Abstract: A firestop coupling assembly (10, 210 or 310) for allowing the passage of utility members (50 or 52) through a hole in a partition (54 or 56) while preventing the transmission of fire and smoke through the hole. The coupling assembly including a coupling (12, 212 or 312) and a firestop extension (16, 216 or 316). The firestop extension has a housing (18, 218 or 318) with an inner passageway (22, 222 or 322). Intumescent material (28, 228 or 328) is mounted in the inner passageway of the housing. The firestop extension is mounted on the coupling such that the intumescent material extends downward beyond a second end (12B, 212B or 312B) of the coupling. When the coupling assembly is exposed to heat, the intumescent material expands into the inner passageway of the housing of the firestop extension and blocks the second end of the coupling which prevents the transmission of smoke and fire through the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A grooved construction lumber element for use in constructing lumber structures such as wall framing, roof trusses, load bearing beams, deck and stair railings, and the like, is described. The construction lumber element is comprised of a straight lumber piece having a plurality of spacing grooves disposed in at least one surface of the lumber piece. The spacing grooves have a predetermined depth and are configured to receive therein an associated further lumber element to construct a specific building structure. At least some of the spacing grooves are disposed at common spaced intervals. The lumber element is preferably an elongated straight wood lumber piece of rectangular cross-section and defines opposed flat parallel surfaces and opposed flat parallel side edge surfaces. The spacing grooves are formed in one of the flat surfaces.

Abstract: A firestop coupling assembly for allowing the passage of utility members through a hole in a partition while preventing the transmission of fire and smoke through the hole. The coupling assembly includes a coupling and a firestop extension. The firestop extension has a housing with an inner passageway. Intumescent material is mounted in the inner passageway of the housing. The firestop extension is mounted on the coupling such that the intumescent material extends downward beyond a second end of the coupling. When the coupling assembly is exposed to heat, the intumescent material expands into the inner passageway of the housing of the firestop extension and blocks the second end of the housing of the coupling which prevents the transmission of smoke and fire through the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A portable fire curtain system to provide a cloak to cover a vented opening. When deployed it will alleviate the incoming wind, which is fueling the fire. The fire curtain is made of one sheet of a fire resistant or fire proof material that is folded and sewn together. Encapsulated within the fire curtain are 6 bars of high-tempered aluminum bars running laterally. Each corner of the fire curtain has holes that are drilled through the top and bottom bars. Four 5 foot cable leaders with loops, (one to each corner) will be secured to these holes. Two 40 foot ropes with snaps on all ends will be connected to these cable leaders to be used in the deployment. The ropes are packed in two rope deployment bags in order to prevent the ropes from tangling.

Abstract: A firestop coupling assembly (10, 210 or 310) for allowing the passage of utility members (50 or 52) through a penetration in a partition (54 or 56) while preventing the transmission of fire and smoke through the penetration. The coupling assembly including a coupling (12, 212 or 312) and a firestop extension (16, 216 or 316). The firestop extension has a housing (18, 218 or 318) with an inner passageway (22, 222 or 322). Intumescent material (28, 228 or 328) is mounted in the inner passageway of the housing. The firestop extension is mounted on the coupling such that the intumescent material extends downward beyond a second end (12B, 212B or 312B) of the coupling. When the coupling assembly is exposed to heat, the intumescent material expands into the inner passageway of the housing of the firestop extension and blocks the second end of the coupling which prevents the transmission of smoke and fire through the coupling assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wall construction, and more particularly to a new and improved means for bracing parallel studs, draft dampening between parallel studs within interior wall structures, and anchoring hand rails and grab bars to walls using a single unitary device. A one piece elongated metal plate is inserted transversely between parallel metal studs to provide the largest percentage of closure between metal studs thereby forming a fire stop (also known as a draft dampener) within the completed wall assembly and simultaneously providing a metal backing for the installation of handrails and grab bars in conformity with requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniform Building Code requirements. The insertion of this one piece elongated plate further serves to reinforce the strength of metal studs permitting the use of lighter gauge metal studs resulting in construction cost savings.

