Patent Publication Number: US-2021180902-A1

Title: Firearm suppressor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/796,016 entitled “FIREARM SUPPRESSOR” and filed on Jan. 23, 2019 for Ernest R. Bray, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This invention relates to firearms, and more particularly relates to firearm suppressors. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Suppressor design has, for over 100 years, included the basic structure of a series of baffles and chambers which trap expanding gasses as they exit a muzzle. Though there have been many variations on this core design concept, virtually every design has followed this basic design. However, this basic design is flawed because it traps the pressure in the initial chamber and significant pressure is generated on the first baffle, commonly called the “blast baffle”. This pressure and heat buildup in that first chamber creates several negative effects that include back pressure into the barrel. This back pressure often causes the firearm to malfunction from added carbon and fouling from the gasses. Additionally, over gassing the system and increasing the cyclic rate creates additional stresses on the components that lead to mechanical failures. Another negative effect of excessive backpressure is that gasses and debris are blown back into the operator&#39;s face. The other shortcomings of the basic design are that the gasses must exit out of the small holes either back into the barrel, or forward against the base of the bullet, which can cause turbulence and accuracy issues. 
     SUMMARY 
     An apparatus for firearm suppressor is disclosed. The firearm suppressor includes, in certain examples, a plurality of fluid redirectors, each of the plurality of fluid redirectors comprising vanes in one of either a clockwise or counterclockwise configuration. The firearm suppressor also includes an outer tube disposed around the plurality of fluid redirectors. 
     In certain examples, the firearm suppressor also includes a baffle sleeve disposed between the outer tube and the plurality of fluid redirectors. The baffle sleeve includes at least one uninterrupted fluid pathway extending along the exterior surface of the baffle sleeve and formed by interdigitated baffle ridges. In certain examples, each fluid redirector includes an annular base that tapers to an opening in a center of the annular base, the annular base forming a substantially conical shape, a locating tab extending from at least one of the vanes, and at least one positioning notch formed in the annular base and configured to receive a locating tab of an adjacent fluid redirector. 
     The firearm suppressor of claim  4 , where the vanes of each of the plurality of fluid redirectors are configured to nest into the opening of the annular base of the adjacent one of the plurality of fluid redirectors. The firearm suppressor also includes an alignment tube. The alignment tube has a tubular shaft having a first end and a second end, and a fluid redirector integrally formed with the tubular shaft disposed adjacent the first end. 
     In certain examples, the firearm suppressor includes a baffle disc slidably coupled to a tubular shaft of an alignment tube. The baffle disc may include a central opening configured to engage the tubular shaft of the alignment tube, and a plurality of vanes extending outward from the baffle disc. Each of the plurality of vanes of the baffle disc may include a shoulder for receiving and locating a washer. 
     A firearm is also disclosed. The firearm includes a barrel that is configured to couple to the firearm suppressor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side-view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a firearm suppressor in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view diagram illustrating a section view of the suppressor in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the baffle sleeve in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b    are perspective view diagrams illustrating embodiments of flow redirectors in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the alignment tube in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a first baffle disc in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 7 a  and 7 b    are perspective view diagrams illustrating embodiments of the second baffle disc in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the end cap in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a partial segment view of the interior components of the suppressor in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a partial segment view of the baffle sleeve and other interior components of the suppressor in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the suppressor in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 12 and 13  are perspective view diagrams illustrating a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a suppressor in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system  1400  for coupling a barrel to a suppressor in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a partial section view illustrating another example of a stack  1500  of flow redirector in accordance with examples of the subject disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view diagram of the stack, according to examples of the subject disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  is a side view diagram illustrating a partial cross section of the firearm suppressor, according to examples of the subject disclosure; and 
         FIGS. 18-20  are perspective view diagrams illustrating embodiments of the alignment tube and flow redirectors, according to examples of the subject disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The subject matter of the present application has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available firearm suppressors. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present application has been developed to provide a firearm suppressor that overcomes at least some shortcomings of the prior art. 
     The description of elements in each figure may refer to elements of proceeding figures. Like numbers refer to like elements in all figures, including alternate embodiments of like elements. Similar elements may be referred to with a number and a letter, such as “ 102   a ” and “ 102   b ”, when identified individually, and when referred to jointly by the number only (i.e., “ 102 ” without that “a” or “b”). 
       FIG. 1  is a side-view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a firearm suppressor  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Although the below described embodiments describe the use of the suppressor  100  in use with a rifle, the components and methods described may be modified to accommodate different types of firearms, including but not limited to, pistols, shotguns, etc. 
