These machines are small, sit on the floor and, by emitting air, block out conversations taking place inside and outside the room where it is used.

I am not 100% they have a 'name' per se, the purpose of them is for the mind(hearing) to be distracted from other stimuli, some have water dribbling over rocks,others have ocean waves(recordings),while others are simply a fan..

Perhaps someone else has a name for them..

Are you referring to white noise generators (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_noise_generator)?

Are you referring to white noise generators (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_noise_generator)?

Ahh, Zer Goot! (sp correctly? )

I'm more French than German. :)