U.S. patent application number 11/418307 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-09 for noise suppressor for air compressor.
Invention is credited to Paul M. Wester.
Application Number | 20060251527 11/418307 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37394186 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060251527 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wester; Paul M. |
November 9, 2006 |
Noise suppressor for air compressor
Abstract
A method of neutralizing noise for an air compressor includes
routing sound waves exiting an air intake of an air compressor
along two separate paths, with a length of a first path being about
one-half the wavelength of the sound waves and the length of the
second path being negligible relative to the wavelength of the
sound waves. In a first state, sound waves in a first path close a
first valve to prevent the sound waves from exiting the first path
while the a second valve in the second path remains open to permit
inflow of ambient air through the second valve. In a second state,
sound waves in the second path close the second valve to prevent
the sound waves from exiting the second path while the first valve
in the first path remains open to permit inflow of ambient air
through the first valve. The method includes alternating between
the first state and the second state in response to the repeating
sound waves generated by the air compressor.
Inventors: |
Wester; Paul M.; (Eagan,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DICKE, BILLIG & CZAJA, P.L.L.C.
FIFTH STREET TOWERS
100 SOUTH FIFTH STREET, SUITE 2250
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
37394186 |
Appl. No.: |
11/418307 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60678340 |
May 6, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
417/312 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 39/0055 20130101;
F04B 39/0061 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/312 |
International
Class: |
F04B 39/00 20060101
F04B039/00 |
Claims
1. An air compressor system comprising: a compressor configured to
compress ambient air and including an inlet for receiving ambient
air and an outlet, the compressor configured to produce sound waves
traveling outward through the inlet, the sound waves having a first
wavelength; and an adapter removably secured to the inlet, the
adapter including: a first air pathway in fluid communication with
the inlet and including a first valve; a second air pathway
including a second valve and in fluid communication with the inlet
and with the first air pathway, the second air pathway having a
length substantially less than the first wavelength of the sound
waves and the first air pathway having a length substantially less
than the length of the second air pathway; and wherein in a first
state, the first valve is open and the second valve is closed, and
in a second state the first valve is closed and the second valve is
open, the adapter alternating between the first and second states
based upon movement of the sound waves exiting the inlet of the
compressor.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the length of the second air
pathway is about one-half the first wavelength.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the length of the second air
pathway is less than one-half the first wavelength
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the length of the second air
pathway is selectively variable.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the first valve comprises a first
valve array including a series of valves connected in series and
the second valve comprises a second valve array including a series
of valves connected in series, wherein the respective valves of the
first valve array open and close substantially in unison in
response to the sound waves of the air compressor and the
respective valves of the second valve array open and close
substantially in unison in response to the sound waves of the air
compressor
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the first valve and the second
valve comprise a check valve including at least one of a flapper
valve, a reed valve, a ball valve, or a poppet valve.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the first valve and the second
valve each comprise a chamber defining an air inlet structure and a
moveable portion that blocks the air inlet structure in a first
position and that opens the air inlet structure in a second
position.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the lengths of the first air
pathway and the second air pathway are configured relative to one
another to cause, based on the first wavelength of the sound waves,
the moveable portion of one of the first valve and the second valve
to be in the first position while the moveable portion of the other
of the first valve and the second valve are in the second
position.
9. The system of claim 1 and further comprising a third air pathway
extending from the inlet of the air compressor to both the first
air pathway and the second air pathway.
