Noise suppressor for air compressor

Abstract

A method of neutralizing noise for an air compressor includes routing sound waves exiting an air intake of an air compressor along two separate paths, with a length of a first path being about one-half the wavelength of the sound waves and the length of the second path being negligible relative to the wavelength of the sound waves. In a first state, sound waves in a first path close a first valve to prevent the sound waves from exiting the first path while the a second valve in the second path remains open to permit inflow of ambient air through the second valve. In a second state, sound waves in the second path close the second valve to prevent the sound waves from exiting the second path while the first valve in the first path remains open to permit inflow of ambient air through the first valve. The method includes alternating between the first state and the second state in response to the repeating sound waves generated by the air compressor.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of the filing date of Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/678,340 entitled “NOISE SUPPRESSOR FOR AIR COMPRESSOR,” having Attorney Docket Number W414.101.102 and having a filing date of May 6, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Conventional air compressors provide numerous benefits to society. For example, conventional air compressors provide compressed air to power “air” tools, to inflate tires, to clean objects, etc. However, the process of compressing the air can be quite loud, which is annoying and which can pose health risks, such as hearing loss. In addition, the noise of a conventional air compressor can limit the ability of a person to hear significant events, such as a call for help, an accident, etc. in proximity to the conventional air compressor. This noise also can hinder communication between workers performing a task nearby the conventional air compressor. Accordingly, most people simply endure the noise of the conventional air compressor or alter their work or use patterns to mitigate the effect of the noise on their activities or the peace of their neighbors.

Moreover, some individuals place a high value on minimizing noise pollution in natural environments. Accordingly, a conventional air compressor is unsuitable for use in some natural environments, making it difficult to operate a conventional air compressor without disrupting the natural ambience of the outdoors.

In addition, given the enormous number of conventional air compressors owned by individuals, craftsman, and businesses, replacing each conventional air compressor with a quieter air compressor would be cost prohibitive, assuming that any such quiet air compressor was even available.

Despite the high incentive to decrease noise emanating from air compressors, prior solutions have yet to effectively handle noise from conventional air compressors.

SUMMARY

A method of neutralizing noise for an air compressor includes routing sound waves exiting an air intake of an air compressor along two separate paths, with a length of a first path being about one-half the wavelength of the sound waves and the length of the second path being negligible relative to the wavelength of the sound waves. A first valve is arranged at the end of the first path and a second valve at the end of the second path. In a first state, sound waves in the first path close the first valve to prevent the sound waves from exiting the first path while the sound waves in the second path minimally impact the second valve of the second path, thereby enabling the second valve to remain open to permit inflow of ambient air through the second valve. In a second state, sound waves in the second path close the second valve to prevent the sound waves from exiting the second path while the sound waves in the first path minimally impact the first valve of the first path, thereby enabling the first valve to remain open to permit inflow of ambient air through the first valve. The method includes alternating between the first state and the second state in response to the repeating sound waves generated by the air compressor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating a noise suppression system, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of operational states of a noise suppression system, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a noise suppression system, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a noise suppression system, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a noise suppression system, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, references made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which is illustrated by way of illustrations specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “front,” “back,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the figures(s) being described. Because components of embodiments of the present invention can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a noise suppressor for an air compressor that can be retrofit onto a conventional air compressor or incorporated into a newly built air compressor. In one embodiment, a noise suppressor for an air compressor blocks sound waves, which exit an air inlet of the compressor, from entering into the ambient environment while simultaneously permitting entry of air from the ambient environment into the air inlet of the air compressor.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an air compression system 10, according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, system 10 comprises an air compressor 12 and a noise suppressor 14. Air compressor 12 comprises a cylinder, air inlet 13, and outlet valve structure 27. Noise suppressor 14 comprises first valve 16, second valve 18, and an air pathway structure 21 including common pathway 22, first pathway 23, and second pathway 24. One embodiment of first valve 16 and second valve 18 is further described and illustrated in association with FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, air compressor 12 additionally includes control structure 20 (e.g. nozzle, valve, etc.) for controlling reception of ambient air through inlet 13.

Air compressor 12 comprises a conventional air compressor which compresses air in its cylinder for storage in an associated tank. In one embodiment, air compressor 12 controls exhaust and/or application of compressed air via valve structure 27.

