Two-stage silencer assembly that can be connected to a blowdown vent.

Abstract

The two-stage silencer assembly includes a first reactive rigid silencer positioned in the throat of a second silencer. The first reactive rigid silencer includes a rigid tube having a plurality of through-holes. The second non-reactive silencer includes a porous medium located outside the first reactive rigid silencer and spaced apart from it.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This international patent cooperation treaty (PCT) patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 453,434, filed on March 20, 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a two - stage silencer assembly including a first reactive rigid silencer disposed at the throat of a second silencer (muffler). The first reactive rigid silencer includes a rigid tube having a plurality of through - holes. The second non - reactive silencer is located outside the first reactive silencer and includes a porous medium spaced from the first reactive rigid silencer.

Background Art

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 7,878,299, February 1, 2011, "Silencer Apparatus with Disposable Silencer Cartridge Unit", Robert Geyer describes that a combination of a muffler housing, a core wall, a casing, a sound - absorbing medium, and any outer wall provides a desired noise attenuation effect, and that the housing must be formed of an impermeable material (steel, plastic, etc.) to form an airtight seal surrounding the silencer cartridge unit because the housing functions as a noise barrier. Further, Geyer describes that the outer wall of the silencer cartridge unit need not be impermeable and may even be omitted. In this case, the unit must be installed in a housing appropriately configured to be air - impermeable and form an airtight seal around the unit. Also, Geyer shows that forming the silencer unit to include an outer wall and forming that wall of an impermeable material may add an additional noise barrier and improve noise attenuation.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 11,602,708, dated March 14, 2023, by Tor Solberg et al., discloses a silencer element positioned in the throat void of a filter element. The carrier includes a first sheet on which the filter element is placed and a sealing surface that forms an airtight seal with the silencer element. The silencer element includes a sound-absorbing medium. The inner surface of the sound-absorbing medium defines the throat void. Inside the inner surface of the sound-absorbing medium is a breathable and sound-transparent inner sidewall, which defines a void having multiple through-openings to the inner surface of the sound-absorbing medium. Outside the outer surface of the sound-absorbing medium is a breathable and sound-transparent outer sidewall, which defines a void having multiple through-openings to the outer surface of the sound-absorbing medium. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0005] A two-stage silencer connectable to an air outlet for a compressible fluid, i.e., an air outlet for a compressible fluid, includes an inlet for the compressible fluid defined by a portion of the two-stage silencer. The two-stage silencer has a first silencer having an inward-facing surface and an outward-facing surface. The inward-facing surface defines a hollow portion, with multiple through-holes opening through the sidewall. The rigid tube of the first silencer can form a sidewall having an inward-facing surface and an outward-facing surface. The inward-facing surface defines a hollow portion.

[0006] The two-stage silencer further includes a second silencer having side walls whose inner surface defines a hollow portion. A porous medium having an inward-facing surface forms the inner surface of the second silencer. The first silencer is located within the hollow portion defined by the inner surface of the second silencer. The inner surface of the second silencer faces the outer surface of the tube side wall.

[0007] A gap is defined when the inner surface of the second silencer faces the outer surface of the tube side wall.

