Air compressor assembly

Abstract

A compressor assembly including a motor, a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid, a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor, and at least one fluid chamber positioned between the compressor and a support surface, the at least one fluid chamber being configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the fluid chamber to support the compressor relative to the support surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to air compressors, and more particularly to air compressor mountings.

[0002] Air compressors are generally known in the art as a source of vibration. In particular, vibration may be caused by such components of the air compressor including the compressor and the motor driving the compressor. Causes of the vibration may include rotating unbalance, reciprocating unbalance, misalignment (of the motor and compressor), loose mounting of the motor and/or compressor, and so forth. As a result of the motor and/or compressor vibrating, the structure around the air compressor often experiences the vibration.

[0003] Large, stationary air compressors are typically rigidly mounted to a support surface to prevent unwanted movement of the air compressor. In some instances, elastomeric pads may be used to mount the air compressor to help dampen some of the vibration emitted by the air compressor. Typically, the elastomeric pads are more effective in damping and/or isolating higher frequencies than lower frequencies of vibrating machinery of equivalent size of a typical air compressor. With the operating speeds of a typical air compressor, and depending on the cause of the vibration, the fundamental frequency comprising a majority of the vibration may be considered a relatively “low frequency” for the size of the air compressor. If this “low frequency” vibration is not effectively damped and/or isolated by the elastomeric pads, it is transmitted to surrounding structure, often causing fatigue and noise problems in the surrounding structure.

[0004] Also, frequency components comprising the vibration's “signature” often change during the lifetime of machine operation. The magnitude of the vibration often also changes. With consideration to operating the air compressor, the frequency components of the vibration signature are dependent upon the operating speed of the motor. As the operating speed of the motor changes (such as the case with variable speed drive (“VSD”) air compressor units), so do the frequency components of vibration. As the operating speed changes, it is also possible that the magnitude of the vibration will change as well. The elastomeric pads can not change their damping and/or isolating characteristics unless they are replaced with pads having different damping and/or isolating characteristics. As a result, the elastomeric pads do not accommodate for a constantly changing vibration signature or a wide range of operating frequencies of the motor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides a compressor assembly including a motor, a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid, a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor, and at least one fluid chamber positioned between the compressor and a support surface. The at least one fluid chamber is configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the fluid chamber to support the compressor relative to the support surface.

[0006] The present invention also provides a compressor assembly including a motor, a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid, a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor, and at least one inflatable airbag positioned between the compressor and a support surface. The at least one inflatable airbag is configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the at least one inflatable airbag to support the compressor relative to the support surface.

[0007] Further, the present invention provides a compressor assembly including a motor, a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid, a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor, and a support assembly to support the compressor. The support assembly includes a housing defining an interior chamber. The housing is supported by a support surface, and a compressor supporting platform is positioned in the housing such that the platform substantially seals the housing interior chamber to define a substantially confined fluid area between the platform and the support surface. The substantially confined fluid area is configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the fluid area.

