Abstract: A method for manufacturing a mineral fiber product includes establishing a stream of mineral fibers, directing polymeric fibers toward the stream of mineral fibers to cause intermingling of the polymeric material, and applying heat to the polymer fibers so that some of them become softened to the extent that they lose their fibrous form and become attached to the mineral fibers as non-fibrous particles, whereas some of the polymer fibers retain their fibrous form.

Abstract: A superinsulation panel and thermoelectric assembly are provided to maintain the temperature within a refrigerator or other type of enclosed structure at a desired value. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device having a hot sink and a cold sink. The superinsulation panel is preferably disposed between the hot sink and the cold sink. A cold finger is positioned within the superinsulation panel to transfer heat energy from the cold sink to the thermoelectric device which in turn transfers the heat energy to the hot sink. A plurality of posts may also be disposed within the superinsulation panel for use in coupling the thermoelectric assembly with the superinsulation panel.

Abstract: A method for continuously manufacturing a composite sandwich structure by pultrusion through a pultrusion die comprises arranging fiber reinforcement materials on the surface of a preformed foam core, applying liquid resin to the reinforcement materials on the surface of the foam core, heating the surface region of the foam core to a temperature of at least 100.degree. C. to convert water in the foam core to steam, thereby causing water vapor pressure expansion of the foam, and using the expansion of the foam core to subject the liquid resin to increased pressure.