Patent Publication Number: US-10760866-B2

Title: Firearm sound suppressor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/587,865, filed on Nov. 17, 2017, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for suppressing noise, and more particularly, to systems and methods for suppressing noise of a firearm. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Suppressors for firearms, also known as silencers, generally operate to reduce the audible noise or sharp report of a firing weapon by means of reducing and controlling the energy level of attendant propellant gases. A firearm sound suppressor typically mounts to the end of the muzzle of a firearm and is usually a hollow metal cylinder which has expansion chambers therein and which attaches to the muzzle of a firearm. This type of sound suppressor is readily attached to the end of a firearm barrel and may be used on different firearms of the same caliber. 
     Firearm sound suppressors work by trapping and delaying the exit of the high pressure muzzle gases from a firearm when the firearm is discharged. Creation of turbulence is one technique used to enhance the trapping of the gases with a subsequent delay in the exit of the gases from a sound suppressor. If a sound suppressor is very effective at trapping and delaying the exit of the gases, this results in a lower sound level coming from the firearm. 
     Known silencers for firearms can be generally classified into two groups. In one group, the discharge and propellant gases that follow the bullet into the silencer are stored for a short period of time in a plurality of successive chambers which are closed to the outside environment. This produces a controlled expansion of the propellant gases through each chamber, thereby reducing their temperature and pressure. 
     In a second group, at least a portion of the propellant gases are diverted to exterior coaxial chambers through a plurality of passages between inner and outer walls. Although such arrangements can be complex, these arrangements can provide more capacity to delay and cool the gases, and hence reduce the sound level. 
     Generally, the techniques include the provision of a series of baffles which control and delay the flow, expansion, and discharge of propellant gases, forcing the propellant gases to pass through various temperature absorbent materials to reduce the temperature and abrupt discharge of propellant gases. The result achieved is a corresponding reduction in the noise produced by the discharged propellant gases. 
     A firearm suppressor suppresses noise by allowing the rapidly expanding gases from the firing of a cartridge to be diverted or trapped inside a series of chambers. The trapped gas expands and cools, reducing its pressure and velocity before it exits the suppressor. The suppressor chamber may be a single large expansion chamber located at the muzzle end of a firearm to allow the propellant gas to expand considerably and slow before it encounters the baffles therein. Baffles used in sound suppressors are usually circular metal dividers which separate the expansion chamber with each baffle having a hole therethrough to permit passage of gas through the baffle. The aperture in each baffle and the passageway through the sound suppressor are generally slightly larger than the bullet caliber to reduce the risk of a bullet hitting the sides of the housing in the sound suppressor. A sound suppressor housing can become heated to a very high temperature because of the collection of rapidly expanding gases from firing of multiple cartridges, especially in rapid fire weapons. 
     For typical suppressors, it may become difficult to remove the suppressor from the suppressor housing for cleaning. Tough residue from the discharge gases can build up quickly in and around crevices, creating a bond between the suppressor components which can be difficult to break. Moreover, baffles closer to the muzzle end of the firearm are subjected to greater pressure, contaminants, and heat from the firearm flash during discharge, than baffles located further away from the muzzle end, thereby causing premature wear and failure of the suppressor. 
     Another disadvantage of current firearm suppressor use is the problem of suppressor instability that results from the use of a threaded connection of the suppressor to the barrel of a firearm. The barrel of a firearm that is designed for attachment of a suppressor is typically provided with a reduced diameter externally threaded section that is of fairly short length. An internally threaded section of a typical suppressor is fairly short, thus causing the threaded connection to have minimal stability due to the typical length of the threaded connection of the suppressor with the firearm barrel. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,136,923 discloses a firearm silencer which includes an outer housing and an interior tube (a central channel) within the housing. The interior tube is spaced from the inside walls of the housing to form an exterior chamber around the interior tube. The interior tube is adapted to receive a projectile discharged from a firearm and extends the entire length of the housing which is attached to a muzzle of a firearm. The interior tube is perforated with a plurality of rows of ports which extend through the wall of the interior tube and discharge into the exterior chamber. The sound suppressing performance of this type of suppressor is considered to be due to the rapid heat exchange between the propellant gases and the surface area of the conductive metal in the suppressor. The efficiency of this type silencer is considered greater on a volume basis for a given projectile clearance than that of baffle silencers. However, because of the limited surface area inherent in this type of design, this type of suppressor is useful only for small fire arms. A sound suppressor of this design having substantially increased surface area for a given volume, for heat dissipation, and that could create greater turbulance of the gases around the length of the interior tube, would be much more effective in suppressing sound and attenuating recoil. 