[0008] The present invention also provides a compressor assembly including a motor, a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid, a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor, and a support platform to support the compressor relative to a support surface. The support platform is configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a fluid cushion between the support platform and the support surface. The fluid cushion provides a desired gap between the support platform and the support surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air compressor assembly embodying the present invention, illustrating inflatable airbags supporting an air compressor.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another construction of the compressor assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating an alternate connection configuration between the compressor and the inflatable airbags.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the air compressor assembly of the present invention, illustrating a suspended platform assembly supporting the air compressor.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the suspended platform assembly shown in FIG. 3 along the section line 4-4.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the air compressor assembly of the present invention, illustrating a support platform supporting the air compressor.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the air compressor assembly of the present invention, illustrating the air compressor interfacing with a controller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like numbers represent like elements throughout. Certain terminology, for example, “right”, “left”, “front”, “frontward”, “forward”, “back”, “rear” and “rearward”, is used in the following description for relative descriptive clarity only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0016] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate one embodiment of the present invention. A vertically-oriented air compressor 10 includes a motor 14 and a compressor 18 mounted to a pressure vessel, or air tank 22. The illustrated motor 14 is a conventional electric motor 14, however, the motor 14 may alternatively be a combustion engine. The motor 14 may be specified for any horsepower output and operating speed, provided the input needs of the compressor 18 are satisfied. The motor 14 includes an output shaft (not shown) having an attached sheave or pulley (not shown) to transfer the motor's torque to the adjacent compressor 18. Likewise, the compressor 18 includes a pulley (not shown) attached to the input shaft (not shown) of the compressor 18. A belt (not shown) driven by the motor pulley transfers the motor's torque to the compressor pulley to drive the compressor 18. Alternatively, the motor 14 and compressor 18 may be coupled via any suitable power transmission device, such as a chain, a gearbox, a clutch, a direct drive, and so forth. The illustrated compressor 18 is a conventional single-stage reciprocating compressor, however, the compressor 18 may alternatively be a dual-stage reciprocating compressor, a rotary screw compressor, a centrifugal compressor, or a scroll compressor among others. The compressor 18 may be sized to provide compressed air to the tank 22 until the tank 22 reaches a pressure level limited by the pumping capacity of the compressor 18. The air compressor 10 of the present invention is preferably configured to compress and hold air in the tank 22. Alternatively, the air compressor 10 may be configured to compress any fluid substance, such as a liquid or a gas, and remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0017] The air tank 22 is a conventional pressure vessel including a bracket 26 coupled to the tank 22 to mount the motor 14 and compressor 18. Alternatively, the bracket 26 may not be coupled to the tank 22, and instead support the motor 14 and compressor 18 remotely from the tank 22. The tank 22 is sized to hold a corresponding volume of air, and may alternatively be made in any number of sizes and/or shapes to hold any desired volume of air. The tank 22 may also be horizontally oriented, with the motor 14 and compressor 18 supported above the tank 22 by the bracket. Various other constructions of the air compressor 10 not disclosed herein are also possible, and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0018] The compressor 18 is fluidly connected to the tank 22 via a conduit 30, whereby the compressed air exiting the compressor 18 flows through the conduit 30 and into the tank 22. In addition, a pressure regulator (not shown) and pressure gauge (not shown) may be fluidly connected with the conduit 30 to regulate the static pressure in the tank 22. The tank 22 further includes conventional features such as an air outlet (not shown) to connect an air hose (not shown), a drain (not shown) positioned at the bottom of the tank 22 to remove any condensate standing at the bottom of the tank 22, and a base 34 coupled to the tank 22 to support the tank 22 in a freestanding vertical orientation.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates the air compressor 10 mounted on multiple fluid chambers in the form of inflatable airbags, or airmounts 38. The airmounts 38 are sized and inflated with air to support the weight of the air compressor 10 on a support surface 40. The airmounts 38 also dampen and/or isolate vibration emanating from the air compressor 10. The airmounts 38 may be in the form of AIRMOUNT® Isolators, manufactured by the Firestone Industrial Products Company of Carmel, Ind. However, the airmounts 38 may also constitute a different, yet functionally equivalent design as that shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] The airmounts 38 are fluidly connected with the air tank 22, such that the compressed air within the tank 22 provides inflation to the airmounts 38. Many connection configurations are possible to carry out the fluid connection between the tank 22 and airmounts 38. One possible configuration is illustrated in FIG. 1. Conduit 42 fluidly connects the tank 22 and the airmounts 38 via a parallel connection. The conduit 42 fluidly connects the airmounts 38 with the tank 22 via appropriate fittings, such as conventional T-fittings 46. Also, the conduit 42 may fluidly connect with each of the airmounts 38 in any conventional manner, including using tube fittings, pipe fittings, flared fittings, or brazing, welding, or soldering the conduit 42 directly to a metal end cap of the airmount 38. Alternatively, the conduit 42 may fluidly connect the tank 22 with the airmounts 38 using a manifold (not shown) to distribute a single source of the compressed air amongst the individual airmounts 38. Further, the airmounts 38 and the tank 22 may be fluidly connected via a series connection, whereby conduit 42 fluidly connects a first airmount 38 with the tank 22, and additional conduit 42 fluidly connects subsequent remaining airmounts 38 in series with each other.

[0021] A pressure regulator 50 is also fluidly connected with the conduit 42 to limit the air pressure in the airmounts 38. A pressure gauge (not shown) may also be fluidly connected with the pressure regulator 50 to display the air pressure in the airmounts 38. The pressure regulator 50 may be in the form of a non-adjustable pressure regulator 50 or an adjustable pressure regulator 50. In the case of using the non-adjustable pressure regulator 50, the regulator 50 has a constant setting that allows a pre-determined pressure drop across the regulator 50. The non-adjustable pressure regulator 50 does not allow any adjustment in the inflation level or stiffness of the airmounts 38.