10. A method of neutralizing noise for an air compressor, the
method comprising: routing sound waves exiting an air intake of an
air compressor along two separate paths including a first path and
a second path; arranging a first valve at the end of the first path
and a second valve at the end of the second path, wherein in a
first state, sound waves in the first path close the first valve to
prevent the sound waves from exiting the first path while the sound
waves in the second path minimally impact the second valve of the
second path, thereby enabling the second valve to remain open to
permit inflow of ambient air through the second valve, and wherein
in a second state, sound waves in the second path close the second
valve to prevent the sound waves from exiting the second path while
the sound waves in the first path minimally impact the first valve
of the first path, thereby enabling the first valve to remain open
to permit inflow of ambient air through the first valve; and
alternating between the first state and the second state in
response to the repeating sound waves.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein routing the sound waves
comprises: arranging a length of the first path to be substantially
more than a length of the second path and to be substantially less
than a wavelength of the sound waves exiting the air intake of the
air compressor, to cause an iterative cycle of closing of the first
valve during opening of the valve of the second conduit and opening
of the first valve during closing of the valve of the second
conduit.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein routing the sound waves
comprises; arranging the length of the first path to be about
one-half the wavelength of the sound waves and a length of the
second path to negligible relative to the wavelength of the sound
waves.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein arranging a first valve
comprises: arranging the first valve as a first valve array of a
plurality of valves connected in series, wherein the respective
valves of the first valve array open and close substantially in
unison in response to the sound waves of the air compressor; and
arranging the second valve as a second valve array of a plurality
of valves connected in series, wherein and the respective valves of
the second valve array open and close substantially in unison in
response to the sound waves of the air compressor.
14. The method of claim 10 wherein routing the sound waves
comprises: selectively varying a length of the first path.
15. A noise suppressor for an air compressor system, the noise
suppressor comprising: an adapter configured for removably securing
relative to an air inlet of an air compressor with sound waves
having a first wavelength exiting the air inlet of the air
compressor, the adapter including: a first air pathway in fluid
communication with the inlet of the air compressor and including a
first valve; a second air pathway including a second valve and in
fluid communication with the inlet of the air compressor and with
the first air pathway, the second air pathway having a length
substantially less than the first wavelength of the sound waves and
the first air pathway having a length substantially less than the
length of the second air pathway; and wherein the adapter
alternates, in response to the movement of sound waves exiting the
inlet of the air compressor, between a first state, in which the
first valve is open and the second valve is closed, and a second
state in which the first valve is closed and the second valve is
open.
16. The noise suppressor of claim 15 wherein the second air pathway
comprises a conduit including a noise suppressing material.
17. The noise suppressor of claim 15 wherein the first valve
comprises a first valve array including a series of valves
connected in series and the second valve comprises a second valve
array including a series of valves connected in series, wherein the
respective valves of the first valve array open and close
substantially in unison in response to the sound waves of the air
compressor and the respective valves of the second valve array open
and close substantially in unison in response to the sound waves of
the air compressor
18. The noise suppressor of claim 15 wherein a length of the second
air pathway is about no more than one-half the first wavelength of
the sound waves.
19. The noise suppressor of claim 15 wherein the length of the
second air pathway is selectively variable.
20. The noise suppressor of claim 15 and further comprising an air
compressor system including a cylinder configured to compress
ambient air and including the inlet for receiving ambient air.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of the filing
date of Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/678,340
entitled "NOISE SUPPRESSOR FOR AIR COMPRESSOR," having Attorney
Docket Number W414.101.102 and having a filing date of May 6, 2005,
which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional air compressors provide numerous benefits to
society. For example, conventional air compressors provide
compressed air to power "air" tools, to inflate tires, to clean
objects, etc. However, the process of compressing the air can be
quite loud, which is annoying and which can pose health risks, such
as hearing loss. In addition, the noise of a conventional air
compressor can limit the ability of a person to hear significant
events, such as a call for help, an accident, etc. in proximity to
the conventional air compressor. This noise also can hinder
communication between workers performing a task nearby the
conventional air compressor. Accordingly, most people simply endure
the noise of the conventional air compressor or alter their work or
use patterns to mitigate the effect of the noise on their
activities or the peace of their neighbors.
[0003] Moreover, some individuals place a high value on minimizing
noise pollution in natural environments. Accordingly, a
conventional air compressor is unsuitable for use in some natural
environments, making it difficult to operate a conventional air
compressor without disrupting the natural ambience of the
outdoors.
[0004] In addition, given the enormous number of conventional air
compressors owned by individuals, craftsman, and businesses,
replacing each conventional air compressor with a quieter air
compressor would be cost prohibitive, assuming that any such quiet
air compressor was even available.
[0005] Despite the high incentive to decrease noise emanating from
air compressors, prior solutions have yet to effectively handle
noise from conventional air compressors.
