Abstract: A flame penetration resistant flexible duct and related devices and methods are disclosed. The flexible duct can include a tubular core, a vapor barrier, and an insulation assembly. The tubular core is configured to convey a fluid. The vapor barrier surrounds the tubular core. The insulation assembly is positioned between the tubular core and the vapor barrier. Further, the insulation assembly can include an insulation layer and a scrim layer bonded to the insulation layer. The scrim layer is configured to resist flame penetration of the flexible duct.

Abstract: A vacuum insulation panel is provided comprising a core with a plurality of stacked non-woven organic free glass fiber sheets, plies, or net shape one piece glass fiber core and a vacuum sealed enclosure containing the core. The fiberglass sheets are formed from glass fibers having a nominal diameter of about 1.5-3.0 microns and the enclosure is formed from an annealed stainless steel foil. The vacuum insulation panel has a thickness of from about 1 to 2.5 inches and an insulation value R of at least 56.8 at moderate vacuum levels between about 1.0E?02 to 1.0E+01 mTorr. In addition, a method of manufacturing same is provided, as well as a method of construction, wherein the vacuum insulation panel is disposed between two walls in the gap therebetween, and preferably a filler material, such as aerated concrete, fiberglass, foam, etc., is disposed in the gap so as to partially or fully encase the vacuum insulation panel.

Abstract: A fiber insulation product is provided which includes a fibrous material having a binder dispersed throughout. The binder comprises an inorganic material having thermoplastic properties. Preferably, the binder is a low-melting glass composition or a glass-forming compound such as, for example, boric acid. The insulation product is ideally suited for use in insulation panels having a compressed board encased in a evacuated jacket, high temperature, low smoke, odorless and building insulation applications.

Abstract: A vacuum panel includes a jacket having a bottom that is formed into a "pan" shape. A top is welded to the flanges of the bottom to create a hermetic seal therebetween. A dense glass fiber mat fills the jacket. A getter is strategically located in the panel to absorb residual gases in the panel and maintain the vacuum life. To create the vacuum in the panel, the panel is heated to a specified temperature and time, and evacuated through an opening. The opening is sealed with a braze seal that is melted over the opening.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of a braze preform (28) for sealing and maintaining a vacuum in an insulation vessel (10). The braze preform (28) comprises particles of a braze material that are at least partially sintered together and at least substantially free of a binder. An assembly is provided for use in a method of manufacturing a vacuum insulation vessel (10). The assembly comprises a metal jacket (12) defining an interior space (20) to be evacuated and one or more evacuation ports (24) formed through a wall of the jacket (12). The evacuation ports (24) provide an opening to the interior space (20). The sintered braze preform (28) is located adjacent to the evacuation ports (24) so as to seal the evacuation ports (24) upon the melting of the brazing material. After the interior space (20) of the jacket (12) is evacuated, the preform (28) can be melted and allowed to solidify and seal the evacuation ports (24). In this way a vacuum can be maintained in the interior space (20).

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 fiber insulation product is provided which includes a fibrous material having a binder dispersed throughout. The binder comprises an inorganic material having thermoplastic properties. Preferably, the binder is a low-melting glass composition or a glass-forming compound such as, for example, boric acid. The insulation product is ideally suited for use in insulation panels having a compressed board encased in a evacuated jacket, high temperature, low smoke, odorless and building insulation applications.

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.

Abstract: An insulation panel comprises an insulation board of glass fibers and a partially evacuated gas-tight envelope encapsulating the board, where, prior to the evacuation of the envelope, the board has been subjected to a heat setting process in which the board is raised to a heat setting temperature above the strain temperature of the glass but below the softening temperature of the glass and to a pressure applied by opposed platens followed by a quick release of the board from the platens prior to substantial cooling of the board.

Abstract: An insulation panel comprises a mineral fiber board having a density between 8 and 28 pounds per square foot, the fibers having no organic binder thereon, and between 5 and 40 percent by weight of particulate material packed in the interstices of the board, and a gas-tight envelope encapsulating the board, the envelope being evacuated to a vacuum between 10.sup.-4 Torr and 10 Torr.

Abstract: An insulation panel comprises a mineral fiber board having a density between 8 and 28 pounds per square foot, the fibers having no organic binder thereon, and between 5 and 40 percent by weight of particulate material packed in the interstices of the board, and a gas-tight envelope encapsulating the board, the envelope being evacuated to a vacuum between 10.sup.-4 Torr and 10 Torr.