[0022] In the case of using the adjustable pressure regulator 50, the regulator 50 has an adjustable setting that allows a varying pressure drop across the regulator 50. The adjustable pressure regulator 50 allows adjustment of the inflation level and stiffnless of the airmounts 38.

[0023] During operation of the air compressor 10, the airmounts 38 provide increased damping and/or isolation of the vibration to surrounding structure caused by the air compressor 10 compared to the conventional elastomeric pads. The airmounts 38 are especially adept at damping and/or isolating low frequency vibrations, unlike the conventional elastomeric pads. Also, if an adjustable pressure regulator 50 is used with the airmounts 38, their stiffness may be adjusted to vary the overall stiffnless of the system (the air compressor 10 and the airmounts 38). By varying the stiffness of the system, the system's natural frequency is also varied. This is advantageous in the situation when the air compressor 10 is vibrating at a frequency near or essentially at the natural frequency of the system. In this situation, the magnitude of the vibration is amplified, causing increased fatigue and wear on the system and adjacent structure. This situation is avoidable by tuning the system's natural frequency by either increasing or decreasing the stiffness of the airmounts 38.

[0024] Also, during operation of the air compressor 10, the airmounts 38 are constantly maintained at or near their pressure setting by the pressure regulator 50. The pressure regulator 50 allows the airmounts 38 to draw compressed air from the tank 22, when necessary, to maintain their pressure setting. As a result, if the airmounts 38 leak after a period of inactivity, then the lost pressure is continually replaced by additional compressed air from the tank 22. Of course, for this to occur, the pressure regulator governing the pressure in the tank 22 must be set higher than the level of the desired pressure in the airmounts 38, such that a pressure differential exists between the tank 22 and the airmounts 38 allowing the compressed air to flow from the tank 22 to the airmounts 38. The volume of the tank 22 is much larger in comparison to the volume of the airmounts 38, and the pressure in the tank 22 is equal to or higher in comparison to the pressure required by the airmounts 38. As a result, the capacity lost from the air compressor 10 to support the airmounts 38 is small and almost negligible.

[0025] Alternatively, the airmounts 38 may be purposefully deflated during a period of inactivity of the air compressor 10. To accomplish this, a solenoid valve (e.g., a conventional 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve, not shown) may be fluidly connected between the tank 22 and the airmounts 38, such that the solenoid valve is energized to fluidly connect the tank 22 and the airmounts 38 to inflate the airmounts 38, and de-energized (to a biased position) to fluidly disconnect the tank 22 and airmounts 38 and vent the airmount pressure to atmosphere. In one manner of operating the air compressor 10, the solenoid valve may be electrically connected with a main power switch (not shown) of the air compressor 10, such that the solenoid valve is energized to a first position upon turning on the air compressor 10, and de-energized to a second position (the biased position) upon turning off the air compressor 10. In the first position, the solenoid valve fluidly connects the tank 22 and the airmounts 38, and in the second position fluidly disconnects the tank 22 and airmounts 38 and vents the airmount pressure to atmosphere.

[0026] In another construction of the air compressor 10 (see FIG. 2), the conduit 30 fluidly connects the airmounts 38 with the compressor 18, rather than with the air tank 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the conduit 30 is shown fluidly connecting the compressor 18 and the airmounts 38 via the pressure regulator 50 and the conduit 42. Also, in another construction of the air compressor 10, the motor 14 and compressor 18 are not mounted on the air tank 22, but the motor 14, compressor 18, and air tank 22 are supported by the airmounts. In a further construction of the air compressor 10, the motor 14 and compressor 18 are supported with the airmounts 38 at a location remote from the air tank 22, which is not supported by the airmounts 38. With all of the aforementioned constructions, the vibration of the motor 14 and compressor 18 is attenuated by the airmounts 38 such that adjacent structure is less affected by the attenuated vibration. Also, in yet other constructions, any suitable number of airmounts 38 may be used to support the air compressor 10, provided stiffness and stability requirements are satisfied.

