Abstract: A soundproofing assembly intended, in particular, to soundproof a motor vehicle. The inventive assembly includes four stacked layers, consisting respectively of: a first layer having an air resistance of between 500 and 2,000 N·m?3.s; a second porous, acoustic spring-type layer having a resistivity of between 10,000 N·m?4.s and 50,000 N·m?4.s; a third viscoelastic, airtight, heavy mass-type layer having a density that is greater than or equal to 1,500 Kg/m3 and a surface density of between 0.2 Kg/m2 and 9 Kg/m2; and a fourth porous, acoustic spring-type layer having a resistivity of between 10,000 N·m?4.s and 50,000 N·m?4.s.

Abstract: A sound insulation system for use with a vehicle includes a layer of fibrous padding material having a first surface and an opposite second surface. The first surface includes multiple spaced apart recesses. The second surface includes a substantially flat surface portion that extends over two adjacent recesses. The multiple recesses are configured to define multiple voids when the sound insulation system is mounted in the vehicle, thereby enhancing acoustical performance of the sound insulation system.

Abstract: A wall-mountable acoustic device for absorption of sound in an indoor area is constructed of self-supporting interbonded rockwool mat material. The primary component made of the mat material is shaped in semi-cylindrical configuration. End panels of rockwool mat of similar composition are attached to the opposite ends of the semi-cylindrical configuration to enclose the configuration except for an open rear extremity of rectangular perimeter. When attached to a flat wall, a totally enclosed semi-cylindrical chamber is defined. In a preferred embodiment, further improvement of sound absorption properties is achieved by way of a diaphragm disposed within the semi-cylindrical configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound absorber consisting of a first non-woven fabric facing towards the sound-emitting source having a layer thickness within a range of from 2 to 15 mm, a density within a range of from 50 to 500 kg/m3, a weight per surface area within a range of from 0.1 to 2.5 kg/m2, and a flow resistance within a range of from 50 to 1000 kNs/m4, and a second non-woven fabric facing away from the sound-emitting source has a layer thickness within a range of from 10 to 28 mm, a density within a range of from 20 to 100 kg/m3, a weight per surface area within a range of from 0.4 to 1 kg/m2, and a flow resistance within a range of from 10 to 40 kNs/m4.

Abstract: A passive acoustic liner system (50) for attenuating a sound field comprising, in acoustic series, a mode-scattering segment (48) and a sound-absorbing segment (40), wherein the mode scattering segment (48) provides a reactance between ?12 and ?2 ?c and the sound absorbing segment (40) provides a reactance between ?1 and 0 ?c thereby providing a reactance discontinuity such that mode-scattering of the sound field enables the sound-absorbing segment (48) to further absorb the scattered sound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the acoustic coupling between a sound receiving transducer and a sound transmitting transducer is disclosed. A housing, wherein the receiving transducer and the transmitting transducer are mounted, is provided to increase the acoustic separation between the receiving transducer and the transmitting transducer. The housing has a surface, which may have an acoustic impedance condition, which is preferably resistive. The housing may further act as a barrier structure between the receiving transducer and the transmitting transducer.

Abstract: A method of acoustically attenuating noises of structure-borne origin in an article of manufacture by installing a laminated window having a glass sheet and an intermediate film, where the film has a loss factor tan ? greater than 0.6 and a shear modulus G? smaller than 2×107 N/m2 in a temperature range between 10 and 60° C. and in a frequency range between 50 and 10,000 Hz.

Abstract: An insulator dash (20) installed on the interior side surface side of a dash panel (10), comprising a single sound absorbing layer (21) formed of a fiber assembly or a laminated assembly having light and soft skin layers (22,23,26,27,28) laminated on the surface of sound absorbing layer (21), wherein, since the reflected noise reflected from the inner surface of an instrument panel (40) is taken again from the front surface side into the sound absorbing layer (21) for sound absorption in addition to the sound absorbing and shielding performance of the insulator dash (20), the sound absorbing performance in the instrument panel (40) can be increased, whereby the weight can be reduced and a rise of sound pressure in the instrument panel (40) can be abolishing a conventional sound shielding layer so as to increase a silentness in a cabin.

