With Exposed Configuration Having Acoustical Function Patents (Class 52/144)
  • Patent number: 11578466
    Abstract: A traffic barrier and soundwall system is disclosed having wide-flanged [or H-posts] vertical posts oriented with a flange facing a roadway. Traffic barriers are located between them. The barriers have recesses at the intersection of their backs and ends. An angle bracket is positioned in the recess to separate the post from the barrier. A U-shaped strap has a base and a pair of arms extending from the base. Traffic barriers are positioned against the posts so that the angle brackets in the recesses are adjacent to the road-facing flange of the post. A strap fastener connects an arm of the strap to the recess of each of the adjacent traffic barriers. In this way, the base of the strap surrounds the rearward-facing flange of the post to secure the traffic barriers to the post. Sound barrier panels are located on the top of the traffic barriers, secured between the webs of the neighboring posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Vandorf SW1 Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Clinton Alberson, Mark Christopher Ayton, Mohammed Talha Ghuman, Benjamin Fraser Powell
  • Patent number: 11542705
    Abstract: Ceiling tiles for drop ceilings are disclosed. The ceiling tiles have a main portion that is sized and adapted to fit within a grid of the drop ceiling, and a baffle that hangs down from the main portion. A sheet of tile material may have a plurality of fold lines defined in it that allow the sheet to fold in such a way as to define the main portion and the baffle. In the flat configuration, the sheet of tile material may have the dimensions of a standard drop ceiling tile; in the folded configuration, the ceiling tiles may also have standard ceiling-tile dimensions. A single ceiling tile may have two or more baffles, and those baffles may be staggered in position with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: FACT Design, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Monier, Charles J. Monier
  • Patent number: 11303981
    Abstract: Housings and associated mechanical and ornamental design features directed to ceiling-mounted electro-acoustical components, such as array microphones, for example, for use in a suspended ceiling, are provided. In an embodiment, a housing for a ceiling array microphone is configured for mounting the microphone within a grid system of a suspended ceiling. The housing comprises a mounting element for mounting the housing within the grid system. The mounting element includes a lipped portion positioned approximate a periphery of the housing and configured to engage the grid when the housing is mounted with the grid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory William Lantz, Mark Louis Coster, Albert Francis McGovern, Jr., Elizabeth Ahra Cho, John Matthew Miller, Stuart P. Bauman
  • Patent number: 10801202
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a connection clip for securing a panel to a support grid, for example, suitable for securing a wood grille panel to a ceiling grid. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a connection clip including a body having a base with a width extending between opposing first and second lateral edges and first and second arms extending upward respectively from the first and second lateral edges of the base so as to form a cavity configured to receive a structural cross member of the panel. Engagement lips extend laterally inward from an upper end of each arm and are configured to grip respective first and second flanges of a grid member of the support grid so as to secure the panel to the grid member. Each of the first and second engagement lips span a substantial majority of the depth of the connection clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: CertainTeed Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali R. Chitsaz, Christopher Wiesener
  • Patent number: 10788091
    Abstract: A force-attenuating system that is interposed between an exterior surface and an interior surface, either or both of which may be subjected to percussive forces. The system has a ceiling that is positioned proximate the exterior surface and one or more inverted hat-shaped force-attenuating units with sidewalls extending inwardly convergingly away from the ceiling. Some of the units have a floor that is positioned proximate the interior surface. Optionally the force-attenuating units may be configured as clover-leaf structures with a central region and hemi-pear-shaped lobes extending therefrom. Within the lobes is a floor that is positioned proximate the interior surface. The force-attenuating system may be deployed in an automotive or non-automotive environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: OAKWOOD ENERGY MANAGEMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Richard F. Audi, Donald S. Smith, Nicholas John Podges, Joel M. Cormier, Dane Robert Winbigler
  • Patent number: 10706831
