Abstract: An insulation structure for a heat chamber, e.g., a wall or ceiling for a furnace, is now supported and linked to a frame in a manner providing for ease of repair plus simplicity of maintenance. In one embodiment a series of side-by-side ceramic fiber blankets can be maintained in snug relationship, in part by adjustable compression means. Heat loss, which can otherwise be caused by heat induced ceramic fiber shrinkage, is now substantially reduced to eliminated by the manner of supporting the insulation structure coupled with the compression exerted against such structure.

Abstract: A formulation for surface coating applications, particularly surfaces which are in frequent contact with water and remain water-wet, and/or surfaces of elastomeric and plastic foams, especially foams fabricated from polyethylene and polyurethane resins. The formulation includes a vehicle consisting primarily of a block polymer of styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene and methylmethacrylate copolymer or related block polymer with lesser degrees of ethylenic unsaturation together with a rubber tackifier, with fillers being provided including particulate colloidal or powdered silicon dioxide, and glass microspheres having an average size of less than about 70 microns. The formulation is such that it is adaptable to be applied by either air pressure spray systems or aerosol packaging techniques.

Abstract: A lightweight cover provides heat insulation for a heated vessel such as a soaking pit. The cover can be readily assembled in a manner providing for ease of repair plus simplicity of maintenance. The cover has a pair of opposing frame members with ceramic fiber insulation positioned therebetween. The insulation is secured in movable engagement such as a free-floating and swinging engagement. In this mode, compression can be exerted against the insulation to most desirably reduce heat loss otherwise caused by heat induced ceramic fiber shrinkage. Moreover, with this structure a ceramic fiber heat seal can be achieved around edges of the soaking pit.

Abstract: A lightweight cover provides heat insulation for a heated metal container, e.g., a ladle. The insulation cover is assembled in a manner providing for ease of repair plus simplicity of maintenance. The assembly has a frame member with depending guide means useful for straddling engagement with the container. Frame member impact assemblies provide resilient mounting of the cover on the container. Ceramic fiber insulation is placed within the frame and abuts upwardly against a roof over the insulation. The insulation is secured to the roof. Stiffeners above the roof connect with the frame member. The entire insulation cover assembly is most particularly useful for retarding radiant and conductive heat loss from the container.

Abstract: A lightweight cover provides heat insulation for a heated metal container, e.g., a ladle. The insulation cover is assembled in a manner providing for ease of repair plus simplicity of maintenance. The assembly has a frame member with depending guide means useful for straddling engagement with the container. Frame member impact assemblies provide resilient mounting of the cover on the container. Ceramic fiber insulation is placed within the frame and abuts upwardly against a roof over the insulation. The insulation is secured to the roof. Stiffeners above the roof connect with the frame member. The entire insulation cover assembly is most particularly useful for retarding radiant and conductive heat loss from the container.

Abstract: A lightweight cover provides heat insulation for a heated vessel such as a soaking pit. The cover can be readily assembled in a manner providing for ease of repair plus simplicity of maintenance. The cover has a pair of opposing frame members with ceramic fiber insulation positioned therebetween. The insulation is secured in movable engagement such as a draped and swinging engagement. In this mode, compression can be exerted against the insulation to most desirably reduce heat loss otherwise caused by heat induced ceramic fiber shrinkage. Moreover, with this structure a ceramic fiber heat seal can be achieved around edges of the soaking pit.

Abstract: A forge furnace chamber has rear, side and top walls each defined by an expanded sheet metal member and U-shaped mats of ceramic fiber insulating material supported thereon. First ones of the U-shaped mats have the closed ends thereof abutting the corresponding expanded sheet metal member with the legs of each mat extending inwardly of the chamber, and second ones of the mats have their closed ends facing inwardly of the chamber with the legs of each mat receiving the adjacent legs of an adjacent pair of the first mats therebetween, whereby the closed ends of the second mats extend across the inner ends of the adjacent legs of the first mats. The interleaved mats of insulating material are supported on the corresponding expanded sheet metal member by metal rods extending between the legs of the first mats adjacent the closed ends thereof and wire ties fastening the rods to the expanded sheet metal member.

Abstract: A ladle car opening is closed during the period between pouring and subsequent refilling of the car with molten metal by a closure plug comprised of an open wire mesh support and a lining of fibrous insulating material attached thereto. The plug has a tapered configuration providing for the outer end thereof to be larger than the opening into the ladle car, and the wire mesh support and lining provides for the plug to be flexible so as to conform to the peripheral contour of the opening and to engage a peripheral outer edge of the opening to close the opening and retain the plug therein.