     Another problem with prior art suppressors is the large size, especially for suppressors used on rifles which add much overall length to the firearm. Because suppressors for rifles are often long, the length of the rifle is drastically increased, making it inconvenient during use and for storage. For gas impingement rifles and rifles with piston operating systems, such increased length is unavoidable due to the gas tube being positioned directly above the barrel. As such, prior art suppressors are installed on the barrel past the gas block. 
     It is desirable to provide a suppressor which is conveniently and efficiently assembled to and disassembled from the firearm for convenient cleaning and maintenance. Additionally, it is desirable to provide a suppressor that is exceptionally stable as well as protecting the internal components from the undesirable characteristics of gunpowder residue buildup and fouling. Moreover, it is desirable to provide a suppressor that further suppresses noise and flash discharge, while not unduly increasing the overall length of the firearm. Finally, it is desirable to provide a suppressor that could be integrated with the gas block and gas tube of the firearm. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     The present invention solves the problems of the prior art described above and provides additional advantages. To do so, the present invention provides a suppressor comprising a tube that extends along the entire length of a barrel thus reducing the increased overall length of the fire arm. A tube encloses the barrel and gas tube, and is sealed with rear and front end caps. Within the tube is a main body where a gas block is enclosed; an intermediate member operably coupled to the barrel end; a blast baffle operably coupled to the intermediate member; and a flash hider operably coupled to the intermediate member and blast baffle. 
     The present invention provides a sound suppressor for a firearm comprising: an enclosure enclosing at least a portion of a barrel of the firearm, the barrel having an inner end and an outer end and extending longitudinally from a receiver of the firearm with the barrel inner end operably coupled to the receiver of the firearm, a space between the enclosure and barrel forming a main body; an intermediate member having an inner end and an outer end, the intermediate member inner end operably coupled to an outer end of the barrel, the intermediate member comprising: a base member positioned proximate the intermediate member inner end, the base member having a first through-hole extending longitudinally therethough, a ring member having an inner surface and an opposing outer surface, the ring member positioned proximate the intermediate member outer end, and a plurality of extension members, each extension member having an inner and an opposing outer end, and an inner surface and an opposing outer surface, the plurality of extension members extending between the base member and the ring member, a space between the plurality of extension members forming a chamber; a flash hider having an inner end and an outer end, the flash hider inner end operably coupled to the intermediate member outer end, the flash hider comprising: a plurality of baffles extending radially and spaced apart longitudinally from the flash hider inner end to the flash hider outer end, and a plurality of open channels formed between the plurality of baffles, each open channel having a longitudinal width; wherein the intermediate member and flash hider are enclosed within the enclosure. 
     In another aspect, the present invention provides a sound suppressor for a firearm comprising: an enclosure enclosing at least a portion of a barrel of the firearm, the barrel having an inner end and an outer end and extending longitudinally from a receiver of the firearm with the barrel inner end operably coupled to the receiver of the firearm; an intermediate member having an inner end and an outer end, the intermediate member inner end operably coupled to an outer end of the barrel; and a flash hider having an inner end and an outer end, the flash hider inner end operably coupled to the intermediate member outer end; wherein the intermediate member and flash hider are enclosed within the enclosure. 