[0027] Further, yet other constructions, the air compressor 10 may include a sophisticated control system to control inflation of the airmounts 38, a description of which is later included and illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0028] FIGS. 3-4 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. The air compressor 10 (from FIG. 1) is shown being supported on an air chamber in the form of a suspended platform assembly 54. The assembly 54, like the airmounts 38, is provided with compressed air from the tank 22 during operation of the air compressor 10 to essentially float the air compressor 10 to mechanically de-couple the air compressor 10 from a lower support surface (not shown). The assembly 54 includes a housing 58 defining an interior chamber 62. A platform 66 directly supporting the air compressor 10 is positioned in the housing 58 and situated in the interior chamber 62 of the housing 58. The housing 58 includes a lower stop ledge 70, and an upper stop ring 74 coupled to the housing 58 above the lower stop ledge 70 to define a range of movement of the platform 66 between the upper stop ring 74 and the lower stop ledge 70. A seal 78 is also positioned between the interface of the platform 66 and the interior of the housing 58. The seal 78 may be in the form of any type of seal 78 that allows sliding movement of the platform 66 relative to the housing 58 while providing a substantially airtight seal between the platform 66 and housing 58. Alternatively, the seal 78 may be configured to allow some leakage past the seal 78. When pressurized, a fluid area 82 between the platform 66 and the interior chamber 62 creates an “air cushion.”

[0029] The top surface of the platform 66 includes an air inlet 86 fluidly connected with the interior chamber 62. The air inlet 86 branches into multiple air passages 90 through the platform 66, and the air passages 90 terminate at the bottom surface of the platform 66 as air outlets 94. Alternatively, some of the air passages 90 may also terminate at the outer peripheral surface of the platform 66 to provide lateral stability to the platform 66 within the housing 58. As shown in FIG. 3, the air passages 90 extend radially outwardly from a central air outlet 94 and have multiple air outlets 94 for each air passage 90 to provide a distribution of air to the fluid area 82. However, the air passages 90 may branch from the air inlet 86 in any suitable manner such that a distribution of air is provided to the fluid area 82. A pressure regulator 98 is fluidly connected between the tank 22 and the air inlet 86 of the platform 66 to limit the air pressure in the fluid area 82. Conduit 102 fluidly connects the air inlet 86 of the platform 66 with the pressure regulator 98 to provide compressed air to the fluid area 82 to form the air cushion. A pressure gauge (not shown) may also be fluidly connected with the pressure regulator 98 to display the air pressure in the fluid area 82. The pressure regulator 98 may be in the form of a non-adjustable pressure regulator 98 or an adjustable pressure regulator 98. In the case of using the non-adjustable pressure regulator 98, the regulator 98 has a constant setting that allows a pre-determined pressure drop across the regulator 98. The non-adjustable pressure regulator 98 does not allow any adjustment of its pre-determined pressure setting.

[0030] In the case of using the adjustable pressure regulator 98, the regulator 98 has an adjustable setting that allows a varying pressure drop across the regulator 98. The adjustable pressure regulator 98 allows adjustment to the pressure setting of the regulator 98 to vary the air pressure in the fluid area 82.

[0031] A conventional 2-port, 2-position solenoid valve 106 is fluidly connected between the pressure regulator 98 and the air inlet 86 of the platform 66. The solenoid valve 106 is selectively energized by a limit switch 110 positioned on the platform 66. The limit switch 110 is a conventional push-button limit switch 110, and is electrically connected with the solenoid valve 106. Depending on the input of the limit switch 110, the solenoid valve 106 is selectively energized to allow or not allow the through passage of the compressed air to the air inlet 86 of the platform 66.

