Abstract: A needled composite acoustical barrier is provided. The barrier has a non-woven first layer (13) of needleable textile first fibers (13a); the layer (13) has a thickness of between about 0.01 inch and 0.5 inch and a density of between about 1.0 and 10 lbs. per cubic foot. A non-woven, low density second layer (15) of textile second fibers (15a) is provided; the second layer (15) has a thickness of between about 0.2 inch and 5 inches and a density of between about 0.1 and 4.0 lbs. per cubic foot. A high-density intermediate acoustical barrier layer (14) is disposed between the first and second layers (13, 15); the intermediate barrier layer (14) has a thickness of between about 0.01 inch and 0.5 inch, a density of at least 50 lbs. per cubic foot, and the barrier layer has a substantially continuous film of high-density needleable polymeric material.

Abstract: A needled composite acoustical barrier is provided. The barrier has a non-woven first layer (13) of needleable textile first fibers (13a); the layer (13) has a thickness of between about 0.01 inch and 0.5 inch and a density of between about 1.0 and 10 lbs. per cubic foot. A non-woven, low density second layer (15) of textile second fibers (15a) is provided; the second layer (15) has a thickness of between about 0.2 inch and 5 inches and a density of between about 0.1 and 4.0 lbs. per cubic foot. A high-density intermediate acoustical barrier layer (14) is disposed between the first and second layers (13, 15); the intermediate barrier layer (14) has a thickness of between about 0.01 inch and 0.5 inch, a density of at least 50 lbs. per cubic foot, and the barrier layer has a substantially continuous film of high-density needleable polymeric material.

Abstract: Coupling apparatus for facilitating disengaging sling-like elongated flexible members from the load of lumber pieces being cradled therein. The apparatus includes a pair of hooks which are selectively driven between normal and couple/uncouple positions. A pair of sling-eyes are attached to one of the respective ends of the elongated flexible members and the sling-eyes are adapted for respective cooperative engagement and disengagement with the pair of hooks. Each flexible member passes through a sling-guide which operatively engages the sling-eye or presents it to the hook for recoupling as the flexible member is almost completely taken up by a winch. Subsequently, the hooks are moved to the normal position and the flexible members are sufficiently slackened for reloading.