Abstract: Insulated scuttle covers configured for placement within a building scuttle opening are provided. The insulated scuttle cover includes a scuttle panel configured to cover the building scuttle opening and further configured to be supported when positioned within the building scuttle opening. An insulative assembly is attached to the scuttle panel. The insulative assembly includes insulation material encapsulated by a jacket. The insulated scuttle cover is configured to prevent or substantially retard the flow of air passing through the building scuttle opening.

Abstract: Polymer fibers having therein at least one infrared attenuating agent is provided. The infrared attenuating agent is at least substantially evenly distributed throughout the polymeric material forming the polymer fibers. In exemplary embodiments, the infrared attenuating agents have a thickness in at least one dimension of less than about 100 nanometers. Alternatively, the polymer fibers are bicomponent fibers formed of a core and a sheath substantially surrounding the core and the infrared attenuating agent is at least substantially evenly distributed throughout the sheath. The modified polymer fibers may be used to form insulation products that utilize less polymer material and subsequently reduce manufacturing costs. The insulation products formed with the modified polymers have improved thermal properties compared to insulation products formed of only non-modified polymer fibers. Additionally, the insulation product is compatible with bio-based binders.

Abstract: An enclosure for a recessed light in an attic is transformable between a first configuration in which the enclosure is flat and a second configuration in which the enclosure defines a housing. The housing has an opening at a bottom end for receiving the recessed light and an upwardly-facing surface opposite the opening. The upwardly-facing surface has a variable height relative to the bottom end.

Abstract: Energy efficiency improvement kits configured for energy efficiency improvement projects for a building fixture are provided. The kits include substantially all of the materials for completing the energy efficiency improvement projects, substantially all of the tools for completing the energy efficiency improvement projects and instructions for completing the energy efficiency improvement projects.

Abstract: A construction configuration for a building includes a fixture adhered to a framing structure with an adhesive system. The adhesive system has an outer pressure sensitive adhesive material, an inner pressure sensitive adhesive material, a bonding adhesive material, and at least one spacer material. The spacer material has at least one opening for containing a desired quantity of the bonding adhesive material.

Abstract: A method is provided for attenuating sound transmitted through a building structure. The method includes marketing an insulation product for installation in a cavity in the building structure wherein the insulation product has a thickness T greater than the depth D of the cavity. The insulation product is then compressed between the first and second covering members or materials. The insulation product produces a sound damping force upon the covering material.

Abstract: A construction configuration for a building includes a fixture adhered to a framing structure with an adhesive system. The adhesive system has an outer pressure sensitive adhesive material, an inner pressure sensitive adhesive material, a bonding adhesive material, and at least one spacer material. The spacer material has at least one opening for containing a desired quantity of the bonding adhesive material.

Abstract: A construction configuration for a building includes a fixture adhered to a framing structure with an adhesive system. The adhesive system has an outer pressure sensitive adhesive material, an inner pressure sensitive adhesive material, a bonding adhesive material, and at least one spacer material. The spacer material has at least one opening for containing a desired quantity of the bonding adhesive material.

Abstract: A grid system for torsion spring mounting of aluminum-framed panels is provided which includes a plurality of main grid beams and spacer bars. The main grid beams support a side load mounting clip formed with a slot in the side of the side load mounting clip to engage a torsion spring held by a spring retainer clip such that the panel is supported by the torsion spring. Disengagement of the torsion springs lowers the panels and permits access to the ceiling grid system above the panel members. In a preferred embodiment, the panel has a multifaceted profile including an edge surface that abuts a corresponding edge surface on an adjacent panel. The peripheral edges of the adjacent panel members diverge above the abutting edge surfaces to accommodate either the alignment fin or the tab of the tile stop and diverge below the abutting edge surfaces to form a reveal.

Abstract: A grid system for torsion spring mounting of aluminum-framed panels is provided which includes a plurality of main grid beams and spacer bars. The main grid beams support a side load mounting clip formed with a slot in the side of the side load mounting clip to engage a torsion spring held by a spring retainer clip such that the panel is supported by the torsion spring. Disengagement of the torsion springs lowers the panels and permits access to the ceiling grid system above the panel members. In a preferred embodiment, the panel has a multifaceted profile including an edge surface that abuts a corresponding edge surface on an adjacent panel. The peripheral edges of the adjacent panel members diverge above the abutting edge surfaces to accommodate either the alignment fin or the tab of the tile stop and diverge below the abutting edge surfaces to form a reveal.

Abstract: A projection screen and a projection screen system for an acoustic room. A projection screen includes a flexible screen material mounted within a system of retainers. The screen material is tautly retained within the a system of retainer members, and may be treated so that its airflow resistance is variable. Acoustical material is disposed on the wall behind the screen. Acoustical paneling is chosen according to the acoustical characteristics of the room, so that acoustical modal pressure peaks and nulls forming primarily along the length of the room can be reduced. The projection screen can be surrounded by further acoustical material, so that the entire wall can be used to tune the room. The acoustical material surrounding the projection screen is mounted within a second retainer system in which covering fabric is retained.

Abstract: Acoustical diffuser apparatus for supporting and enhancing the performance of speakers. A preferred apparatus includes a diffuser panel that has an outwardly facing non-planar diffuser surface and an opening corresponding to each speaker for receiving at least a portion of the corresponding speaker therein. The diffuser panel does not cover the sound emitting surface of at least one speaker. The diffuser panel may have acoustically transparent material affixed thereto. Methods for installing the diffuser panels into existing wall or ceiling structures without compromising the structural integrity of such structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: An acoustical diffuser is disclosed for diffusing sound. A preferred diffuser includes a first fibrous material, a first separator layer, a diffuser material a second separator layer, a second fibrous material and an acoustically transparent material. The subject invention also includes a preferred method of molding such diffuser. The subject invention further includes a panel that has an acoustically reflective side and an acoustically transparent side over a frequency range that can be attached to the walls of a room to enhance the acoustical characteristics of the room. A preferred method of installing such panels includes installing fabric retainer members to the walls between the panels and attaching an acoustically transparent material to the fabric retainer members such that the panels and fabric retainers are covered by the acoustically transparent material.