Noise abatement apparatus for appliance cabinet and method for reducing noise generated by an appliance

• Main Authors: HERREMAN KEVIN M, WALSH ERIC S
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 28.01.2003
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: BLASTING; COFFEE MILLS; COLD ROOMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT COVERED BY ANY OTHERSUBCLASS; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES; ELECTRICITY; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FURNITURE; GENERATION; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; HEATING; HUMAN NECESSITIES; ICE-BOXES; LAUNDERING; LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILEARTICLES; LIGHTING; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; REFRIGERATORS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL; TEXTILES; TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; WEAPONS

Apparatus for reducing noise emitted from an appliance having a cabinet that supports at least one component that emits at least one acoustic pressure wave therefrom. In a preferred form, the apparatus comprises at least one diffuser having at least one deflection surface. The diffuser is coupled to the cabinet and positioned relative to the one component such that the acoustic pressure wave emitted from the component is deflected by the one deflection surface in a predetermined direction. The diffuser can be used to deflect acoustic pressure waves such that they collide with each other. The apparatus may further include at least one absorber. The diffuser is strategically located to deflect acoustic pressure waves being emitted from the component into the absorber to reduce the noise emitted from the appliance.