[0008] The inlet for the compressible fluid, i.e., the inlet for the compressible fluid, the hollow portion of the tube, multiple through-holes opening through the tube sidewall, voids, and the porous medium define the compressible fluid path. Along the path, the inlet opens into the hollow portion of the tube, the multiple through-holes opening through the tube sidewall open into the hollow portion of the tube, the multiple through-holes open into voids, and the inward-facing surface of the porous medium opens into voids. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a two-stage silencer that can be connected to a blowdown vent, which has the features of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a side view of the two-stage silencer shown. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the two-stage silencer shown in Figure 2, along line 3-3. [Figure 4] Figure 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the two-stage silencer shown. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the two-stage silencer shown. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing how the compressed air chamber is connected to the cross-sectional view of the two-stage silencer shown in Figure 3. [Figure 7] This is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a two-stage silencer that can be connected to a blowdown vent. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a side view of the two-stage silencer. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the two-stage silencer shown in Figure 8, along line 9-9. [Figure 10] Figure 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the two-stage silencer shown. [Figure 11] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the two-stage silencer shown. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing how a compressed air chamber is connected to a cross-sectional view of a two-stage silencer, as shown in Figure 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Before the embodiments are described in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the configurations described below and the member arrangements shown in the drawings. Other embodiments of the invention are possible and may be carried out or performed in various ways. Furthermore, the expressions and terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted restrictively. The words “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” and their variations herein, are intended to include not only the items listed below and their equivalents, but also additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” “coupled,” “abutted,” and “imparted,” and their variations herein, are used broadly and include direct and indirect mounting, connection, support, coupling, abutting, and imparting. The words “in,” “resides in,” “resides,” “between,” “over,” “closed,” “forms,” and “covers” do not mean “in,” “resides in,” “resides,” “between,” “over,” “closed,” “forms,” and “covers.” These words encompass partial “in,” “resides in,” “resides,” “forms,” “between,” “over,” and “covers.” Furthermore, “connected,” “coupled,” and “abut” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, a two-stage silencer assembly (20) connectable to a blowdown vent includes a first silencer (22) and a second silencer (24). The first silencer includes a circumferentially extending tube (23). The tube (23) and the first silencer (22) include a side wall (23a) having an inward-facing surface (23a') and an outward-facing surface (23a”). These surfaces are rigid. The inward-facing surface defines the hollow portion (23b) of the tube (23). The tube (23) includes a plurality of through-holes (23c) that penetrate and open through the side wall (including its outward and inward-facing surfaces). The plurality of through-holes (23c) open outward from the hollow portion (23b). The plurality of through-holes may be perforations. The tube (23) may be formed of carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and rigid plastic. Since the first silencer (22) does not contain a porous medium, the air porous medium will not completely or partially block the entrances of the through-holes (23c) on the inward-facing surface (23a') of the tube or the outward surface (23a”) of the tube. Furthermore, the first silencer removes the porous medium from the hollow portion (23b) of the tube.

[0012] The second silencer (24) includes a side wall whose inner surface (25) defines a hollow portion (24a). The hollow portion (24a) forms the throat of the second silencer (24). The inner surface (25) may include the inner surface of an inner rigid side wall (25a) having a plurality of through holes (25a'). The plurality of holes may be perforations. For example, the rigid side wall may be an expanded metal wall having an inner surface. The material forming the rigid side wall may include carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, plated metal, alloy, rigid plastic, and combinations thereof. The inner surface may also include the inner surface of a first breathable, air-porous medium (25b) having an inner surface (25b'). The first medium (25b) may be rolled polyester or paper. The first porous medium may be pleated instead of rolled. Alternatively, the inner surface may include an inner surface of a breathable, air-porous glass fiber or plastic (synthetic or cellulose) (additional second inner medium) arranged around and on the inner surface of the first medium. The porous medium may include or be composed of other materials and combinations thereof selected from cellulose, glass fiber, polypropylene, aramid fiber, PTFE, etc. The inner surface may include a mesh arranged on top of the additional inner second medium arranged around the first medium. The mesh may be metal, wire, plastic, or a lattice structure.

[0013] The side wall of the second silencer (24) may include an outer surface (27) that defines the outer surface of the two-stage silencer assembly. The outer surface may include the outer surface of the second rigid side wall (27a) having a plurality of through holes (27a'). Similarly, the holes may be perforated. For example, the rigid side wall may be an expanded metal wall having an outer surface. The material of the side wall may be the same type of material as the inner side wall (25a). The outer surface (27) may also include the outer surface (25b") of a first medium (25b), which is a rolled or pleated medium. The outer surface (27) may also include the outer surface of a second porous medium made of permeable, air-porous glass fiber or plastic, which is placed on the outer surface of the rolled or pleated medium (25b). The medium forming the outer surface of the porous medium may be made of the same type of material as the medium forming the inner surface (25). The outer surface (27) may also include the outer surface of a mesh. The mesh may be the periphery of the outer surface of the first medium (25b) or the second medium periphery of the outer surface of the medium (25b). The mesh may include the same type of structure as the mesh forming the inner surface. The medium of the second silencer may have a filtering function.

[0014] The inner surface (25) of the second silencer (24) and the outer surface (23a") of the tube (23) of the first silencer face each other. The tube (23) is located within the hollow throat portion (24a). The void (24a') formed from the hollow throat portion (24a) is located between the opposing inner surface (25) and outer surface (23a"), between the opposing side walls of the silencer (22) and the second silencer, and between the opposing side walls of the tube and the silencer, separating them. The void may have a volume greater than or equal to the volume of the hollow portion of the tube.