    Abstract: There is provided a film usable as a lightweight sound absorbing film having an excellent sound absorbing property, and a sound absorbing structure with such a film. A film 1 including a plurality of fine through holes 2 formed therein, the film having an average thickness t (?m) in portions of the film having no through holes 2 formed therein, the through holes having an average depth T (?m) including a burr on a circumferential edge thereof, the through holes 2 having an average hole diameter d (?m), and the film 1 having an open area rate y (%) per unit area; the film satisfying all of the following formulas: 90?t?300, 1.02<T/t?1.5, 0.7<d/t<1.4, and 0.5<y<1.7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: AGC Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Aruga
  • Patent number: 10697174
    Abstract: A retrofitting appliqué for stepped application to a building wall construction. For external retrofitting, the system has an air barrier layer impermeable or semi-permeable for moisture, a ventilated air cavity used to modify temperature and/or remove water that may be coming from both sides or to modify the relative humidity of the ventilation air, a layer of thermal insulation, a composite material called Eco-Wrap with capillary active capability, in which a hydronic heating or cooling system may be located, and a surface finishing layer. For internal retrofitting, the system has an air barrier system arranged onto the wall of the building and separated from a layer of permeable or semi-permeable thermal insulation by a ventilated air gap. The layer of insulation, in turn, is in contact with a layer of Eco-Wrap. A permeable interior finishing layer that may also have capillary active performance is in contact with the Eco-Wrap. Methods for installing the retrofitting appliqué are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventors: Mark Bomberg, Lowell E. Lingo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10011990
    Abstract: A laminated board is secured to the inner wall of a cavity wall construction to establish a defined spacing between the inner and outer walls and prevent excess mortar from bridging to the inner wall. The laminated board has a series of spaced sockets into which fasteners may project into the face of the inner wall or framing thereof to secure the outer wall. The board is installed prior to the construction of the outer wall and establishes a minimum spacing or gap between the walls based upon the thickness of the board. The outer wall is constructed immediately adjacent to the outer face of the laminated board. The board is impervious and eliminates bridging by the mortar, eliminates transfer of bulk water from the exterior finish to the inner wall and provides an air conduit to exhaust even the minimal amounts of vapor that will occur in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventor: P. Michael Collins
  • Patent number: 9771714
    Abstract: A manufactured apparatus formed via a deep drawn stamping process for use within a building as an insulation device applied both to the exterior sheathing of an existing or new edifice and also above the ceiling plane below its roof structure; which consists of two half vessels made from malleable material, each containing similar structural appurtenances on their exterior faces, which when bonded together encase a cruciform rigid plastic grid-like lattice having many apertures therein for the complete removal of air within this subsequently sealed vessel. This complete state of vacuum totally prevents or drastically stops the transmigration of heat energy loss via conduction and convection from the interior of a building's space to the outside environment during the winter months; and vice versa, thus also retarding any interior gain of ambient heat during the hot summer months.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Jerry Castelle
  • Patent number: 9756232
    Abstract: A lightweight housing with a mount that can be attached to a user, sports equipment, or vehicle contains an illumination assembly but no camera. The illumination assembly may communicate via Bluetooth with a similarly-configured nearby camera module to provide illumination for subjects being imaged by the camera module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventors: Casey Chambers, Kenneth Joseph Good, Jeff Skeen
  • Patent number: 9557036
    Abstract: A lighting device comprises a housing carrying a linear array of light radiation sources and one or more elongated diffusive screens arranged facing the array of light sources so as to be passed through by the light radiation. The screen or screens have a pattern of geometric features for producing a radiation pattern of the light radiation emitted by the lighting device as a result of passing through the diffusive screen or screens. By replacing the diffusive screen or screens with screens which have a different pattern of geometric features it is possible to vary the radiation pattern of the light radiation emitted by the lighting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: OSRAM GmbH
    Inventors: Dina Pasqualini, Mario Boehmer, Simon Bobbo, Simone Capeleto, Alberto Alfier
  • Patent number: 9267281
    Abstract: A false wall (7) is backlit by a plurality of light sources (6) positioned behind same and including at least one taut translucent flexible sheet (8) anchored via the borders thereof, which are provided with elements (9) for anchoring to a frame (10), the frame (10) including a wall rail (13) having headed profiles and including receiving members (14) capable of engaging with the anchoring elements (9) in order to hold the taut translucent flexible sheet (8). The wall rail (13) includes lighting elements (15) which are invisible when the light sources (6) are operating, and which provide an afterglow when the light sources (6) are no longer operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: NORMALU