[0032] In one manner of operating the air compressor 10, and assuming the platform 66 is initially being supported by the lower stop ledge 70, compressed air governed by the pressure regulator 98 is routed from the tank 22 to the air inlet 86 of the platform 66 through the solenoid valve 106. From the air inlet 86, the compressed air is distributed throughout the air passages 90 and enters the fluid area 82. The pressure regulator 98 should be set to provide the fluid area 82 with sufficient pressure to initially offset the weight of the platform 66 and the air compressor 10 supported on the platform 66, and further to continually elevate the platform 66 from the lower stop ledge 70. To continually elevate the platform 66 from the lower stop ledge 70, the regulated pressure is set higher than the static equilibrium pressure required in the fluid area 82 to offset the weight of the platform 66 and air compressor 10. The limit switch 110 is positioned on the platform 66 to engage the upper stop ring 74 upon the platform 66 reaching a pre-determined height relative to the lower stop ledge 70. Once the limit switch 110 is triggered, the solenoid valve 106 is “closed” to a de-energized (or biased) position, therefore fluidly disconnecting the suspended platform assembly 54 from the tank 22. The remaining compressed air downstream of the solenoid valve 106, which is at an elevated pressure compared to the air pressure in the fluid area 82, continues to flow into the fluid area 82 until the pressures are equalized into a resultant pressure. Further, if the resultant pressure in the fluid area 82 is higher than the static equilibrium pressure required to offset the weight of the platform 66 and the compressor 10, the compressed air in the fluid area 82 expands (causing the resultant pressure in the fluid area 82 to drop) to further elevate the platform 66 until the resultant pressure equals the static equilibrium pressure, thereby effectively floating the platform 66. If any air leaks from the fluid area 82, the weight of the platform 66 and air compressor 10 will cause the platform 66 to lower, therefore disengaging the limit switch 110 from the upper stop ring 74. Once the limit switch 110 disengages, the solenoid valve 106 is again “opened” to an energized position to fluidly re-connect the tank 22 and the suspended platform assembly 54 to replenish the fluid area 82 with compressed air from the tank 22.

[0033] The suspended platform assembly 54 may be purposefully deflated during a period of inactivity of the air compressor 10. To accomplish this, a solenoid valve (e.g., a conventional 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve, not shown) may be fluidly connected between the tank 22 and the suspended platform assembly 54, such that the solenoid valve is energized to fluidly connect the tank 22 and the suspended platform assembly 54 to elevate the platform 66, and de-energized (to a biased position) to fluidly disconnect the tank 22 and suspended platform assembly 54 and vent the air pressure in the space 82 to atmosphere.

[0034] In one manner of operating the air compressor 10, the solenoid valve may be electrically connected with a main power switch (not shown) of the air compressor 10, such that the solenoid valve is energized to a first position upon turning on the air compressor 10, and de-energized to a second position (the biased position) upon turning off the air compressor 10. Whereby in the first position, the solenoid valve fluidly connects the tank 22 and the suspended platform assembly 54, and in the second position, fluidly disconnects the tank 22 and suspended platform assembly 54 and vents the air pressure in the space 82 to atmosphere.

[0035] Since the air compressor 10 is floated with the platform 66, the air compressor 10 is mechanically de-coupled from the lower support surface. As a result, vibration emitted by the air compressor 10 is substantially isolated to the platform 66 and not transferred to the lower support surface or any adjacent structure.

[0036] Alternatively, in another configuration (not shown) of the air compressor 10 and suspended platform assembly 54, the solenoid valve may be coupled with the air compressor 10 and the suspended platform assembly 54 such that the assembly receives compressed air directly from the compressor 18, rather than receiving the compressed air from the tank 22. The solenoid valve is energized to fluidly connect the compressor 18 and the suspended platform assembly 54 to elevate the platform 66, and de-energized (to a biased position) to fluidly disconnect the compressor 18 and suspended platform assembly 54 and redirect the compressed air intended for the suspended platform assembly 54 toward the tank 22. The push-button limit switch 110 is positioned on the platform 66 to engage and disengage the upper stop ring 74 as described above.

[0037] In another manner of operating the air compressor 10, the solenoid valve is energized to a first position, whereby the solenoid valve fluidly connects the compressor 18 and the suspended platform assembly 54 to supply the fluid area 82 with compressed air to elevate the platform 66. Once the limit switch 110 is triggered by engaging the upper stop ring 74, the solenoid valve is de-energized to a second position (the biased position), whereby the solenoid valve fluidly disconnects the compressor 18 and the suspended platform assembly 54 and redirects the compressed air intended for the suspended platform assembly 54 toward the tank 22. After being fluidly disconnected from the compressor 18, the compressed air downstream of the solenoid valve will settle at a static equilibrium pressure to support the platform 66 and air compressor 10 on the air cushion developed in the fluid area 82. Similarly, if any air leaks from the fluid area 82, the weight of the platform 66 and air compressor 10 will cause the platform 66 to lower, therefore disengaging the limit switch 110 from the upper stop ring 74. Once the limit switch 110 disengages, the solenoid valve is again energized to the first position to fluidly re-connect the compressor 18 and the suspended platform assembly 54 to replenish the fluid area 82 with compressed air from the tank 22.