Noise suppressor 14 is configured to both manage inlet of ambient air into air compressor 12 and to suppress noise produced by air compressor 12 that travels outward through compressor air inlet 13. Valves 16 and 18 are in fluid communication with air inlet 13 via air pathway structure 21. In particular, common pathway 22 is in direct connection and fluid communication with air inlet 13. Ambient air A_A travels in a first direction through air pathway structure 21 to enter air inlet 13, while sound waves exiting air inlet 13 travel in a second direction, opposite the first direction of incoming air. In one aspect, air inlet 13 comprises a single air intake.

A junction 25 enables common pathway 22 to diverge along two opposite pathways, first pathway 23 and second pathway 24 for routing the sound waves exiting an air intake of an air compressor along two separate paths including a first pathway 23 and a second pathway 24.

First pathway 23 is in fluid communication with first valve 16 while second pathway 24 is in fluid communication with second valve 18. First pathway 23 (e.g., a hose, pipe, conduit, etc.) has a length L1 while second pathway 24 (e.g., a hose, pipe, conduit, etc.) has a length L2 which is substantially greater than a length L1 of first pathway 23. In one embodiment, the length L2 of second pathway 24 is selected to be one-half the wavelength of the sound wave S while the length L1 of first pathway 23 is negligible relative to the wavelength of the sound wave (S), and therefore also negligible relative to length L2.

Noise produced by air compressor 12 is suppressed via operation of first valve 16 and second valve 18, which alternately open and close in response to a sound wave (S) traveling out of air inlet 13 of air compressor 12 with the sound wave (S) being split between first pathway 23 and second pathway 24.

In one embodiment, first valve 16 and second valve 18 each comprise a check valve. In one aspect, the check valve includes a flapper valve, a reed valve, a ball valve, or a poppet valve, as known to those skilled in the art.

As first portion (S1) of sound wave (S) travels into valve 16, sound wave S1 closes valve 16 which also prevents entry of ambient air (A_A) through valve 16. However, because second air pathway 24 has a length about one-half the wavelength of sound wave S, second portion S2 of sound wave S is in an opposite phase of sound wave portion S1, so that valve 18 is not impacted (or only minimally impacted) by sound wave S2 at the time that sound wave S1 impacts and closes valve 16. Accordingly, when first valve 16 is closed, second valve 18 is open and permits inflow of ambient air to air inlet 13 (via air pathway 24).

Next, the situation is reversed with sound wave portion S2 impacting valve 18 to close valve 18, preventing escape of sound wave S2 (and its associated noise) to the environment, and also preventing inflow of ambient air through valve 18. However, at the same time, the sound wave portion S1 does not impact (or only minimally impacts) valve 16, thereby permitting inflow of air through valve 16 into air inlet 13.

Length L2 of second air pathway 24 is selected based upon the wavelength of air compressor 12. In one embodiment, a length of second air pathway 24 is selectively varied so that a noise suppressor can be adaptable to different wavelengths of sound waves, and thereby is adaptable for use with different types of air compressors. In one aspect, second air pathway 24 comprises a plurality of modules (such as individual sections of hoses or pipes) connected in series wherein the number of modules determines the length of second air pathway 24.

In another aspect, second air pathway 24 comprises a telescoping structure in which the length L2 is selected by extending or retracting a telescoping portion of second air pathway 24.

In another embodiment, the lengths of first air pathway 23 and second air pathway can be adjusted so that if the length of first air pathway 23 is increased to a value that is non-negligible regarding the wavelength of the soundwaves, the length of second air pathway 24 can be increased by a corresponding amount to maintain the lengths of the respective first and second air pathways in a relationship that enables the alternating opening and closing of those valves, as previously described.

In one embodiment, a length of second air pathway 24 defines a first length that is about one-half the wavelength of the soundwaves and that is believed to result in generally complete suppression of noise associated with those soundwaves (S). This first length is considered to be a “full length” embodiment. However, in another embodiment, a length of second air pathway 24 defines a second length that is set to some value (such as three-eighths, one-third, one-quarter, etc.) less than one-half of the wavelength of soundwaves (S) to result in suppressing noise (associated with soundwaves (S)) to a level that substantially reduces the noise while not completely eliminating the noise. In other words, a second length of second air pathway 24 (with a length of first air pathway 23 remaining negligible) can define a length that is much less (e.g. one-half) than a first length of second air pathway 24, while still achieving significant suppression of noise from soundwaves (S). This alternate arrangement is considered a “reduced length” embodiment. Practically speaking, this alternate “reduced length” embodiment enables a hose or pipe defining second air pathway 24 to take up much less space (e.g., 25% less, 33% less, 50% less, etc.) than a “full length” embodiment. In some instances, the noise suppression associated with a “reduced length” embodiment is sufficient (although less than a complete noise suppression) to prefer the smaller sized second air pathway over a larger sized second air pathway of a “full length” embodiment. Accordingly, in one embodiment, to suppress noise from air compressor 12, a length of second air pathway 24 is substantially less than a wavelength of soundwaves (S), and in one particular embodiment, a length of second air pathway is about one-half the wavelength of soundwaves (S).