Abstract: An acoustic barrier that achieves excellent noise insulating properties, and is relatively thin and relatively light in weight includes a flexible thermoplastic barrier layer having a plurality of apertures defining a latticed structure which includes apertures for pass-through components and non-pass-through apertures. The non-pass-through apertures are located where noise levels are expected or known to be relatively low. Effective acoustic performance can be maintained by completely eliminating material from the relatively thick and dense barrier layer at the low noise levels areas, and providing only absorptive decoupler material and/or lightweight sheet material such as plastic films in those areas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of making an improved sound reducing panel is disclosed suitable for use in an outdoor or a hazardous environment. The improved sound reducing panel comprises a water resistant sound absorbing member with a porous covering sheet overlaying a face surface of the sound absorbing member. A support frame is disposed about an outer perimeter of the sound absorbing member. An attachment secures the improved sound reducing panel to the support frame. In one embodiment, a sound blocking member is located adjacent to the sound absorbing member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided forming a sound attenuating laminate that has a decoupler fiber layer and a mass layer in opposing relationship with each other. The decoupler fiber layer and mass layer of the laminate are heated to the selected temperature in substantially the same amount of time via a hot air source and a heated platen, respectively. The heated laminate is conveyed to a mold and formed into a predetermined three-dimensional configuration via the mold.

Abstract: Sound attenuating laminates, and methods of making the same, are provided. Heat is applied to a surface of a non-woven, fibrous layer of material to form a stratum of melted fibers having a density greater than that of the remainder of the fibrous layer. The density of the melted fibers is effective in attenuating noise traversing the fibrous layer of material. Upholstery material, such as carpeting, is attached to the surface of the heated fibrous layer. The fibrous layer and upholstery material are then subjected to compressive molding pressure to obtain a desired shape. The compressive molding pressure may further tune the sound attenuating properties of the fibrous layer by selectively changing the densities of portions of the fibrous layer.

Abstract: A sound insulation system for use with a vehicle includes a layer of fibrous padding material having a first surface and an opposite second surface. The first surface includes multiple spaced apart recesses. The second surface includes a substantially flat surface portion that extends over two adjacent recesses. The multiple recesses are configured to define multiple voids when the sound insulation system is mounted in the vehicle, thereby enhancing acoustical performance of the sound insulation system.

Abstract: An acoustical absorber, having the structure: scrim/film/batt/film/scrim. Preferably, the batt is made from about 60% to about 90% by weight natural fiber and about 10% to about 40% synthetic fiber. Also, a method of making the acoustical absorber is provided. Additionally, a method for acoustically insulating a structure with the acoustical absorber is provided. The method for acoustically insulating may include the steps of compressing the acoustical absorber to less than its original volume prior to installing the absorber and releasing the absorber from compression following the installing step, allowing the material to recover and to fill the void of the structure in which the absorber was placed.

Abstract: An acoustically absorbent porous panel with a layer constructed from a substantially continuous open-celled porous material comprising a cured foamed cementitious material including a first face and a second face. The first face has a surface with a substantially planar profile and the second face has a substantially geometric pattern of depressions formed therein comprising approximately 50% to approximately 90% of the layer by volume.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an automotive protective mat (1), also known as throw in mat or protective mat. This mat comprises a microporous stiffening layer (2) (acoustical membrane). This layer may be composed of several sheets. The overall air flow resistance is between 500 Ns/m3–4000 Ns/m3. It is essential for this mat (1) that it is hydrophobic. In order to achieve an enhanced acoustical effectiveness a decoupling layer (6) is foreseen between the microporous stiffening layer (2) and the vehicle floor (8). This decoupling layer might be incorporated in the mat (1) or constituted by the underlaying carpet or sound absorber of the vehicle floor. Further layers or sheets such as adhesive layers, non skid layers, face fabrics or carpets and/or loft layers can be added to the claimed mat.