    Inventors: Yves Meyer, Jean-Marc Scherrer
  • Patent number: 9076428
    Abstract: A building material configured to enhance sound attenuation and reduction in dB across a walled partition, the building material comprising a facing membrane, a core matrix disposed about the facing membrane, the core matrix comprising a plurality of microparticles and a binder solution configured to support the microparticles, the building material comprising at least a substantially exposed face, wherein a side of the core matrix is at least partially exposed to increase sound attenuation by reducing reflections from sound waves impinging on the building material as compared to a control building material lacking an exposed face. Two building materials may be used in conjunction with one another about a building structure, such as a stud wall, to create and define a sound trap that functions to reduce sound transmission across the partition formed by the stud wall and building materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ashtech Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Kipp, Dilworth L. Pugh, Michael D. Ridges, William T. McCarvill
  • Patent number: 9038326
    Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment includes a support grid including intersecting grid support members and grid openings formed between the grid support members. A vertical baffle is positioned in a grid opening and is attached to the support grid. The baffle includes opposing front and rear faces extending between opposing lateral sides of the baffle. First and second mounting grooves formed in the baffle engage and support the baffle from the grid. In one embodiment, one of the mounting grooves is disposed in each lateral side to support the baffle from opposite sides. The baffle may further include a third mounting groove formed in the rear face which engages the support grid to help align and squarely register the baffle with respect to the grid for clean linear visuals. In one embodiment, the grid support members may have a standard T-shaped cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: Todd Bergman, Scott Huntzinger
  • Publication number: 20150128508
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a room dividing element, especially for use in open-plan offices. It is the object of the invention to provide a room dividing element for an open-plan office, which is able to specifically protect a cubicle from acoustic disturbances. To solve this task, there is provided a room dividing element for an open-plan office having at least one frame element that is usually positioned horizontally or vertically, which is configured as a sound absorber. Such a frame element is located at an open-end side of a separation wall of the room dividing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Frank Zickmantel
  • Patent number: 8997924
    Abstract: A utility material can include microparticles, an organic binder and an inorganic binder. The microparticles can be present in an amount from about 25 wt % to about 60 wt %, based on wet formulation. The inorganic binder can optionally include sodium silicate. The organic binder can optionally include a vinyl acetate. The utility material can be formed into a variety of different products or building materials, such as wallboard, shear panels. In addition, the building material may be particularly used to attenuate sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: AshTech Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Kipp, Dilworth L. Pugh, Michael D. Ridges, William T. McCarvill
  • Publication number: 20150013244
    Abstract: An acoustic dampener (100) comprising a base member (101) having a first surface (102) and a second surface (103), the first surface (102) and the second surface (103) are spaced apart from each other defining a thickness (104) therebetween. The acoustic dampener (100) further comprising a pair of side arms (105), each having a first end (109) and a second end (110). Each side arm (105) is attached to the base member (101) at its first end (109) at a predetermined angle. The side arm (105) extends from the base member (101) to form a channel formation (119) to receive a batten. A flange (106) extends substantially orthogonally from the second end (110) of each side arm (105) for retaining a batten within the channel formation (119).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Peter Pagones, James Gleeson
  • Patent number: 8926855
    Abstract: Building materials include a dampening layer which contains a plaster and a viscoelastic polymer, such as polyvinyl butyral. The dampening layer may also include a barium salt. Methods of making a sound dampening material include providing a plaster mixture. The mixture may include a viscoelastic polymer and/or a barium salt. The plaster mixture is combined with water and/or a viscoelastic polymer dispersion, to form a slurry. The slurry is applied to a surface and set to form a sound dampening layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC
    Inventors: Vincent B. Thomas, Jeffrey Thomas Fields
  • Patent number: 8893851
    Abstract: A soundproofing plate includes a substrate wherein through holes are formed; and sound collecting parts, including through holes in the center, which approximately match the through holes of the substrate, the collecting parts having a shape wherein the diameter increases as the distance from the substrate increases. The sound collecting parts are disposed on both faces of the substrate. Alternatively, a soundproofing plate includes a substrate with a plurality of through holes; and attenuation elements. The attenuation elements include hollow shaft members; and sound collecting parts anchored on the end parts of the hollow shaft members. The sound collecting parts include through holes in the centers which approximately match hollow parts in the hollow shaft members; and have a shape wherein the diameter increases as the distance from the hollow shaft member increases. The hollow shaft members are disposed in the substrate to approximately match the substrate through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Kitamura
  • Patent number: 8839590
    Abstract: A method for dampening acoustical vibration within a room including providing a grid formed of a plurality of cells defined by panels made from a flexible or deformable material which do not intersect one another such that the grid can be collapsed and expanded in a parallelogram motion. The grid can be positioned above floor level to attenuate acoustical sound within the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: FF Walls, LLC
    Inventor: Calvin Jay Kortman
  • Patent number: 8770345
    Abstract: An acoustical panel for forming a monolithic ceiling or wall, the panel extending across a rectangular area, and having a core made primarily of gypsum, the core being essentially coextensive with the panel area such that it has two opposed sides, each of an area substantially equal to the area of the panel, the core having a multitude of perforations extending generally between its sides, the perforations being distributed substantially uniformly across the full area of the core and being open at both sides of the core, the face side of the core being covered by a porous layer, the perforations being optionally restricted at a rear side of the core, the porous layer at the face side of the core being suitable for adherence of drywall joint compound and a water-based non-blocking paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Erin Dugan, Mark Miklosz
  • Publication number: 20140157689
    Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment includes a support grid including intersecting grid support members and grid openings formed between the grid support members. A vertical baffle is positioned in a grid opening and is attached to the support grid. The baffle includes opposing front and rear faces extending between opposing lateral sides of the baffle. First and second mounting grooves formed in the baffle engage and support the baffle from the grid. In one embodiment, one of the mounting grooves is disposed in each lateral side to support the baffle from opposite sides. The baffle may further include a third mounting groove formed in the rear face which engages the support grid to help align and squarely register the baffle with respect to the grid for clean linear visuals. In one embodiment, the grid support members may have a standard T-shaped cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Armstrong World Industries
    Inventors: Todd BERGMAN, Scott HUNTZINGER
  • Patent number: 8739924
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved acoustic panel comprising a sound absorbing member defined by a first and second face surface and a plurality of peripheral edges. A sound blocking member is defined by a first and second face surface and a plurality of peripheral edge. The first face surface of the sound blocking member is secured relative to the second face surface of the sound absorbing member for blocking the transmission of sound therethrough. In another embodiment, the first face surface of the sound blocking member is spaced relative to the second face surface of the sound absorbing member for decoupling the sound blocking member from the sound absorbing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: LJ Avalon LLC
    Inventor: Lahnie Johnson
  • Patent number: 8733032
    Abstract: An indoor environmental protection and temperature controlling decoration board comprises a front panel, a back panel, valves, a pipe of a temperature controlling device and seal components. Fixing pins with pawls are assembled on the back panel to fix the decoration board conveniently on the inner wall of building. The decoration board also comprises a sealed cavity with water/air inlet groove and outlet groove to supplying heat or cold air into the room, and the sealed cavity is formed by a heat dissipation layer, an insulating layer and separating beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Xudong Liu
  • Patent number: 8714304
