EP4684116A2

EP4684116A2 - Two stage silencer assembly connectable to blow down vent

Info

Publication number: EP4684116A2
Application number: EP24793208.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Charles H. SOLBERG; Clint Browning
Original assignee: Solberg Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: Solberg Manufacturing Co
Priority date: 2023-03-20
Filing date: 2024-03-19
Publication date: 2026-01-28
Also published as: WO2024220186A3; JP2026510699A; WO2024220186A2; CN120958222A; MX2025010044A; KR20250174011A

Abstract

A two stage silencer assembly includes a first reactive rigid silencer disposed in the throat of a second silencer. The first reactive rigid silencer includes a rigid tube having through holes. The second non-reactive silencer includes porous media outward of and spaced from the first reactive rigid silencer.

Description

TWO STAGE SILENCER ASSEMBLY CONNECTABLE TO BLOW DOWN VENT

This International Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/453,434, filed March 20, 2023, hereby incorporated by reference herein.

I. TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure concerns a two stage silencer assembly which includes a first reactive rigid silencer disposed in the throat of a second silencer. The first reactive rigid silencer includes a rigid tube having through holes. The second non-reactive silencer includes porous media outward of and spaced from the first reactive silencer.

II. BACKGROUND

US Patent 7,878,299, 2/01/2011, Silencer Apparatus with Disposable Silencer Cartridge Unit, Robert Geyer, describes that a combination of the silencer housing, core wall, enclosure, absorptive media, and optionally the outer wall are intended to provide a desired noise attenuation effect, the housing acts as a noise barrier, and therefore must be formed of an impermeable material (such as a steel, plastic, etc.) to form an airtight seal surrounding the silencer cartridge unit. Furthermore, Geyer recites that the outer wall of the silencer cartridge unit does not need to be impermeable and may even be omitted. In this case the unit must be installed in an appropriately configured housing that is air-impermeable and forms an airtight seal around the unit. Geyer also indicates improved noise attenuation can be achieved by forming the silencer unit to include the outer wall and form the wall of an impermeable material, thus adding an additional noise barrier.

US Patent 11,602,708, 3/14/2023, Tor Solberg, et al, concerns a silencer element disposed in the throat void space of a filter element. A carrier includes a first seat upon which the filter element sits and a sealing surface which forms an airtight seal with the silencer element. The silencer element includes sound absorbing media. The sound absorbing media inward surface delimits a throat void space. Inward of the sound absorbing media inward surface, is an air permeable sound permeable inner sidewall which delimits void spaces which comprise through openings to the sound absorbing media inward surface. Outward of the sound absorbing media outward surface is a cylindrical, air permeable, sound permeable outer sidewall which delimits void spaces which comprise through openings to the sound absorbing media outward surface. III. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A two stage silencer connectable to a compressible fluid air outlet, i.e., air outlet for compressible fluid, includes a compressible fluid inlet delimited by a portion of said two stage silencer. The two stage silencer has a first silencer with a with an interior facing surface and exterior facing surface. The interior facing surface delimits a hollow, a plurality of through holes open through the sidewall. A rigid tube of the first silencer can form the sidewall having the interior and exterior facing surfaces. The interior facing surface delimiting the hollow.

The two stage silencer further includes a second silencer having a sidewall with an interior surface that delimits a hollow. A porous media having an interior facing surface forms the interior surface of the second silencer. The first silencer resides in the hollow delimited by the interior surface of the second silencer sidewall. The interior surface of the second silencer facing the exterior surface of said tube sidewall.

The interior surface of the second silencer facing the exterior surface of the tube sidewall delimits a void space.

The compressible fluid inlet, i.e., inlet for compressible fluid, the tube hollow, the through holes opening through the tube sidewall, the void space, and the porous media delimit a compressible fluid path. Along the path the inlet opens into the tube hollow, the through holes opening through the tube sidewall open into the tube hollow, the through holes open into the void space, the porous media interior facing surface is open to said void space.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a two stage silencer connectable to a blow down vent embodying features of the present invention.

Figure 2 two is a side view of the two stage silencer shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the two stage silencer shown in Figure 2 taken along view lines 3-3.

Figure 4 is an isometric cross sectional view of the two stage silencer shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5 is an isometric view of the two stage silencer shown in Figure 2.