     The suppressor  100  is formed of multiple individual components that may be separately manufactured and assembled to form the suppressor  100 . However, the suppressor  100  may alternatively be manufactured as a single unitary product. It is contemplated that as 3D printing techniques improve, the suppressor  100  may be manufactured by these 3D printing techniques. Generally, the suppressor  100  is formed of metals and/or metallic alloys. Different materials may be used for the different components, as it may be desirable for one component to absorb and diffuse heat, and thereby have a high coefficient of thermal conductivity, and another component to have a low coefficient of thermal conductivity. 
     In one embodiment, the suppressor  100  is formed with an outer tube  102  that forms a housing around the multiple components that will be described below in greater detail. Generally, each of the components is formed having a bore that extends from a first end  108  to a second end  106 . In other words, many of the components of the suppressor  100  are formed with a passageway through which a projectile may pass. The suppressor  100  has a longitudinal axis (depicted by line  104 ) that extends from a longitudinal axis of a firearm barrel. The longitudinal axis coincides with a path that the projectile will travel from the barrel towards a second end  106  or outlet of the suppressor  100 . The suppressor  100  is formed with an inlet  108  that engages the muzzle end of the barrel to receive a bullet, or other high energy (i.e., high velocity) projectile, and an outlet  106  through which the bullet travels and for exhausting and dissipating muzzle blast, bullet shock waves, and other particulates. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view diagram illustrating a section view of the suppressor  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the suppressor  100  includes one or more flow redirectors  202  disposed within a baffle sleeve  204 . Coupled to an end of the baffle sleeve  204  is an alignment tube (not shown here) that supports the components of the flash mitigation cap  206 , which include a first baffle disc  208 , a second baffle disc  210 , and an end cap  212 . In an additional embodiment, a blocking disc  214  may be disposed on the first baffle disc  208  and configured to route gasses inward towards the longitudinal axis  104  of the bore of the suppressor  100 . Each of these components will be described in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 3-11 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the baffle sleeve  204  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The baffle sleeve  204  is configured with an inner diameter that is selected to be larger than an outer diameter of the flow redirectors  202  so that one or more flow redirectors  202  are insertable into the baffle sleeve  204 . The baffle sleeve  204 , in one embodiment, is formed with at least one uninterrupted fluid pathway extending in a generally longitudinal manner from one end of the baffle sleeve to another end. Stated differently, a fluid pathway is formed between baffles  302  (or ridges), an outer surface of the baffle sleeve  204 , and the outer tube  102 . Each fluid pathway may “snake” along the exterior of the baffle sleeve  204  between a series of baffles  302  from one end of the baffle sleeve  204  to the second end. As used herein, the phrase “uninterrupted fluid pathway” refers to a fluid pathway on the exterior surface of the baffle sleeve  204  that is not completely blocked by a baffle  302  or other wall. Accordingly, gasses that enter a first opening  304 , after passing through a flow redirector  202 , adjacent a first end of the baffle sleeve  204  may proceed along the exterior surface of the baffle sleeve  204  to a second opening  306  adjacent the second end of the baffle sleeve  204 , as depicted by dotted line  308 . The first opening  304  may be aligned with a discharge port of a flow redirector  202 . 
     In the depicted embodiment, the baffles  302  on either side of the fluid pathway  308  extend towards each other in an interdigitated manner to create a zig-zag type pattern. The baffles  302 , as depicted, may be formed in repeating and interdigitated geometric shapes such as partial hexagons (i.e., V or U-shaped baffles), or alternatively, may be formed in a more organic and/or random fashion, as long as the fluid pathway  308  is uninterrupted along the exterior surface of the baffle sleeve  204 . In one embodiment, baffles  302  may include “hooks” that turn the fluid flow back on itself. In the depicted embodiment, a hook  310  causes a disturbance in the fluid flow that slows down the exhaust gasses. 
     Two or more interdigitated fluid pathways may be formed on the exterior surface of the baffle sleeve  204 . In an alternative embodiment, a single fluid pathway may be formed that snakes back and forth across the exterior surface of the baffle sleeve. In other words, the fluid pathway  308  may be laterally serpentine along a longitudinal axis, with the turns of the fluid pathway  308  interdigitating with an adjacent fluid pathway. For example, the fluid primarily flows laterally (i.e., the fluid travels a greater distance from side to side, than longitudinally towards the end of the suppressor) along the exterior surface of the baffle sleeve. 
     Openings  306  formed in the fluid pathway  308  allow gas to flow between the bore and the outer chamber formed by the baffle sleeve  204  and outer tube  102 . This prevents a buildup of pressure as the projectile/bullet passes through the flow redirectors  202 . 