    Abstract: A soundproofing plate comprising a substrate having a substrate having at least one through hole formed therein; and a soundproofing device mounted on the through hole of the substrate. The soundproofing device has a multiplex structure having at least a first structure and a second structure nested therein. The first structure comprises a through hole (“first air passage hole”) disposed in the center and communicating with the through hole of the substrate, and a first sound collecting portion disposed at both ends or one end and having a larger size than the aperture area of the first air passage hole, and being arranged so as to reflect incident noise. The second structure comprises a through hole (“second air passage hole”) disposed in the center and communicating with the through hole of the substrate, and a second sound collecting portion disposed at both ends or one end and having a larger size than the aperture area of the second air passage hole, and being arranged so as to reflect incident noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Kitamura
  • Patent number: 8708097
    Abstract: A panel (1) including a substantially air impermeable membrane layer (3) and a layer (5) having apertures (6) therein, wherein each portion of the membrane layer (3) which overlies an aperture (6) defines a diaphragm (9) which is able to vibrate in response to sound waves incident on the membrane layer (3) and thereby absorb at least part of the sound waves' energy, at least some of the apertures (6) being arranged in clusters (11) whereby the greatest distance between adjacent apertures within a cluster (11) is less than the distance between (i) any one of the apertures (6) within the cluster (11) and (ii) any aperture (6) outside of the cluster (11), each region of the panel (1) defined by an outer periphery of a cluster (11) forming a resonance absorber (13) which is able to vibrate in response to sound waves and thereby absorb at least part of the sound waves energy, wherein at least one resonance absorber (13) is able to provide sound absorption at a frequency which is different to the frequency of reson
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Bellmax Acoustic Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark Borroni
  • Patent number: 8695294
    Abstract: Provided is a reinforced concrete partitioning structure that can exhibit electromagnetic shield function against an electromagnetic wave at target frequency. It includes an RC wall to attenuate an electromagnetic wave at target frequency propagating from an inner space to an outer space, a concrete portion having a thickness in a direction from the inner space to the outer space, and a front reinforcing bar lattice which forms a reinforcing bar plane in lattice at a position along the thickness of the concrete portion. The front reinforcing bar lattice has a plurality of longitudinal bars arranged at fixed spacing, and a plurality of transverse bars arranged at fixed spacing to intersect the longitudinal bars. The spacings of the longitudinal bars and transverse bars are adjusted according to the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave at the target frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyu Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaharu Kawase, Junichi Tanoi
  • Patent number: 8689936
    Abstract: An acoustic absorber includes a wall provided with a plurality of apertures as well as a substantially non-perforated second wall, with the first wall and the second wall being spacedly arranged to one another, and at least one honeycomb structure being provided between the walls, with the honeycomb structure having a substantially cylindrical recess in at least one area, with a funnel element opening to the first and second walls being provided in the recess, and having a height greater than the distance of the walls, with the second wall being designed pot-like in the area of the funnel element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventor: Christoph Richter
  • Publication number: 20140075854
    Abstract: The present invention is a block having an elongated and hexagonal shape. A central void runs through the block. The block is formed of an elastomeric and water-repellant material. The hexagonal shape facilitates stacking of blocks having identical hexagon dimensions, although the elongated dimension, or length, of the blocks may be different. The central void of the block may be filled with one or more materials that impart additional characteristics to the block and the resulting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald E. Cox
  • Patent number: 8646238
    Abstract: Ceiling panels for use in a grid-type suspended ceiling (10) each comprise a thin flexible scrim (40) that is of insufficient rigidity to consistently maintain a substantially planar form when installed in the grid-type suspended ceiling. These embodiments also present a rigidizing and engagement member (60, 122, 161) that attaches to only a relatively minor portion of the thin flexible scrim and that is configured and arranged to substantially increase and maintain rigidity of the thin flexible scrim such that the thin flexible scrim will consistently maintain a substantially planar form when installed in the grid-type suspended ceiling and that will also serve to engage at least one grid runner of the grid-type suspended ceiling to thereby maintain the thin flexible scrim in an installed position within the grid-type suspended ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventor: Peder J. Gulbrandsen