Figure 6 is a schematic view of a compressed air chamber connected to the cross sectional view of the two stage silencer shown in Figure 3. Figure 7 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a two stage silencer connectable to a blow down vent.

Figure 8 is a side view of the second embodiment of the two stage silencer shown in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a sectional view of the two stage silencer shown in Figure 8 taken along view lines 9-9.

Figure 10 is an isometric cross sectional view of the two stage silencer shown in Figure 11.

Figure 11 is an isometric view of the two stage silencer shown in Figure 8.

Figure 12 is a schematic view of a compressed air chamber connected to the cross sectional view of the two stage silencer shown in Figure 8.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled”,” abutted”, “imparted”, and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, couplings, abutments and impartments. The phrases: “in”, “resides in”, “resides” “between”, “over”, “closed”, “forms” and “covers” does not mean completely “in”, “resides in”, “resides”, ‘forms”, “between” “over”, “closed”, and “covers”. The phrases encompass partially “in”, “resides in”, “resides”, “forms”, “between”, “over”, and “covers”. Further, “connected” and “coupled” and “abut” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

V. MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

As shown in figures 1-6, a two stage silencer assembly (20) connectable to a blow down vent includes a first silencer (22) and a second silencer (24). The first silencer includes a circumferential elongated tube (23). The tube (23) and first silencer (22) includes a sidewall (23a) that has an interior facing surface (23a’) and an exterior facing surface (23a”). The surfaces are rigid. The interior facing surface delimits a hollow (23b) of the tube (23). The tube includes though holes (23c) that open through the sidewall including its exterior and interior surfaces. The through holes (23c) open out of the hollow (23b). The through holes can be perforations. The tube (23) can be formed with carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum and rigid plastics. The first silencer (22) excludes porous media so that no air porous media closes fully or partially the entry of the through holes (23c) at the tube interior surface (23a’) or at the tube exterior surface (23a”). Further the first silencer excludes porous media from the tube hollow (23b).

The second silencer (24) includes a sidewall with an interior surface (25) that delimits a hollow (24a). The hollow (24a) forms a throat of the second silencer (24). The interior surface (25) can include the interior surface of an interior rigid sidewall (25a) having through holes (25a’) therethrough. The holes can be perforations. For example, the rigid sidewall wall can be an expanded metal wall having the interior surface. The material eligible to form the rigid sidewall can include carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, plated metals, allows, rigid plastics and combinations thereof. The interior surface can also include an interior surface (25b’) of an air permeable and air porous first media (25b). The first media (25b) having the interior surface (25b’) can be rolled polyester or paper. The first porous media can be pleated as opposed to rolled. The interior surface can alternatively include the interior surface of an air permeable air porous fiberglass or plastic (synthetic or cellulose) (additional second internal media) about and over the interior surface of the first media. The porous medias can include or be other materials and combinations of other materials selected from the list including cellulose, fiberglass polypropylene, aramid fibers, and PTFE. The interior surface can include a mesh over the additional internal, second media, about the first media. The mesh can be a metal, wire, plastic or lattice structure.

The second silencer (24) sidewall can include an exterior surface (27) that delimits an exterior of the two stage silencer assembly. The exterior surface can include the exterior surface of a second rigid sidewall (27a) having through holes (27a’) there through. The holes again can be perforations. For example, the rigid sidewall can be an expanded metal wall having the exterior surface. The material of the sidewall can be the same variety of materials as the interior sidewall (25a). The exterior surface (27) can also include the exterior surface (25b”) of the air permeable and air porous first media (25b) that forms part of the interior surface (25) such as the rolled or pleated media. The exterior surface (27) can alternatively include the exterior surface of a second porous media in the form of an air permeable and air porous fiberglass or plastic second media about and the over exterior surface of the rolled or pleated media (25b). The medias forming the porous exterior surface can be formed with the variety of material as the medias forming the interior surface (25). The exterior surface (27) can also include the exterior surface of a mesh. The mesh could be about the exterior surface of the first media (25b) or the second media about the exterior surface of media (25b). The mesh can include the same variety of structures as the mesh forming the interior surface. The medias of the second silencer can be filtering.

