Abstract: The present invention provides a sound barrier 1 including a plurality of elongate panels 2 having first and second ends 3 and 4, each panel 2 being formed from a shell 5 defining an inner chamber 6 adapted to contain sound attenuating liquid, said plurality of panels 2 being supportable in a planar configuration by a first support means 7 adapted to engage said first and second ends 3 and 4 respectively. Preferably the shell 5 is constructed from plastic and/or fiberglass and the sound attenuating liquid is water which may optionally include other materials such as sand, slurry, concrete rubble, mud, etc. Some embodiments include second support means 9 which are attachable to the post 7 so as to engage the panels 2 and thereby transfer a, substantial portion, or all of, the weight of each panel 2 to the post 7.

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 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: The invention concerns a sound-proofing panel, in particular a rotorcraft structural or lining panel: the sound-proofing panel (1) comprises at least two opposite plates (2, 3, 5, 6) forming between them a closed internal space (4), and an aggregate (7) including at least solid elements (8) in contact and which fills entirely said internal space (4).

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: An acoustic board with an improved composite structure (1), suitable for reducing the sound of aircraft engines, wherein an upper layer consists of a fabric (7) having a high sensitivity to sound velocity and a supporting sheet (4) having a certain porosity; the upper layer is combined, in turn, with an intermediate honeycomb layer (2) and with a lower layer (5) of the conventional type.

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: An acoustical panel comprising a continuous phase of an interlocking set gypsum matrix and a method of preparing an acoustical panel are disclosed.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle sound absorption system. An expandable material, such as an polymer-based foam, is disposed on a surface of a wall. Upon activation, the foam transforms, preferably during an automobile assembly operation, and remains bonded to surface for sound absorption.

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 shape memory foam member is disclosed. A coefficient of water absorption of the shape memory foam member is in the range between 0.01 g/cm3 and 0.2 g/cm3 in a non-compressed state. The shape memory foam member is compressed with heating; cooled with keeping the shape memory foam member in the compressed state; and released from the compressive pressure on the shape memory foam member after cooling. The original shape of the shape memory foam member is substantially recovered by heating.

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: Acoustical attenuating devices (52) and method of forming them. The attenuating devices (52) include an exterior layer (64), a sound absorption layer (66), and multiple perforated layers (68) coupled to the sound absorption layer (66). The perforated layers (68) include a perforated structural layer (70) and a perforated substrate layer (72). The perforated structural layer (70) and the perforated substrate layer (72) provide structural stiffness and define multiple resonating tubes (88) that attenuate sound.

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: 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: 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: 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: A process for the production of a panel (9) with a fitted acoustically resistive layer, including at least one central core with porous structure bounded on one side by a structural layer covered with a porous acoustically resistive layer and, on the other side, by a total acoustical reflector, in which, successively, acoustically resistive strips are laid down to form the layer on a mold (M) shaped like the panel to be obtained, the structural layer is emplaced, the core of porous structure is emplaced, the total reflector is emplaced, then the mold (M) is withdrawn from the panel. When laying down on the mold (M) the acoustically resistive layer, the porosity of this latter is locally adapted to correspond with the characteristics of the sonic wave at the point of impact, the correlation between characteristics and impact region being previously determined by conventional acoustical techniques applied to a test panel identical to that to be produced.

Abstract: Using a combination of relatively coarse filler and latex binder, a high solids coating which has a minimum solids content of about 60% by volume, can be produced with a relatively low working viscosity. These very high solids coatings can be applied in thick single layers and oven cured without cracking. They maintain more than 80% of their original wet thickness. The resulting coating provides an extremely hard and durable surface, even on relatively soft mineral fiber board ceiling tiles or wall panels.

Abstract: A heat-insulating an soundproofing lining for an engine compartment is disclosed, and a method of manufacturing the same, are disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lining includes a first covering layer facing the engine. A duroplastic foam layer contacts the covering layer. A soundproofing layer contacts the duroplastic foam layer. A second covering layer contacts the soundproofing layer. According to another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a heat-insulating and soundproofing lining for an engine compartment is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (1) providing a first covering layer; (2) providing a duroplastic foam layer on the first covering layer; (3) providing a soundproofing layer on the first covering layer; (4) providing a second covering layer; and (5) pressing the layers together at an increased temperature and an increased pressure.