Abstract: Vehicle trim components are formed by applying a layer of material onto a mold surface and then selectively applying foam prior to molding operations. Selectively applying foam may include applying foam of different densities in multiple locations and/or applying foam of different thicknesses in multiple locations. The material and foam are subjected to conditions within the mold to produce a trim component having a desired shape. Once de-molded, barrier material may be added and various post-molding operations may be conducted.

Abstract: A heat shield includes an inner portion, an outer portion, first and second insulating portions, and a deflecting portion. The inner portion includes a reflective material to reflect thermal energy that radiates from a heat/acoustic source. The outer portion includes a rigid material to provide structural support for the heat shield. The first and second insulating portions are intermediately positioned between the inner and outer portions. The deflecting portion is intermediately positioned between the first and second insulating portions to deflect acoustics from the heat/acoustic source. A method for manufacturing the heat shield is also disclosed.

Abstract: A window having a frame with a windowpane disposed therein is provided. A first impedance discontinuity element is disposed between the windowpane and the frame adjacent a portion of a periphery of the windowpane. A second impedance discontinuity element is disposed adjacent another portion of the periphery of the windowpane. The first and second impedance discontinuity elements have different impedances.

Abstract: A multi-layer damping foil having a perforated lower layer facing towards a part to be damped, with properties which are suitable for adhering the damping foil onto the part. A non-perforated upper layer, facing away from the part, does not have adherence properties. Advantageously there may be provided between the upper and lower layers a thin film-like intermediate layer of non-woven fabric, kraft paper, or the like, which may have openings.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward providing a headliner for a motor vehicle comprising an interior layer adapted to present a surface that is exposed to the interior of the vehicle, a flexible film assembly that is supported by the interior layer opposite to the interior of the vehicle; and a fill layer adapted to be flowed over the flexible film and subsequently hardened to form a main supporting body of the headliner. The flexible film assembly has a first film layer adapted to establish a generally flat base surface that is mounted to the interior layer and a second film layer supported on the first film layer having a plurality of voids formed by portions of the second film layer that are spaced from said first film layer at predetermined intervals so as to establish an undulating upper surface of the film assembly. The plurality of voids are adapted to act as a plurality of resonating cavities to attenuate acoustical frequencies within the vehicle.

Abstract: An insulating jacket for refrigeration system component comprising a closed cell insulation layer comprising an inner and outer surface, an open cell foam layer comprising an inner and outer surface, the inner surface in contact with the outer surface of the closed cell insulation layer, and a sound barrier layer comprising an inner surface in contact with the outer surface of the open cell foam layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates an acoustical insulation material for sound attenuation containing a nonwoven web. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that an acoustical insulation material made from a nonwoven web of thermoplastic fibers having an average fiber diameter of less than about 7 microns, wherein the acoustical insulation has a thickness less than about 3 mm and a density of greater than about 50 kg/m3 is effective as a sound insulation material. The acoustical insulation is very effective as an acoustical insulation material, despite the low thickness and high density of the acoustical insulation. A method of attenuating sound waves passing from a sound source area to a second area using the acoustical insulation material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for improved sound absorption, including a substrate of porous insulation material and of a first air flow resistance, and a facing material attached to the substrate and of a second air flow resistance, wherein a total system resistance is a combination of the first and second air flow resistances, and wherein the total system resistance and the second air flow resistance are of relatively low values.

Abstract: A panel structure for a transport machine is disclosed which is constituted by an integral combination of an outer panel and an inner panel. The inner panel has reinforcing protuberances and recesses, possessing a higher rigidity than the outer panel. The protuberances of the inner panel and a back side of the outer panel are bonded together through insulating layers present on the protuberances.