The interior surface (25) of the second silencer (24) and the exterior surface (23a”) of the first silencer tube (23) face each other. The tube (23) resides in the throat hollow (24a). A void space (24a’) formed from the throat hollow (24a’) resides between and separates and spaces the interior (25) and exterior (23a”) surfaces that face each other; the silencer (22) sidewall and second silencer sidewall that face each other; and the tube sidewall and silencer sidewall that face each other. The void space can have a volume equal to or greater than the volume of the tube hollow.

In operation, air (29) exits a compressed air chamber (31) formed by a tank, vessel, or conduit or tube. From the compressed air chamber, the air passes through a compressed air port (33), in fluid connection with the chamber. From the port (33) the air passes through an inlet of the two stage silencer assembly (20). From the inlet (35), the air (29) passes through a first open end (23d) of the first silencer tube (23) and into the hollow (23b) of the first silencer tube (23). From the hollow (23b) the air passes through the openings (23 c) through the sidewall of the first silencer tube (23) and into the void space (24a’). From the void space (24a’), the air (29) passes into openings and interstices formed by the structure forming the second silencer interior surface (25). The air (29) passes through the openings and interstices and exits the second silencer through openings and interstices of the structure forming the second silencer exterior surface (27). As the air (29) passes through the silencer assembly (20), it changes velocity and direction. The change in the velocity and direction of the air (29) reduces the volume of the sound, measured in decibels, caused by the air exiting through the compressed air port (33). The sound waves are attenuated. Thus, the two stage silencer assembly (20) attenuates the sound when an operator enables a blow out or draw down of the compressed air from the compressed air chamber (31). The air flows from the chamber, through and to the port (33) and to and through the two stage silencer assembly (20). Notably the first silencer (22) construction ensures the air passes into and out of the holes (23 c) without first passing through air porous media. The air enters the void space without first passing though air porous media. The air further passes through the tube hollow without first passing through air porous media. Although the present disclosure uses the term air, it also applies more generally to compressible fluids including air and gases and mixtures thereof.

In more detail, the two stage silencer assembly (20) includes a carrier (37). The carrier (37) includes a first holder (39) and a second holder (41). The holders can each more broadly be referred to as supports. The first holder (39), more narrowly referred to as a base, includes an end wall (42) and a side wall (43). The end wall (42) and sidewall (43) each include a first surface (41a, 43a) which are continuous with each other. The first surfaces (42a, 43a) form an exterior surface of the two stage silencer assembly (20). The end wall (42) and sidewall (43) each have second surfaces (42b, 43b) opposite their first surfaces. The second surfaces (42b, 43b) are continuous with each other. The first holder (39) includes a first sleeve (45) which can be called a collar. The sleeve extends in a first direction (47) away from the end wall first (42a), and second (42b) surfaces. It extends in the direction of and about its hollow sleeve (45a) and the silencer assembly’s (20a) longitudinal axis. It further extends about the second silencer longitudinal axis (24b) and the first silencer tube (23) longitudinal axis (23e). A portion of the first silencer tube resides in the hollow (45a) delimited by the sleeve (45). The sleeve (45) can serve to locate and maintain position of the tube during assembly of the two stage silencer (20). The second surface (42a) of the end wall (42) faces the tube first open end portion (23 d). The tube open end portion (23 d) imparts a force on the second surface (42b) of the end wall (42) of the first holder (39) in a second axial direction (49) opposite the first axial direction (47). A compression seal, like seal (51), can reside between the silencer tube first open end portion (23 d) and second end wall surface (42b) of the first holder (39). The force imparted by the first open end portion (23d) of the tube (23) would act on and compresses the compression seal.

A portion of the second silencer interior surface (25) resides about the sleeve 45 of the first holder (39). The sleeve (45) resides in 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) and more particularly the first open end portion (24c) of the second silencer (24). The first open end portion (24c) opens into the throat hollow (24a). The first open end portion (24c) of the second silencer (24) provides a force which acts on second surface (42b) of the end wall (42) of the first holder (39) in the second axial direction (49) opposite the first axial direction (47). A first seal (24d) of the second silencer (24) at the silencer first open end portion (24c) abuts up against the second surface (42a) of the end wall. The forces of the first open end portion (24d) and second surface (42b) compresses the seal. A rigid end cap forming a ring can cover the end portions of the second silencer at the first open end. The end portions covered can include the end of the porous medias, sidewalls and meshes. The first seal can then reside over the rigid end cap.

