Abstract: An apparatus is described which is particularly suitable for applying insulation in the form of plastic foam or the like to a surface of a container to be insulated. The apparatus deposits a strip of foam in a generally helical manner while following the contour of the container or structure.

Abstract: Vessel insulation is displaced from the adjacent surface of the vessel by fluid pressure and additional insulating material interposed between the insulation and the vessel.

Abstract: Efficient heat sealing, particularly of thicker and/or heat shrinkable plastic materials, is obtained using a fluid heated and cooled heat-sealing member having a body of a material of low thermal conductivity and a strip of material of high thermal conductivity communicating with a heat exchange fluid passage therein.

Abstract: A laminate of foam planks is prepared by bonding closed cell foam slabs to either side of a foraminous reinforcing skin, applying a second skin to one side of the laminate formed. In formation of the laminate, the ends of adjacent foam slabs are butted together under mild pressure. The resultant laminate is particularly suitable for the preparation of spirally generated thermal insulation about a vessel wherein the second skin is disposed remote from the vessel. An insulation strip or laminate having very satisfactory performance is obtained with a minimal number of processing steps.