Hospital Corporation of America and Subsidiaries - Page 48

                                       - 31 -                                         

               16.  Acoustical Tile Ceilings (Property Unit 2260)                     
               The acoustical tile ceilings (acoustical ceilings) consist             
          of metal grid systems, typically with a 2-foot by 2-foot or 2-              
          foot by 4-foot opening, and squares of acoustical tile that are             
          laid into the openings of the grids.  The grids are installed in            
          select areas of petitioners' hospital facilities and are hung by            
          wires parallel to the structural frames of the hospital                     
          buildings, approximately 8- to 12-feet above the concrete floors.           
          The wires are attached to the structural frames of the hospital             
          buildings using eye bolts.  The grids are attached to the                   
          hospital walls using nails or screws.  Light fixtures, speakers,            
          air conditioning vents, and sprinkler heads are placed in                   
          openings of the grids or through openings cut in the tiles.                 
               The acoustical ceilings are movable and have been moved,               
          reconfigured, and reused by petitioners in at least one of                  
          petitioners' representative facilities.  Acoustical ceilings hide           
          unsightly plumbing and piping, conduit, wiring, and air                     
          conditioning ducts which are installed between the structural               
          frame above and the ceiling.  The acoustical ceilings also                  
          enhance the cleanliness of petitioners' hospitals by preventing             
          dirt and dust from falling from the pipes and duct work located             
          between the acoustical ceilings and the structural ceilings of              
          the hospitals into the areas below.  Acoustical tiles                       
          additionally provide a sound deadening material, which reduces              
          noise.  They also serve a decorative function.                              



Page:  Previous  21  22  23  24  25  26  27  28  29  30  31  32  33  34  35  36  37  38  39  40  Next

Last modified: May 25, 2011