The first holder includes a first through opening (35) which is the inlet (35) of the two stage silencer (20). A coupling portion (39a) of the first holder (39) delimits the first through opening (35). The coupling portion (39a) can include interior or exterior facing threads (39a’) delimiting the first through opening (35). The coupling portion (39a) couples and connects the first holder (39) and two stage silencer assembly (20) to the air port coupling (33). The first through opening (35) includes a longitudinal axis (35a) passing through the opening. The first through opening opens into the first silencer tube hollow (23b). The first open end portion (23d) of the first silencer tube (23) opens proximate the first through opening (35) and resides distal to the second holder (41). The sleeve longitudinal axis (45a) of the first holder extends through the first through opening (35). The first through opening longitudinal axis (35a) extends through the first silencer tube open end portion (23d), tube hollow (23b), throat hollow (24a) and sleeve hollow (45a’).

The second holder (41) includes an end wall (57a, 57b) and a sidewall (59a, 59b). In the present example, there exists a first sidewall portion (59a) and a second sidewall portion (59b). The second holder can more broadly be referred to as a support and more narrowly referred to as a top. A first end wall portion (57a) continuous with and between the first (59a) and second (59b) sidewall portions joins the first (59a) and second sidewall portions (59b). The second sidewall portion (59b) forms a step. The end wall (57a, 57b) and sidewall (59a, 59b) each include a first surface (57c, 59c) which are continuous with each other. The first surfaces (57c, 59c) form an exterior surface of the silencer assembly (20). The end wall (57a, 57b) and sidewall (59a, 59b) each have a second surface (57d, 59d) opposite their first surfaces. The second surfaces (57d, 59d) are interior facing and continuous with each other. The second holder (41) includes a second sleeve (41a) which can be called a collar. The sleeve (41a) extends in the second axial direction (49) away from second end wall first (57c) and second surfaces (57d). It extends in the direction of and about its longitudinal axis (41b) and the silencer assembly’s longitudinal axis (20a). It further extends about the second silencer longitudinal axis (24b) and the first silencer tube longitudinal axis (23e). A portion of the first silencer tube (23) resides in the hollow (41c) delimited by the second sleeve (41a). The sleeve operates to locate and maintain the position of the tube during 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). The tube (23) at the tube second open end portion (23f) applies a force acting on the second surface (57c) of the end wall (57a, 57b) of the second holder (41) in the first axial direction (47) opposite the second axial direction (49). The second open end portion (23f) of the tube opens into the tube hollow (23b). A compression seal (51) resides between the silencer tube second open end portion (23f) and second end wall surface (57d) of the second holder (41). The force imparted by the second open end portion (23f) of the tube (23) acts on and compresses the compression seal (51).

A portion of the second silencer interior surface (25) resides about the second sleeve (41a). The sleeve (41a) resides in the throat hollow (24a). A portion of the second surface (57d) of the end wall (57a, 57b) of the second holder (41) faces the second silencer (24). The second silencer (24) provides a force on the second surface (57d) of the end wall (57a, 57b) of the second holder (41) in first second axial direction (47) opposite the second direction (49). The force applied by the second silencer (24) on the second surface (57d) of the second holder (41), is applied by the silencer’s second open end portion (24e) which opens into the throat hollow (24a). A second seal (24f) resides at the second open end portion (24e) of the second silencer (24). The second seal (24f) of the second silencer (24) abuts the second surface (57d) of the end wall (57a, 57b). The applied force compresses the seal (24f). A rigid end cap in the form of a ring can cover the end portion of the second silencer at the second open end. The end portion covered can include the end of the porous medias, sidewalls and meshes. The second seal can then reside over the rigid end cap.