It is also understood that a length of second air pathway 24 that is slightly longer (e.g. five-eighths, two-thirds) than one-half the wavelength of the soundwaves also can yield a substantial suppression of noise associated with soundwaves (S).

In one embodiment, other parameters such as the type of material (e.g., rigid, flexible, sound absorbing) defining the second air pathway 24, the type of air compressor 12, the type of valves (16, 18) also affect a selection of the length of second air pathway 24. For example, in one embodiment, second air pathway 24 comprises a conduit made of sound absorbing material or other sound altering material, which also acts on the soundwaves (S). This embodiment thereby enables a length of second air pathway 24 to be reduced from one-half the wavelength of soundwaves (S) since the noise is being suppressed by the type of material defining second air pathway 24 in addition to the length of second air pathway 24.

The noise-suppressing effects of first air pathway 23 and/or second air pathway 24 are not limited by a particular layout (e.g., straight, curved, looping, etc.) of those pathways so that second air pathway 24 can be arranged in any suitable pattern to accommodate its length for the convenience of the user.

The operational states of first valve 16 and second valve 18 of noise suppressor 14 are summarized in table 30 of FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a table 30 representing operational states of a noise suppression system, according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2, table 30 illustrates a first state (i.e., state 1) and a second state of operation of noise suppression system 14 (FIG. 1). Each state generally corresponds to a state of whether valve one (V1) 16 is open or closed, a state of whether valve two (V2) 18 is open or closed, and related states of whether or not air (A1 or A2) is flowing through those valves in relation to travel of sound waves (S1 or S2).

In one embodiment, a first state includes a first component 32 in which valve one V1 (e.g. valve 16) is open and generally corresponds to sound waves S1 being absent (or only minimally present) at valve V1, thereby permitting inflow of air A1 through valve V1. In a second component 34 of first state, valve two V2 (e.g., valve 18) is closed by sound waves S2, which thereby blocks sound waves S2 from exiting valve V2 (i.e., sound waves (S2) are present at valve 18) and thereby also blocks inflow of air (A2) through valve V2.

A second state identifies a first component 36 in which valve one V1 is closed by sound waves S1, which thereby blocks sound waves S1 from exiting valve V1 (i.e., sound waves (S1) are present at valve 16) and thereby also blocks inflow of air (A1) through valve V1. In a second component 38 of second state, valve two (V2) is open, which generally corresponds to sound waves S2 being absent (or only minimally present) at valve V2, thereby permitting inflow of air (A2) through valve V2.

FIG. 3 is an air compression system 50, according to an embodiment of the invention. System 50 has substantially the same features and attributes as system 10, as previously described in association with FIGS. 1-2, and also includes additional features. As shown in FIG. 3, system 50 comprises an air compressor 52 and noise suppressor 54. Air compressor portion 52 comprises a cylinder, air inlet 62, and air control structure 60 (similar to control structure 20). Noise suppressor 54 comprises first valve 82, second valve 84, and an air pathway structure 71, which includes common pathway 70, first pathway 72, and second pathway 74. In one embodiment, second pathway 74 further comprises a coil portion 78 that acts as a mechanism or arrangement to facilitate reducing an amount of space occupied by the relatively long length of second pathway 74.