     In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for suppressing noise in a firearm by providing a sound suppressor having an enclosure enclosing at least a portion of a barrel of the firearm, the barrel having an inner end and an outer end and extending longitudinally from a receiver of the firearm with the barrel inner end operably coupled to the receiver of the firearm; an intermediate member having an inner end and an outer end, the intermediate member inner end operably coupled to an outer end of the barrel, a space within the intermediate member forming a chamber; and a flash hider having an inner end and an outer end, the flash hider inner end operably coupled to the intermediate member outer end, the flash hider having a plurality of baffles extending radially and spaced apart longitudinally from the flash hider inner end to the flash hider outer end such that a plurality of open channels are formed between the plurality of baffles; wherein the intermediate member and flash hider are enclosed within the enclosure. The sound suppressor causes gases formed from a traveling projectile to be displaced within the chamber of the intermediate member substantially in a direction from the intermediate member outer end to the intermediate member inner end. The sound suppressor also causing gases formed from the traveling projectile to be displaced within the flash hider substantially in a direction from the flash hider outer end to the flash hider inner end. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In addition, some of the figures are provided further details including exemplary dimensions which are in units of inches. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of a suppressor of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side cross-sectional view of the suppressor of  FIG. 1 , shown without internal components; 
         FIG. 3  is another side cross-sectional view of the suppressor of  FIG. 1  attached to a barrel of a firearm, shown without internal components; 
         FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional view of the barrel and suppressor of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the suppressor of  FIG. 3  showing a gas block superimposed within a tube; 
         FIG. 6  is a close-up view of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of the gas block and barrel of the previous figures; 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of the gas block and barrel of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of a intermediate member of the suppressor of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the intermediate member; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the barrel and intermediate member; 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of the barrel and intermediate member; 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom rear perspective view of the intermediate member; 
         FIG. 14  is top rear perspective view of the intermediate member; 
         FIG. 15  is front perspective view of the intermediate member and barrel; 
         FIG. 16  is a front perspective view of the intermediate member and a blast baffle installed thereon; 
         FIG. 17  is a close-up perspective view of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a rear side perspective view of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a side view of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a side view of a flash hider installed on the intermediate member and the blast baffle; 
         FIG. 21  is a close-up front perspective view of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a front perspective view of the flash hider; 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of a front end cap installed on the flash hider; 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate member and flash hider with an illustration of the movement of gases; and 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of the suppressor of the present invention with all components installed on the barrel. 
     
    
    
     To facilitate an understanding of the invention, identical reference numerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale but are shown for illustrative purposes only. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The article “a” is intended to include one or more items, and where only one item is intended the term “one” or similar language is used. Additionally, to assist in the description of the present invention, words such as top, bottom, side, upper, lower, front, rear, inner, outer, right and left are used to describe the accompanying figures. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , an exemplary embodiment of a suppressor  1  of the present invention is shown. In general, the suppressor  1  is configured to enclose a barrel  2  of a firearm. In this embodiment, the barrel  2  is of a rifle having a gas impingement system and the suppressor  1  encloses both the barrel  2  and gas tube or gas piston  4  of the firearm, as shown in  FIG. 4 . Even though the present embodiment shows a suppressor for use on this type of firearm, it can also be used on other types of firearms as well. The suppressor  1  generally comprises a tube  10  enclosed by a rear end cap  12  on one end and a front end cap  14  on an opposing end of the tube  10 . The tube  10  is substantially cylindrical and is constructed of a high-strength material such as stainless steel, 4140 high tensile steel, B7 alloy steel and titanium. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other materials could be used as well. Optionally, a hand guard could be installed on the suppressor  1 , fully or partially enclosing the same. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the rear end cap  12  is fixed to the tube  10  and is sealed against the barrel  2  and positioned rearward from a barrel extension portion  6  of the barrel  2  and on a base portion  8  of the barrel  2 . Although not fully shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a bore  3  extends completely through the barrel  2 . The rear end cap  12  includes an inner section  122  having an inner diameter substantially equal to the barrel base  8  and an outer section  124  having an outer diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the tube  10 . The outer section  124  includes a lip portion  126  that surrounds an inner end of the tube  10 . Thus, the rear end cap  12  is form fit onto the barrel  2  as well as the tube  10 . The lip portion  126  provides a secure seal and prevents gas from exiting the tube  10  and also protects the rear end cap  12  from damage, as damage in this area would result in gas leakage and cause the suppressor  1  to malfunction. The rear end cap  12  includes an aperture  128  that is sized substantially the same and aligned with the gas tube  4  so that the gas tube  4  extends therethrough, as shown in  FIG. 5 , while still providing a seal. As such, the gas tube is integrated into the rear end cap  12  or the piston passes through the rear end cap  12  and into the upper receiver. Thus, the rear end cap  12  is capable of being machined onto the barrel  2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6-8 , a gas block  20  is positioned on the barrel extension  6  and enclosed by the tube  10  within a main body  11 . The gas block  20  includes an inner section  202  and an outer section  204  integrally formed with each other. The inner section  202  is substantially cylindrical and sized to be positioned on the barrel extension  6  in a secure form fit. The inner section  202  includes an opening or aperture (not shown) which coincides with and is aligned with another opening or aperture (not shown) on the barrel extension  6 . The inner section  202  could include more than one opening or aperture depending on the number of openings or apertures on the barrel extension  6 . The outer section  204  is also substantially cylindrical and is connected integral to the inner section  202  by upper and lower rib members  208 ,  210 . The outer section  204  is shaped and sized substantially similar to an inner surface of the tube  10  to form a support structure for the main body  11  to make the tube  10  less susceptible to damage such as dings and dents. The upper rib member  208  includes an inner aperture (not shown) which is connected with the aperture of the inner section  202  and aperture of the barrel extension  6 . The upper rib member  208  also includes an outer aperture  212  which is configured to be coupled with the gas tube  4 . The outer aperture  212  is connected with the aperture of inner section  202  and the aperture of the barrel extension  6  to form an unimpeded path for gas to travel from the inner barrel  2  to the gas tube  4  and to an upper receiver of the firearm. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the rib members  208 ,  210  of the gas block  20  extend toward the front of the barrel  2  forming rib extensions  208   a ,  210   a . The rib extensions  208   a ,  210   a  engage the inner surface of the tube  10  to provide additional support to the main body  11 . The outer aperture  212  extends through the upper rib extension  208   a , which also includes a side aperture  220  connected to the outer aperture  212 . In this configuration, excess gas can be displaced from the gas tube  4  through the side aperture  220 , for example during emergency situations when the excess gas is formed in the gas tube  4  and upper receiver. Alternatively, the side aperture  220  is used for indexing the gas tube, for example, with a spring pin, so that the gas tube  4  is properly positioned within the aperture  212 . The gas block  20  is configured to accommodate standard gas tubes used in the industry. However, modifications could be made to accommodate other types of gas tubes. 
     A plurality of open channels  214  are formed between the inner and outer sections  202 ,  204 . In this embodiment, two open channels  214  are provided so that gas can travel within the main body  11  of the tube  10 . In the alternative, the open channels  214  could be eliminated and comprise of a solid material to form a shorter suppressor. Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , outside edges  216  of the outer section  204  are sharp to aid in cleaning carbon exhaust and build up from the inner surface of the tube  10 . That is, when the tube  10  is removed from the barrel  2 , the sharp edges  216  will naturally scrape residue off of the inner surface of the tube  10  with little resistance. Inner edges  218  of the outer section  204 , being a high-stress area, are chamfered or radiused to prevent distortion of the outer section  204  and for relieving stress. As described above, the gas block  20  is capable of being machined onto the barrel  2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-15 , an intermediate member  30  is shown attached to the front end of the barrel extension  6 . The intermediate member  30  is shaped and sized to fit snugly within the tube  10  to provide additional support for the tube  10 . Generally, the intermediate member  30  includes a base member  32  and an opposing ring member  36  with extension members  34  positioned therebetween, the components of which are integrally formed together. 