A portion of the second holder (41) delimiting the port (4 Id) can operate as the portion of the silencer assembly to connect a pressure relief valve or a pressure gauge to the two stage silencer assembly (20). A plug (4 Id’) can fill the port. Threads delimiting the port opening facilitate connection of the portion of the second holder (41) forming the port to the relief valve or 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 portion (23f) of the first silencer tube (23). It can also overlap and cover the second silencer open end portion (24e). The second open end (23f) of the tube (23) resides proximate the second holder (41) and distal the first holder (39). The second sleeve longitudinal axis (41b) extends through the tube second opening (23f), the throat hollow (24a), first sleeve (45), and through opening (35) formed by the coupling (39a). The longitudinal axis (20a) of the two stage silencer assembly (20) extends through the throat hollow (24a), silencer tube hollow (23b), second sleeve hollow (41c), first sleeve hollow (45a), and coupling opening (35).

The first holder (39) forms a first fastener receiving through hole (39b) and a second fastener receiving hole (39c). The exterior surface (42a) delimits the opening into a first fastener hole (39b). The exterior surface (42a) delimits the opening into the second fastener hole (39c). The second holder (41) forms a first fastener (41e) and a second fastener (4 If) receiving through hole. The exterior surface (57c) delimits the opening into a first fastener hole (41e) in the second holder (41). The exterior surface (57c) delimits the opening into the second fastener hole (4 If) in the second holder. A first fastener (61) extends through the first fastener holes (39b, 41e) of the first (39) and second (41) holders. An abutment (61a) of the first fastener (61) resides over and provides force against the first holder exterior surface (42a) in the first direction (47). The surface is recessed. A washer can reside between the abutment (61a) and the exterior recessed surface. The abutment (61a) can be a bolt head or a nut. If a nut, it attaches to a thread end of the fastener (61) which extends out of the first fastener hole (39b) of the first holder. The threaded portion extends away from the end wall first (42a) and second (42b) surfaces of the first holder (39). A second abutment (61b) of the first fastener (61) resides over and provides force against the second holder exterior surface (57c) in the second direction (49). The surface is recessed. A washer can reside between the abutment (61b) and the exterior recessed surface. The abutment (61b) can be a bolt head or a nut. If a nut, it attaches to a thread end of the first fastener which extends out of the first fastener hole (41e) of the second holder (41). The threaded portion extends away from the end wall first (57c) and second (59d) surfaces of the second holder (41).

A second fastener (62) extends through the second fastener holes (39c, 4 If) of the first (39) and second (41) holders. A first abutment (62a) of the second fastener resides over and provides force against the first holder exterior surface (42a) in the first direction (47). The surface is recessed. A washer can reside between the first abutment (62a) and the exterior recessed surface of the first holder (47). The abutment (62a) can be a bolt head or a nut. If a nut, it attaches to a thread end of the second fastener (62) which extends out of the second fastener hole (39c) of the first holder (39). The threaded portion extends away from the end wall first (42a) and second (42b) surfaces of the first holder (39). A second abutment (62b) of the second fastener (62) resides over and provides a force against the second holder exterior surface (57c) in the second direction (49). The surface is recessed. A washer can reside between the second abutment (62b) and the exterior recessed surface of the second holder (41). The abutment (62b) can be a bolt head or a nut. If a nut, it attaches to a thread end of the second fastener (62) which extends out of the second fastener hole (4 If) of the second holder (41). The threaded portion extends away from the end wall first (57c) and second surfaces (57d) of the second holder (41). The first fastener (61) interconnects the first holder (39) and the second holder (41). The second fastener (62) interconnects the first holder (39) and second holder (41). The fasteners (39, 41) provide a force upon the second holder (41) in the second direction (49) and a force upon the first holder (39) acting in the first direction (47). The force in the second direction (49) places a force upon the second silencer (24) in the second axial direction (49) opposite the first direction (47). The force applied to the second silencer (24) can be at the silencer’s second open end portion (24e) which opens into the throat hollow (24a). The second seal (24f) of the second silencer (24) abuts up against the second surface (57d) of the end wall of the second holder (41). The seal (24f) does not have to be attached to the second silencer. The force in the second direction (49) acts upon and compresses the second seal (24f). The seal (24f) does not have to be attached to the second silencer. Further, a portion of the second surface (57d) of the end wall of the second holder faces the tube (23) and provides a force acting on the tube (23) in the second axial direction (49) opposite the first axial direction (47). The force acts on the second open end portion (23f) of the tube (23). The second open end portion (23f) opening into the tube hollow (23b). A compression seal (51) resides between the silencer tube second open end portion (23f) and second end wall surface (57d) of the second holder (41). The force in the second direction (49) acts upon and compresses the seal (51).