[0015] During operation, air (29) is discharged from a compressed air chamber (31) formed by a tank, container, or conduit or tube. From the compressed air chamber, the air passes through a compressed air port (33) that is in fluid communication with the chamber. From the port (33), the air passes through the inlet of the two-stage silencer assembly (20). From the inlet (35), the air (29) enters the hollow portion (23b) of the tube (23) of the first silencer through the first open end (23d) of the tube (23). From the hollow portion (23b), the air enters the gap (24a') through a plurality of openings (23c) in the side wall of the tube (23) of the first silencer. From the gap (24a'), the air (29) enters a plurality of openings and a plurality of gaps formed by the structure that forms the inner surface (25) of the second silencer. Air (29) passes through these multiple openings and gaps and is discharged from the second silencer through multiple openings and gaps in the structure that forms the outer surface (27) of the second silencer. As the air (29) passes through the silencer assembly (20), its velocity and direction change. The change in the velocity and direction of the air (29) reduces the volume (measured in decibels) of the sound produced by the discharge of air from the compressed air port (33). The sound waves are attenuated. Thus, the two-stage silencer assembly (20) attenuates sound when an operator enables a blowout or drawdown from the compressed air chamber (31). The air flows from the chamber, through the port (33), and through the two-stage silencer assembly (20). Notably, due to the configuration of the first silencer (22), the air enters and exits through the multiple holes (23c) without first passing through an air porous medium. Air enters the voids without first passing through the air-porous medium. Air further passes through the hollow portion of the tube without first passing through the air-porous medium. Although the term “air” is used in this disclosure, it applies more generally to compressible fluids including air, gases, and mixtures thereof.

[0016] More specifically, the two-stage silencer assembly (20) includes a carrier (37). The carrier (37) includes a first holder (39) and a second holder (41). Each holder can be more broadly referred to as a support. The first holder (39) (more narrowly referred to as the base) includes an end wall (42) and a side wall (43). The end wall (42) and the side wall (43) each have a first surface (42a, 43a) that is continuous with each other. The first surfaces (42a, 43a) form the outer surface of the two-stage silencer assembly (20). The end wall (42) and the side wall (43) each have a second surface (42b, 43b) opposite to their first surface, and these second surfaces are continuous with each other. The first holder (39) includes a first sleeve (45) (also referred to as a collar). The sleeve extends in a first direction (47) from the first surface (42a) and second surface (42b) of the end wall. The sleeve extends in the longitudinal direction of its hollow portion (45a) and the silencer assembly (20a). Furthermore, it extends around the longitudinal axis (24b) of the second silencer and the longitudinal axis (23e) of the tube (23) of the first silencer. A portion of the tube of the first silencer is located within the hollow portion (45a) defined by the sleeve (45). The second surface (42b) of the end wall (42) faces the first open end (23d) of the tube. The open end (23d) of the tube applies force to the second surface (42b) of the end wall (42) of the first holder (39) in a second axial direction (49) opposite to the first axial direction (47). A seal, such as a compression seal (51), may be positioned between the first open end (23d) of the silencer tube and the second surface (42b) of the end wall of the first holder (39). The force applied by the first open end (23d) of the tube compresses the compression seal.

[0017] A portion of the inner surface (25) of the second silencer is located around the sleeve (45) of the first holder (39). The sleeve (45) is located within the throat hollow (24a). A portion of the second surface (42b) of the end wall (42) of the first holder (39) faces the second silencer (24), particularly the first open end (24c) of the second silencer (24). The first open end (24c) of the second silencer (24) opens into the throat hollow (24a). The first open end (24c) of the second silencer (24) applies a force to the second surface (42b) of the end wall (42) of the first holder (39) in a second axial direction (49) opposite to the first axial direction (47). The first seal (24d) at the first open end (24c) of the second silencer (24) abuts against the second surface (42b) of the end wall. The seal is compressed by the force between the first open end (24d) and the second surface (42b). A ring-shaped rigid end cap may cover the end at the first open end of the second silencer. The covered end may include the ends of a porous medium, side walls, and mesh. The first seal may then be placed on the rigid end cap.

[0018] The first holder includes a first through-opening (35) which is the inlet (35) of the two-stage silencer (20). A joint portion (39a) of the first holder (39) defines the first through-opening (35). The joint portion (39a) may include an inward or outward thread portion (39a') that defines the first through-opening (35). The joint portion (39a) connects and couples the first holder (39) and the two-stage silencer assembly (20) to the air port (33). The first through-opening (35) includes a longitudinal axis (35a) passing through the opening. The first through-opening opens into the tube hollow portion (23b) of the first silencer. The first opening end (23d) of the tube (23) of the first silencer opens in the vicinity of the first through-opening (35) and is spaced apart from the second holder (41). The longitudinal axis (45a) of the sleeve of the first holder extends through the first through-opening (35). The longitudinal axis (35a) of the first through-opening extends through the first opening end (23d) of the tube of the first silencer, the tube hollow portion (23b), the throat hollow portion (24a), and the sleeve hollow portion (45a').

