Active/Passive distributed Absorber for Vibration and Sound radiation Control

Abstract

Vibration or acoustic sound control is achieved using an elastic layer of thermal or insulation material in which a plurality of discrete masses are distributed throughout. The elastic layer may be installed as a pre-formed layer, or be blown into position within a structure where vibration or acoustic sound control is required.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
   
   
       17 . A wall or ceiling structure having vibration or acoustic damping properties, comprising:
 a volume defined by sheet rock and studs, said volume having height, width and depth dimensions housing; and   a vibration or acoustic absorber within said volume, wherein said vibration or acoustic absorber comprises loose acoustic or thermal insulation matrix material, and a plurality of discrete masses which are distinct from said loose acoustic or thermal insulation matrix material and which are distributed and spaced apart from each other within said loose acoustic or thermal insulation matrix material by a blowing operation and being spaced away from a bottom portion of said volume, said discrete masses being selected from the group consisting of metals, ceramics, and gels.   
   
   
       18 . (canceled) 
   
   
       19 . The wall or ceiling structure of  claim 17  wherein said discrete masses are metal. 
   
   
       20 . The wall or ceiling structure of  claim 17  wherein said masses are of homogenous composition. 
   
   
       21 . The wall or ceiling structure of  claim 17  wherein said discrete masses include masses of different sizes and shapes. 
   
   
       22 . The wall or ceiling structure of  claim 17  wherein said loose acoustic or thermal insulation material is selected from the group consisting of foam, acoustic fiberglass, fiberglass batting, distributed spring material, urethane, and rubber. 
   
   
       23 . Material for use in vibration or acoustic application, comprising:
 loose acoustic or thermal insulation matrix material; and   a plurality of discrete masses distributed within said loose acoustic or thermal insulation matrix material, or which are combined and distributed within said loose acoustic or thermal insulation matrix material during a blowing operation, said discrete masses being a distinct element from the loose acoustic or thermal insulation matrix material and being spaced apart from each other and a bottom portion of a volume including said loose acoustic or thermal insulation matrix material and said plurality of discrete masses, said discrete masses being selected from the group consisting of metals, ceramics, and gels, and said discrete masses being of a homogenous composition.   
   
   
       24 . The material of  claim 23  wherein said plurality of discrete masses include masses of different sizes and shapes. 
   
   
       25 . The material of  claim 23  wherein said loose acoustic or thermal insulation material is selected from the group consisting of foam, acoustic fiberglass, fiberglass batting, distributed spring material, urethane, and rubber. 
   
   
       26 . The material of  claim 23  wherein said discrete masses are metal masses.