The force in the first direction (47) places a force upon the second silencer (24) in the first axial direction (47) opposite the second direction (49). The force applied to the second silencer (24) can be at the silencer’s first open end portion (24c) which opens into the throat hollow (24a). The first seal (24d) of the second silencer (24) abuts up against the second surface (42b) of the end wall of the first holder (39). The force in the first direction (47) acts upon and compresses the first seal (24d). The first seal (24d) does not have to be attached to the second silencer. Further, a portion of the second surface (42b) of the end wall of the first holder (31) faces the tube (23) and provides a force acting on the tube (23) in the first axial direction (47) opposite the second axial direction (49). The force acts on the first open end portion (23d) of the tube (23). The first open end portion (23d) opening into the tube hollow (23b). A compression seal can reside between the silencer tube first open end portion (23d) and end wall second surface (42b) of the first holder (39). The force in the first direction (47) would act upon and compress the seal (51).

Notably the end caps over opposite ends of the second silencer, the holders (39, 41), tube (23), and fasteners (61, 62), tube can all be formed with carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and rigid plastics, alloys, other plated metals, and combinations thereof. The seals (24f), and (24e) can be referred to as end caps connected to the second silencer first end portion and second end portion. These items can be formed with silicone, plastisol, and other synthetic polymers or rubbers. Gaskets can be used with the end caps to improve the seal against the holders. The gaskets can be formed with silicone, cork, felt, FKM (EPDM), neoprene and other synthetic rubbers.

The above described modular structure allows for tuning of the two stage silencer depending upon specific application and the requirements of the application. The changes can include the construction of the first and second silencers and the first and second holders.

Figures 7-12 show an alternative two stage silencer assembly from that shown in figures 1-6. Parts and components shown and discussed with regards to figures 7-12, similar to those disused and shown in figures 1-6, use a similar reference number scheme. Parts in the embodiment shown in figures 7-12 similar to parts in the first embodiment use similar reference numbers. For example, a part used in the second embodiment similar to a part used in the first embodiment have the same reference number EXCEPT a “2” prefix is added to the number used for the part in the second embodiment. Thus, second silencer (24) used for the first embodiment is labeled (224) in the alternative embodiment.

When the alternative embodiment of the two stage silencer assembly is in operation, air (229) exits a compressed air chamber (231) formed by a tank, vessel, or conduit or tube. From the compressed air chamber, the air passes through an air port (233), in fluid connection with the chamber. From the port (233) the air passes through an inlet (235) of the two stage silencer assembly (220). From the inlet (235), the air (229) passes through a first open end (223d) of the first silencer tube (223) and into the hollow (223b) of the first silencer tube (223). From the hollow (223b) the air passes through the openings (223 c) through the sidewall (223 a) of the first silencer tube (223) and into the void space (224a’) and throat hollow (224a). From the void space (224a’) and throat hollow (224a), the air (229) passes into openings and interstices formed by the structure forming the second silencer (224) interior surface (225). The air (229) passes through the openings and interstices and exits the second silencer through openings and interstices of the structure forming the second silencer exterior surface (227). As the air (229) passes through the silencer assembly (220), it changes velocity and direction. The change in the velocity and direction of the air (229) reduces the volume of the sound, measured in decibels, caused by the air exiting through the compressed air port (233). The sound waves are attenuated. Thus, the two stage silencer assembly (220) attenuates the sound when an operator enables a blow out or draw down of the compressed air from the compressed air chamber (231). The air flows from the chamber, through and to the port (233) and to and through the two stage silencer assembly (220). Notably the first silencer (222) construction ensures the air passes into and out of the holes (223 c) without first passing through air porous media. The air enters the void space without first passing though air porous media. The air further passes through the tube hollow without first passing through air porous media. The second embodiment although described in connection with air operates more generally with respect to the with respect to compressible fluid including air, gases and combinations thereof. The volume of the void space between the first silencer sidewall and second silencer sidewall can be equal to or greater than volume of the tube hollow.

In more detail, with respect to the two stage silencer in figures 7-11, the silencer (224) has the same construction as that shown and described with respect to second silencer (24). The construction and materials of the second silencer (224) can have the same variations as that of second silencer (24).