Abstract: Sound absorbing board (10) is made from recycled high density foam granulate (12) that has been mixed with a binder (14) and consolidated under pressure. Pores (16) are present in spaces between the granules. Each granule includes small pores (18). Sound is absorbed by thermal diffusion and viscous friction.

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: 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: A sound absorbing material having a homogenous mixture of an organic man-made fiber, an inorganic man-made fiber, a co-binder, and a cellulose material wherein the organic man-made fiber is polyester, the inorganic man-made fiber is fiberglass, and the co-binder is a thermo-setting resin. The cellulose material may include Kaolin clay and/or boric acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface material comprising a fibrous structure having a weight average single fiber thickness of from 0.0001 to 1 dtex, a thickness of from 0.10 to 5 mm and a unit weight of from 50 to 500 g/m2, and disposed on a surface of a body in order to convert at least a part of a surface wave, generated on the surface of the body by vibration of the body, into a vibration of the fibrous structure, and a method for suppressing the influence due to the surface wave. In the present invention, by disposing the surface material on surfaces of various members receiving vibration, a modulation of the vibration originating from the surface wave which greatly influences a human acoustic sense can be efficiently suppressed, and a sound quality and an image quality can be prevented from being deteriorated.

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: In a sound-deadened wall comprising wooden studs, each of which has a front edge and a back edge, a front wall panel is fastened to the front edges of the studs and a back wall panel is fastened to the back edges of the studs. Further, front spacers are positioned along the front edge of each stud, between the front edge of said stud and the front wall panel, so as to define air gaps between the front edge of said stud and the front wall panel, and back spacers are positioned along the back edge of each stud, between the back edge of said stud and the back wall panel, so as to define air gaps between the back edge of said stud and the back wall panel. Each wall panel has two expansive surfaces and the associated spacers are defined by elastomeric strips adhering to such wall panel, on the expansive face to face the associated edges of the studs, before such wall panel is fastened to the associated edges of the studs.

Abstract: In a sound-deadened wall comprising wooden studs, each of which has a front edge and a back edge, a front wall panel is fastened to the front edges of the studs and a back wall panel is fastened to the back edges of the studs. Further, front spacers are positioned along the front edge of each stud, between the front edge of said stud and the front wall panel, so as to define air gaps between the front edge of said stud and the front wall panel, and back spacers are positioned along the back edge of each stud, between the back edge of said stud and the back wall panel, so as to define air gaps between the back edge of said stud and the back wall panel. Each wall panel has two expansive surfaces and the associated spacers are defined by elastomeric strips adhering to such wall panel, on the expansive face to face the associated edges of the studs, before such wall panel is fastened to the associated edges of the studs.

Abstract: Sound attenuating composite articles for use within vehicles as floor coverings and other interior trim components are provided. A sound attenuating composite article includes a damping layer, decoupler layer, scrim/web layer, and a porous upholstery material sandwiched together. The damping layer has a thickness of less than about 5 mm and is configured to be attached to a surface of a panel of a vehicle (e.g., a sheet metal or polymeric component of a vehicle, such as a floor panel, door panel, etc.) in face-to-face contacting relationship therewith. The decoupler layer has a thickness of less than about 70 mm and is attached to a surface of the damping layer in face-to-face contacting relationship. The scrim/web layer has a thickness of less than or equal to about two millimeters (2 mm). The porous upholstery material (e.g., carpeting) is attached to a surface of the scrim/web layer of material in face-to-face contacting relationship therewith.