SUMMARY
[0006] A method of neutralizing noise for an air compressor
includes routing sound waves exiting an air intake of an air
compressor along two separate paths, with a length of a first path
being about one-half the wavelength of the sound waves and the
length of the second path being negligible relative to the
wavelength of the sound waves. A first valve is arranged at the end
of the first path and a second valve at the end of the second path.
In a first state, sound waves in the first path close the first
valve to prevent the sound waves from exiting the first path while
the sound waves in the second path minimally impact the second
valve of the second path, thereby enabling the second valve to
remain open to permit inflow of ambient air through the second
valve. In a second state, sound waves in the second path close the
second valve to prevent the sound waves from exiting the second
path while the sound waves in the first path minimally impact the
first valve of the first path, thereby enabling the first valve to
remain open to permit inflow of ambient air through the first
valve. The method includes alternating between the first state and
the second state in response to the repeating sound waves generated
by the air compressor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating a noise
suppression system, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of operational states of a noise
suppression system, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a side view of a noise suppression system,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a noise suppression system,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a noise suppression system,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] In the following detailed description, references made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which is
illustrated by way of illustrations specific embodiments in which
the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional
terminology, such as "front," "back," etc., is used with reference
to the orientation of the figures(s) being described. Because
components of embodiments of the present invention can be
positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional
terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way
limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the present invention. The following
detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting
sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the
appended claims.
[0013] Embodiments of the invention are directed to a noise
suppressor for an air compressor that can be retrofit onto a
conventional air compressor or incorporated into a newly built air
compressor. In one embodiment, a noise suppressor for an air
compressor blocks sound waves, which exit an air inlet of the
compressor, from entering into the ambient environment while
simultaneously permitting entry of air from the ambient environment
into the air inlet of the air compressor.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an air compression system 10,
according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1,
system 10 comprises an air compressor 12 and a noise suppressor 14.
Air compressor 12 comprises a cylinder, air inlet 13, and outlet
valve structure 27. Noise suppressor 14 comprises first valve 16,
second valve 18, and an air pathway structure 21 including common
pathway 22, first pathway 23, and second pathway 24. One embodiment
of first valve 16 and second valve 18 is further described and
illustrated in association with FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 1, in one
embodiment, air compressor 12 additionally includes control
structure 20 (e.g. nozzle, valve, etc.) for controlling reception
of ambient air through inlet 13.
[0015] Air compressor 12 comprises a conventional air compressor
which compresses air in its cylinder for storage in an associated
tank. In one embodiment, air compressor 12 controls exhaust and/or
application of compressed air via valve structure 27.
[0016] Noise suppressor 14 is configured to both manage inlet of
ambient air into air compressor 12 and to suppress noise produced
by air compressor 12 that travels outward through compressor air
inlet 13. Valves 16 and 18 are in fluid communication with air
inlet 13 via air pathway structure 21. In particular, common
pathway 22 is in direct connection and fluid communication with air
inlet 13. Ambient air A.sub.A travels in a first direction through
air pathway structure 21 to enter air inlet 13, while sound waves
exiting air inlet 13 travel in a second direction, opposite the
first direction of incoming air. In one aspect, air inlet 13
comprises a single air intake.
[0017] A junction 25 enables common pathway 22 to diverge along two
opposite pathways, first pathway 23 and second pathway 24 for
routing the sound waves exiting an air intake of an air compressor
along two separate paths including a first pathway 23 and a second
pathway 24.
[0018] First pathway 23 is in fluid communication with first valve
16 while second pathway 24 is in fluid communication with second
valve 18. First pathway 23 (e.g., a hose, pipe, conduit, etc.) has
a length L1 while second pathway 24 (e.g., a hose, pipe, conduit,
etc.) has a length L2 which is substantially greater than a length
L1 of first pathway 23. In one embodiment, the length L2 of second
pathway 24 is selected to be one-half the wavelength of the sound
wave S while the length L1 of first pathway 23 is negligible
relative to the wavelength of the sound wave (S), and therefore
also negligible relative to length L2.