Abstract: A honeycomb acoustic unit is provided, the unit comprising first and second honeycomb layers, the layers being made of honeycomb core, each being formed by metallurgical bonds, and a deformable septum having two opposing sides, the first and second honeycomb layers being metallurgically bonded to the two opposing sides of the deformable septum.

Abstract: A sound absorbing panel comprising a standoff layer disposed between a back plate and a screen. The standoff layer supports the screen at a standoff distance from the back plate. The standoff distance is substantially equal to ¼ the wavelength of a sound to be absorbed. An alternate embodiment sound absorbing panel includes a felt layer between the standoff layer and the screen. Another alternate embodiment comprises an apertured membrane supported by standoffs at a standoff distance from the back plate. The standoffs could be any appropriate standoff shape including I standoffs, Z standoffs, and angled standoffs. In one alternate embodiment the apertured membrane is a screen. In another alternate embodiment the apertured membrane is a perforated plate.

Abstract: An acoustic isolator is placeable between a sound producing body and a resting surface. The acoustic isolator includes a foam member having a first surface for receiving the sound producing body and a second surface for engaging the resting surface. The foam member is composed of a supportive foam member capable of substantially preventing the transfer of sound induced vibrations between the sound producing body and the resting surface while sustaining an internal deflection of less than about thirty percent.

Abstract: A multi-component acoustically resistive layer, for acoustical attenuating panels having a cellular core (1) flanked, on the sound wave arrival side, with an acoustically damping layer (2) and, on the opposite side, with a rear reflector (3), comprises a first structural component (4) in contact with the aerodynamic flow and formed by at least one layer of fibers connected by a suitable resin and oriented in the direction of aerodynamic flow the component (4) comprising a suitable quantity of open surface; a dissipating component (6) disposed against the surface of the first component (4) opposite the flow, formed by a metallic cloth; and a second structural component (7) formed by at least one layer of fibers connected by a suitable resin, oriented orthogonally to the direction of aerodynamic flow. The second structural component (7) is connected to the cellular core (1) and comprises a suitable open surface quantity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayered acoustic and thermal insulation part (1), in particular for motor vehicles, with at least one three-dimensionally structured foamed-plastic layer (2) and at least one nonwoven-fabric layer (3) lying adjacent thereto, whereby the foamed-plastic layer has a plurality of protrusions (4) and/or depressions (5). In order to be able to produce such an insulation part cost-effectively with a low weight, provision is made such that the nonwoven-fabric layer (3) is needled onto the foamed-plastic layer (2), and in such a way that the nonwoven-fabric layer lies contour-parallel next to the foamed-plastic layer and the protrusions (4) and/or depressions (5) of the foamed-plastic layer (2) are also impressed in the surface of the nonwoven-fabric layer (3) facing away therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sound barrier system 10 including a sound barrier panel 20 having a face skin panel 30 held in spaced relation from a back skin panel 40 by a filler material 50. Each sound barrier panel 20 is provided with a tongue and groove design that permits panels 20 to be stacked in an interlocking fashion without fastening hardware.

Abstract: A heat shield includes an inner portion, an outer portion, first and second insulating portions, and a deflecting portion. The inner portion includes a reflective material to reflect thermal energy that radiates from a heat/acoustic source. The outer portion includes a rigid material to provide structural support for the heat shield. The first and second insulating portions are intermediately positioned between the inner and outer portions. The deflecting portion is intermediately positioned between the first and second insulating portions to deflect acoustics from the heat/acoustic source. A method for manufacturing the heat shield is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound absorber consisting of two interconnected non-woven fabrics (1,2) bonded through thermoplastic and/or thermoset materials, wherein the non-woven fabric (1) facing towards the sound-emitting source has a layer thickness within a range of from 2 to 15 mm, a density within a range of from 50 to 500 kg/m3, a weight per surface area within a range of from 0.1 to 5 kg/m2, and a flow resistance within a range of from 50 to 1000 kNs/m4, and the non-woven fabric (2) facing away from the sound-emitting source has a layer thickness within a range of from 10 to 100 mm, a density within a range of from 20 to 100 kg/m3, a weight per surface area within a range of from 0.5 to 1 kg/m2, and a flow resistance within a range of from 10 to 40 kNs/m4, with a total thickness of the sound absorber within a range of from 12 to 30 mm and a total weight per surface area of the sound absorber within a range of from 0.5 to 3 kg/m2.