Abstract: A frame wall (20) incorporating occlusion brackets (26) is provided. The frame wall (20) incorporates a pair of adjacent and substantially parallel framing members (22). Each framing member (22) has a substantially U-shaped cross section and encompasses an interior space (34). A firestop (44) is positioned between the adjacent framing members (22). A first occlusion bracket (26) is used to affixed the firestop (44) to a first one of the framing members (22) and is configured to substantially occlude the interior space (34) of that framing member (22). A second occlusion bracket (26) is used to affix the firestop (44) to a second one of the framing members (22).

Abstract: The installation of a fire retarding division-penetrating member is enhanced and the member fits the outer circumference of inconstant penetrating material to prevent the filler from dropping. The heat expansion fire resistant material may be securely provided. A tongue piece (17) of fire resistant material (16) may fit to the surface and valley of pipe (25) and cable (26) only by fitting the saw teeth state heat expansion fire resistant material (16) with its upper face being covered with the sheet (19) inside the holding frame (11) of sleeve main bodies (10) and (10a) that are split into two pieces and by dropping these sleeve main bodies (10) and (10a) into the floor through-hole (24) from above. In this way, the filler like mortar (28) and so forth can be immediately filled from the upper floor with no need for repairing the heat expansion fire resistant material (16).

Abstract: A horizontal bridging member is mounted between a pair of metallic studs to prevent relative motion between the two studs.

Abstract: A fire resistant gasket for architectural joints comprises an intumescent material mat having a first major surface and a second major surface, wherein at least one of said first and second major surfaces has coated thereon an adhesive. A fire barrier is provided comprising: at least one fire resistant intumescent gasket material having a first major surface and a second major surface, wherein at least one of said first and second major surfaces has coated thereon an adhesive, and at least one fire resistant material barrier layer bonded to a portion of one of said first and second major surface, preferably adhered to a portion of said adhesive coated gasket surface.

Abstract: An insulation confining shield and application method, the shield mountable between elongated structural framing members in an unfinished wall or ceiling for insulation dispensed as curable liquid having a blowing agent or an insulation material with a curable adhesive, comprising: a sheet of elongated semi-rigid or rigid material having a center web section and a pair of opposed flanges extending substantially perpendicular from the center web section defining an insulation confining volume, the web section and the flanges being constructed and arranged to fit between the structural framing members in the wall or ceiling to retain the insulation when cured after being applied against the web section and the flanges, in one embodiment, the flanges having a plurality of vent apertures defined therethrough to enable a quantity of the insulation, when applied, to migrate from the insulation confining volume to an area outside of the confining volume and adhere to a portion of the structural framing members to mi

Abstract: A reinforced handrail provides two to four brackets attached to wallboard in a linear manner. Two brackets are end brackets, and there may be one or more center brackets. The wallboard is supported by vertically oriented 2.times.4 studs at spaced intervals, and is typically covered by tile, fiberglass or other protective surface. The wallboard and 2.times.4 studs may be strengthened by 2.times.6 reinforcements which are carried between adjacent 2.times.4 studs. Each bracket carries a short stand-off which is oriented perpendicularly to the wallboard. The stand-offs carried by end brackets in turn carry elbows. The stand-offs carried by center brackets carry rail supports. A handrail is carried by the elbows and rail supports. Where the handrail is formed from first and second segments, a stiffener insert may be used to increase the rigidity between the segments.

Abstract: A fire collar (10) is supported around a plastic material pipe (30) extending through a bore (32) in a wall (44). The fire collar (10) comprises a cylindrical metal collar (12) carrying a layer of intumescent material (36) on its inner circumferential surface. A sleeve (22) of fire resistant material is attached to the metal collar (10) and extends within the collar and around the pipe (30). In the event of a fire the pipe (30) melts. The intumescent material (36) is constrained to expand radially inwardly and as it does so it pushes the fabric sleeve (22) radially inwardly.

Abstract: A frame material for a wall of a building, including a metal beam, and a tubular rectangular metal stud having opposite sides each provided with a window through which the beam is capable of being inserted and in which the beam is received such that the lateral movement is prevented. One of the windows has a stopper member which is displaceable between close and open positions and which extends from one side to the other side of the window. The stopper member in the closed state prevents the beam received in the windows to move vertically.

