Abstract: A laminated structure appropriate for use in constructing walls, floors, ceilings or doors, has a selected area and in one embodiment comprises two external layers of one or more materials such as, but not limited to, gypsum, at least one internal constraining layer having less than said selected area, and two or more internal layers of a viscoelastic glue separated by said at least one internal constraining layer, wherein each of said layers of viscoelastic glue is patterned to cover a selected percentage, but not all, of said area of said laminated structure thereby to allow moisture to pass through said structure.

Abstract: A laminated structure appropriate for use in constructing walls, floors, ceilings or doors, has a selected area and in one embodiment comprises two external layers of one or more materials such as, but not limited to, gypsum, at least one internal constraining layer having less than said selected area, and two or more internal layers of a viscoelastic glue separated by said at least one internal constraining layer, wherein each of said layers of viscoelastic glue is patterned to cover a selected percentage, but not all, of said area of said laminated structure thereby to allow moisture to pass through said structure.

Abstract: A noise-reducing substrate for use in a flooring system, the flooring system having a subfloor and a decorative upper layer. The substrate comprises a series of edge butted panels, each of which has a bottom surface, a top surface and side surfaces. Each panel's top surface and oppositely facing bottom surface are parallel to each other and are spaced apart by the thickness of the substrate. A profile in the bottom surface of the substrate changes the substrate's effective stiffness and improves the noise isolation of the substrate compared to the stiffness and noise isolation of the panel without the profile. Additionally, the profile reduces the weight of the panel, thereby reducing manufacturing and installation costs.

Abstract: An acoustical and thermal insulation product suitable for use in an aircraft is provided, comprising: an insulation layer formed from a sheet of insulation material, wherein the sheet of insulation material is arranged to form a series of undulations defining a series of alternating upper ridges and lower ridges of the sheet, and a plurality of elongated reinforcing members for reinforcing the insulation product.

Abstract: An improved radio frequency wave attenuating wall (ceiling or floor) or door material comprises a laminated structure having as an integral part thereof one or more layers of a viscoelastic material which also functions as a glue and one or more electrically conducting layers. An electrically conducting material such as tape or a formed metal channel provides an electrical connection between the electrically conducting material and an exposed outer surface of the laminated structure. In one embodiment the electrically conducting material is paint. In one embodiment , standard wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminated structure and one or more conductive layers are constructed between the gypsum exterior. In one embodiment, the conducting layer material is selected to provide physical security in addition to radio frequency wave attenuation. The construction is such that acoustical attenuation is also achieved.

Abstract: An acoustical and thermal insulation product suitable for use in an aircraft is provided, comprising an insulation layer formed from a sheet of insulation material, wherein the sheet of insulation material is arranged to form a series of undulations defining a series of alternating upper ridges and lower ridges of the sheet.

Abstract: Method for conducting an on-site measurement of a density value of an insulation material is provided, comprising: (a) providing an acoustic source for emitting a sound wave; (b) directing the sound wave emitted from the acoustic source through a waveguide and at an insulation material present in a wall, floor or ceiling cavity; (c) measuring a sound pressure in the waveguide to obtain at least one sound pressure measurement; and (d) calculating a density value of the insulation material based on the at least one sound pressure measurement.

Abstract: A soundproof assembly having front and rear panels with one or both of the front and rear panels having a laminar structure. In one embodiment the front and rear panels are spaced apart by a spacer structure and a covering structure is attached around the periphery to provide an enclosed air space between the front and rear panels. In another embodiment the front and rear panels are affixed to each other. In another embodiment front and rear panels are separated by an interior panel.

Abstract: A system suitable for conducting an on-site measurement of the density and/or R-value of a gas-permeable material, comprising: a device comprising: a chamber comprising a first port and a second port; a diffuser in fluid communication with the second port of the chamber, wherein the diffuser comprises a diffuser port for conveying a gas flow to or from a gas-permeable material, and wherein the area of the diffuser port is greater than the area of the second port; and a pressure sensor arranged to measure the pressure in the chamber; and an analyzer for determining the density and/or R-value of the gas-permeable material based on pressure measurements obtained by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for determining an acoustic and/or thermal characteristic of a target material are provided. The system includes an acoustic source arranged to direct a sound wave at a target material; a device for measuring a sound pressure generated by at least the acoustic sensor, to obtain a sound pressure measurement; a density sensor arranged to measure a density of the target material to obtain a density measurement; and an analyzer arranged to receive the sound pressure measurement and the density measurement. The analyzer is capable of determining an acoustic and/or thermal characteristic of the target material based on the sound pressure measurement and/or the density measurement.

Abstract: A method for selectively reducing or removing a foam present in a glass melting furnace is provided, comprising: selecting a portion of a foam present above the surface of a molten material in a glass melting furnace; and providing an ultrasonic energy emitted from at least one ultrasonic energy source to the selected portion of the foam, wherein the ultrasonic energy is effective to reduce or remove the selected portion of the foam.