Further in more detail, the first silencer (222) excludes porous media so that no air porous media closes fully or partially the entry of the through holes (223 c) at the tube interior surface (223a’) or at the tube exterior surface (223a”). Further the first silencer (222) excludes porous media from the tube hollow (223b).

The first silencer (222) and tube (223) comprises a construction that differs from that shown and described with respect to silencer (22) and tube (23). The silencer tube (223) does not extend from its first holder (239) to the second holder (241). It rather has a length as measured from its first opening at its first open end portion (223d) to its second end (100) that is about 2/3 to 3/4 of the length of the throat hollow (224a). The length of the throat hollow is measured from the second silencer’s first opening at the first open end portion (224c) to its second opening at the second open end portion (224e). The tube (223) has a closed end (102) at the tube’s second end (100) as opposed to the second open end portion of tube (23). The tube at its first open end portion (223d), which opens into tube hollow (223b), resides fixedly connected to the first holder (239). In the present example the tube fits into a sleeve (245) of the first holder (239) and is welded thereto. The tube (223) can be fixedly connected to the first holder (239) by a variety of methods including extrusion, stamping casting and others. The first holder can more broadly be described as a support and more narrowly as a base. The second holder can more broadly be described as a support and more narrowly as a top. The construction that connects the first holder (239) to the second holder (241) in the alternative embodiment differs from that shown in figures 1-6. In more detail, the tube (223) at its second end (100) includes a coupling (104). The coupling (104) extends through the tube cover (103) and is sealingly engaged thereto. The coupling (104) includes a threaded internal surface (104a) that delimits a through hole that opens at an open end (104b) into the tube hollow (223b). The coupling (104) has an open end (104c) opposite the end (104a) that opens into the tube (223). The threaded end (108a) of a fastener (108) couples to the threading (104a) of the tube coupling (104). The fastener (108) includes an abutment (108b). The abutment resides over and provides force against the second holder (241) exterior surface (257c) of the end wall (112) of the second holder (241). The force acts in the second direction (249). The surface can be recessed. A washer can reside between the abutment (108b) and the exterior surface (257c). The abutment can be a bolt head or a nut. If a nut, it attaches to a threaded end of the fastener (108) which extends out of the fastener hole (110) of the second holder (241). The threaded portion extends away from the end wall exterior (257c) and interior (257d) surfaces of the second holder (241). The threaded end (108a) of the fastener in the tube coupling (104) acts on the tube with a force in the first direction (247). The force on the tube translates to a force on the first holder acting in the first direction (247).

The force acting on the second holder (241) and the force acting on the first holder compress the second silencer between interior surfaces (242b, 257d) of the first holder (239) and second holder (241). The compressive forces compress the second silencer first seal (224d) and the second silencer second seal (224f). The first silencer seal (224d) and second silencer seal (224f) do not necessarily need to be fixed to the second silencer (224). The first silencer seal (224d) can simply reside between a rigid end cap at the second silencer first open end portion (224c) and the first holder (239) interior surface (242b). Likewise, the second silencer seal (224f) can simply reside between the second holder (241) interior surface (257d) and a rigid end cap at the second silencer second open end portion (224e).

As can be seen, the components of the two stage silencers in the first embodiment and the second embodiment have the same type of axial arrangement. The similarity shows itself with reference to the following longitudinal axis of the second embodiment: (223e) longitudinal axis of tube (223); (224b) longitudinal axis of second silencer (224); (235a) longitudinal axis of two stage silencer inlet (235); (220a) longitudinal axis of two stage silencer (220); (245a’) longitudinal axis of sleave (245a) of first holder (39). Notably both second silencers (24) and (224) can be silencer elements and more particularly silencer cartridges. The silencers whether cartridges or elements can be filter silencers. The second silencers can have the same construction and variations.

Notably there exists a similarity of construction materials of components. The following same variety of materials can form the following components: first holders (239, 39); second holders (241, 41); fastener (108), fasteners (61, 62); first silencers (22, 222), and tubes (23, 223).