Abstract: A sound absorptive multilayer composite having an air-impermeable barrier, an air-permeable reinforcing core having an airflow resistance of at least about 100 mks Rayls and a thickness at least about ⅓ the final composite thickness, an air-permeable open cell foam or fibrous pad having an airflow resistance less than about 2000 mks Rayls and a thickness at least about {fraction (1/10)} the final composite thickness and a semipermeable airflow-resistive membrane having an airflow resistance of about 500 to about 4000 mks Rayls can provide improved acoustic performance. For example, existing vehicular headliner designs may be improved by adding a properly chosen and properly positioned semipermeable airflow-resistive membrane, a properly chosen and properly positioned air- impermeable barrier, or a properly chosen and properly positioned open cell foam layer.

Abstract: The method and the device for manufacturing an acoustically effective foil stack (9) made of embossed foil webs (5e, 5f, 5g, 5h) is characterised by the fact that at least two foil webs lying over one another (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) are embossed at the same time, are conveyed along different length conveying routes (W, W1, W2, W3), and then are brought together into a stack (9), and embossed foil webs (5e, 5f, 5g, 5h) arranged to be lying next to one another are laid down in an offset fashion due to the different length conveying routes (W, W1, W2, W3). A particularly advantageous design of the embossing rollers (1a, 1b) provides foil webs which have knobs with a draped or folded type structure.

Abstract: A portion of a chassis comprised of a material forming a portion of the exterior of the chassis and a high-density flexible material adjacent an inner surface of the portion of the chassis with air holes formed contiguously through both the portion of the chassis and the high-density flexible material.

Abstract: A loudspeaker enclosure is disclosed. The loudspeaker enclosure comprises a base panel, a first side panel configured to attach to the base panel, a second side panel configured to attach to the base panel, a top panel configured to attach to the first side panel and the second side panel, a front panel configured to attach to the base panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, and the top panel, the front panel defining at least one loudspeaker opening configured to receive a loudspeaker, and a rear panel configured to attach to the base panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, and the top panel.

Abstract: Sound attenuating laminates, and methods of making the same, are provided. Heat is applied to a surface of a non-woven, fibrous layer of material to form a stratum of melted fibers having a density greater than that of the remainder of the fibrous layer. The density of the melted fibers is effective in attenuating noise traversing the fibrous layer of material. Upholstery material, such as carpeting, is attached to the surface of the heated fibrous layer. The fibrous layer and upholstery material are then subjected to compressive molding pressure to obtain a desired shape. The compressive molding pressure may further tune the sound attenuating properties of the fibrous layer by selectively changing the densities of portions of the fibrous layer.

Abstract: A multilayered, sound-insulating, mechanically strong sandwich element comprising two facing layers (1) substantially attached to a plastic foam core consisting of at least two layers (2) which are joined through contact points (also called bridges) (3) creating a gap or gaps (4) between the core layers (2), and in case of long spans and/or thin facing layers, travel stops inside the gap/gaps (4) to keep the core layers (2) at a certain distance from each other, wherein the core layer material is a semi-rigid, cellular material containing more tan 50 percent open cells, and has a tensile strength of more than 50 kPa, and has a compressive strength from 5 to 200 kPa, at 10 percent deformation. The distance between the contact points or bridges (3) is at least 350 mm. The new sandwich element can be used as a sound-insulating door, a partition element or a construction unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration dampening laminate that is lightweight and has superior sound insulation and vibration dampening properties. The vibration dampening laminate comprises a constraining layer, a viscoelastic adhesive layer, a foam spacing layer and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer including a release layer. The pressure sensitive adhesive layer and release layer are contoured to fit a profile of the article being soundproofed and vibration dampened.