Abstract: A barrier assembly for blocking the spread of fire and smoke includes a building partition having a partition outer face and having a substantially circular partition opening, the partition opening having a certain opening inner diameter, a plastic pipe having a pipe outer diameter and passing through the partition opening, a tube having a tube outer diameter sized to fit snugly through the partition opening and having a tube inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the pipe so that there is a substantially annular space between the pipe and the tube, flange means extending from a first end of the tube to abut the partition outer face around the opening, a substantially annular gasket fit into the tube for receiving the pipe acting as a smoke barrier around the pipe, the annular gasket having a gasket inner diameter substantially larger than the pipe outer diameter to permit non-concentric positioning of the pipe within the annular gasket during barrier installation and during pipe adjustment and repl

Abstract: A fire barrier protected dynamic joint in a structure, and a method for installing the same. The fire barrier protected dynamic joint includes a flexible sheet of a fire barrier material and a adhesive material for bonding the sheet to an attachment area of the joint.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive, but highly effective, single-walled fire-rated enclosure for a fire extinguisher cabinet which maintains the integrity of 1- and 2-hour fire-rated walls. The enclosure requires only five panels of fire-rated material which are firmly secured in place around the cabinet by a single pair of identically constructed metal mounting brackets which are oppositely secured to opposed walls of the fire extinguisher cabinet. Each bracket is generally planar, but has peripheral portions formed into a pair of oppositely facing channels offset from its outwardly facing surface, a flange extending from the bottom of each channel and away from the inwardly facing surface of the bracket, and a retaining element at one of its sides which also extends away from said inwardly facing surface. Each of the above elements is integrally formed with the more central portions of the bracket.

Abstract: A firestop conduit element is formed of an inner conduit of fusible material surrounded by intumescent material which is contained within an exterior moisture impenetrable barrier. A preferred barrier is an external sleeve, bonded at its ends to the conduit. The ends of the conduit element are coupleable to exterior conduit systems.

Abstract: A firestop apparatus that allows substantial longitudinal and radial movement of a pipe that extends through an opening in a partition. The firestop includes a thermal insulator assembly that surround the pipe, is positioned to slidably engage with a surface of the partition, and is sized to substantially cover the opening even when the pipe is moved to the edge of the opening. A first seal is interposed between the insulator and the pipe to permit longitudinal movement of the pipe through the insulator. A second seal is interposed between the insulator and the partition to permit radial movement of the pipe and insulator relative to the opening. A securing structure allows radial movement of the insulator relative to the opening while maintaining engagement of the insulator against the side of the partition.

Abstract: A fire barrier for use in dynamic voids to seal against the spread of fire. Flexible barrier material is suspended below a lazy tong arrangement spanning the void while the edges of the barrier material are biased against the walls of the joint to provide the necessary seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sleeve configured to be assembled through a wall-breaching hole so as to prevent the passage of flame and smoke therethrough. The sleeve has a barrel with a fixedly secured flange on one end thereof. An intumescent sheet material is adhered to the inner and the outer surface of the barrel. After passing the barrel through the hole in the wall, a second flange is mounted on the second end of the barrel. Each flange is fastened to a respective side of the wall through a series of holes in the flanges. Each flange has a series of circumferential tabs adapted to being bent inwardly and has a ring of intumescent putty within the tabs and a second ring of intumescent putty on its wall-facing surface. When the sleeve is installed and secured to the wall, a utility-carrying conduit is passed through the barrel and the tabs are bent inward to support and closely surround the conduit.

Abstract: A closure for preventing transmission of fire and smoke through a wall or floor containing a plastic pipe when the pipe is destroyed by fire, which comprises a flexible fire retardant sleeve encircling the pipe adapted to automatically collapse about the plastic pipe as it is destroyed by fire and thus close off any opening to the next level or adjacent area.

Abstract: The novel composition of the present invention comprises a paper-like sheet material or a non-woven mat which contains water-insoluble gypsum anhydrite microfibers and a cellulosic binder, such as cellulose fibers, optionally with glass fibers, which has surprising fire-retardant properties. Typical paper processing methods or wet process mat techniques are utilized in preparing this material. The flexible gypsum microfiber sheet or mat of this invention may be used as microfiber insulation, particularly in a fire retardant barrier.