     As the gasses exit the flow redirectors  202  into the outer chamber formed by the baffle sleeve  204  and the outer tube  102 , the shape of the baffles  302  redirects the gasses down at least one fluid pathway. In other embodiments, the baffles  302  redirect gasses into two or more directions in the same fluid pathway  308 . 
     Beneficially, as the bullet/projectile passes from one flow redirector  202  to an adjacent flow redirector  202 , the venting gasses are directed outward into the baffle sleeve  204  in opposing directions (i.e., right-hand spin and left-hand spin) to accomplish pressure equalization. In other words, the design of the interdigitated baffles causes adjacent openings to exhaust gasses into different fluid pathways. Every other flow redirector  202  opening exhausts into the same fluid pathway, as depicted. Alternatively, a design may be contemplated that exhausts adjacent, or every third, for example, port into the same fluid pathway. 
     Ports  304  in the baffle sleeve  204  are positioned to coordinate (or align with) the exhaust openings in the flow redirectors  202 . Additional openings, which may be smaller, allow gasses to expand back into the flow redirectors  202 . The sequencing of the expansion ports creates a rearward flow of gasses in the cutouts in the baffle sleeve  204  allow those gasses to flow back up into the baffle sleeve. As pressures equalizes gasses can flow back and forth between the outer chamber and the flow redirectors  202 , further cooling and slowing the gasses. The baffle sleeve  204  also provides slowing, cooling, and expansion of the gasses. 
       FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b    are perspective view diagrams illustrating embodiments of flow redirectors  202  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Each of the flow redirectors may be configured to exhaust gasses in a different rotational direction. The flow redirectors  202  resemble radial-flow, semi-open impellers with vanes  402  free on one side and enclosed on another side by a shroud  404 . An opening  406  may be formed in the center of each flow redirector  202 , that forms part of the bore through which the projectile passes. As the projectile passes each flow redirector  202 , gasses may be expelled outward between the vanes  402  in a radial direction, as indicated by the dashed arrow. Adjacent vanes  402  form an exhaust port through which gasses exit, as depicted, because the vanes  402  have a greater height than the shroud  404 . When flow redirectors  202  are nested (i.e., stacked) the flow redirectors  202  function in a manner similar to a closed impeller with the vanes  402  enclosed on each side. Stated differently, when stacked, a vane  402  extends outward from, and is continuous with, the shroud  404 , and is therefore enclosed on one side by the shroud  404 , and on the other side by the shroud  404  of the adjacent flow redirector  202  (see  FIG. 9 ). 
     In certain embodiments, the suppressor  100  is provided with alternating direction flow redirectors  202 . In the depicted embodiments, the flow redirectors  202  may be configured to exhaust gasses in a clockwise direction (see  FIG. 4 a   ) or a counterclockwise direction (see  FIG. 4 b   ). This, beneficially, allows for the balancing or rotational torque forces that may occur due to the exhausting of the gasses. In other examples, flow redirectors  202  of the same flow direction may be stacked. Any combination of flow redirectors is contemplated, including but not limited to, all clockwise, all counter-clockwise, a pair of clockwise adjacent a pair of counter-clockwise, repeating patterns of clockwise mixed with counter-clockwise, and non-repeating patterns of clockwise mixed with counter-clockwise. 
     As described above, the flow redirectors  202  are configured to nest into another flow redirector  202 . The vanes  402  of a single flow redirector  202  have a semi-conical shape (i.e., when viewed from the side, with the shroud  404  sitting on a horizontal surface, the vanes  402  appear to have an increasing height with reference to the horizontal surface) that is configured to engage a concave surface of an adjacent shroud  404  (the opposite surface of the convex shroud  404  surface depicted in  FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b   ). A notch  408  may be formed in the concave surface of the shroud  404  and configured to receive a top surface of a vane  402  of the adjacent flow redirector  202 . This, beneficially, rotationally fixes the position of each flow redirector  202  with respect to the adjacent flow redirectors  202 . 
     In one embodiment, the opening  406  of the flow redirector  202  does not contact the concave surface of an adjacent flow redirector  202 . This allows for a gap to exist between adjacent flow redirectors  202  through which exhaust gasses may escape the bore formed by the flow redirectors  202 . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the alignment tube  500  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The alignment tube  500 , in certain embodiments, is a generally tubular shape and may have differing diameters, as depicted. The alignment tube  500  is formed having a base  502  and a stem  504  extending outward from the base  502 . A bore  506  extends through the base and the stem to form an opening in a proximate end  508  and the distal end  510  (“proximate” being closer to the muzzle end of the barrel). The outer surface of the alignment tube  500  may be threaded adjacent both ends of the alignment tube  500  for coupling to neighboring components of the suppressor  100 . 