[0019] Noise produced by air compressor 12 is suppressed via
operation of first valve 16 and second valve 18, which alternately
open and close in response to a sound wave (S) traveling out of air
inlet 13 of air compressor 12 with the sound wave (S) being split
between first pathway 23 and second pathway 24.
[0020] In one embodiment, first valve 16 and second valve 18 each
comprise a check valve. In one aspect, the check valve includes a
flapper valve, a reed valve, a ball valve, or a poppet valve, as
known to those skilled in the art.
[0021] As first portion (S1) of sound wave (S) travels into valve
16, sound wave S1 closes valve 16 which also prevents entry of
ambient air (A.sub.A) through valve 16. However, because second air
pathway 24 has a length about one-half the wavelength of sound wave
S, second portion S2 of sound wave S is in an opposite phase of
sound wave portion S1, so that valve 18 is not impacted (or only
minimally impacted) by sound wave S2 at the time that sound wave S1
impacts and closes valve 16. Accordingly, when first valve 16 is
closed, second valve 18 is open and permits inflow of ambient air
to air inlet 13 (via air pathway 24).
[0022] Next, the situation is reversed with sound wave portion S2
impacting valve 18 to close valve 18, preventing escape of sound
wave S2 (and its associated noise) to the environment, and also
preventing inflow of ambient air through valve 18. However, at the
same time, the sound wave portion S1 does not impact (or only
minimally impacts) valve 16, thereby permitting inflow of air
through valve 16 into air inlet 13.
[0023] Length L2 of second air pathway 24 is selected based upon
the wavelength of air compressor 12. In one embodiment, a length of
second air pathway 24 is selectively varied so that a noise
suppressor can be adaptable to different wavelengths of sound
waves, and thereby is adaptable for use with different types of air
compressors. In one aspect, second air pathway 24 comprises a
plurality of modules (such as individual sections of hoses or
pipes) connected in series wherein the number of modules determines
the length of second air pathway 24.
[0024] In another aspect, second air pathway 24 comprises a
telescoping structure in which the length L2 is selected by
extending or retracting a telescoping portion of second air pathway
24.
[0025] In another embodiment, the lengths of first air pathway 23
and second air pathway can be adjusted so that if the length of
first air pathway 23 is increased to a value that is non-negligible
regarding the wavelength of the soundwaves, the length of second
air pathway 24 can be increased by a corresponding amount to
maintain the lengths of the respective first and second air
pathways in a relationship that enables the alternating opening and
closing of those valves, as previously described.
[0026] In one embodiment, a length of second air pathway 24 defines
a first length that is about one-half the wavelength of the
soundwaves and that is believed to result in generally complete
suppression of noise associated with those soundwaves (S). This
first length is considered to be a "full length" embodiment.
However, in another embodiment, a length of second air pathway 24
defines a second length that is set to some value (such as
three-eighths, one-third, one-quarter, etc.) less than one-half of
the wavelength of soundwaves (S) to result in suppressing noise
(associated with soundwaves (S)) to a level that substantially
reduces the noise while not completely eliminating the noise. In
other words, a second length of second air pathway 24 (with a
length of first air pathway 23 remaining negligible) can define a
length that is much less (e.g. one-half) than a first length of
second air pathway 24, while still achieving significant
suppression of noise from soundwaves (S). This alternate
arrangement is considered a "reduced length" embodiment.
Practically speaking, this alternate "reduced length" embodiment
enables a hose or pipe defining second air pathway 24 to take up
much less space (e.g., 25% less, 33% less, 50% less, etc.) than a
"full length" embodiment. In some instances, the noise suppression
associated with a "reduced length" embodiment is sufficient
(although less than a complete noise suppression) to prefer the
smaller sized second air pathway over a larger sized second air
pathway of a "full length" embodiment. Accordingly, in one
embodiment, to suppress noise from air compressor 12, a length of
second air pathway 24 is substantially less than a wavelength of
soundwaves (S), and in one particular embodiment, a length of
second air pathway is about one-half the wavelength of soundwaves
(S).
[0027] It is also understood that a length of second air pathway 24
that is slightly longer (e.g. five-eighths, two-thirds) than
one-half the wavelength of the soundwaves also can yield a
substantial suppression of noise associated with soundwaves
(S).
