Acoustic Device Wins Patent

    Bonnie Schnitta, the founder and president of SoundSense on Newtown Lane in East Hampton, has been awarded a patent for a “sound-focusing mechanism and method of estimating acoustic leakage of an object and method of estimating transmission loss of an object” — in short, the dB focus tube — the International Institute of Acoustics and Vibration has announced.

    Dr. Schnitta created the device after years of fieldwork as an acoustical engineer and as a result of her frustration that there was not an effective, easy-to-use item to facilitate testing during acoustical installations.

    The dB focus tube is a small, portable acoustic testing mechanism that can be taken any place where disturbing noise needs evaluation — multifamily units and home theaters, for example. It works even during loud construction activity, getting an accurate reading without interrupting work.

    The purpose of the dB focus tube is to help installers, architects, and engineers find acoustic leakage points in walls, ceilings, and floors. The newly patented device can be employed to test HVAC ducts, pipes, windows, and doors for acoustic and thermal leaks.

    Because of the dB focus tube, SoundSense has been named a 2011 New York Enterprise Report small business awards finalist. The awards ceremony will be held on Sept. 21 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City.

    SoundSense is an acoustical consulting company offering acoustical design, material sales, and installation. In a statement, Dr. Schnitta said her mission is “to make this a quieter world where we are not disturbed by noise, as well as a world where we can hear each other better.”