Noise reduction system for supplied air respirator

摘要

Embodiments relate generally to noise reduction techniques and systems for use with supplied air respirators. Typical embodiments may comprise porous elements located within a respirator system operable to alter the air flow pattern through the system and therefore reduce noise created in the system. These porous elements might be located within an inhalation valve, a breathing hose and/or a muffler block housing of a respirator system.

主权项

1. A supplied air respirator system comprising:
a supplied-air inhalation valve comprising a porous airflow element which alters the air flow through the valve to reduce noise without substantially restricting airflow; a breathing hose in fluid communication with the inhalation valve; and a muffler housing block in fluid communication with a bottom end of the breathing hose;wherein:
the inhalation valve is biased towards a closed position and operable to open under supplied-air pressure from the breathing hose; the inhalation valve further comprises a stem and a cover, wherein the cover comprises a stem opening and one or more outlet openings, and at least a portion of the stem is located within the stem opening and is designed to maintain contact with the cover throughout movement of the valve to avoid fluttering of the valve; the porous airflow element of the inhalation valve is located within the valve in proximity to the one or more outlet opening in the cover; the breathing hose comprises a porous airflow element located within the breathing hose in proximity to the interface of the hose and the muffler housing block, wherein the porous airflow element of the breathing hose alters the air flow through the hose to reduce noise without substantially restricting airflow; the muffler housing block comprises a muffler comprising porous plastic muffler material; the muffler housing block comprises a chamber designed to allow for a substantially straight air flow path through the muffler housing block and a pressure relief valve in fluid communication, with the chamber; and the porous airflow elements alter the air flow to minimize turbulence without substantially restricting airflow, thereby reducing noise created by the air flow.