[0038] Likewise, the suspended platform assembly 54 may be purposefully deflated during a period of inactivity of the air compressor 10. To accomplish this, a conventional 2-port, 2-position solenoid valve (not shown) may be fluidly connected between the 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve and the suspended platform assembly 54, such that the 2-port, 2-position solenoid valve is energized to fluidly connect the 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve and the suspended platform assembly 54 to elevate the platform 66, and de-energized (to a biased position) to fluidly disconnect the 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve and suspended platform assembly 54 and vent the air pressure in the fluid area 82 to atmosphere. Both 3-port and 2-port, 2-position solenoid valves may also be electrically connected with, for example, a main power switch (not shown) of the air compressor 10 to control their operation. Alternatively, other types of valves may be used rather than the 2-port, 2-position solenoid valve and the 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve to accomplish the above-described inflating and deflating of the suspended platform assembly 54.

[0039] Alternate constructions of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-4 may include supporting the motor 14 and compressor 18 on the suspended platform assembly 54 at a remote location from the air tank 22. With this particular construction, the vibration of the motor 14 and compressor 18 is attenuated and/or isolated by the suspended platform assembly 54 such that adjacent structure is less affected by the attenuated vibration.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention. Previously-described like components are labeled with like reference numerals, as such, those like components will not be discussed in further detail. The air compressor 10 is shown being supported by the support platform 66. The platform 66 is provided with compressed air from the tank 22 during operation of the air compressor 10 to essentially float the air compressor 10 on an air cushion 114 to mechanically de-couple the air compressor 10 from a lower support surface 118. Since the air compressor 10 is mechanically de-coupled from the support surface 118, vibration emanating from the air compressor is substantially damped and/or isolated from other structure surrounding the air compressor 10. The air cushion 114 also allows the air compressor 10 to be moved more easily, since friction between the platform 66 and the support surface 118 is substantially decreased.

[0041] The pressure regulator 98 may be configured to discharge a desired amount of air from the air outlets 94 to establish the air cushion 114. The pressure regulator 98 may be configured to provide an air cushion 114 of about ¼th of an inch thick, however, the air cushion 114 may also be lower or higher depending on the configuration of the pressure regulator 98. The pressure regulator 98 may be in the form of a non-adjustable pressure regulator, whereby the pressure regulator 98 is pre-set to a desired pressure value to provide an air cushion 114 of a desired thickness. The pressure regulator 98 may also be in the form of an adjustable pressure regulator, whereby the pressure regulator 98 may be adjusted by an end user to establish a user-determined thickness of the air cushion 114.

[0042] In one manner of operating the air compressor 10 of FIG. 5, the solenoid valve 106 may be electrically connected with the main power switch (not shown) of the air compressor 10, such that the solenoid valve 106 is energized to a first position upon turning on the air compressor 10, in which the solenoid valve 106 fluidly connects the tank 22 and the air inlet 86 of the platform 66, and de-energized to a second (biased) position upon turning off the air compressor 10, in which the solenoid valve 106 fluidly disconnects the tank 22 and the air inlet 86 of the platform 66. In other words, when the air compressor 10 is activated, the solenoid valve 106 is actuated to establish the air cushion 114, causing the platform 66 to rise from the support surface 118 a desired amount. When the air compressor 10 is de-activated, the solenoid valve 106 returns to its biased position to cut off the air cushion's supply of compressed air, causing the platform 66 to return to the support surface 118 after the air cushion 114 has dissipated to the surrounding environment.

[0043] The volume of the tank 22 is typically much larger in comparison to the volume of air required to establish the air cushion 114, and the pressure in the tank 22 is equal to or higher in comparison to the pressure required to establish the air cushion 114. As a result, the capacity lost from the air compressor 10 to provide the air cushion 114 is small and almost negligible. However, a dedicated air tank (not shown) separate from the tank 22 may be used to provide a dedicated air supply for the air cushion 114. Such a dedicated air tank may be fluidly connected with the compressor 14 like the air tank 22 to receive compressed air from the compressor 14. A dedicated air tank may be desirable in such cases where sudden variations in air demand occur (i.e., loading spikes on the air compressor). The dedicated air tank would then make available a source of compressed air to generate the air cushion 114 without disruption caused by such variations in air demand.