Abstract: A fire barrier aeration device intended to ensure free exchange of air between two spaces separated by a wall which is equipped therewith and to break the passage of gas through the wall, when fire breaks out in one of the spaces, comprises at least one body (10) made of a refractory material intended to be disposed in an orifice of the wall. The body is passed through by an aeration passage (17) at the end of which, emerging on a face of the body which is turned in the direction from where the fire may come, there is disposed an element (21) made of an intumescent material which in the absence of fire leaves a portion of the cross section of the aeration passage (17) free and which is at least partially surrounded by a flexible material (22) for guiding and confining the inflation of the intumescent material (21) in the aeration passage (17) in order to make the material completely block the passage in the case of fire.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing an opening, or the like, in a fire partition through which an existing combustible conduit extends includes a first enclosure capable of being fastened to the fire partition on one side of the conduit opening and having a first recess therein. A second non-combustible enclosure capable of being fastened to the fire partition on a side of the conduit opening opposite the first enclosure, has a second recess therein and is hingedly connected to the first non-combustible enclosure. The first and second enclosures lie in a common plane and are operable, through the use of the hinged connection, to be spread apart for installation over the existing combustible conduit and can be closed together such that a recess-formed opening is defined about the conduit by the first and second recesses.

Abstract: A fire stop device adapted to close an opening in a wall or floor having a plastic pipe extending through the opening when the pipe is destroyed by fire which comprises a base plate surrounding the opening having a collar projecting at right angles and attached to the base plate and adapted to surround the plastic pipe and means for automatically closing the collar opening when the plastic pipe is destroyed by fire.

Abstract: A stud spacer and mounting system is provided which consists of a plurality of studs, an elongated track member is positioned upon a flat horizontal surface, whereby the track member will substitute for a bottom sole plate. A structure is on the track member, for positioning and retaining the studs vertically in stationary spaced apart locations therealong, so that sheet rock boards can be secured flush to the studs when a wall is being constructed.

Abstract: A joist support beam is comprised of an elongated substantially flat horizontal flange with a plurality of spaced upstanding brackets or web segments secured to the flange. Joist gripping elements are secured to the upper ends of the brackets and are comprised of hollow sleeves having threaded bolts therein which protrude in opposite directions therefrom. Plates are secured to the outer ends of the bolts for tight engagement with transverse joists extending across the plate in-between the upstanding brackets. A method of providing more headroom under joists using the aforementioned beam structure comprises positioning the beam structure so that the joists extend transversely across through the spaces between the upstanding web segments or brackets, extending the bolts from the sleeves for tight engagement with the joist extending across the beam. Alternatively, apertures are cut in the joists with a rigid member or sleeve placed within the aperture for the joist gripping means to tightly bear against.

Abstract: A versatile cross connecting device is provided to allow, alternatively, either bridging or backing between adjacent metal studs. Such metal studs are "U-shaped" members with a broad base and narrower sides of uniform height. The studs are arranged in vertical alignment with their flat sides defining the planes of wall surfaces on opposite sides of the studs. The cross connecting device is formed with a channel having a base and sides that extend outwardly from the base. The channel is of a width equal to the width of the studs. The length of the channel is equal to the distance between a base of one of the studs and the closest extremities of the sides of an adjacent stud. The cross connecting device is provided with a transverse end plate located at one end of the channel and extending perpendicular to the alignment of the channel and also a tongue at the opposite end of the channel.

Abstract: An improved fire barrier system is disclosed for interposition within an expansion joint between adjacent wall or floor members. In the disclosed embodiment, the invention is characterized in that the fire barrier system is symmetrical in both pairs of opposing quadrants defined by a first axis parallel to and midway between said mutually facing walls and transverse to said direction of elongation and a second axis transverse to said first axis and to said direction of elongation. This symmetry affords equal resistance to fire from either side of the barrier, eliminates the possibility of the joint being installed backwards, and permits the barrier system to be fire-rated for resistance to fire from either side of the barrier on the basis of a single test.

Abstract: A fire safety device for closing through-holes in floors and walls and for thus stopping the potential spread of fire and smoke in case of the occurrence of a fire, includes a section of conduit, a cup-shaped retainer spaced from the outside surface of the conduit section so as to define an annular space therebetween, the annular space containing a suitable and pre-measured quantity of intumescent material, and a floating floor below the intumescent material which, in the event of fire, will move inwardly to occupy the interior space previously occupied by the conduit section.

Abstract: Glass mat-faced gypsum boards having a set core containing gypsum dihydrate and at least a minimum amount of chopped fibers, as well as other optional fire-resistant additives, are provided. The resulting boards obtain superior fire resistance properties over conventional paper-faced boards of like thickness which include a similar amount of chopped glass fibers.