Abstract: An acoustical panel has a fiberboard which includes a fibrous filler and a base binder, and a nodulated overlay disposed on the fiberboard, wherein the overlay includes nodulated wool and an overlay binder and has a substantially smooth surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fibrous filler is mineral wool and the base binder is granular starch. In an another embodiment of the present invention, the nodulated wool is nodulated mineral wool and the overlay binder is cooked pearl cornstarch. A method of making the durable acoustical panel in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. Initially, an aqueous slurry comprising a fibrous filler, a base binder, and water is formed. The aqueous slurry is deposited onto a moving foraminous support wire to form an aqueous felt, thereby creating a continuous process. Thereafter, the aqueous felt is de-watered to form a wet felt.

Abstract: Microperforated polymeric films and sound absorbers using such films are provided. The microperforated polymeric films may be relatively thin and flexible and may further include holes having a narrowest diameter less than the film thickness and a widest diameter greater than the narrowest diameter. The microperforated polymeric films of a sound absorber may also have relatively large free span portions, which, in certain embodiments, may vibrate in response to incident sound waves.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an acoustically absorbent porous panel that is both rigid and resistant to sagging caused by moisture. The acoustically absorbent porous panel is comprised of at least two layers. The first layer is a facing layer formed from a cured aqueous foamed cementitious material. The foamed cementitious material comprises on a wet basis about 53% to about 68% by weight cement, about 17% to about 48% by weight water, about 0.05% to about 5% by weight fiber, and about 0.01% to about 10% by weight surfactant. Additionally, pores distributed within the cured material comprising about 75% to about 95% by volume of the material. The second layer is a backing layer that is affixed to the facing layer.

Abstract: A process for producing an acoustically resistive layer, particularly for the nacelles of aircraft jet engines. The process includes producing a structural component by using thermoplastic resins, this component having a given quantity of open surface relative to the acoustic waves to be treated. The structural component is connected to an acoustic metallic fabric having a mesh adapted to the open surface quantity of the structural component. Then, the thermoplastic resin is heated under pressure at high temperature.

Abstract: A soundproofing system is used to insulate sound producing devices or parts of systems, especially vibrating conveyers. Such a system includes insulating elements that are provided with an inner face in the direction of the sound source and an outer face in the direction away from the sound source. A sound absorbing membrane which is made of a textile material and, more particularly, at least partially consists of glass fiber threads and/or woven wire, is arranged in the region of the inner face. The sound absorbing membrane is the inner skin of a covering. The covering includes an outer skin made of textile material. A soft insulating material comprising fiber mat material is arranged together with solid flat material in between the inner and outer skin of the covering. The insulating element offers optimal usage of all three elements, i.e., damping diaphragm, insulating material and at least one reflecting surface on the solid flat material.

Abstract: Aerogel particles, in particular in the form of composite materials, are used to deaden structure-borne and/or impact sounds.

Abstract: Shaped, microperforated sound absorbers and methods of making the same are herein provided. In one embodiment, the sound absorber is produced from a polymeric, typically plastic, film having a series of microperforations formed over all or a portion of the film surface. The film is then formed to produce the desired three-dimensional shape. The depth of the three-dimensional shape is controlled to provide the desired cavity depth which, in turn, influences the sound absorption spectrum. After forming, the three-dimensional shape is maintained without the need for additional supports or frames. Deformation of the microperforations due to the forming process does not substantially interfere with the sound absorption properties of the film. Further, film resonance over largely unsupported portions also has little effect on the sound absorption spectrum.

Abstract: An acoustical panel formed from a fibrous, open-celled material comprised of up to about 50% by weight fibers, between about 3% and about 10% by weight binder, between about 20% and about 75% by weight filler and about 0.01% to about 2.0% by weight surfactant. Additionally, voids are formed within the panel having an average distribution size diameter of about 50 &mgr;m to about 250 &mgr;m. The acoustic panel achieves very high sound absorption properties without the need for additional surface perforations, while maintaining a very high surface hardness.

Abstract: A multi-layer acoustically absorptive mat includes a base layer having a peripheral portion with a plurality of apertures formed in the peripheral portion in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship. A face layer disposed adjacent the base layer. An acoustic absorbing layer is interposed between the peripheral portion of the base layer and the face layer. The acoustic absorbing layer includes a respective exposed portion that extends across each of the apertures.

