Abstract: A fastener for securing drywall to a framing member include an elastomeric sleeve that reduces the transmission of sound through the drywall to the framing member and vice versa.

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: An insulating element includes a sheet of polymer based blanket material having multiple panels and at least one hinge for interconnecting the multiple panels. A method for making such an insulating product includes the forming of a sheet of polymer based blanket material with multiple panels and at least one hinge for interconnecting the multiple panels and erecting the sheet of polymer based blanket material into a three dimensional insulating product by folding the sheet about the hinge.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing noise emitted from an appliance having a cabinet that supports at least one component that emits at least one acoustic pressure wave therefrom. In a preferred form, the apparatus comprises at least one diffuser having at least one deflection surface. The diffuser is coupled to the cabinet and positioned relative to the one component such that the acoustic pressure wave emitted from the component is deflected by the one deflection surface in a predetermined direction. The diffuser can be used to deflect acoustic pressure waves such that they collide with each other. The apparatus may further include at least one absorber. The diffuser is strategically located to deflect acoustic pressure waves being emitted from the component into the absorber to reduce the noise emitted from the appliance.

Abstract: An acoustically insulated apparatus is disclosed which includes a machine and an acoustical insulation system for the machine, wherein the machine generates noise having a peak sound frequency. The insulation system includes a two-part stratum having a porous sound absorbing media layer, and a sound reflecting barrier layer located between the sound absorbing layer and the machine, wherein the two-part stratum exhibits maximum sound absorption at the peak sound frequency.

Abstract: An improved lint handling system for a household laundry dryer is provided. The lint handling system for a laundry dryer has a dryer drum with an exit grill. The lint handling system provides a blower speed increaser to increase airflow in the dryer. The lint handling system also has a lint container and a foreign objects trap connected to the exit grill. Also a lint separator to separate lint from the airflow in the dryer is provided. The lint separator has an input connected to the foreign objects trap and an output connected to the lint container. A laundry dryer having a lint handling system as described is also provided. The lint handling system of the invention also provides a scroll-shaped centrifugal blower housing having a cylindrical base to accept airflow tangentially, a cutoff and a throat region to produce high velocity airflow. The blower housing further has a Helmholtz resonator located in the throat to reduce the acoustic emissions at a blade passage frequency.