Notably the coupling (239a) of the first holder that forms inlet (235) has a tubular construction that differs from coupling (39a). There are of course other differences between the embodiments, such as the number of holes (23c) in tube (23) as compared to the holes (223c) in tube (223). The differences can be seen and appreciated with reference to the figures.

As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited to the details of the examples illustrated herein. It is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications using other similar or related features or techniques will occur to those skilled in the art. It is accordingly intended that all such modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are deemed to be covered by the present invention. Other aspects, objects, and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosures, and the appended claims.

Claims

VI. CLAIMS

1. A two stage silencer connectable to an air outlet for compressible fluid comprising: an inlet for the compressible fluid delimited by a portion of said two stage silencer; a first silencer including an elongated tube, said tube having a sidewall with an interior facing surface and exterior facing surface, said interior facing surface delimits a hollow, a plurality of through holes open through said tube sidewall; a second silencer having a sidewall with an interior surface that delimits a hollow; a porous media having an interior facing surface forming said interior surface of said second silencer, said first silencer resides in said hollow delimited by said interior surface of said second silencer sidewall, said interior surface of said second silencer facing said exterior surface of said tube sidewall; a void space delimited by said interior surface of said second silencer facing said exterior surface of said tube sidewall; a compressible fluid path delimited by said fluid inlet, said tube hollow, said through holes opening through said tube sidewall, said void space, and said porous media, wherein said fluid inlet opens into said tube hollow, said through holes opening through said tube sidewall open into said tube hollow, said through holes open into said void space, said porous media interior facing surface open to said void space.

2. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 1, further comprising: an operation, wherein when in said operation compressible fluid enters through the air inlet for compressible fluid and passes from the inlet into the tube hollow, from the tube hollow it passes through said through holes, from said through holes it passes into said void space, from said void space it passes to and through said interior surface of said air porous media.

3. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 1, further comprising: a delimited downstream compressible fluid direction wherein said compressible fluid passes from said air inlet for compressible fluid into the tube hollow, from the tube hollow it passes through said through holes, from said through holes it passes into said void space, from said void space it passes to and through said interior surface of said air porous media.

4. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 1, further comprising: a first support; a second support; a fastener interconnecting said first and second support.

5. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 4, further comprising: an opening in said first support; an opening in said second support, wherein; said fastener disposed in said opening of said first support and said fastener disposed in said opening of said second support; and said first and second silencer resides between said first and second support.

6. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 4, further comprising: an opening in said second support; a first tube open end delimited by said tube; a second tube end delimited by said tube; a coupling at said second tube end, wherein; said first tube open end portion connected to said first support proximate said first support; said fastener disposed in an opening in said second support; said fastener connected to said tube at said coupling at said tube second end; and said first and second silencer resides between said first and second supports.

7. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 6, wherein: said tube interconnects said first and second supports.

8. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 7, wherein: said tube connects to said first support with a construction selected from a group of constructions consisting of a weld, an extrusion, a stamping, and combinations thereof.

9. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 4, further comprising: a sleeve, wherein; said tube disposed in said sleeve at a first open end portion of said tube.

10. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 7, wherein said tube imparts a force on said first support in a first direction.

11. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 1, wherein said interior surface of said second silencer further comprises: an interior rigid sidewall over said porous media having through holes.

12. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 11, wherein said interior rigid sidewall over said porous media having through holes formed with an expanded metal wall.

13. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 11, wherein said expanded metal wall comprises material selected from a group of materials consisting of carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, plated metals, allows, rigid plastics and combinations thereof.

14. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 1, wherein said porous media comprises: materials selected from a group of materials consisting of polyester, paper cellulose, fiberglass polypropylene, aramid fibers, and PTFE.

15. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 11, wherein said interior surface of said second silencer further comprises: a wire mesh between said interior rigid sidewall and said porous media.

16. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 1, wherein said second silencer further comprises: an exterior surface that delimits an exterior of the two stage silencer.

17. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 1, wherein said exterior surface comprises: a rigid sidewall having through holes.

18. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 17, wherein said exterior surface further comprises: an exterior surface of said porous media.

19. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 18, wherein said rigid sidewall having through holes resides about said exterior surface of said porous media.

20. The two stage silencer connectable to the air outlet for compressible fluid of claim 4, wherein said second support comprises: a sleeve and said interior surface resides about said sleeve.