[0019] The second holder (41) includes end walls (57a, 57b) and side walls (59a, 59b). In this example, there is a first side wall portion (59a) and a second side wall portion (59b). The second holder can be more broadly referred to as a support, and more narrowly as a top. The first end wall portion (57a) connects and is continuous with the first side wall portion (59a) and the second side wall portion (59b). The second side wall portion (59b) forms a stepped portion. The end walls (57a, 57b) and side walls (59a, 59b) each have a first surface (57c, 59c) that is continuous with each other, and these first surfaces (57c, 59c) form the outer surface of the silencer assembly (20). The end walls (57a, 57b) and side walls (59a, 59b) each have a second surface (57d, 59d) opposite to their first surface, and these second surfaces (57d, 59d) are inward-facing and continuous with each other. The second holder (41) includes a second sleeve (41a) (also called a collar). The sleeve (41a) extends from the first surface (57c) and the second surface (57d) of the end wall in the second axial direction (49). The sleeve (41a) extends in the direction of its longitudinal axis (41b) and the longitudinal axis (20a) of the silencer assembly. Furthermore, it extends around the longitudinal axis (24b) of the second silencer and the longitudinal axis (23e) of the tube of the first silencer. A portion of the tube (23) of the first silencer is located within a hollow section (41c) defined by the second sleeve (41a). The sleeve serves to locate and maintain the position of the tube during the assembly of the two-stage silencer. A portion of the second surface (57d) of the end wall (57a, 57b) of the second holder (41) faces the tube (23). At the second open end (23f) of the tube, the tube (23) applies a force acting on the second surface (57d) of the end wall (57a, 57b) of the second holder (41) in the first axial direction (47) opposite to the second axial direction (49). The second open end (23f) of the tube opens into the hollow section (23b) of the tube. The compression seal (51) is positioned between the second open end (23f) of the silencer tube and the second surface (57d) of the end wall of the second holder (41). The force applied by the second open end (23f) of the tube acts on the compression seal (51), compressing it.

[0020] A part of the inner surface (25) of the second silencer is located around the second sleeve (41a). The sleeve (41a) is located within the throat hollow portion (24a). A part of the second surface (57d) of the end walls (57a, 57b) of the second holder (41) faces the second silencer (24). The second silencer (24) applies a force to the second surface (57d) of the end walls (57a, 57b) of the second holder (41) in the first axial direction (47) opposite to the second axial direction (49). The force applied to the second surface (57d) of the second holder (41) by the second silencer (24) is applied at the second opening end (24e) of the second silencer that opens into the throat hollow portion (24a). A second seal (24f) is arranged at the second opening end (24e) of the second silencer (24). The second seal (24f) of the second silencer (24) abuts against the second surface (57d) of the end walls (57a, 57b) of the second holder (41). The seal (24f) is compressed by the applied force. A ring-shaped rigid end cap may cover the end of the second silencer at the second opening end. The covered end may include a porous medium, a side wall, and the end of a mesh. The second seal may be arranged on the rigid end cap.

[0021] The portion of the second holder (41) defining the port (41d) can function as a portion for connecting a pressure relief valve or pressure gauge to the two-stage silencer assembly (20). A plug (41d') may fill the port. The thread defining the port opening facilitates connecting a portion of the second holder (41) to a relief valve, pressure gauge, or plug. The second surface (57d) of the end wall (57a, 57b) of the second holder (41) overlaps and covers the second open end (23f) of the tube (23) of the first silencer. It may also overlap and cover the second open end (24e) of the second silencer. The second open end (23f) of the tube (23) is located near the second holder (41) and spaced apart from the first holder (39). The longitudinal axis (41b) of the second sleeve extends through the through-opening (35) formed by the second opening (23f) of the tube, the hollow throat section (24a), the first sleeve (45), and the joint (39a). The longitudinal axis (20a) of the two-stage silencer assembly (20) extends through the hollow throat section (24a), the hollow silencer tube section (23b), the hollow second sleeve section (41c), the hollow first sleeve section (45a), and the joint opening (35).