[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. Previously-described like components are labeled with like reference numerals, as such, those like components will not be discussed in further detail. The air compressor 10 of FIGS. 1-4 is shown being supported by multiple airmounts 38. A controller 122 is utilized to adjust inflation levels of the airmounts 38 to affect the stiffness of the airmounts 38, thereby changing their damping and/or isolating characteristics. Integrating the controller 122 with the air compressor 10 allows monitoring the air compressor's vibration signature, such that the stiffness of the airmounts 38 may be varied in real time in response to the air compressor's vibration signature to effectively dampen and/or isolate dominant frequencies of the compressor's vibration signature.

[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates one configuration of the controller 122 electrically connected with the components of the air compressor 10. The controller 122 is operable to receive an input speed signal from the motor 14, whereby the speed signal is proportional to the rotational speed of the motor 14. Alternatively, the controller 122 may receive the input speed signal from the compressor 18. Using the speed signal from the motor 14 (or the compressor 18), the controller 122 may extrapolate a desired stiffness of the airmounts 38 to sufficiently dampen and/or isolate the vibration emitted by the motor 14 and/or the compressor 18. The controller 122 may also be operable to receive a pressure signal from the airmounts 38 using a pressure sensor 126, whereby the pressure signal is proportional to the pressure in the airmounts 38. Using the pressure signal, and having determined the desired stiffness of the airmounts 38 (i.e., the desired pressure in the airmounts 38) for a particular rotational speed of the motor 14, the controller 122 may calculate a pressure differential to indicate to the controller 122 whether to supply additional air to the airmounts 38 to stiffen the airmounts 38, or remove existing air from the airmounts 38 to soften the airmounts 38. Using the speed and pressure signals as inputs, the controller 122 may control operation of the pressure regulator 50 and solenoid valve 130 to selectively inflate or deflate the airmounts 38. More specifically, the pressure regulator 50 may be adjusted by the controller 122 to a determined value based upon the speed signal input to the controller 122. Further, the solenoid valve 130 (e.g., a 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve), may be actuated to a first position, in which additional air from the tank 22 is allowed to fill and stiffen the airmounts 38, or a second position, in which excess air in the airmounts 38 is discharged to the atmosphere via a discharge port (not shown) in the solenoid valve 130 to soften the airmounts 38. The stiffness of the airmounts 38 may also be varied by adaptive control technologies.

Claims

1. A compressor assembly comprising:

a motor;

a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid;

a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor; and

at least one fluid chamber positioned between the compressor and a support surface, the at least one fluid chamber being configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the fluid chamber to support the compressor relative to the support surface.

2. The compressor assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid chamber includes at least one airbag.

3. The compressor assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid chamber includes

a housing defining an interior chamber above the support surface, and

a compressor supporting platform positioned in the housing such that the platform substantially seals the housing interior chamber to define a substantially confined fluid area between the platform and the support surface, the substantially confined fluid area configured to receive the portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the fluid chamber.

4. The compressor assembly of claim 1, wherein the fluid chamber receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a conduit fluidly connecting a compressor outlet to the fluid chamber.

5. The compressor assembly of claim 1, wherein the fluid chamber receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a conduit fluidly connecting the tank to the fluid chamber.

6. The compressor assembly of claim 1 further comprising a pressure regulator configured to regulate the amount of compressed fluid received by the at least one fluid chamber to maintain the desired pressure within the fluid chamber.

7. The compressor assembly of claim 6, wherein the pressure regulator is a non-adjustable pressure regulator.

8. The compressor assembly of claim 6, wherein the pressure regulator is an adjustable pressure regulator operable to vary the desired pressure accumulated in the at least one fluid chamber.

9. The compressor assembly of claim 1, wherein the motor and the compressor are supported by the at least one fluid chamber.

10. The compressor assembly of claim 1, wherein the motor and the compressor are supported on the tank which is supported by the at least one fluid chamber.

11. The compressor assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a pressure regulator configured to regulate the amount of compressed fluid received by the fluid chamber to maintain the desired pressure within the fluid chamber; and

a controller electrically connected with the pressure regulator and one of the motor and the compressor, the controller being operable to receive a speed signal from the one of the motor and the compressor and adjust the pressure regulator in response to the speed signal.

