the needling process permits the production of lower thickness and high density insulation products.

Abstract: A method of forming a needled rotary fiberglass glass insulation product is provided. The formation of the needled insulation product may be conducted in a continuous in-line process in which the fibers are rotary formed, a binder is sprayed onto the hot fibers, the fibers are collected onto a conveyor and formed into a fiberglass pack, the fiberglass pack is passed through the oven, and the cured insulation blanket is passed through a needling apparatus. The reduction in thickness and increased density caused by the needling process permits the production of lower thickness and higher density insulation products. In particular, the needled insulation product may have a thickness of less than about 0.75 inches and a density from about 1 pcf to about 10 pcf. The needled insulation product may be utilized in household appliances, water heaters, and HVAC equipment.

Abstract: Fibrous insulation products have an aqueous binder composition that includes a carbohydrate and a crosslinking agent. In exemplary embodiments, the carbohydrate-based binder composition may also include a catalyst, a coupling agent, a process aid, a crosslinking density enhancer, an extender, a moisture resistant agent, a dedusting oil, a colorant, a corrosion inhibitor, a surfactant, a pH adjuster, and combinations thereof. The carbohydrate may be natural in origin and derived from renewable resources. Additionally, the carbohydrate polymer may have a dextrose equivalent (DE) number from 2 to 20. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the carbohydrate is a water-soluble polysaccharide such as dextrin or maltodextrin and the crosslinking agent is citric acid. Advantageously, the carbohydrates have a low viscosity and cure at moderate temperatures. The environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free binder may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats.

Abstract: Insulation for high temperature applications includes glass fibers having an average diameter of between about 2.7 to about 3.8 microns. In one possible embodiment the insulation includes a polyacrylic acid binder. Such insulation has about 98 weight percent glass fibers and about 2 weight percent binder.

Abstract: A method of forming a needled rotary fiberglass glass insulation product is provided. The formation of the needled insulation product may be conducted in a continuous in-line process in which the fibers are rotary formed, a binder is sprayed onto the hot fibers, the fibers are collected onto a conveyor and formed into a fiberglass pack, the fiberglass pack is passed through the oven, and the cured insulation blanket is passed through a needling apparatus. The reduction in thickness and increased density caused by the needling process permits the production of lower thickness and higher density insulation products. In particular, the needled insulation product may have a thickness of less than about 0.75 inches and a density from about 1 pcf to about 10 pcf. The needled insulation product may be utilized in household appliances, water heaters, and HVAC equipment.

Abstract: A needled rotary fiberglass glass insulation product including (1) a plurality of single component rotary glass fibers where at least a portion of the fibers are entangled and mechanically bonded and (2) a binder applied to at least a portion of the glass fibers is provided. The needled insulation product may have a thickness less than about 0.75 inches and a density from about 1 pcf to about 10 pcf. In exemplary embodiments, the thickness may be from about 0.25 to about 0.5 inches and the density may be from about 3 pcf to about 5 pcf. Additionally, a fire-retarding layer may be positioned on the insulation product. The needled rotary glass insulation product has a thermal conductivity that is equivalent to or less than conventional, lofty insulation blankets and may be utilized in household appliances, water heaters, and HVAC equipment.

Abstract: Insulation for high temperature applications includes glass fibers having an average diameter of between about 2.7 to about 3.8 microns. In one possible embodiment the insulation includes a polyacrylic acid binder. Such insulation has about 98 weight percent glass fibers and about 2 weight percent binder.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a housing having a washing chamber and an access door, a plurality of legs supporting the housing, a pump and a drive motor provided in a cavity between the legs and below the housing, a plate closing a front side of the cavity, an insulator provided between the plate and the pump and drive motor and a first side shield closing a first side of the cavity.

Abstract: A rotary fiberglass needled glass insulation product is provided. The formation of the needled insulation product may be conducted in a continuous in-line process in which the fibers are rotary formed, a binder is sprayed onto the hot fibers, the fibers are collected onto a conveyor and formed into a fiberglass pack, the fiberglass pack is passed through the oven, and the cured insulation blanket is passed through the needling apparatus. The needled insulation product may have a thickness of less than about 0.75 inches. The reduction in thickness and increased density caused by the needling process permits the production of lower thickness and higher density final insulation products. Thin insulation products made in accordance with the present invention can be manufactured using current manufacturing lines, thereby saving time and money. The needled insulation product may be utilized in household appliances, water heaters, and HVAC equipment.

Abstract: A kitchen range that includes a front panel, a rear panel, and a pair of opposed side panels. Each of the panels is connected to the front panel at a respective front corner. The range also includes a conduit configured to transport an airflow within the range. The opposed side panels can also include a front flange defining a channel. A channel wall is attached to each front flange. The channel wall is configured to enclose the sides of the channel to form a conduit. The conduit is configured to transport an airflow through the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the density of insulation in a cavity of a structure that senses a force of the insulation against the sensor. The force is used to determine the density of the insulation, which, in turn, is used to determine the thermal resistance or R-value of the insulation. The apparatus may include a fixture for supporting the sensor and holding the sensor in the substantially fixed position. A method for determining the density of loose-fill, blown-in-place insulation in a wall cavity by the use of a sensor is that measures a force exerted on the sensor by the insulation. The measured force is used to determine the density of the insulation. The thermal resistance of the insulation is determined from the known cavity depth and insulation density.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the density of insulation in a cavity of a structure includes a sensor that is held in a substantially fixed position relative to the insulation for sensing the force of the insulation against the sensor. The force is used to determine the density of the insulation, which, in turn, is used to determine the thermal resistance or R-value of the insulation. The apparatus may include a fixture for supporting the sensor and holding the sensor in the substantially fixed position. A method for determining the density of loose-fill, blown-in-place insulation comprises the step of providing a structure with a cavity having a known depth. The cavity is covered with netting and filled with insulation. A sensor is held in a substantially fixed position relative to the insulation to measure force exerted on the sensor by the insulation. The measured force is used to determine the density of the insulation.