[0028] In one embodiment, other parameters such as the type of
material (e.g., rigid, flexible, sound absorbing) defining the
second air pathway 24, the type of air compressor 12, the type of
valves (16, 18) also affect a selection of the length of second air
pathway 24. For example, in one embodiment, second air pathway 24
comprises a conduit made of sound absorbing material or other sound
altering material, which also acts on the soundwaves (S). This
embodiment thereby enables a length of second air pathway 24 to be
reduced from one-half the wavelength of soundwaves (S) since the
noise is being suppressed by the type of material defining second
air pathway 24 in addition to the length of second air pathway
24.
[0029] The noise-suppressing effects of first air pathway 23 and/or
second air pathway 24 are not limited by a particular layout (e.g.,
straight, curved, looping, etc.) of those pathways so that second
air pathway 24 can be arranged in any suitable pattern to
accommodate its length for the convenience of the user.
[0030] The operational states of first valve 16 and second valve 18
of noise suppressor 14 are summarized in table 30 of FIG. 2. FIG. 2
is a block diagram of a table 30 representing operational states of
a noise suppression system, according to an embodiment of the
invention. As shown in FIG. 2, table 30 illustrates a first state
(i.e., state 1) and a second state of operation of noise
suppression system 14 (FIG. 1). Each state generally corresponds to
a state of whether valve one (V1) 16 is open or closed, a state of
whether valve two (V2) 18 is open or closed, and related states of
whether or not air (A1 or A2) is flowing through those valves in
relation to travel of sound waves (S1 or S2).
[0031] In one embodiment, a first state includes a first component
32 in which valve one V1 (e.g. valve 16) is open and generally
corresponds to sound waves S1 being absent (or only minimally
present) at valve V1, thereby permitting inflow of air A1 through
valve V1. In a second component 34 of first state, valve two V2
(e.g., valve 18) is closed by sound waves S2, which thereby blocks
sound waves S2 from exiting valve V2 (i.e., sound waves (S2) are
present at valve 18) and thereby also blocks inflow of air (A2)
through valve V2.
[0032] A second state identifies a first component 36 in which
valve one V1 is closed by sound waves S1, which thereby blocks
sound waves S1 from exiting valve V1 (i.e., sound waves (S1) are
present at valve 16) and thereby also blocks inflow of air (A1)
through valve V1. In a second component 38 of second state, valve
two (V2) is open, which generally corresponds to sound waves S2
being absent (or only minimally present) at valve V2, thereby
permitting inflow of air (A2) through valve V2.
[0033] FIG. 3 is an air compression system 50, according to an
embodiment of the invention. System 50 has substantially the same
features and attributes as system 10, as previously described in
association with FIGS. 1-2, and also includes additional features.
As shown in FIG. 3, system 50 comprises an air compressor 52 and
noise suppressor 54. Air compressor portion 52 comprises a
cylinder, air inlet 62, and air control structure 60 (similar to
control structure 20). Noise suppressor 54 comprises first valve
82, second valve 84, and an air pathway structure 71, which
includes common pathway 70, first pathway 72, and second pathway
74. In one embodiment, second pathway 74 further comprises a coil
portion 78 that acts as a mechanism or arrangement to facilitate
reducing an amount of space occupied by the relatively long length
of second pathway 74.
[0034] In a manner substantially the same as previously described
in association with FIGS. 1-2, noise suppressor 54 of compression
system 50 (shown in FIG. 3) is configured to both manage inlet of
ambient air into air compressor 52 and to suppress noise produced
by air compressor portion 52 that travels outward through
compressor air inlet 62. As shown in FIG. 3, valve 82 is in fluid
communication with air inlet 62 via common pathway 70 and first air
pathway 72 of air pathway structure 71. Valve 84 is in fluid
communication with air inlet 62 via common pathway 70 and second
air pathway 74 of air pathway structure 71. Accordingly, during
operation of air compressor 12, ambient air A.sub.A travels in a
first direction (through valves 82 and 84 via air pathway structure
71) to enter air inlet 62, while sound waves that exit air inlet 62
travel in a second direction, opposite the first direction of
incoming air, through air pathway structure 71 to valves 82 and
84.
