for week of June 26, 2006:
Sound blanket (noun) A series of large blankets that are suspended on steel posts and cables, or in wooden frames around the drilling site, to reduce the noise level in adjoining areas. Sound blankets are textured, with an appearance similar to packing blankets used by furniture movers. They are typically 15 to 20 feet tall, and 30 to 60 feet wide. Sound blankets are used when the drilling site is located near sound-sensitive areas, such as residential neighborhoods, schools, or hospitals. Also termed sound panel.