[0022] The first holder (39) forms a first fastener receiving through hole (39b) and a second fastener receiving hole (39c). The outer surface (42a) defines an opening to the first fastener hole (39b). The outer surface (42a) defines an opening to the second fastener hole (39c). The second holder (41) forms a first fastener receiving through hole (41e) and a second fastener receiving through hole (41f). The outer surface (57c) defines an opening to the first fastener hole (41e) in the second holder (41). The outer surface (57c) defines an opening to the second fastener hole (41f) in the second holder. The first fastener (61) extends through the first fastener holes (39b, 41e) of the first holder (39) and the second holder (41). The contact portion (61a) of the first fastener (61) is located on the outer surface (42a) of the first holder in a first direction (47) and applies force thereto thereon. The surface is recessed. A washer may be placed between the contact portion (61a) and the recessed outer surface. The contact portion (61a) may be a bolt head or a nut. If it is a nut, it is attached to the threaded end of the fastener (61) protruding from the first fastener hole (39b) of the first holder. The threaded portion extends away from the first surface (42a) and the second surface (42b) of the end wall of the first holder (39). The second contact portion (61b) of the first fastener (61) is located on the outer surface (57c) of the second holder in the second direction (49) and applies force thereto thereto. The surface is recessed. A washer may be placed between the contact portion (61b) and the recessed outer surface of the second holder (41). The contact portion (61b) may be a bolt head or a nut. If it is a nut, it is attached to the threaded end of the first fastener protruding from the first fastener hole (41e) of the second holder (41). The threaded portion extends away from the first surface (57c) and the second surface (57d) of the end wall of the second holder (41).

[0023] The second fastener (62) extends through the first holder (39) and the second fastener holes (39c, 41f) of the second holder (41). The first contact portion (62a) of the second fastener is located on the outer surface (42a) of the first holder in the first direction (47) and applies force thereto thereon. The surface is recessed. A washer may be placed between the first contact portion (62a) and the recessed outer surface of the first holder (47). The contact portion (62a) may be a bolt head or a nut. If it is a nut, it is attached to the threaded end of the second fastener (62) protruding from the second fastener hole (39c) of the first holder (39). The threaded portion extends away from the first (42a) and second (42b) surfaces of the end wall of the first holder (39). The second contact portion (62b) of the second fastener (62) is located on the outer surface (57c) of the second holder in the second direction (49) and applies force thereto thereto. The surface is recessed. A washer may be placed between the second contact portion (62b) and the recessed outer surface of the second holder (41). The contact portion (62b) may be a bolt head or a nut. If it is a nut, it is attached to the threaded end of the second fastener (62) protruding from the second fastener hole (41f) of the second holder (41). The threaded portion extends away from the first surface (57c) and the second surface (57d) of the end wall of the second holder (41).

[0024] The first fastener (61) connects the first holder (39) and the second holder (41). The second fastener (62) connects the first holder (39) and the second holder (41). The fasteners (61, 62) apply a force to the second holder (41) in a second direction (49) and a force to the first holder (39) in a first direction (47). The force in the second direction (49) acts on the second silencer (24) in the second direction (49) opposite to the first direction (47). The force applied to the second silencer (24) may also be applied at the second open end (24e) of the second silencer which opens into the throat hollow (24a). The second seal (24f) of the second silencer (24) abuts against the second surface (57d) of the end wall of the second holder (41). The seal (24f) does not need to be attached to the second silencer. A force in the second direction (49) acts on the seal (24f), compressing it. The seal (24f) does not need to be attached to the second silencer. Furthermore, a portion of the second surface (57d) of the end wall of the second holder (41) faces the tube (23), applying a force to the tube (23) in the second axial direction (49) opposite to the first direction (47). The force acts on the second open end (23f) of the tube (23). The second open end (23f) opens into the hollow portion (23b) of the tube. A compression seal (51) is positioned between the second open end (23f) of the silencer tube and the second surface (57d) of the end wall of the second holder (41). A force in the second direction (49) acts on the seal (51), compressing it.

[0025] A force in the first direction (47) imparts a force to the second silencer (24) in the first axial direction (47) opposite to the second direction (49). The force applied to the second silencer (24) may be applied at the first open end (24c) of the second silencer that opens into the throat hollow (24a). The first seal (24d) of the second silencer (24) abuts against the second surface (42b) of the end wall of the first holder (39). The force in the first direction (47) acts on the first seal (24d), compressing it. The first seal (24d) does not need to be attached to the second silencer. Furthermore, a portion of the second surface (42b) of the end wall of the first holder (39) faces the tube (23) and applies a force to the tube (23) in the first axial direction (47) opposite to the second axial direction (49). The force acts on the first open end (23d) of the tube (23). The first open end (23d) opens into the hollow portion (23b) of the tube. A compression seal may be positioned between the first open end (23d) of the silencer tube and the second surface (42b) of the end wall of the first holder (39). The force in the first direction (47) acts on the seal (51), compressing it.