Abstract: A foam-type acoustic panel is designed to be mountable on a stand having a shaft. The acoustic panel includes a main body portion. The main body portion has a first end, a second end, a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and first and second interlocking members. The first and second interlocking members define a multi-segment cut that extends between the top and bottom surface. The multi-segment cut includes a first end disposed at one of the front and rear surfaces, and a second end disposed interiorly of the other of the front and rear surfaces. The second end of the multi-segment cut defines an elongated aperture extending between the top and bottom surface for receiving a shaft of a stand.

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: The invention relates to an ultralight, sound and shock absorbing component set comprising at least one base layer (2), an intermediate layer (3) and a covering layer (6). The intermediate layer (3) consists of a plurality of hollow bodies (4) arranged next to each other, whose walls are perforated and which thus form a complex labyrinth of hollow spaces. The covering layer (6) preferably has a microporous stiffening layer (8) which generates an airflow resistance of 900 Ns/m3<Rt<2000 Ns/m3. The dimensions of the walls of the hollow bodies (4) are such that they allow for compression of at least 50% at a maximum plateau tension of 0.5 Mpa<&sgr;<1.2 Mpa and inelastically and fully convert an impact energy of approximately 0.5 MJ/m3 into deformation work.

Abstract: Sound attenuating composite articles and methods of making same are provided. Sound attenuating composite article include first, second and/or third and/or fourth layers of material. The first layer of material may be either an acoustic fiber batting and/or an acoustic foam material and may be an elastic or inelastic material. The second layer of material is a thermoplastic material that is fused to a surface of the first layer of material. The third layer of material is a thermoplastic material that is fused to a surface of the second layer of material. The fourth layer of material is a woven or non-woven mixture of fibers, such as scrim material, that is attached to a surface of the third layer of material. Selected portions of the sound attenuating composite article are heated and then compressed (referred to as “tuned”) so as to have an acoustic impedance that is greater than an acoustic impedance of adjacent portions.

Abstract: Acoustic attenuation materials are described that comprise outer layers of a stiff material sandwiching a relatively soft elastic material therebetween, with means such as spheres, discs or wire mesh being provided within the elastic material for generating local mechanical resonances that function to absorb sound energy at tunable wavelengths.

Abstract: A sound absorbing-insulating structure for vehicles includes a sound absorbing layer which contains cellulose fibers containing cotton yarns, pulp fibers, etc. and synthetic resin as principle components. The sound absorbing-insulating structure for vehicles, in which a content rate of the synthetic resin is in the range of 0.01 to 80 wt %, and a surface density is in the range of 0.2 to 3 kg/m2, is provided. This sound absorbing-insulating structure has a good sound absorbing-characteristic and is light in weight and inexpensive in cost.

Abstract: An acoustical wall panel for use for reduction of sound and noise, including a panel-like structure, formed of a base, generally fabricated of fiberglass, polystyrene, etc., having a covering sheet applied thereon, containing a large number of perforations, to allow noise to pass therethrough, to the sound of absorbing base, the covering sheet being folded over the corners and adhered to itself to provide complete coverage for the side and end edges of the formed panel. A back covering is provided of a foil, polyethylene, or other material, to function as a moisture barrier and protectant for the back of the panel.

Abstract: A polymer foam moulded part is described with an improved sound absorption capacity in the frequency range above 1,500 Hz, in which the improved sound absorption capacity is produced by perforating the surface compacted layer of the moulded part.

Abstract: A sealing and acoustic insulation panel, in particular for automobile vehicle doors, includes a sealing sheet and a layer of acoustic insulation, with a bead of adhesive material on the sealing sheet for fixing the panel to a support plate. A frame for applying pressure to the bead of adhesive material is placed between the sealing and acoustic insulation panel and a trim panel clipped to the support plate.

Abstract: Thermoplastic foams with an average cell size of greater than one and one-half millimeters and an average noise reduction coefficient in excess of 0.3 have improved sound attenuating properties when they include a Helmholtz resonator, a quarter-wave attenuator or both.