     The base member  32  includes an engaging section  320  that is substantially hollow with a threaded portion  322  therein for engagement with a barrel end  3  with substantially matching threads. In other embodiments where the barrel end is provided with dimples or indents instead of threads, the inside of the engaging section could instead be provided with matching indents or protrusions, respectively, for engagement. Outer surfaces  321  of the engaging section  320  are substantially flat so that open ended tools such as wrenches could be utilized to easily engage the engaging section  320  for installation and removal of the intermediate member  30 . The engaging section  320  extends away from the barrel end  3  and is positioned between the extension members  34 . The engaging section  320  also includes a through hole  324  which is aligned with a central axis of the barrel  2  (or bore  3 ) so that a round could pass through. The through hole  324  is sized such that the round or bullet does not make contact with the intermediate member  30 . Referring to  FIG. 11 , an inner portion of the base member  32  is also provided with gap  325  for accommodating a washer to provide further security from the intermediate member  30  and barrel extension  6  from disengaging. The washer also provides a seal from carbon debris entering the threaded area. In the alternative, set screws could be utilized to further secure the same. The gap  325  is tightly toleranced so that carbon cannot easily enter, thereby reducing the risk of carbon build up and difficulty in removing the intermediate member  30  from the barrel extension  6 . 
     The base member  32  also includes opposing base extensions  326  extending radially from the engaging section  320 . The base extensions  326  include apertures  328  extending therethrough to provide alternative means for removing the intermediate member  30  from the barrel extension  6 . That is, in the event a wrench is unavailable, the user could extend other devices through the apertures  328  such as a screw driver to generate sufficient torque for removal. Edges  330  formed between the engaging section  320  and base extensions  326  are rounded or radiused to eliminate high stress areas and to allow for easier cleaning compared with straight ninety degree edges. The rounded edges  330  also provide a less restricted path for gas to travel backward towards the main body  11 . In additional the base extensions  326  include rounded or radiused pockets  332  for easily collecting and cleaning accumulated carbon build up or deposits. As shown in  FIG. 14 , outer edges  327  of the base extensions  326  are sharp so that carbon build up on the inner surface of the tube  10  could be scraped and easily removed when removing the tube  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the extension members  34  extend from the base extensions  326 , forming a chamber  340  between the extension members  34 . The extension members  34  have rounded outer surfaces  342  (best shown in  FIG. 15 ) which conform with the inner surface of the tube  10  such that the respective surfaces are securely engaged. Inner surfaces  346  are substantially linear and extend through to the ring member  36 . 
     The ring member  36  is integrally formed on the outer ends  344  of the extension members  14 . The ring member  36  includes an outer surface  360  and an opposing inner surface (not shown) having an aperture  362  extending therethrough. A side wall  364  extends rearwardly from the ring member inner surface. The inner surface of the ring member  36  includes a linear portion coinciding with the extension member inner surfaces  346 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16-19 , a blast baffle  40  is shown installed on the intermediate member  30 . The blast baffle  40  includes an engagement section  410  integrally formed with an extension section  420 . The engagement section  410  is substantially cylindrical except that opposing sides  412 ,  414  are substantially linear to coincide with the extension member inner surfaces  346 . As such, the engagement section  410  is configured to snap fit or form fit into the ring member  36 . The engagement section  410  includes a free edge  428  which is substantially sharp so that carbon debris could be scraped and removed from the inner surface of the tube  10  when the components are disassembled. The extension section  420  is substantially tubular with at least the outer diameter being greater at a base portion  422 . However, the outer diameter of the extension section  420  could be uniform as well. An aperture  424  extends through the engagement section  410  and the extension section  420  at a substantial center and substantially aligned with the bore  3  for a round or projectile to pass through. The size of the aperture  424  is such that the bullet does not make contact with the blast baffle  40 . The aperture  424  is threaded on the engagement section  410  as shown in  FIG. 23 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20-26 , a flash hider  50  is shown. The general shape of the flash hider  50  is substantially cylindrical and includes a plurality of baffles  502  positioned between an inner end  506  and an outer end  508 . The baffles  502  form a plurality of open