[0026] The end caps, holders (39, 41), tubes (23), fasteners (61, 62), etc., at both ends of the opposing second silencer may be formed from carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, rigid plastic, alloy, other plated metals, or combinations thereof. The seals (24f, 24e) may be referred to as end caps connected to the first and second ends of the second silencer. These components may be formed from silicone, plastol, other synthetic polymers, or rubber. Gaskets may be used with the end caps to improve the seal to the holder. The gaskets may be formed from silicone, cork, felt, FKM (EPDM), neoprene, and other synthetic rubbers.

[0027] The modular structure described above allows for the tuning of the two-stage silencer according to specific applications and application requirements. Modifications may include changes to the configuration of the first and second silencers, as well as the configuration of the first and second holders.

[0028] Figures 7 to 12 show alternative two-stage silencer assemblies different from those shown in Figures 1 to 6. For parts and components shown and described in Figures 7 to 12 that are similar to those shown and described in Figures 1 to 6, a similar reference numbering system is used. That is, parts similar to those used in the first embodiment are given similar reference numbers, except that parts used in the second embodiment have the prefix "2" added to their part number from the first embodiment. Therefore, the second silencer (24) used in the first embodiment is represented as (224) in the alternative embodiment.

[0029] When the two-stage silencer assembly of the alternative embodiment is operating, air (229) is discharged from a compressed air chamber (231) formed by a tank, container, or conduit or tube. From the compressed air chamber, the air passes through an air port (233) that is in fluid communication with the chamber. From the port (233), the air passes through the inlet (235) of the two-stage silencer assembly (220). From the inlet (235), the air (229) passes through the first open end (223d) of the first silencer tube (223) and enters the hollow section (223b) of the first silencer tube (223). From the hollow section (223b), the air passes through a number of openings (223c) in the side wall (223a) of the first silencer tube (223) and enters the gap (224a') and the throat hollow section (224a). From the void (224a') and the hollow throat (224a), air (229) enters into multiple openings and gaps formed by the structure that forms the inner surface (225) of the second silencer (224). The air (229) passes through these multiple openings and gaps and is discharged from the second silencer through multiple openings and gaps in the structure that forms the outer surface (227) of the second silencer. As the air (229) passes through the silencer assembly (220), its velocity and direction change. The change in the velocity and direction of the air (229) reduces the volume (measured in decibels) of the sound produced by the discharge of air from the compressed air port (233). The sound waves are attenuated. Thus, the two-stage silencer assembly (220) attenuates sound when an operator enables a blowout or drawdown from the compressed air chamber (231). Air flows from the chamber, through the port (233), and then through the two-stage silencer assembly (220). Notably, due to the configuration of the first silencer (222), air enters and exits the holes (223c) without first passing through the air porous medium. Air enters the void without first passing through the air porous medium. Air further passes through the hollow section of the tube without first passing through the air porous medium. The second embodiment is described in relation to air, but more generally, it operates in relation to compressible fluids including air, gases, and combinations thereof.The volume of the gap between the first silencer sidewall and the second silencer sidewall may be equal to or greater than the volume of the hollow portion of the tube.

[0030] More specifically, with respect to the two-stage silencers shown in Figures 7 to 11, the silencer (224) has the same configuration as described above with respect to the second silencer (24). The configuration and materials of the second silencer (224) may have the same variations as those of the second silencer (24).

[0031] More specifically, since the first silencer (222) does not contain a porous medium, the air porous medium does not completely or partially block the inlet of the through-hole (223c) on the inward surface (223a') of the tube or the outer surface (223a”) of the tube. Furthermore, the first silencer (222) removes the porous medium from the hollow portion (223b) of the tube.