     In one embodiment, the alignment tube  500  couples to the baffle sleeve  204  at the proximate end  508 , and to the end cap  212  at the distal end  510 . The bore formed by the flow redirectors is continued by the bore  506  of the alignment tube  500 . The baffle sleeve  204 , in certain embodiments, includes a threaded internal surface (see  FIG. 3 ) configured to engage the threaded external surface of the alignment tube  500 . Wrench flats  512  allow for a user to tighten the alignment tube onto the baffle sleeve  204 . In a further embodiment, the base  502  forms a barrier around which exhaust gasses must flow, which further slows down escaping gasses. In certain examples, the alignment tube  500  may be formed with an integrated flow redirector as will be discussed below with reference to at least  FIG. 19 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a first baffle disc  208  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The first baffle disc  208  is configured with a central opening having a diameter selected to engage the stem of the alignment tube (see  FIG. 5 ). The first baffle disc  208 , in one embodiment, is disposed on the stem  504  adjacent the base  502  of the alignment tube  500 . The outer diameter of the first baffle disc  208  is greater than that of the base  502  of the alignment tube  500 . The vanes  602  are coupled to a base of the first baffle disc  208  and extend outward from the base, and are configured to direct gasses inward towards the center of the first baffle disc  208 . A shoulder  604  may be formed in the vane  602  upon which a washer (e.g., blocking disc  214 ) may be disposed that blocks the flow of gasses and redirects the gasses inward (see  FIG. 3 ). The vanes  602 , if directing a fluid flow radially outward, are configured in counterclockwise flow direction; however, the fluid flow here is clockwise and inward. 
       FIGS. 7 a  and 7 b    are perspective view diagrams illustrating embodiments of the second baffle disc  210  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The second baffle disc  210  is configured to thread onto the stem of the alignment tube at the distal end and secure the first baffle disc onto the stem between a base of the stem and the second baffle disc  210 . The second baffle disc  210  is disposed adjacent the first baffle disc  208  and is configured to redirect exhaust gasses outward towards the outer tube  102  in a clockwise direction via vanes  704 . However, it is contemplated that the direction of the gas flow may be reversed in any of the above described components. Openings  702  near the center of the second baffle disc  210  receive the gasses that were inwardly directed by the first baffle disc  208 , and subsequently redirect the gasses outward in an opposite direction as the direction of the first baffle disc  208 . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the end cap  212  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the end cap is disposed adjacent the second baffle disc  210  and is configured with vanes and openings for further redirection of the gasses. Openings  802  in the outer surface of the end cap  212  allow exhaust gasses and particulates to escape the outer tube  102 . As will be described below, a chevron pattern in the outer tube  102  interrupts the openings  802  and further disturbs and inhibits the gas flow to slow and cool the gasses. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a partial segment view of the interior components of the suppressor  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As described above, the fluid redirectors  202  are “stackable” or otherwise configured to nest into an adjacent fluid redirector  202 . The generally conical shape of the top surface of the vanes of a fluid redirector  202  locate into the concave base of an adjacent fluid redirector, as depicted. In certain embodiments, the flow direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) may alternate from one fluid redirector  202  to the next redirector. In alternative examples, the flow direction may be the same direction, or alternate every third fluid redirector  202 , for example. The vanes of the fluid redirector  202  include locating tabs  902  that nest into notches  904  formed in the base of an adjacent fluid redirector  202 . This beneficially rotationally locks all of the fluid redirectors. The openings formed between the vanes exhaust gasses into the baffle sleeve  204  that surrounds the fluid redirectors  202 . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a partial segment view of the baffle sleeve  204  and other interior components of the suppressor  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The baffle sleeve  204 , as described above, includes a plurality of baffles  302  or ridges that form a plurality of interdigitated pathways. Some of the ridges  302  may include hook-shaped formations  310  that cause the flow of a gas to reverse upon itself to slow and cause turbulent flow of the gasses. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the suppressor  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The depicted embodiment illustrates how the different components form the bore that defines the longitudinal axis  104  through which a projectile fired from the firearm passes. As the projectile passes each fluid redirector  202 , gases expand into chambers formed by the vanes of the fluid redirectors and are spiraled outward (i.e., away from the bore) into openings in the baffle sleeve  204 . As described above, the direction of the spiral flow alternates from one fluid redirector to another so that the force of the escaping gasses is balanced and does not affect the trajectory of the projectile. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  are perspective view diagrams illustrating a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a suppressor  1200  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, a smaller version of the suppressor  1200  may be provided that includes fluid redirectors without the baffle sleeve. Essentially, the fluid redirectors  1201  form an outer chamber with an outer tube  1202 . In certain embodiments, the suppressor  1200  may have a pocket disposed adjacent an outlet of the suppressor  1200  for holding particulate capturing materials  1302 . For example, the particulate capturing material may include a filter material for capturing the puff of white smoke that often accompanies the firing of a firearm. 