Abstract: A fire safety device for closing through-holes in floors and walls and for thus stopping the potential spread of fire and smoke in case of the occurrence of a fire, includes a section of pipe having a weakened wall, a cup-shaped retainer spaced from the outside surface of the pipe section so as to define an annular space therebetween, the annular space in turn being provided with a suitable and pre-measured quantity of intumescent material. The device is pre-fabricated and thus avoids the problems inherent in attempting to manually provide the intumescent material in a collar during construction.

Abstract: A method of constructing a fire-stop collar assembly involves the steps of choosing a dummy pipe (14) at a factory which is an approximate size and shape of a pipe at an installment site on which a fire-stop collar assembly (10,54) produced by this method is to be mounted and, at the factory, wrapping an intumescent collar (34,82) into an approximate ring about an outer surface of the dummy pipe. Also, at the factor, a metallic band (32) is wrapped about the intumescent collar while the collar is wrapped about the dummy pipe and the end portions (36,38) are held together by a fastening device (40,56) while the collar is wrapped about the dummy pipe. Still at the factory, the dummy pipe is removed from the intumescent collar and the metallic band by longitudinal movement along the dummy pipe, thereby leaving rings of intumescent collar and the metallic band held together as an integral fire-stop collar assembly.

Abstract: A fire protection collar for one or more conduits penetrating through openings in fireproof partitions such as walls or ceilings. The fire protection collar includes at least two stable, smoke tight, fireproof coverings of a thermally insulating material sealing the space between the outer surfaces of the partition and the exterior surface of the conduit. A filling of either a plurality of sheets or particles of expanded material, with a thermal conductivity of the same order of magnitude as concrete, essentially fills up the space between the coverings, the conduit and the partition. When the fire protection collar is used for heatproof conduits, the filling is in contact with the exterior surface of the conduit. However, when the fire protection collar is used for conduits which are not heatproof, i.e.

Abstract: A baffle for use in an attic defined by a vertical exterior wall having a top wall plate, parallel ceiling joists supported by the top wall plate, and spaced apart, inclined rafters securely connected to the top wall plate and the ceiling joists is disclosed. The rafters typically have a roof deck fastened to their top surface. The baffle is installable between adjacent roof rafters to substantially block the flow of ventilating air through an opening located between the top surface of the wall plate and the underside of the roof deck. Once installed, the baffle of the present invention restricts flow of ventilating air between an exterior soffit and insulating material installed between the ceiling joists in the attic cavity.

Abstract: A fire strip for a suspended grid ceiling has an inner spring steel web having a slightly arcuate cross section, and an outer web of soft steel wrapped around the inner web. A finished strip is formed by bending the strip normal to the strip body at both ends. When the ends are bent, a spring-like, yieldable, upwardly curved arch is formed which fits snugly against a panel when in place in a ceiling.

Abstract: A fire/smoke protection structure for cable channel portion in a floor or wall includes thermal expansion composite molded members each molded into a desired shape and filled in a gap defined between a cable or the like and the channel portion. Each thermal expansion composite molded member is either a member obtained by coating a non-refractory material on the outer surface of a core consisting of a fire retardant resin foaming body compressed to 90% or less of a normal volume, or a member obtained by coating a thermally foaming fire retardant composition on the outer surface of a core consisting of a refractory material and molded into a desired shape. The fire/smoke protection structure can be easily constructed, maintained and reconstructed at a construction site and can be completely and reliably achieved.

Abstract: A fire stopping apparatus includes a metal casing having two side walls with co-extensive openings and an annular outer wall extending between the side walls outwardly from the openings, forming an inwardly open, annular channel. The casing has mounts for connecting the apparatus to a building structure. There is an intumescent material within the channel. A resilient gasket extends from the casing and has an annular inner wall extending inwardly beyond the intumescent material.

Abstract: A fire strip for use in a suspended metallic grid ceiling structure. The strip extends between grid members in the ceiling. During a fire, the strip helps keep the grid intact, and keeps the ceiling tile in place, whereby the ceiling continues to act as a fire barrier.