[0032] The first silencer (222) and tube (223) have a different configuration from that described above with respect to the silencer (22) and tube (23). The tube (223) of the silencer does not extend from its first holder (239) to the second holder (241). Rather, the length of the tube (223) measured from the first open end (223d) to the second end (100) at the first opening is approximately 2 / 3 to 3 / 4 of the length of the throat hollow (224a). The length of the throat hollow is measured from the first opening at the first open end (224c) of the second silencer to the second opening at the second open end (224e). The tube (223) has a closed end (102) at the second end (100) of the tube, opposite to the second open end of the tube (23). The first open end (223d) of the tube opens into the hollow portion (223b) of the tube and is fixedly connected to the first holder (239). In this embodiment, the tube is fitted into the sleeve (245) of the first holder (239) and welded thereto. The tube (223) may be fixedly connected to the first holder (239) by extrusion, press working, casting or other methods. The first holder may be described more broadly as a support or more narrowly as a base. The second holder may be described more broadly as a support or more narrowly as a top.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the configuration for connecting the first holder (239) to the second holder (241) differs from that shown in Figures 1 to 6. More specifically, the tube (223) includes a joint (104) at its second end (100). The joint (104) extends through the tube cover (103) and seals against it. The joint (104) includes a threaded inner surface (104a) that defines a through hole opening at the end (104b) that opens into the hollow portion of the tube (223b). The joint (104) has an open end (104c) on the opposite side of the end (104a) that opens into the tube (223). The threaded end (108a) of the fastener (108) connects to the thread (104a) of the joint (104) of the tube. The fastener (108) includes a contact portion (108b). The contact portion is located on the outer surface (257c) of the end wall (112) of the second holder (241) and applies a force thereto in a second direction (249). The surface may be recessed. A washer may be placed between the contact portion (108b) and the outer surface (257c). The contact portion may be a bolt head or a nut. If it is a nut, it is attached to the threaded end of the fastener (108) protruding from the fastener hole (110) of the second holder (241). The threaded portion extends away from the outer surface (257c) and inner surface (257d) of the end wall of the second holder (241). The threaded end (108a) of the fastener in the tube joint (104) applies a force acting on the tube in a first direction (247). The force acting on the tube is transmitted to the force acting on the first holder in the first direction (247).

[0034] The forces acting on the second holder (241) and the forces acting on the first holder compress the second silencer between the inner surfaces (242b, 257d) of the first holder (239) and the second holder (241). The compressive force compresses the first seal (224d) and the second seal (224f) of the second silencer. The seals (224d) of the first silencer and the seals (224f) of the second silencer do not necessarily have to be fixed to the second silencer (224). The seal (224d) of the first silencer may simply be positioned between the rigid end cap at the first open end (224c) of the second silencer and the inner surface (242b) of the first holder (239). Similarly, the seal (224f) of the second silencer may simply be positioned between the inner surface (257d) of the second holder (241) and the rigid end cap at the second open end (224e) of the second silencer.

[0035] As is clear, the components of the two-stage silencer in the first and second embodiments have the same axial arrangement. This similarity is observed with respect to the following longitudinal axes of the second embodiment: namely, the longitudinal axis (223e) of the tube (223), the longitudinal axis (224b) of the second silencer (224), the longitudinal axis (235a) of the inlet (235) of the two-stage silencer, the longitudinal axis (220a) of the two-stage silencer (220), and the longitudinal axis (245a') of the sleeve (245a) of the first holder (39). It should be noted that either the second silencer (24), (224) may be a silencer element, more specifically a silencer cartridge. The silencer may be a filter silencer, whether a cartridge or an element. The second silencers may have the same configuration and variations.

[0036] Furthermore, there is a similarity in the material composition of the constituent elements. The following members may be formed from a combination of the same type of material: namely, the first holder (239, 39), the second holder (241, 41), fastener (108) and fastener (61, 62), the first silencer (22, 222), and the tube (23, 223).

[0037] Of particular note is that the joint (239a) of the first holder forming the inlet (235) has a different tubular structure from the joint (39a). Of course, other differences exist between embodiments. For example, there are differences in the number of holes (23c) in tube (23) and the number of holes (223c) in tube (223). These differences can be understood and grasped by referring to the drawings.

[0038] As will be apparent from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited to the details of the embodiments shown herein. Therefore, it is anticipated that other modifications and applications using other similar or related features and techniques will be conceived by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, all modifications, variations, other uses and applications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Other aspects, purposes and advantages of the present invention can be derived from the examination of the drawings, disclosures and appended claims.

Claims

1. The inlet for the compressible fluid is defined by a part of the two-stage silencer, A first silencer comprising an elongated tube, wherein the tube has side walls having an inward-facing surface and an outward-facing surface, the inward-facing surface defining a hollow portion, and a plurality of through holes opening through the side walls of the tube, A second silencer having a side wall with an inner surface defining a hollow portion, A porous medium having an inward-facing surface forming the inner surface of the second silencer, wherein the first silencer is located within the hollow portion defined by the inner surface of the second silencer, and the inner surface of the second silencer faces the outer surface of the tube side wall, The gap defined by the inner surface of the second silencer facing the outer surface of the tube side wall, A compressible fluid path defined by the compressible fluid inlet, the hollow portion of the tube, the plurality of through holes opening through the side wall of the tube, the void, and the porous medium, wherein the inlet opens into the hollow portion of the tube, the plurality of through holes opening through the side wall of the tube open into the hollow portion of the tube, the plurality of through holes open into the void, and the inward-facing surface of the porous medium opens into the void, A two-stage silencer equipped with a feature that can be connected to the air outlet of a compressible fluid.

