Larry E Baumgartner

US Patent:

58028579, Sep 8, 1998

Filed:

Jun 23, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/880730

Inventors:

Leo M. Radkowski - Evergreen CO
Roy V. Pogue - Littleton CO
Larry E. Baumgartner - Morrison CO

Assignee:

Johns Manville International, Inc. - Denver CO

International Classification:

F25D 1306

US Classification:

62 63

Abstract:

In an apparatus for forming a fibrous mat, fibers and binder are collected on a moving continuous, foraminous collection chain conveyor to form the fibrous mat as the collection chain conveyor travels through a collection chamber. After the fibrous mat is formed on the collection chain conveyor, the fibrous mat is removed from the collection chain conveyor for further processing leaving a residue of fibers and binder on and in openings of the collection chain conveyor. Prior to again traveling through the collection chamber, the collection chain conveyor is cryogenically cleaned by applying a cryogenic liquid (e. g. nitrogen) to the collection chain conveyor to freeze the residue of fibers and binder and by mechanically removing the frozen residue of fibers and binder from the collection chain conveyor, e. g. by agitating, beating and/or brushing the collection chain conveyor.