[0035] A junction 76 enables common pathway 70 of air pathway
structure 71 to diverge along two separate pathways, first pathway
72 and second pathway 74. First pathway 72 is in fluid
communication with first valve 82 while second pathway 74 is in
fluid communication with second valve 84. First pathway 72 (e.g., a
hose, pipe, conduit, etc.) has a length L1 while second pathway 74
(e.g., a hose, pipe, conduit, etc.) has a length L2 which is
substantially greater than a length L1 of first pathway 72. In one
embodiment, the length L2 of second pathway 74 is selected to be
one-half the wavelength of the sound wave S while the length L1 of
first pathway 72 is negligible relative to the wavelength of sound
wave S and therefore negligible relative to length L2.
[0036] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a second air
pathway 74 comprises a plurality of modules 56-58 (such as
individual sections of hoses or pipes) connected in series wherein
the number of modules determines the length of second air pathway
24. This arrangement enables the operator or designer to
selectively vary the length of second air pathway 74 to modify the
effect of the noise suppression and/or to provide a shorter length
second air pathway 74 for convenience. In another embodiment, the
modules 56-58 are telescopically retractable and expandable
relative to each other to respectively shorten or lengthen the
length of second air pathway 74.
[0037] First valve 82 and second valve 84 are substantially the
same in structure and function, except being connected to a
different air pathway 72 and 74 via a respective junction 79. In
one embodiment, first valve 82 and second valve 84 each define a
respective chamber (86A, 86B) including a movable portion (90A,
90B) that selectively blocks an air inlet structure (88A, 88B). The
air inlet structures (88A or 88B) comprise one or more openings to
enable air flow into the chamber (86A or 86B). The moveable portion
(90A, 90B) comprises a flap or other flexible member capable of
being deflected or moved by an impact of sound waves and/or by
pressure of air intake.
[0038] In one embodiment, moveable portions (90A, 90B) comprise a
flap arranged relative to an air inlet structure (88A, 88B) to
enable the flap to be in a first position that enables inflow of
air into a respective chamber (86A, 86B) and moved to a second
position that closes air inlet structure (88A, 88B) when a sound
wave (such as sound wave S1 or S2) impacts moveable portions (90A,
90B).
[0039] In one embodiment, the moveable portion 90A, 90B is a flap
made of a flexible plastic material, such as polypropylene or other
suitable materials. A center portion 92 of the flap (90A, 90B) is
secured relative to a central region 94 of air inlet structure
(88A, 88B) adjacent openings of the air inlet structure with outer
portions 96 of the flaps extending outward relative to center
portion 92. In this arrangement, the secured center portion 92 acts
as a hinge enabling movement of the outer portions 96 against or
away from inlet structure (88A, 88B) depending upon the presence or
absence of sound waves within the chamber that encloses the
flap.
[0040] In another embodiment, valve 82 and/or valve 84 comprise a
check valve, such as a ball check valve or a reed valve, as
understood by those skilled in the art.
[0041] In one example, FIG. 3 illustrates a closed first valve 82,
with moveable flap 90A pressed upward into contact against air
inlet structure 88A via the impact pressure from sound waves S1
while second valve 84 is open with moveable flap 90B spaced from
air inlet structure 88B because of the absence (or minimal impact)
of sound waves S2 against moveable flap 90B. In a manner
substantially the same as previously described for valves 16 and 18
in association with FIGS. 1-2, first valve 82 and second valve 84
alternately open and close in an offset manner so that when one
valve is open, the other valve is closed and vice versa, thereby
enabling air to enter air inlet 62 of air compressor 52 while
neutralizing noise exiting air inlet 62 of air compressor 52.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a noise suppressor system 100, according to an
embodiment of the invention. System 100 comprises substantially the
same features and attributes of systems 10 and 50 (previously
described in association with FIGS. 1-3), except further comprising
a container 102 for enclosing or grouping (e.g., maintaining in
close proximity) various components of systems 10, 50. As shown in
FIG. 4, container 102 is represented by dashed lines and encloses
(as an example) first valve 82, second valve 84, air pathway
structure 71 (including at least pathway 72 and 74), and coil
portion 78 of air pathway 74. In one embodiment, air inlet
structures 88A and 88B are disposed at outer edge 110 of container
102.