Abstract: An acoustic tile for damping vibration in a vehicle body panel, comprises a base layer (11) comprising a closed cell synthetic elastomeric foam bonded on one surface to a dense, stiff, non-cellular constraining layer (12). The base layer (11) preferably comprises nitryl rubber foam and the constraining layer preferable comprises an elastomeric/plastomeric polymer-bitumen blend.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for constructing an acoustic absorbing structure, such as a wall or enclosure, with removable and serviceable acoustic absorbing panels.

Abstract: An acoustic blanket system for use in attenuating acoustic energy. The acoustic blanket system including an acoustic blanket and apparatus for mounting the acoustic blanket to a structure. The acoustic blanket includes first and second cover materials heat-sealed around at least a portion of their perimeter. At least one acoustic attenuating panel is disposed within the heat-sealed cover materials to form a fully encapsulated acoustic blanket. The system for mounting the blanket includes a plurality of fastener assemblies that connect the blanket to a structure to define a tunable air gap of pre-determined dimension between the blanket and the structure. The mounting system also provides dimensional control of the blanket relative to the structure to control the air gap and prevent slumping and/or deformation during maximum loading environments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soundproofing panel comprising an “exciter” wall for putting into contact with a fluid in which there is a source of noise, and a “receiver” wall for putting into contact with a fluid in which it is desired to attenuate noise, the panel including between said two walls an intermediate element. In the panel, the intermediate element is held on at least a portion of its outline by means of at least one flexible element disposed between the intermediate wall and the receiver wall.

Abstract: An acoustical insulation laminate having a porous polyolefin layer and a process for making the laminate. The laminate preferably includes a porous multiple density polyolefin film, a sound absorbing material and may include a face cloth on one or both sides of the laminate. The porous polyolefin film is preferably disposed between a sound source and the sound absorbing material improving the total noise reduction coefficient of the sound absorbing material alone while reducing the weight of laminates having similar noise reduction capabilities.

Abstract: A method of forming wood flooring. The flooring has foam applied to one side by adhesive. The adhesive is cured and a chemical bond forms between the wood and foam to provide a consolidated unit. This facilitates easier cutting of the consolidated product without dissociation of the foam from the wood. The result is an improved flooring product having sound suppression qualities.

Abstract: Tubular acoustic attenuation piece for an aircraft jet engine air intake. According to the invention, said tubular piece (1) is made up of shells (2) with a cellular core (5) assembled only by external fish plate strips (8), the facing edges (6) simply being edge faces of said shells (2) forming slots (9) between them.

Abstract: A sound-deadening laminate, comprising a structural skin having a first face; and a layer of sound-deadening material, wherein the material has an equivalent Young's Modulus between 50 and 600 psi and is attached to the first face of the structural skin to form a laminate structure. The sound deadening laminate may be attached to framing members of a building.

Abstract: An improved acoustical system for inhibiting noise in a motor vehicle. The system comprises an impermeable layer and an underlayment adjacent to the impermeable layer. The underlayment includes a first fibrous layer and a second fibrous layer. The underlayment has an airflow resistance between about 2000 and about 5000 mks Rayls.

Abstract: A flexible, adhesively attachable, self-sealing, thermal and acoustical insulating shield has a needled, flexible, fibrous batt having an insulating layer of insulating fibers disposed between opposite binding layers of binding fibers. Binding fibers of each binding layer are needledly disposed through the insulating layer and an opposite binding layer to provide tufts of binding fibers protruding from the opposite binding layer so a to form a tufted upper surface and a tufted lower surface of the batt. A flexible adhesive is disposed and adhered substantially over the upper surface and, preferably, over lower surface of the batt such that the tufts on the upper and lower surfaces are secured to the surfaces by the adhesive. A flexible, protective foil is adjacent to, and preferably permanently adhered by the adhesive to, the lower surface of the batt.