Abstract: A facade is heat-insulated by a number of synthetic resin foam panels extending in at least two horizontal facade regions one above the other, and being internally ventilated by ducts extending preferably at an angle of about 45.degree. with a horizontal plane and intersecting each other. Between the two facade regions there extends horizontally a flame barrier having the configuration of a beam and containing barrier ducts each of which connects a ventilating duct in the lower facade region with another ventilating duct in the upper facade region. A groove or channel extending longitudinally in the beam can intersect the barrier ducts and have an open end which is preferably directed downwardly so that a fire in the lower facade region will cause a uniform heating of the groove and adjacent barrier ducts. Blocking agents, e.g.

Abstract: A chimney by-pass is disclosed for use with a main chimney. In case of a chimney fire, a movable damper closes off the main chimney, substantially reducing the severity of the chimney fire. The movable damper also opens an auxiliary chimney, allowing smoke to exit, uninterrupted through the auxiliary chimney, and may include a fan to assist the exit of smoke into the atmosphere. The movable damper may be actuated manually or automatically in case of a chimney fire.

Abstract: A wall construction comprising a plurality of interconnected rectangular metal frame assemblies, each frame assembly including metal studs of channel section secured together to form the rectangular frame. A rectangular panel of G.R.C. or the like is secured to the outer face of the frame, and a thermal insulation layer is provided on the outer face of said panel. The wall construction further comprises an inner wall lining of plasterboard or the like on the inner face of the frame assemblies and an external skin at the outer face of the thermal insulation layers of the frame assemblies. The invention further resides in a frame assembly for use in such a wall construction.

Abstract: An open wall storage assembly for use with unfinished walls including a large area panel having vertical U-shaped channels for receiving the wall supports therein so that the assembly extends into the wall region. Transverse shelving is provided for affixation at desired locations to provide both structural support and serve as fire breaks within the wall region.

Abstract: A metallic frame fire-stop is set forth formed of planar-like reinforced rib construction including necked-down terminal end portions with integral interlock elements for twist-fit locking engagement with typical metallic studding, as commonly utilized in commercial construction. The width of the fire-stop members are dimensioned to equal those of metallic studding with the neck-down terminal end portions dimensioned to nest within the metallic studding's vertical legs. The so formed fire-stop accordingly require no accessory fastening elements for securement to the aforenoted studding.

Abstract: A fire barrier partition having a body with a cavity for receiving and containing molten insulation is disclosed for use in building constructions. The partition is supported between building members in positively wedged engagement. The partition may support a cover which restricts the flow of oxygen into the cavity while allowing molten insulation to flow freely into the partition cavity.

Abstract: A ceiling or wall for a partition structure that contains framing members has the usual sheets of wallboard applied side-by-side to the framing members so that seams exist between the edges of adjacent sheets. Improved fire resistance is derived from runners which extend between the framing members directly behind the seams so as to serve as fire stops and as additional support for the wallboard sheets. Each runner is at its ends attached to the framing members between which it extends and further consists of several components which slip relative to each other, so that the length of the runner remains constant even though its components experience thermal expansion. This prevents the runners from bowing and pushing the wallboard sheets away from the framing members in the event of a fire. The runners further receive and anchor edge fasteners.

Abstract: A seal for an opening to receive a pipe. The seal has tubular body members, one receivable within the other. The tubular body members form a container for an insulating material. There are end caps for each body member and each end cap has spaced inner and outer end walls and a central opening. A sealing ring is slidably fitted between the end walls of each end cap. The sealing ring is a close fit on the exterior of the pipe. The end caps are able to locate on the tubular body member.

Abstract: A blocking system or backing system for stud buildings provides expandable and retractable backing spans for placement and fitting between the studs. Each backing span is composed of multiple elements including a first backing element having a stud face for abutting against the web or wider dimension of a stud, and a second backing element for bearing against the first backing element. The first and second backing elements are formed with complementary bearing surfaces and are movable relative to each other with a component of motion in the lateral direction. The relative motion permits expansion and retraction of the backing span for spanning variable spacing between the studs. In the preferred example the backing span further includes a third backing element having a stud face for abutting against the web or wider dimension of an adjacent stud.

Abstract: A hollow wall having a plurality of spaced, vertical studs, wallboards affixed to both sides of the plurality of studs, and septum panels disposed within the hollow of the wall, held firmly in place by small pieces of board, with one such piece of board on each side of the septum panels, at each side edge, extending through an opening in a stud.