Abstract: A machine for distributing blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool includes a chute configured to receive the bag, a shredder mounted at an outlet end of the chute and configured to shred the bag and to pick apart the blowing wool, a rotatably mounted ripper, distinct from the shredder, mounted to rip apart a portion of the bag, and a blower for distributing the blowing wool and shredded bag into an airstream.

Abstract: A machine for distributing blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end. The inlet end is configured to receive the bag of compressed blowing wool. A shredding chamber is positioned downstream from the chute and is configured to shred and pick apart the blowing wool. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders configured for rotation. The shredding chamber further includes a plurality of guide shells positioned partially around the plurality of shredders. The plurality of shredders seal against the plurality of guide shells and direct the blowing wool in a downstream direction as the plurality of shredders rotate.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing board insulation into granules of loosefill insulation are provided. The apparatus includes an upper unit having inlet and outlet ends. The inlet end is configured to receive board insulation. The upper unit is configured to break the board insulation into small pieces. A lower unit is connected to the upper unit. The lower unit is configured to receive the small pieces of board insulation exiting the upper unit. The lower unit includes a plurality of conditioning mechanisms configured to condition the small pieces thereby resulting in granules of loosefill insulation. The lower unit further includes a distribution mechanism configured to distribute the granules of loosefill insulation into an airstream. A distribution hose is connected to the lower unit and configured to convey the granules from the apparatus to a building insulation cavity. The granules are configured for use as loosefill insulation within the building cavity.

Abstract: Latex spray foams formed from a non-aqueous two-part foamable composition are provided. The A-side contains includes a dry latex polymer, a multifunctional acid, and a liquid blowing agent and the B-side contains a polyfunctional aziridine crosslinking agent a plasticizer, and, optionally, a non-functionalized resin. The multifunctional acid may be a secondary emulsion that is added to the composition separately. The polyfunctional aziridine crosslinking agent may be diluted by a plasticizer, which reduces the viscosity of the B-side. The plasticizer should have no acidic protons to react with the crosslinking agent. When no acidic protons are present, the B-side is stable for extended periods of time. Additionally, the inventive foam and composition are desirably free of water. The lack of water or small amount of water in the inventive foam composition permits the foam to be sprayed at temperatures below freezing and to a greater thickness compared to water-containing compositions.

Abstract: A machine for distributing blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool includes a chute having an inlet end and an outlet end, the chute configured to receive the bag of compressed blowing wool. A shredder is mounted at the outlet end of the chute and configured to shred and pick apart the blowing wool. A discharge mechanism distributes the blowing wool into an airstream. The chute is configured such that the minimum length of the chute from the inlet end to the outlet end is the nominal length of a person's arm.

Abstract: A machine for distributing loosefill insulation is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end configured to receive the loosefill insulation and a lower unit associated with the chute. The lower unit includes a first and second shredder configured to shred and pick apart the loosefill insulation and an agitator configured for final shredding of the loosefill insulation. The lower unit further includes a first shredder guide shell positioned partially around the first shredder, a second shredder guide shell positioned partially around the second shredder and an agitator guide shell positioned partially around the agitator. A discharge mechanism is positioned in the lower unit and is configured to discharge loosefill insulation from the lower unit. The position of a second end of the first shredder guide shell is offset in a vertical direction from the position of a second end of the second shredder guide shell.

Abstract: A machine for distributing insulation from a bag of insulation is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end and an outlet end. The chute is configured to receive the bag of insulation. The inlet end of the chute has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially vertical and the outlet end of the chute has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially horizontal. A plurality of shredders is mounted at the outlet end of the chute and is configured to shred and pick apart the insulation. A discharge mechanism is configured for distributing the insulation into an airstream. The chute has a cross-sectional shape that approximates the cross-sectional shape of the bag of insulation and the plurality of shredders and the discharge mechanism are positioned beneath the outlet end of the chute.

Abstract: A vapor barrier for sealing an interior of a building from an insulation cavity defined by framing members of the building includes a flexible and substantially impermeable sheet having apertures to allow air to exit the insulation cavity during filling of the insulation cavity with loose fill insulation. The vapor barrier also includes one-way valves mounted across the apertures. The valves are configured to allow air flow out of the insulation cavity and into the building interior through the apertures and to prevent air flow and moisture diffusion from the building interior into the insulation cavity.

Abstract: A machine for distributing blowing insulation from a bag of compressed blowing insulation. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end and an outlet end and is configured to receive the bag of compressed blowing insulation, a plurality of shredders mounted at the outlet end of the chute and configured to shred and pick apart the blowing insulation and a discharge mechanism for distributing the blowing insulation into an airstream. The chute has a cross-sectional shape that approximates the cross-sectional shape of the bag of compressed blowing.

Abstract: A machine for distributing loosefill insulation is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end configured to receive the loosefill insulation and a lower unit associated with the chute. The lower unit includes a first and second shredder configured to shred and pick apart the loosefill insulation and an agitator configured for final shredding of the loosefill insulation. The lower unit further includes a first shredder guide shell positioned partially around the first shredder, a second shredder guide shell positioned partially around the second shredder and an agitator guide shell positioned partially around the agitator. A discharge mechanism is positioned in the lower unit and is configured to discharge loosefill insulation from the lower unit. The position of a second end of the first shredder guide shell is offset in a vertical direction from the position of a second end of the second shredder guide shell.