  • Patent number: 8640427
    Abstract: A door includes a first panel having a plurality of stiffeners thereon; a second panel facing the first panel, the second panel having a plurality of stiffeners thereon facing the stiffeners on the first panel; a first baffle between the first panel and the second panel, the first baffle having a plurality of openings of a first size; and a second baffle adjacent to the first baffle and between the first panel and the second panel, the second baffle having a plurality of openings of a second size different than the first size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Door Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Briggs, Jr., Charles J. Kiley, Brian Hansen, Melissa Bishop, Thomas Popow, Mario Moreno
  • Patent number: 8635814
    Abstract: The invention is a wall for interior architecture, particularly for partitioning adjacent rooms, comprising a substantially rigid frame (2) suited to define an external perimeter surface (4) of the wall (1), and one pair of opposite faces (3) constrained to the rigid frame (2) and made of a flexible material. In particular, the opposite faces (3) comprise elastic constraining means (5) suited to maintain them tensioned and substantially parallel to a geometrical plane, while the rigid frame (2) and the opposite tensioned faces (3) delimit an internal hollow region (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Giplanet SpA
    Inventors: Luca Griggio, Eddy Canton
  • Publication number: 20140007527
    Abstract: A sound barrier wall has a plurality of footings spaced apart and vertical “I” beam wall stiffeners mounted to the footings. Alternatively, the vertical wall stiffeners are mounted to a crash barrier. A horizontal wall stiffener can be disposed between the adjacent vertical wall stiffeners. A plurality of wall panels is vertically stacked between adjacent vertical wall stiffeners. Each wall panel includes a sound insulating block, and plurality of support members disposed on opposite sides of the sound insulating block for providing structural support. Each support member has a head portion in contact with a surface of the sound insulating block and a stem portion extending into the sound insulating block. An “I” beam can be disposed between the vertically stacked wall panels. A top cap is mounted over the vertically stacked wall panels and protective layer is formed over the wall panels and vertical wall stiffeners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Mute Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Sanders, Donald J. Parks, James L. Beavers, JR.
  • Patent number: 8616331
    Abstract: A panel assembly for a traffic noise barrier wall of the type including opposing slots formed in pairs of vertically-mounted posts is disclosed. In some embodiments, the panel assembly includes the following: a sheet of material having top, bottom, and side edges forming a perimeter of the sheet, the sheet having a sheet thickness that is less than each of the first slot width and the second slot width; and a frame disposed along at least a portion of the perimeter of the sheet, wherein the frame includes a bracket having a base portion with a substantially triangular cross-section, the base portion being disposed along edges of the sheet, the base portion defining a channel for capturing edges of the sheet, the channel being positioned at an apex of the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventors: Eric C. Humphries, Stephen D. Barratt, Ray Stauffer, Paul D. Nowicki, John H. Miller, Nathan Binette
  • Patent number: 8596003
    Abstract: An acoustic configuration (1) for acoustic insulation, with the configuration includes a floor covering (5) attached to a floating floor with elastic skates (4) resting on a substrate (3) (10), the floating floor including skates (4) that are substantially elastic. The floating floor consists of a modular assembly of prefabricated rigid panels (2) with a density of 0.5 to 6, positioned edge to edge with an element of position adjustment that is either male or female, with the skates being homogeneous one-piece elements attached inside the panel, and with the total seat surface ratio Sta of the skates on the substrate on the total surface area Stp of the panel, Sta/Stp being 0.03 to 0.08. In one variant, shims are interposed between the skates and the panel. In the implementation method, a layer of fibrous insulation can be interposed between the substrate and the floating floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Patrick Attia, Daniel Attia, Samuel Sibony
  • Patent number: 8572914
    Abstract: A wall cap comprising an end cap and insulating sound-dampening material can be installed with a building structure having an interior wall to decrease the transmission of sound and vibration from the building structure to the interior wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mull-It-Over Products
    Inventor: Bruce Harold Burgess
  • Patent number: 8561360