[0043] In one embodiment, container 102 comprises either a first
portion 104 or a second portion 106, or both first portion 104 and
second portion 106 together. First portion 104 encloses or groups
first valve 82 and second valve 84 while second portion 106
encloses or groups components of air pathway structure 71 including
coil portion 78. In another embodiment, a size and/or shape of
container 102 is selected to enclose other combinations of
components of noise suppressor system 100.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an noise suppression adapter
200, according to an embodiment of the invention. In one
embodiment, noise suppressor 200 comprises substantially the same
features and attributes as noise suppressor (e.g., noise suppressor
54) as previously described and illustrated in association with
FIGS. 1-4, except further comprising additional valves 182, 184
wherein a first valve array 202 comprises first valve 82 and third
valve 182 and a second valve array 204 comprises second valve 84
and fourth valve 184. In this respect, each array 202, 204
comprises two or more valves connected in series to provide further
noise suppression than simply using a single first valve 82 and
single second valve 84. While not illustrated, it is understood
that in other embodiments, each respective first and second valve
array 202, 204 comprises three or more valves connected in
series.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 5, third valve 182 comprises
substantially the same features and attributes as first valve 82,
except with inlets 88A of first valve 82 being in direct fluid
communication with an interior of third valve 182 (instead of in
direct fluid communication with the ambient environment). In one
aspect, third valve 182 comprises a movable flap 190A secured to
member 194 with outer portions 196 of flap 190A either respectively
blocking air inlets 188A, 188A or providing an open path to air
inlets 188A, 188A in response to the cycling of the airflow and
soundwaves of air compressor, as previously described in
association with FIGS. 1-4.
[0046] Likewise, fourth valve 184 comprises substantially the same
features and attributes as second valve 84, except with inlets 88B
of second valve 84 being in direct fluid communication with an
interior of fourth valve 184 (instead of in direct fluid
communication with the ambient environment). In one aspect, third
valve 182 comprises a movable flap 190A secured to member 194 with
outer portions 196 of flap 190A either respectively blocking air
inlets 188A, 188A or providing an open path to air inlets 188A,
188A in response to the cycling of the airflow and soundwaves of
air compressor, as previously described in association with FIGS.
1-4.
[0047] In use, each array 202,204 of valves that are connected in
series, such as first valve 82 and third valve 182, respectively
exhibit a substantially matched response to the cycling of the
soundwaves and airflow so that both first valve 82 and third valve
182 open at substantially the same time and close at substantially
the same time. Similarly, second valve 84 and fourth valve 184,
exhibit a substantially matched response to the cycling of the
soundwaves and airflow so that both second valve 84 and fourth
valve 184 open at substantially the same time and close at
substantially the same time. Finally, in accordance with prior
embodiments, when first valve 82 and third valve 182 are open, then
second valve 84 and fourth valve 184 are closed, and when first
valve 82 and third valve 182 are closed, then second valve 84 and
fourth valve 184 are open.
[0048] Accordingly, the respective valves of the first valve array
202 open and close substantially in unison in response to the
cycling of the sound waves of the air compressor and the respective
valves of the second valve array 204 open and close substantially
in unison in response to the cycling of the sound waves of the air
compressor.
[0049] In addition, in other embodiments, one or more of valves 82,
84, 182, 184 comprise other types of valves, such as a check valve,
as previously described in association with FIGS. 1-4.
[0050] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a noise
suppressor for an air compressor that simultaneously neutralizes
noise that exits an air inlet from an air compressor while
delivering air into the air compressor for compression.
[0051] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein for purposes of description of the preferred
embodiment, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in
the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent
implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments
illustrated and described without departing from the scope of the
present invention. Those with skill in the mechanical,
electromechanical, electrical, and computer arts will readily
appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in a very
wide variety of embodiments. This application is intended to cover
any adaptations or variations of the preferred embodiments
discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this
invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents
thereof.
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