Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass fiber binding composition comprising an effective binding amount of an aqueous soluble furan resin, 15 to 99 percent by weight water, and an effective amount of a catalyst for curing the furan resin. The invention further pertains to a process of binding glass fibers at junctions of the fibers comprising the steps of providing newly formed glass fibers, applying an effect binding amount of an aqueous soluble furan resin to the junctions of the glass fibers, and curing the resin at the junctions of the glass fibers. Finally, the invention also discloses a glass fiber composition comprising a plurality of glass fibers having a plurality of junctions where two or more fibers meet, and an effective binding amount of an aqueous soluble furan resin comprising 15 to 99% water applied to the junctions of the glass fibers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for expanding the fiber column produced by a rotary fiber manufacturing unit and intermingling additive particles with the fibers. A rotating bell-shaped shell is mounted beneath the rotary disc of the manufacturing unit so that the lower portion of the shell is in the path of the fiber column, causing the column to be outwardly deflected. Additive particles are introduced from within or beneath the shell and are radially directed into the fiber column. Liquid binder may be introduced to the fibers and water may be directed onto the inner surface of the shell to cool the shell to prevent curing of binder coming in contact with the shell. The fibers may be glass fibers and the particles may be foamed resin, fibers or particles of various types.

Abstract: A process for introducing additive particles to extruded fibers during production of the fibers. Particles are directed into a moving stream of fibers during or after the fiber attenuation process. The movement of the fibers intermingles the particles with the fibers prior to the intermingled material being collected on a moving support. If liquid binder is sprayed onto the fibers it is subsequently set in an oven to bind the fibers and the particles to each other. The fibers preferably are mineral fibers and the particles may be fibers or particles introduced for a variety of reasons, such as to increase the strength of the product or to serve as extenders or fillers.

Abstract: A coupling assembly to connect and seal the joint between the ends of axially aligned pipe sections of differing outer diameters; A gasket for sealing against and around the juxtaposed ends of axially aligned pipe sections of differing outer diameters; Coupling housing segments adapted to contain such a gasket radially and axially while engaging with the ends thereof grooves in the outer surfaces of the pipe section ends being coupled and connected.

Abstract: A pipe coupling includes arcuate shaped housing segments for positioning on the enlarged diameter ends of thin wall large diameter pipe as a complete coupling. The inside diameter of the coupling housing is larger than the corresponding pipe diameter such that the coupling does not contact the outside surface of the pipe. Each of the housing segments include a base portion and radial inward projections forming a gasket receiving groove. Each of the housing segments additionally include interlocking alignment means at connecting ends to radially and axially align the housing segments. The coupling also includes a gasket positioned within the gasket receiving groove and clamping means for drawing the housing segments together to couple and seal the connecting pipes with the gasket.