Abstract: A non-planar wall of a refrigerated container is thermally insulated by covering the wall with an air tight liner, drawing a vacuum on the internal volume of the liner and then sealing the compartment to maintain the vacuum. The liner is installed by first constructing a thermoplastic liner with a portion which approximates the non-planar shape of the wall, and then pressurizing the liner and applying heat thereto so as to cause it to thereby partially liquify, and expand into any openings that would otherwise cause leakage and to thereby adhere to the metal and form a monolithic air tight structure.

Abstract: Hot combustion products exchange heat with air in a heat exchanger of a condensing furnace. The hot combustion products flow on one side of the heat exchanger, and the air flows on the opposing side of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is electrochemically coated with a coating of copper metal. The copper coating is oxidized with an aqueous oxidizing alkaline solution to form a matte black layer of cupric oxide. As the layer of cupric oxide is black, the layer has a high emissivity and emits more heat, increasing the efficiency of the primary heat exchanger. Alternatively, iron can be electrochemically coated on the primary heat exchanger and oxidized to black magnetite to increase emissivity.

Abstract: A non-planar wall of a refrigerated container is thermally insulated by covering the wall with an air tight liner, drawing a vacuum on the internal volume of the liner and then sealing the compartment to maintain the vacuum. The liner is installed by first constructing a thermoplastic liner with a portion which approximates the non-planar shape of the wall, and then pressurizing the liner and applying heat thereto so as to cause it to thereby partially liquify, and expand into any openings that would otherwise cause leakage and to thereby adhere to the metal and form a monolithic air tight structure.

Abstract: In the present invention a coating is applied to metal to protect it against the thermal and chemical stresses encountered by furnace parts exposed to flue vent gases and their condensate. The materials forming the coating materials may be thermosetting or thermoplastic polymers, in any form from monomeric through polymeric, with or without reactive moieties. The coating may be applied as aqueous or non-aqueous dispersions or solutions or in powder form, or vapor or vacuum deposited. The system provides a coating which is thermally and chemically resistant and which generates a low level of VOC's.

Abstract: A method of forming composite polymeric coatings on an outdoor metal substrate which includes providing an acidic starting solution which has at least one chemically distinct monomer and at least one solvent and where the monomer is polymerizable upon contact with the metal substrate. The monomer solution is applied to the substrate which will initiate spontaneous polymerization of the monomer on the surface of the metal substrate in the absence of any other catalyst or catalysts. The solution contacts the metal substrate for a time sufficient to form a polymeric coating on the substrate. The monomer further contains latent polymerization sites that do not react during spontaneous polymerization and are available as reaction sites for bonding with a later applied overcoating. A second decorative polymeric overcoat is applied to said first polymer coating whereby the latent polymerization sites react with said polymeric overcoat to enhance bonding and adhesion between the two coatings.

Abstract: A method of forming composite polymeric coatings on a metal surface of a condensing heat exchanger substrate which includes providing an acidic starting solution which has at least one chemically distinct monomer and at least one solvent and where the monomer is polymerizable upon contact with the metal substrate. The monomer solution is applied to the substrate which will initiate spontaneous polymerization of the monomer on the surface of the metal substrate in the absence of any other catalyst or catalysts. The solution contacts the metal substrate for a time sufficient to form a polymeric coating on the substrate. The monomer further contains latent polymerization sites that do not react during spontaneous polymerization and are available as reaction sites for bonding with a later applied overcoating.

Abstract: Provision is made for the thermal insulation of a non-planar portion of a body by fabricating a molded insulative piece which fits closely over the non-planar portion and may be secured thereto by way of an adhesive. A thermosetting foam which is adaptable to this use but is susceptible to damage by exposure to sunlight and to abrasive wear, is protected by an outer protective covering that may be integrally formed with a foam core section during the molding process.

Abstract: Hot combustion products exchange heat with air in a heat exchanger of a condensing furnace. The hot combustion products flow on one side of the heat exchanger, and the air flows on the opposing side of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is electrochemically coated with a coating of copper metal. The copper coating is oxidized with an aqueous oxidizing alkaline solution to form a matte black layer of cupric oxide. As the layer of cupric oxide is black, the layer has a high emissivity and emits more heat, increasing the efficiency of the primary heat exchanger. Alternatively, iron can be electrochemically coated on the primary heat exchanger and oxidized to black magnetite to increase emissivity.

Abstract: A positionable-repositionable pressure-sensitive adhesive may be repeatedly applied to a surface and removed during an initial installation time period. The adhesive contains an adhesive base resin and coacting detackifying resin and particulate components which temporarily reduce the tack and peel strength of the adhesive. Upon passage of time and/or application of thermal energy, adhesion build-up occurs to a maximum value. The pressure-sensitive adhesive may be used as an adhesive layer in a laminate for tapes, signs and decorative and protective applications including vehicle marking and architectural installations.

Abstract: A positionable-repositionable pressure-sensitive adhesive may be repeatedly applied to a surface and removed during an initial installation time period. The adhesive contains an adhesive base resin and coacting detackifying resin and particulate components which temporarily reduce the tack and peel strength of the adhesive. Upon passage of time and/or application of thermal energy, adhesion build-up occurs to a maximum value. The pressure-sensitive adhesive may be used as an adhesive layer in a laminate for tapes, signs and decorative and protective applications including vehicle marking and architectural installations.