Acoustic attenuator system for quietizing printers and the like

Abstract

Apparatus for attenuating noise necessarily emitted from output slots of a printer mechanism enclosure and utilizing a minimal amount of enclosure components of significantly reduced size. Input and output housings or compartments for noise attenuation are provided, each of which form elongated narrow guideways. One end of each of the guideways of each of said compartments is aligned with the paper input and output slots, respectively, of the printer mechanism housing and is sealed to prevent noise at the juncture. The guideways have narrow passageways extending therethrough, but are sufficiently wide to permit the paper passing therethrough to move without experiencing any drag resistance due to the presence of the guideways. At least one surface of the guideways confronting and substantially parallel to the moving paper web is lined with a suitable noise attenuating foam. Each guideway is of a length sufficient to provide a significant reduction in noise level at the outlet ends of the guideways as compared with the noise levels at the inlet and outlet slots of the printer mechanism housing in the absence of the noise attenuators. The attenuators are adapted to be easily removable in order to service and maintain both the attenuators and the printer as well as to facilitate insertion of fresh paper.