In a manner substantially the same as previously described in association with FIGS. 1-2, noise suppressor 54 of compression system 50 (shown in FIG. 3) is configured to both manage inlet of ambient air into air compressor 52 and to suppress noise produced by air compressor portion 52 that travels outward through compressor air inlet 62. As shown in FIG. 3, valve 82 is in fluid communication with air inlet 62 via common pathway 70 and first air pathway 72 of air pathway structure 71. Valve 84 is in fluid communication with air inlet 62 via common pathway 70 and second air pathway 74 of air pathway structure 71. Accordingly, during operation of air compressor 12, ambient air A_A travels in a first direction (through valves 82 and 84 via air pathway structure 71) to enter air inlet 62, while sound waves that exit air inlet 62 travel in a second direction, opposite the first direction of incoming air, through air pathway structure 71 to valves 82 and 84.

A junction 76 enables common pathway 70 of air pathway structure 71 to diverge along two separate pathways, first pathway 72 and second pathway 74. First pathway 72 is in fluid communication with first valve 82 while second pathway 74 is in fluid communication with second valve 84. First pathway 72 (e.g., a hose, pipe, conduit, etc.) has a length L1 while second pathway 74 (e.g., a hose, pipe, conduit, etc.) has a length L2 which is substantially greater than a length L1 of first pathway 72. In one embodiment, the length L2 of second pathway 74 is selected to be one-half the wavelength of the sound wave S while the length L1 of first pathway 72 is negligible relative to the wavelength of sound wave S and therefore negligible relative to length L2.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a second air pathway 74 comprises a plurality of modules 56-58 (such as individual sections of hoses or pipes) connected in series wherein the number of modules determines the length of second air pathway 24. This arrangement enables the operator or designer to selectively vary the length of second air pathway 74 to modify the effect of the noise suppression and/or to provide a shorter length second air pathway 74 for convenience. In another embodiment, the modules 56-58 are telescopically retractable and expandable relative to each other to respectively shorten or lengthen the length of second air pathway 74.

First valve 82 and second valve 84 are substantially the same in structure and function, except being connected to a different air pathway 72 and 74 via a respective junction 79. In one embodiment, first valve 82 and second valve 84 each define a respective chamber (86A, 86B) including a movable portion (90A, 90B) that selectively blocks an air inlet structure (88A, 88B). The air inlet structures (88A or 88B) comprise one or more openings to enable air flow into the chamber (86A or 86B). The moveable portion (90A, 90B) comprises a flap or other flexible member capable of being deflected or moved by an impact of sound waves and/or by pressure of air intake.

In one embodiment, moveable portions (90A, 90B) comprise a flap arranged relative to an air inlet structure (88A, 88B) to enable the flap to be in a first position that enables inflow of air into a respective chamber (86A, 86B) and moved to a second position that closes air inlet structure (88A, 88B) when a sound wave (such as sound wave S1 or S2) impacts moveable portions (90A, 90B).

In one embodiment, the moveable portion 90A, 90B is a flap made of a flexible plastic material, such as polypropylene or other suitable materials. A center portion 92 of the flap (90A, 90B) is secured relative to a central region 94 of air inlet structure (88A, 88B) adjacent openings of the air inlet structure with outer portions 96 of the flaps extending outward relative to center portion 92. In this arrangement, the secured center portion 92 acts as a hinge enabling movement of the outer portions 96 against or away from inlet structure (88A, 88B) depending upon the presence or absence of sound waves within the chamber that encloses the flap.

In another embodiment, valve 82 and/or valve 84 comprise a check valve, such as a ball check valve or a reed valve, as understood by those skilled in the art.

In one example, FIG. 3 illustrates a closed first valve 82, with moveable flap 90A pressed upward into contact against air inlet structure 88A via the impact pressure from sound waves S1 while second valve 84 is open with moveable flap 90B spaced from air inlet structure 88B because of the absence (or minimal impact) of sound waves S2 against moveable flap 90B. In a manner substantially the same as previously described for valves 16 and 18 in association with FIGS. 1-2, first valve 82 and second valve 84 alternately open and close in an offset manner so that when one valve is open, the other valve is closed and vice versa, thereby enabling air to enter air inlet 62 of air compressor 52 while neutralizing noise exiting air inlet 62 of air compressor 52.

FIG. 4 is a noise suppressor system 100, according to an embodiment of the invention. System 100 comprises substantially the same features and attributes of systems 10 and 50 (previously described in association with FIGS. 1-3), except further comprising a container 102 for enclosing or grouping (e.g., maintaining in close proximity) various components of systems 10, 50. As shown in FIG. 4, container 102 is represented by dashed lines and encloses (as an example) first valve 82, second valve 84, air pathway structure 71 (including at least pathway 72 and 74), and coil portion 78 of air pathway 74. In one embodiment, air inlet structures 88A and 88B are disposed at outer edge 110 of container 102.