     In a further embodiment, a cap  1304  of the suppressor  1200  includes a collar for accepting a wipe cap  1306 . The wipe cap  1306  may be a polymer cap with a perforation through which the projectile may travel. The wipe cap  1306  is replaceable and may be made of polypropylene or polyurethane. The wipe cap  1306  creates a seal to increase the resistance to the exhaust gasses and force them outward towards the outer tube which slows and cools the gasses. 
       FIG. 14  is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system  1400  for coupling a barrel  1402  to a suppressor  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As described above, the barrel  1402  is formed having a bore through which a projectile may pass. A quick-disconnect barrel adapter  1404  is coupled to the barrel  1402 , which may be threaded. In alternative embodiments, the barrel adapter  1404  may use set screws or other fasteners to couple the barrel adapter  1404  to the barrel. The barrel adapter  1404  may include an interrupted thread which corresponds to an interrupted thread formed in the suppressor  100 . 
       FIG. 15  is a partial section view illustrating another example of a stack  1500  of flow redirector  202  in accordance with examples of the subject disclosure. The stack  1500  of flow redirectors  202 , as described above, may be configured with vanes  402  that direct fluid in the same direction. Alternatively, any combination of clockwise and counterclockwise directed vanes  402  may be used. Extending outward from the vanes is a locating tab  902 . The locating tab  902  is configured to nest into a notch formed in the base of an adjacent flow redirector  202 . 
     In certain examples, the alignment tube  1502  may be integrally formed with a flow redirector. As depicted, the alignment tube  1502  is formed of a shaft  1504  having first  1506  and second  1508  ends. Adjacent the second end  1508  is an integrally formed flow redirector  1510 . The flow redirector  1510  is similar in configuration to the flow redirector  202  of  FIG. 2 . The flow redirector  1510  is formed with a substantially annular base that extends outward radially from the shaft  1504 . Extending longitudinally (i.e., along a longitudinal axis defined by the bore) are vanes  1512 . Each vane  1512  extends in a curved path from the bore to the perimeter of the base. The vanes  1512 , in certain examples, extend longitudinally away from the base a distance that is greater than the shroud  1514  center so that a gap  1516  is formed between adjacent flow redirectors. This beneficially allows for the passage of exhaust gasses from the bore to pathways formed by the vanes  1512 . 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view diagram of the stack  1500 , according to examples of the subject disclosure. The depicted embodiment illustrates how flow redirectors  202  may be stacked with the alignment tube  1502 . The locating tabs  902  are configured to nest into notches  904  of an adjacent flow redirector  202  to rotationally index the flow redirectors  202 . 
       FIG. 17  is a side view diagram illustrating a partial cross section of the firearm suppressor  1700 , according to examples of the subject disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the baffle sleeve  204  is configured, as described above, with interdigitated baffles. Opening disposed in the baffle sleeve  204  allow exhaust gasses to flow back and forth from the fluid redirectors, which are disposed within the baffle sleeve  204 . 
       FIGS. 18-20  are perspective view diagrams illustrating embodiments of the alignment tube  1502  and flow redirectors, according to examples of the subject disclosure. As discussed above with reference to  FIG. 15 , the alignment tube  1502  is formed with an integrated fluid redirector having vanes extending therefrom. The vanes form fluid pathways, that when nested into the base of an adjacent fluid redirector, are closed on four sides to redirect exhaust gasses away from the bore. Beneficially, the alignment tube  1502  allows for the easy assembly of the firearm suppressor. For example, multiple fluid redirectors may be inserted into an outer tube without needing to align each fluid redirector. Using the alignment tube  1502 , a user turns the alignment tube  1502  in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This causes the locating tabs  902  of one fluid redirector to find and nest into the notch of the adjacent fluid redirector. The user may hear the clicking of the fluid redirectors as each one falls into the notches of the adjacent fluid redirector. Once all fluid redirectors are nested, baffle discs and end caps may be positioned and fastened to the outer tube. 
     Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the subject matter of the present disclosure should be or are in any single embodiment. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and advantages will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is “coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in some contact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined as coupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, but having one or more additional elements between the coupled elements. Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element can include direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as used herein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, one element can be adjacent another element without being in contact with that element. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.