Abstract: An acoustical and thermal insulator in the form of a multilayer composite includes a first facing layer such as a heat reflective material layer, a polymer based blanket layer and an insulation insert encapsulated in the polymer based blanket layer. The insulator may also include a second facing layer. The insulation insert is sized and positioned in the insulator so as to provide extra thermal insulation at selected hot spots and/or extra acoustical insulation at high noise points of a vehicle to which the insulator may be mounted.

Abstract: A process for forming a multilayer composite insulator includes: (a) forming an insulator precursor by orienting an insulation insert in a desired location between a first facing layer of and a layer of a polymer based blanket material; (b) closing the insulator precursor in a molding press; (c) heating the insulator precursor in the molding press to a temperature sufficiently high to soften polymer binding fiber in the polymer based blanket material and cause reshaping; and (d) cooling the insulator precursor in the molding press so as to set the insulator precursor in its molded shape and complete formation of the insulator. Other relates processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for forming a multilayer composite insulator includes the steps of forming an insulator precursor by orienting an insulation insert in a desired location between a first facing layer and a polymer based blanket layer, applying differential heat to two opposing sides of the insulator precursor and applying pressure to the insulator precursor. Together, the applied differential heat and applied pressure mold the insulator precursor to a desired shape while also providing the polymer based blanket material with a first relatively high density adjacent a warmer of the two opposing sides and a zone of relatively low density adjacent the cooler of the two opposing sides. The process also includes the cooling of a molded precursor to set the insulator in the desired shape.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a housing having a washing chamber and a door for gaining access to the washing chamber. A washing nozzle is provided in the washing chamber for directing a fluid stream against dishes held in the washing chamber. A circulation pump circulates fluid under pressure through the washing nozzle. A supply line delivers fluid to the circulation pump while a drain line discharges fluid from the washing chamber. Additionally the dishwasher includes an acoustical insulation blanket of thermoplastic material. That blanket extends around the washing chamber and the circulation pump and is precisely cut to fit snugly around the fluid supply line and the drain line so as to eliminate gaps therebetween and the acoustical leaks associated therewith. A method is also disclosed for enclosing the noise-generating components of the dishwasher in an acoustical insulation blanket of thermoplastic material.