    Abstract: A sound barrier wall suitable for new installations and for retrofitting existing sound barrier walls includes a plurality of vertically extending posts and a plurality of wall sections disposed between pairs of the posts. The posts may have generally I-shaped cross sections with oppositely disposed channels defined by flanges on opposite sides of the posts. The sound barrier may further include post covers coupled with the respective posts. The post covers may have lip portions that are received over the flanges of the posts. The wall sections are received within the respective channels and may contact at least one of the lip portions of the post covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Maxwell H. Corbin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8544218
    Abstract: An acoustically insulating product for acoustically insulating a building structure includes a base entangled net material, and an acoustical nonwoven material. The acoustical nonwoven material is on at least one side of the base entangled net material. The acoustical nonwoven material has an increase in impact insulation class of 6 or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: Dell SeVen, Inc., Maxxon Corporation, Southeast Nonwovens, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan Marcus Dellinger, Patrick H. Giles, Steven F. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8474573
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composite sandwich panel (1) comprising at least a web (2) provided between an inner skin (3) and an outer skin (4), each skin being made of a composite material from a plurality of fibrous plies (5, 6, 7, 8), characterized in that a portion of the plies of the inner skin and/or of the outer skin each extends at least partially through the web at an uninterrupted area thereof in order to form together a through-reinforcement (9) extending from the inner skin to the outer skin of the composite sandwich panel. The invention further relates to an aircraft element including such a composite sandwich panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Societe Lorraine de Construction Aeronautique
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Pacary, Paulo Francisco
  • Patent number: 8448389
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an acoustic laminate suitable for use in wall, floor and ceiling assemblies and other dividing structure assemblies, the laminate including: a viscoelastic acoustic barrier being in the form of discrete, spaced apart sections or a continuous layer; and a construction panel, the barrier affixed to one or more panel faces of the construction panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: Philippe Pierre Marie Joseph Doneux, Bela Takacs
  • Patent number: 8445101
    Abstract: A building material configured to enhance sound attenuation and reduction in dB across a walled partition, the building material comprising a facing membrane, a core matrix disposed about the facing membrane, the core matrix comprising a plurality of microparticles and a binder solution configured to support the microparticles, the building material comprising at least a substantially exposed face, wherein a side of the core matrix is at least partially exposed to increase sound attenuation by reducing reflections from sound waves impinging on the building material as compared to a control building material lacking an exposed face. Two building materials may be used in conjunction with one another about a building structure, such as a stud wall, to create and define a sound trap that functions to reduce sound transmission across the partition formed by the stud wall and building materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Ashtech Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Kipp, Dilworth L. Pugh, Michael D. Ridges, William T. McCarvill
  • Patent number: 8424251
    Abstract: Panels for use in building construction (partitions, walls, ceilings, floors or doors) which exhibit improved acoustical sound proofing in multiple specific frequency ranges and also present improved structural integrity, are provided. The improved performance is achieved through the use of one or more layers of glue such that at least one layer of glue includes a viscoelastic material in a first pattern and a structural adhesive in a second, non-overlapping pattern. The viscoelastic material may have a varied shear moduli and functions as a glue and energy dissipating layer. In some embodiments, one or more constraining layers separating one layer of glue may be included. The constraining layer may be formed of a material such as gypsum, cement, metal, cellulose, wood, or petroleum-based products such as vinyl, plastic, or rubber. In some embodiments, standard wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminated panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Serious Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon D. Tinianov
  • Patent number: 8418807
    Abstract: A noise abatement wall includes a frame defining a window, at least one shell, at least one sheet of sound-insulating material and a sheet of screen material. The at least one shell has a base panel portion and a peripheral panel portion integrally formed with and extending perpendicularly from the base panel portion to surround the base panel portion thereby forming a shell cavity. The at least one shell is sized and configured to be received by the window in a close-fitting relationship therewith and is connected to the frame. The at least one sheet of sound-insulating material is disposed in and occupies the shell cavity. The sheet of screen material covers the at least one sheet of sound-insulating material and is connected to the frame. A plurality of noise abatement walls are connected together to form a noise abatement wall system for abating noise generated from stationary noise-generating equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Evapco, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Nevins, William E. Nuckolls