12. The compressor assembly of claim 11, further comprising a valve fluidly connected between the compressor and the fluid chamber, the valve being selectively operable by the controller to discharge fluid from fluid chamber.

13. The compressor assembly of claim 11, further comprising a pressure sensor fluidly connected with the fluid chamber, the pressure sensor being operable to send a pressure signal to the controller.

14. A compressor assembly comprising:

a motor;

a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid;

a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor; and

at least one inflatable airbag positioned between the compressor and a support surface, the at least one inflatable airbag being configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the at least one inflatable airbag to support the compressor relative to the support surface.

15. The compressor assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least one inflatable airbag receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a conduit fluidly connecting a compressor outlet to the at least one airbag.

16. The compressor assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least one inflatable airbag receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a conduit fluidly connecting the tank to the at least one inflatable airbag.

17. The compressor assembly of claim 14, further comprising a pressure regulator configured to regulate the amount of compressed fluid received by the at least one airbag to maintain the desired pressure within the airbag.

18. The compressor assembly of claim 17, wherein the pressure regulator is a non-adjustable pressure regulator.

19. The compressor assembly of claim 17, wherein the pressure regulator is an adjustable pressure regulator operable to vary the desired pressure accumulated in the at least one inflatable airbag.

20. The compressor assembly of claim 14, wherein the motor and the compressor are supported by the at least one inflatable airbag.

21. The compressor assembly of claim 14, wherein the motor and the compressor are supported on the tank which is supported by the at least one inflatable airbag.

22. A compressor assembly comprising:

a motor;

a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid;

a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor; and

a support assembly to support the compressor, the support assembly including

a housing defining an interior chamber, the housing being supported by a support surface, and

a compressor supporting platform positioned in the housing such that the platform substantially seals the housing interior chamber to define a substantially confined fluid area between the platform and the support surface, the substantially confined fluid area configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the fluid area.

23. The compressor assembly of claim 22, wherein the fluid area receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a conduit fluidly connecting a compressor outlet to the fluid area.

24. The compressor assembly of claim 22, wherein the fluid area receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a conduit fluidly connecting the tank to the fluid area.

25. The compressor assembly of claim 22, wherein the fluid area receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a fluid passage through the platform.

26. The compressor assembly of claim 25, wherein the fluid passage includes at least one divergent fluid passage to distribute the compressed fluid into the fluid area.

27. The compressor assembly of claim 22, further comprising a pressure regulator configured to regulate the amount of compressed fluid received by the fluid area to maintain the desired pressure within the fluid area.

28. The compressor assembly of claim 27, wherein the pressure regulator is a non-adjustable pressure regulator.

29. The compressor assembly of claim 27, wherein the pressure regulator is an adjustable pressure regulator operable to vary the desired pressure accumulated in the fluid area.

30. The compressor assembly of claim 22, wherein the motor and the compressor are supported by the fluid area.

31. The compressor assembly of claim 22, wherein the motor and the compressor are supported on the tank which is supported by the fluid area.

32. The compressor assembly of claim 22, further comprising a seal around the platform to fluidly plug the housing interior chamber.

33. A compressor assembly comprising:

a motor;

a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid;

a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor; and

a support platform to support the compressor relative to a support surface, the support platform being configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a fluid cushion between the support platform and the support surface, the fluid cushion providing a desired gap between the support platform and the support surface.

34. The compressor assembly of claim 33, wherein the support platform receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a conduit fluidly connecting a compressor outlet to the support platform.

35. The compressor assembly of claim 33, wherein the support platform receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a conduit fluidly connecting the tank to the support platform.

36. The compressor assembly of claim 33, further comprising at least one fluid passage through the support platform, the compressed fluid from the compressor being routed through the fluid passage and discharged below the support platform.

37. The compressor assembly of claim 33, further comprising a pressure regulator configured to regulate the amount of compressed fluid received by the support platform to maintain the desired gap provided by the air cushion.

38. The compressor assembly of claim 33, further comprising a solenoid fluidly connected between the compressor and the support platform, the solenoid being selectively operable to disrupt fluid flow between the compressor and the support platform.

39. The compressor assembly of claim 33, wherein the motor and the compressor are supported by the support platform on the fluid cushion.

40. The compressor assembly of claim 33, wherein the motor and the compressor are supported on the tank which is supported by the support platform on the fluid cushion.