In one embodiment, container 102 comprises either a first portion 104 or a second portion 106, or both first portion 104 and second portion 106 together. First portion 104 encloses or groups first valve 82 and second valve 84 while second portion 106 encloses or groups components of air pathway structure 71 including coil portion 78. In another embodiment, a size and/or shape of container 102 is selected to enclose other combinations of components of noise suppressor system 100.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an noise suppression adapter 200, according to an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, noise suppressor 200 comprises substantially the same features and attributes as noise suppressor (e.g., noise suppressor 54) as previously described and illustrated in association with FIGS. 1-4, except further comprising additional valves 182, 184 wherein a first valve array 202 comprises first valve 82 and third valve 182 and a second valve array 204 comprises second valve 84 and fourth valve 184. In this respect, each array 202, 204 comprises two or more valves connected in series to provide further noise suppression than simply using a single first valve 82 and single second valve 84. While not illustrated, it is understood that in other embodiments, each respective first and second valve array 202, 204 comprises three or more valves connected in series.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, third valve 182 comprises substantially the same features and attributes as first valve 82, except with inlets 88A of first valve 82 being in direct fluid communication with an interior of third valve 182 (instead of in direct fluid communication with the ambient environment). In one aspect, third valve 182 comprises a movable flap 190A secured to member 194 with outer portions 196 of flap 190A either respectively blocking air inlets 188A, 188A or providing an open path to air inlets 188A, 188A in response to the cycling of the airflow and soundwaves of air compressor, as previously described in association with FIGS. 1-4.

Likewise, fourth valve 184 comprises substantially the same features and attributes as second valve 84, except with inlets 88B of second valve 84 being in direct fluid communication with an interior of fourth valve 184 (instead of in direct fluid communication with the ambient environment). In one aspect, third valve 182 comprises a movable flap 190A secured to member 194 with outer portions 196 of flap 190A either respectively blocking air inlets 188A, 188A or providing an open path to air inlets 188A, 188A in response to the cycling of the airflow and soundwaves of air compressor, as previously described in association with FIGS. 1-4.

In use, each array 202,204 of valves that are connected in series, such as first valve 82 and third valve 182, respectively exhibit a substantially matched response to the cycling of the soundwaves and airflow so that both first valve 82 and third valve 182 open at substantially the same time and close at substantially the same time. Similarly, second valve 84 and fourth valve 184, exhibit a substantially matched response to the cycling of the soundwaves and airflow so that both second valve 84 and fourth valve 184 open at substantially the same time and close at substantially the same time. Finally, in accordance with prior embodiments, when first valve 82 and third valve 182 are open, then second valve 84 and fourth valve 184 are closed, and when first valve 82 and third valve 182 are closed, then second valve 84 and fourth valve 184 are open.

Accordingly, the respective valves of the first valve array 202 open and close substantially in unison in response to the cycling of the sound waves of the air compressor and the respective valves of the second valve array 204 open and close substantially in unison in response to the cycling of the sound waves of the air compressor.

In addition, in other embodiments, one or more of valves 82, 84, 182, 184 comprise other types of valves, such as a check valve, as previously described in association with FIGS. 1-4.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a noise suppressor for an air compressor that simultaneously neutralizes noise that exits an air inlet from an air compressor while delivering air into the air compressor for compression.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein for purposes of description of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments illustrated and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. Those with skill in the mechanical, electromechanical, electrical, and computer arts will readily appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in a very wide variety of embodiments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the preferred embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An air compressor system comprising:

a compressor configured to compress ambient air and including an inlet for receiving ambient air and an outlet, the compressor configured to produce sound waves traveling outward through the inlet, the sound waves having a first wavelength; and

an adapter removably secured to the inlet, the adapter including: a first air pathway in fluid communication with the inlet and including a first valve; a second air pathway including a second valve and in fluid communication with the inlet and with the first air pathway, the second air pathway having a length substantially less than the first wavelength of the sound waves and the first air pathway having a length substantially less than the length of the second air pathway; and wherein in a first state, the first valve is open and the second valve is closed, and in a second state the first valve is closed and the second valve is open, the adapter alternating between the first and second states based upon movement of the sound waves exiting the inlet of the compressor.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the length of the second air pathway is about one-half the first wavelength.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the length of the second air pathway is less than one-half the first wavelength