  • Patent number: 8418806
    Abstract: The present invention includes a layered acoustical system for sound attenuation in a vehicle including an external decorative layer; a moldable fiber backer adhesively adhered to a back side of the decorative layer, the moldable fiber backer further including an engineered fiber blend including one or more types of thermoplastic fibers and having a first density; a moldable lofted sound absorber and vibration decoupling layer including being made from another engineered fiber blend including one or more types of thermoplastic fibers and having a second density that is less than the first density of the moldable backer, a top side of the vibration decoupling layer being adhesively adhered to the second side of the moldable fiber backer; and an intermediate layer embedded in a location within the vibration decoupling layer to achieve a balance point between transmission loss and sound absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Janesville Acoustics, a Unit of Jason Incorporated
    Inventors: Barry Wyerman, Michael Sargent, Chuck Zupan
  • Publication number: 20130071231
    Abstract: A wall structure is provided with noise damping insulation properties, for an air intake manifold of a gas turbine. The wall structure includes a first structure for mechanically supporting an outer sheet, which separates the spaces on both sides of the wall in an airtight manner, and further includes a second structure for establishing noise damping insulation between the spaces on both sides of the wall. The second structure is secured to the first structure. A gas turbine including the wall structure is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Mladen Matan, Marc Rauch, Eduard Brühwiler, Antun Svilicic
  • Publication number: 20130055659
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for constructing pre-insulated structural panels is disclosed that has a tongue and groove assembly arrangement. Each panel may include one or more c-channels or profiles embedded in expandable polystyrene (EPS) foam to provide structural integrity to the panels, and resulting wall. The panels may be covered with siding, stucco, or similar materials. A chase may be formed horizontally in the panels to provide a wiring conduit through the panel. The panel may also provide when assembled, a vertical chase formed between the mated panels along the length of the panel for wiring. Acoustical properties may be formed in the surface of the EPS portions to provided added acoustical damping measures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Radva Corporation
    Inventor: Radva Corporation
  • Patent number: 8381872
    Abstract: An acoustic composite comprises a flow resistive substrate having a solid acoustic barrier material bonded to at least a portion of a major surface of the flow resistive substrate; wherein the acoustic barrier material has a density greater than about 1 g/cm3 and the acoustic composite has a porosity between about 0.002% and about 50%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jonathan H. Alexander, David F. Slama
  • Patent number: 8371419
    Abstract: A hybrid sound absorbing sheet, comprising a microperforated film and a perforated metal foil disposed on the microperforated film, is provided. Also provided is a hybrid sound absorbing sheet comprising a microperforated film and a perforated metal foil disposed on the microperforated film, wherein the perforated metal foil is embossed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mari Nonogi, Tetsuya Noro, Makoto Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8371084
    Abstract: An acoustic ceiling panel for a lay-in or suspended ceiling includes a core portion, and front and rear layers covering front and rear sides, respectively, of the core portion. The air flow resistance of the core portion does not exceed about 100 MKS rayls. The air flow resistance of the front layer lies in the range of about 300 to about 800 MKS rayls. The air flow resistance of the rear layer lies in the range of about 300 to about 1200 MKS rayls. The panel would be supported on a grid suspended below a structural ceiling to form an air space therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventor: Francis John Babineau, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE45144
    Abstract: An acoustic panel having rigid, damped faces and an interior layer assembly. The assembly can constructed with minimal layer coupling and common construction adhesives and without the use of mechanical fasteners. The panel is capable of providing significant noise attenuation while maintaining sufficient structural rigidity such that the panel is suitable for a broad range of construction applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: VTI Architectural Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Shore, Ralph Scheidecker, Nathan Anderson, Robert Scheidecker, Curtis Carroll