Abstract: An asphalt-based roofing material includes a substrate coated with an asphalt coating, a protective coating adhered to the upper surface of the asphalt coating, a layer of granules adhered to the protective coating, and a web bonded to the lower region of the asphalt coating. A method of manufacturing a roofing material includes coating a substrate with an asphalt coating, applying a protective coating to the upper surface of the asphalt coating, applying a layer of granules to the protective coating, and applying a web to the lower region of the asphalt coating.

Abstract: A hip and ridge shingle includes a base sheet having colored granules adhered to the top surface. A chip is adhered to the base at the trailing edge of the base sheet. A sealant bead is provided parallel to and adjacent the leading edge of base sheet.

Abstract: An asphalt-based roofing material includes a substrate coated with an asphalt coating, a protective coating adhered to the upper surface of the asphalt coating, a layer of granules adhered to the protective coating, and a web bonded to the lower region of the asphalt coating. A method of manufacturing a roofing material includes coating a substrate with an asphalt coating, applying a protective coating to the upper surface of the asphalt coating, applying a layer of granules to the protective coating, and applying a web to the lower region of the asphalt coating.

Abstract: An asphalt-based roofing material includes a substrate coated with an asphalt coating, a protective coating adhered to the upper surface of the asphalt coating, a layer of granules adhered to the protective coating, and a web bonded to the lower region of the asphalt coating. A method of manufacturing a roofing material includes coating a substrate with an asphalt coating, applying a protective coating to the upper surface of the asphalt coating, applying a layer of granules to the protective coating, and applying a web to the lower region of the asphalt coating.

Abstract: A reinforced pultrusion product comprises a polymeric matrix, at least one longitudinally oriented buckled reinforcement fiber embedded in said polymeric matrix, and at least one longitudinally oriented linear reinforcement fiber embedded in said polymeric matrix. The product is formed through a pultrusion process wherein a set of composite strands comprising reinforcement fibers and polymeric fibers are provided. A supplemental tension force is applied to a first subset of the composite strands. The composite strands are heated such that the polymeric fibers of a second subset of composite strands shrink to cause the reinforcement fibers in each of the second subset of composite strands to buckle. The heated set of composite strands, including the buckled reinforcement fibers, are consolidated in a pultrusion die.

Abstract: A mat is provided which comprises a plurality of strands, each including reinforcing fibers and polymeric material. First portions of the strands are angularly positioned at an angle relative to second portions of the strands and are joined to the second portions via the polymeric material. Also provided is a method for forming the mat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a fabric, suitable for mailing a finished composite product, using one or more composite strands. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises at least one bushing for forming reinforcing fibers; supply equipment for supplying matrix fibers; at least one applicator for applying bonding size (i.e., bonding chemical treatment) to the fibers; a gathering mechanism for gathering the treated fibers into at least one composite strand; a pulling mechanism for pulling the at least one composite strand; and a fabric forming mechanism for forming a fabric using the at least one composite strand.

Abstract: A mat is provided which comprises a plurality of strands, each including reinforcing fibers and polymeric material. First portions of the strands are angularly positioned at an angle relative to second portions of the strands and are joined to the second portions via the polymeric material. Also provided is a method for forming the mat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using pneumatic pressure and reduced, controlled clamping pressure to provide reliable, high speed pneumatic forming of thin foil workpieces at ambient temperatures without lubricants or cull plates. Forming elements are provided which incorporate a combination of surfaces and features which enable the reduced, controlled net clamping pressures for forming thin foil workpieces, and control of material slip during forming. Thin foil workpieces formed therewith have reduced incidence of tearing and wrinkling of the foil material. The method is capable of fast cycle times and produces minimal waste.

Abstract: A pair of forming elements incorporate features which restrain a thin foil workpiece without requiring high or excessive clamping pressures. A retaining step is provided in the second forming element having the forming cavity. It has been found that thin foil workpieces bent over and engaged by contact with the retaining step are secured against slippage with reduced clamping pressures. Moreover, the thin foil workpieces exhibit material draw during forming without the excessive lateral pressure between clamping surfaces that causes wrinkles. Substantially wrinkle-free flanges remain in the formed article.