Abstract: A machine for distributing insulation from a bag of insulation having a cross-sectional shape is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end is oriented in a substantially vertical plane and is configured to receive the bag of insulation. The inlet end has opposing longitudinal sides configured to be substantially horizontal in orientation. The inlet end also has opposing lateral sides connected to the longitudinal sides. The opposing lateral sides are configured to be shorter than the opposing longitudinal sides and further configured to be substantially vertical in orientation. A plurality of shredders is mounted at the outlet end of the chute and is configured to shred and pick apart the insulation. A discharge mechanism is provided for distributing the insulation into an airstream. The chute has a cross-sectional shape that approximates the cross-sectional shape of the bag of insulation.

Abstract: A machine for distributing blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool is provided. The machine includes a shredding chamber configured to shred and pick apart the blowing wool. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders and an agitator. The plurality of shredders and the agitator are configured for rotation. The plurality of shredders and the agitator are configured to rotate at different speeds.

Abstract: A machine for distributing blowing insulation from a bag of compressed blowing insulation is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end configured to receive the bag of compressed blowing insulation. A shredding chamber is associated with the chute. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders configured to shred and pick apart the blowing insulation. The shredding chamber further includes a discharge mechanism mounted for rotation and configured for distributing the blowing insulation into an airstream. The discharge mechanism has a side inlet and includes sealing vane assemblies having vane tips. Rotation of the vane tips forms an arc. The blowing insulation is fed horizontally from the shredding chamber into the side inlet of the discharge mechanism in a manner such that the blowing insulation passes through the arc formed by the rotating vane tips.

Abstract: A machine for distributing blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end. The inlet end is configured to receive the bag of compressed blowing wool. A shredding chamber is positioned downstream from the chute and is configured to shred and pick apart the blowing wool. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders configured for rotation. The shredding chamber further includes a plurality of guide shells positioned partially around the plurality of shredders. The plurality of shredders seal against the plurality of guide shells and direct the blowing wool in a downstream direction as the plurality of shredders rotate.

Abstract: Latex spray foams formed from a two-part foamable composition are provided. The A-side contains a functionalized latex and an acid and the B-side contains a polyfunctional aziridine crosslinking agent, a plasticizer, a base, and, optionally, a non-functionalized resin. The acid and the base form a blowing agent package that when mixed, react to form a gas. The A- and B-side also contain thickening agents. The polyfunctional aziridine crosslinking agent is diluted by a plasticizer, which reduces the viscosity of the B-side and reduces the amount of ethyleneimine, a toxic component in the polyfunctional aziridine crosslinking agent. The presence of a plasticizer also permits the inclusion of other materials that may add functionality and/or cost savings to the foamed product. The plasticizer should have no acidic protons to react with the crosslinking agent. When no acidic protons are present, the B-side is stable for extended periods of time.

Abstract: Low rise, user friendly latex foams for sealing insulative cavities of a building are provided. The foams may be applied to the interface of the sheathing and the studs within the insulative cavities to reduce air leaks. The latex foams may also be applied to the face of the studs to obtain an additional seal against air infiltration. The foam can be used to affix fiberglass batts, batt flanges, and vapor barriers to the framing without mechanical fasteners. A tackifier may be added to impart an adhesive quality to the foam. The tacky nature of the foam permits the drywall or vapor barrier to be repositioned without damage. Drywall is held onto the face of the studs by the tacky foam while mechanical fasteners are inserted to permanently affix the drywall to the framing. The compressive nature of the foam permits drywall to be attached without significant bowing or detachment.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the density of insulation in a cavity of a structure that senses a force of the insulation against the sensor. The force is used to determine the density of the insulation, which, in turn, is used to determine the thermal resistance or R-value of the insulation. The apparatus may include a fixture for supporting the sensor and holding the sensor in the substantially fixed position. A method for determining the density of loose-fill, blown-in-place insulation in a wall cavity by the use of a sensor is that measures a force exerted on the sensor by the insulation. The measured force is used to determine the density of the insulation. The thermal resistance of the insulation is determined from the known cavity depth and insulation density.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the density of insulation in a cavity of a structure includes a sensor that is held in a substantially fixed position relative to the insulation for sensing the force of the insulation against the sensor. The force is used to determine the density of the insulation, which, in turn, is used to determine the thermal resistance or R-value of the insulation. The apparatus may include a fixture for supporting the sensor and holding the sensor in the substantially fixed position. A method for determining the density of loose-fill, blown-in-place insulation comprises the step of providing a structure with a cavity having a known depth. The cavity is filled with insulation. A sensor is held in a substantially fixed position relative to the insulation to measure force exerted on the sensor by the insulation. The measured force is used to determine the density of the insulation. The thermal resistance of the insulation is determined from the known cavity depth and insulation density.

Abstract: A machine for distributing blowing insulation including a shredding chamber configured to shred and pick apart the blowing insulation. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of low speed shredders, an agitator and a discharge mechanism. The agitator is mounted for rotation and rotates toward the discharge mechanism. The discharge mechanism includes a side inlet configured to receive the blowing insulation from the agitator. A baffle is disposed between the agitator and the discharge mechanism. The baffle is configured to partially obstruct the side inlet of the discharge mechanism. The baffle allows finely shredded blowing insulation to enter the side inlet of the discharge mechanism and directs heavy clumps of blowing insulation past the side inlet of the discharge mechanism for eventual recycling into the low speed shredders.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the density of insulation in a cavity of a structure that senses a force of the insulation against the sensor. The force is used to determine the density of the insulation, which, in turn, is used to determine the thermal resistance or R-value of the insulation. The apparatus may include a fixture for supporting the sensor and holding the sensor in the substantially fixed position. A method for determining the density of loose-fill, blown-in-place insulation in a wall cavity by the use of a sensor is that measures a force exerted on the sensor by the insulation. The measured force is used to determine the density of the insulation. The thermal resistance of the insulation is determined from the known cavity depth and insulation density.