2. A two-stage silencer connectable to an air outlet for a compressible fluid according to claim 1, further having the operation, wherein the compressible fluid enters through an air inlet for the compressible fluid, moves from the inlet to the hollow portion of the tube, passes from the hollow portion of the tube through a plurality of through holes, moves from the plurality of through holes to the void, and moves from the void to the inner surface of the air porous medium and passes through.

3. A two-stage silencer connectable to an air outlet for a compressible fluid according to claim 1, further having a defined downstream compressible fluid direction, wherein the compressible fluid moves from the air inlet for the compressible fluid to the hollow portion of the tube, from the hollow portion of the tube through the plurality of through holes, from the plurality of through holes to the void, and from the void to the inner surface of the air porous medium.

4. A first support and A second support, A fastener connecting the first and second supports to each other, A two-stage silencer connected to an air outlet for a compressible fluid, further comprising the features of claim 1.

5. The opening in the first support, The opening in the second support, The fastener is positioned in the opening of the first support, and the fastener is positioned in the opening of the second support, A two-stage silencer connectable to an air outlet of a compressible fluid according to claim 4, wherein the first and second silencers are located between the first and second supports.

6. The opening in the second support, The first tube opening end defined by the tube, The second tube end defined by the aforementioned tube, The joint at the end of the second tube, Furthermore, The first tube opening end is connected to the first support and is located near the first support, The fastener is positioned in the opening of the second support. The fastener is connected to the tube at the joint at the end of the second tube, A two-stage silencer connectable to an air outlet of a compressible fluid according to claim 4, wherein the first and second silencers are located between the first and second supports.

7. A two-stage silencer connectable to an air outlet of a compressible fluid according to claim 6, wherein the tube connects the first and second supports to each other.

8. A two-stage silencer connectable to an air outlet for a compressible fluid, according to claim 7, wherein the tube is connected to the first support by a configuration selected from the group consisting of welding, extrusion, press working and combinations thereof.

9. With additional sleeves, A two-stage silencer connectable to an air outlet for a compressible fluid according to claim 4, wherein the tube is positioned within the sleeve at the first open end of the tube.

10. A two-stage silencer connectable to an air outlet of a compressible fluid according to claim 7, wherein the tube applies force to the first support in a first direction.

11. The two-stage silencer connected to an air outlet for a compressible fluid according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the second silencer further includes an inner rigid side wall disposed on the porous medium and having a plurality of through holes.

12. A two-stage silencer connected to an air outlet for a compressible fluid, as described in claim 11, wherein the inner rigid side wall having a plurality of through holes, which is disposed on the porous medium, is formed of an expanded metal wall.

13. A two-stage silencer connectable to an air outlet for a compressible fluid, according to claim 11, wherein the expanded metal wall is made of a material selected from the group consisting of carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, plated metal, alloy, rigid plastic, and combinations thereof.

14. A two-stage silencer connectable to an air outlet of a compressible fluid according to claim 1, wherein the porous medium comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyester, paper cellulose, glass fiber, polypropylene, aramid fiber, and PTFE.

15. A two-stage silencer connectable to an air outlet for a compressible fluid, according to claim 11, wherein the inner surface of the second silencer further includes a wire mesh between the inner rigid side wall and the porous medium.

16. The two-stage silencer according to claim 1, wherein the second silencer further comprises an outer surface defining the outer surface of the two-stage silencer, and is connectable to an air outlet for a compressible fluid.

17. The outer surface includes a rigid side wall having a plurality of through holes, a two-stage silencer connectable to an air outlet for a compressible fluid according to claim 1.

18. The two-stage silencer connectable to an air outlet of a compressible fluid according to claim 17, wherein the outer surface further includes the outer surface of the porous medium.

19. The rigid side wall having the plurality of through holes is arranged around the outer surface of the porous medium, a two-stage silencer connectable to an air outlet for a compressible fluid according to claim 18.

20. A two-stage silencer connectable to an air outlet for a compressible fluid, according to claim 4, wherein the second support body comprises a sleeve, and the inner surface is located around the sleeve.

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