Abstract: A non-woven matrix of glass fibers, synthetic and natural fibers provides a rigid but resilient product having good strength and insulating characteristics. The product may be utilized in a planar configuration or be further formed into complexly curved and shaped configurations. The matrix consists of glass fibers, synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon or Kevlar and natural fibers of wood or textiles which have been intimately combined with a thermosetting resin into a homogeneous mixture. This mixture is dispersed to form a blanket. A variety of products having varying thickness and rigidity may then be produced by controlling the compressed thickness and the degree of activation of the thermosetting resin. The product may also include a skin or film on one or both faces thereof. An alternate embodiment includes a conductive/coloring agent such as carbon black.

Abstract: A multiple segment glass fiberizing spinner and method of making same provides a product of low cost and improved service life. The spinner comprises a plurality of, preferably four, segments of a cast alloy having a large number of small radially oriented apertures disposed about its periphery. Each segment is preferably investment cast. After casting, the segments may be trued if necessary by heating and forming. The segments are then weighed and same-weight segments are welded end-to-end to form a hoop or annulus. Next, a larger plurality of small bores are formed in the sidewall of the spinner. Finally, an optional bottom disc is secured to the segmented annulus, preferably by welding.

Abstract: A non-woven matrix of sized bushing glass and synthetic fibers provides a rigid but resilient product having good strength and insulating characteristics. The product finds particular application in large area panels such as vehicle headliners. The matrix consists of glass fibers, first, solid or hollow homogeneous synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon or Kevlar and second, bi-component synthetic fibers which have been intimately combined with a thermosetting resin into a homogeneous mixture. The bi-component synthetic fibers include an outer low melting temperature sheath and a higher melting temperature core. This mixture is dispersed to form a blanket. The blanket may be heated and pressed to cure and form it into a final product in one step on two steps. In the one step process, the curing temperature is sufficiently high to melt the sheath of the bi-component fibers and activate and cure the thermosetting resin.

Abstract: A non-woven matrix of glass and synthetic fibers provides a rigid but resilient product having good strength and insulating characteristics. The matrix consists of glass fibers, first, solid or hollow homogeneous synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon or Kevlar and second, bi-component synthetic fibers which have been intimately combined with a thermosetting resin into a homogeneous mixture. This mixture is dispersed to form a blanket. The bi-component synthetic fibers include an outer low melting temperature sheath and a higher melting temperature core. Initial curing of the fiber matrix entails melting and subsequent fiber bonding by the material of the sheath. Final curing entails activation of the thermosetting resin. The product may be utilized in a planar configuration or be further formed into complexly curved and shaped configurations. The product may also include a skin or film on one or both faces thereof.

Abstract: A non-woven matrix of glass and synthetic fibers provides a rigid but resilient product having good strength and insulating characteristics. The matrix consists of glass fibers and synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon or Kevlar which have been shredded and intimately combined with a thermosetting resin into a homogeneous mixture. A conductive material in either particulate or fibrous form is added to improve surface finish and, if desired and depending upon the choice of conductive material, darken the appearance of the product. This mixture is dispersed to form a blanket. The product may be utilized in a planar configuration or be further formed into complexely curved and shaped configurations. A variety of products having varying thickness and rigidity may be produced by controlling the compressed thickness and the degree of activation of the thermosetting resin. The product may also include a skin or film on one or both faces thereof.

Abstract: A non-woven matrix of mineral fibers and man-made fibers provides a rigid but resilient product having good strength and insulating characteristics. The product may be utilized in a planar configuration or be further formed into complexly curved and shaped configurations. The matrix consists of glass fibers and synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon or Kevlar which have been shredded and intimately combined with a thermosetting resin into a homogeneous mixture. This mixture is dispersed to form a blanket. A variety of products having varying thickness and rigidity may then be produced by controlling the compressed thickness and the degree of activation of the thermosetting resin. The product may also include a skin or film on one or both faces thereof.

Abstract: An electric glass-melting furnace has a cylindrical orifice block formed of a single block of refractory metal and an orifice through which molten glass flows out of the furnace. The inner end of the block extends into the melting zone portion of the furnace, while the remainder of the block extends through the furnace lining and wall, with the extreme outer tip being flush with the outer face of a water jacket which surrounds the outer end portions of the block. The block has a reduced diameter portion adjacent the outer end of the block, so that the outer end face exposes minimal surface area to outside atmosphere. The direct contact of the cooling jacket with the outer end of the block keeps the temperature of this small mass of block low enough to avoid oxidation. No protective atmosphere is required for the exterior tip of the block.

Abstract: .[.Prior art high temperature electric furnaces of the type using two or more, usually three, primary electrodes positioned around an electrically conducting central outlet brought the electrodes in through a side or bottom wall of the furnace at points below the melt line causing many problems. The present invention provides a primary electrode arrangement for such melting furnaces wherein the primary electrodes do not pass through the wall or bottom of the furnace below the melt line, but instead enter the furnace over the top of the melt line and then protrude through the top surface of the melt. The primary electrodes of the present invention are provided with means for preventing wear and deterioration at the interface between the top surface of the melt and the unmelted batch and/or the oxidizing air atmosphere surrounding the top of the furnace. The improved furnace of the present invention does not require the use of a purging neutral or reducing atmosphere to protect the primary electrodes..]. .Iadd.