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the length of the second air pathway is selectively variable.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the first valve comprises a first valve array including a series of valves connected in series and the second valve comprises a second valve array including a series of valves connected in series, wherein the respective valves of the first valve array open and close substantially in unison in response to the sound waves of the air compressor and the respective valves of the second valve array open and close substantially in unison in response to the sound waves of the air compressor

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the first valve and the second valve comprise a check valve including at least one of a flapper valve, a reed valve, a ball valve, or a poppet valve.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the first valve and the second valve each comprise a chamber defining an air inlet structure and a moveable portion that blocks the air inlet structure in a first position and that opens the air inlet structure in a second position.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the lengths of the first air pathway and the second air pathway are configured relative to one another to cause, based on the first wavelength of the sound waves, the moveable portion of one of the first valve and the second valve to be in the first position while the moveable portion of the other of the first valve and the second valve are in the second position.

9. The system of claim 1 and further comprising a third air pathway extending from the inlet of the air compressor to both the first air pathway and the second air pathway.

10. A method of neutralizing noise for an air compressor, the method comprising:

routing sound waves exiting an air intake of an air compressor along two separate paths including a first path and a second path;

arranging a first valve at the end of the first path and a second valve at the end of the second path, wherein in a first state, sound waves in the first path close the first valve to prevent the sound waves from exiting the first path while the sound waves in the second path minimally impact the second valve of the second path, thereby enabling the second valve to remain open to permit inflow of ambient air through the second valve, and wherein in a second state, sound waves in the second path close the second valve to prevent the sound waves from exiting the second path while the sound waves in the first path minimally impact the first valve of the first path, thereby enabling the first valve to remain open to permit inflow of ambient air through the first valve; and

alternating between the first state and the second state in response to the repeating sound waves.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein routing the sound waves comprises:

arranging a length of the first path to be substantially more than a length of the second path and to be substantially less than a wavelength of the sound waves exiting the air intake of the air compressor, to cause an iterative cycle of closing of the first valve during opening of the valve of the second conduit and opening of the first valve during closing of the valve of the second conduit.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein routing the sound waves comprises;

arranging the length of the first path to be about one-half the wavelength of the sound waves and a length of the second path to negligible relative to the wavelength of the sound waves.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein arranging a first valve comprises:

arranging the first valve as a first valve array of a plurality of valves connected in series, wherein the respective valves of the first valve array open and close substantially in unison in response to the sound waves of the air compressor; and

arranging the second valve as a second valve array of a plurality of valves connected in series, wherein and the respective valves of the second valve array open and close substantially in unison in response to the sound waves of the air compressor.

14. The method of claim 10 wherein routing the sound waves comprises:

selectively varying a length of the first path.

15. A noise suppressor for an air compressor system, the noise suppressor comprising:

an adapter configured for removably securing relative to an air inlet of an air compressor with sound waves having a first wavelength exiting the air inlet of the air compressor, the adapter including: a first air pathway in fluid communication with the inlet of the air compressor and including a first valve; a second air pathway including a second valve and in fluid communication with the inlet of the air compressor and with the first air pathway, the second air pathway having a length substantially less than the first wavelength of the sound waves and the first air pathway having a length substantially less than the length of the second air pathway; and wherein the adapter alternates, in response to the movement of sound waves exiting the inlet of the air compressor, between a first state, in which the first valve is open and the second valve is closed, and a second state in which the first valve is closed and the second valve is open.

16. The noise suppressor of claim 15 wherein the second air pathway comprises a conduit including a noise suppressing material.

17. The noise suppressor of claim 15 wherein the first valve comprises a first valve array including a series of valves connected in series and the second valve comprises a second valve array including a series of valves connected in series, wherein the respective valves of the first valve array open and close substantially in unison in response to the sound waves of the air compressor and the respective valves of the second valve array open and close substantially in unison in response to the sound waves of the air compressor

18. The noise suppressor of claim 15 wherein a length of the second air pathway is about no more than one-half the first wavelength of the sound waves.

19. The noise suppressor of claim 15 wherein the length of the second air pathway is selectively variable.

20. The noise suppressor of claim 15 and further comprising an air compressor system including a cylinder configured to compress ambient air and including the inlet for receiving ambient air.