channels  512  which decrease in width from the inner end  506  to the outer end  508 . In this embodiment, five baffles form six channels but this could be varied depending on design requirements. Optionally, a flat surface  514  is provided on opposing outer sides to provide a means from a tool such as a wrench to be used to install and de-install the flash hider  50 . In this embodiment, the flat surface  514  extends 1.5 inches but other dimensions could be used as well. An aperture  520  extends through the flash hider  50  at a substantial center and is aligned with the bore  3  for a round or projectile to pass through. The size of the aperture  520  is such that the bullet does not make contact with the flash hider  50 . A flash hider extension  530  extends from the inner end  506  at a center position and is threaded for engagement with the threaded portion of the blast baffle  40  as shown in  FIG. 23 . The positioning and engagement of the threaded blast baffle  40  within the ring member  36  provides the function of a nut for the flash hider  50 . Furthermore, with this engagement the flash hider  50  engages the ring member outer surface  360 . A space  426  formed between the ring member inner surface and ring member outer surface  360  shown in  FIG. 17  (i.e., the thickness of the ring member) adjacent the blast baffle  40  could be provided with a crush washer to further eliminate any open space between the blast baffle  40  and the flash hider  50 . The crush washer would further provide a seal from carbon debris from entering the threaded area. Finally, the outer end  508  includes internal threads as shown in  FIG. 24 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 24 , the front end cap  14  is shown engaged with the flash hider  50 . As with the rear end cap  12 , the front end cap  14  is also substantially cylindrical and fixed to the tube  10  in friction or form fit, as shown in  FIG. 26 . The front end cap  14  includes an extension section  600  integrally formed with a base section  610 . The extension section  600  includes a threaded outer surface  602  for engaging with the threaded portion of the flash hider  50 . The base section  610  includes an inner surface  612  that engages an outer surface  516  of the flash hider  50 . This provides a seal so that carbon debris is prevented from entering the threaded portion. This engagement could also be supplemented with a crush washer to further accomplish the same. The base section  610  also includes a lip portion  614  having an inner diameter that is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the tube  10 . As such, a space  615  is provided so the front end cap  14  is secured to the tube  10  to form a substantial seal, as shown in  FIG. 26 . An aperture  620  extends through the front end cap  14  and is centrally positioned and substantially aligned with the bore  3 . The aperture  620  is sized such that a bullet is capable of passing through without making direct contact with the front end cap  14 . Moreover, the base section  610  is provided with a drive hole  630  at an outer end for securing the front end cap  14  to the flash hider  50  with a rotational tool. In this embodiment, the drive hole  630  is configured to receive a ⅜ inch hexagonal key but other sizes and shapes could be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, the front end cap  14  is secured to the flash hider  50  by threaded engagement and to the tube  10  by form fit. 
     As shown in  FIG. 26 , each component is assembled on and around the barrel  2  to form the suppressor  1  of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , in operation, a fired round, bullet or projectile B travels through barrel extension  6  via the bore  3 , producing exhaust gas. As the bullet B enters the blast baffle  40 , in the intermediate member  30 , the blast baffle aperture  424  is partially sealed and gas is dissipated around the extension section  420  of the blast baffle  40  and back toward the rear of the tube  10  to the main body  11  as shown by the arrows in the chamber  340 . This is due to the pressure difference within the suppressor  1  in that the intermediate member  30  has a higher pressure than that of the main body  11 . Due to the length of the blast baffle extension section  420 , sufficient time is provided for sufficient amount of gas to travel backward instead of through the blast baffle  40  and flash hider  50 . After the bullet B exits the suppressor  1 , in the flash hider  50 , the gas is dissipated radially outwardly from the flash hider aperture  520  through the respective channels  512  as shown by the arrows within the channels  512 . In addition, excess propellant is burned within each channel  512  as the bullet B travels forward. With the channels  512  being larger toward the rear of the flash hider  50 , more propellent is burned earlier during travel. As well, the larger channels  512  toward the rear of the flash hider  50  provide areas of lower pressure than that of the smaller channels in the front so that gas is more susceptible to travel backward. In  FIG. 25 , each vertical line  1 A- 6 A on the flash hider aperture  520  represents a partial seal that is formed between the bullet B and baffle  512  as the bullet B travels through the flash hider  50 . Due to the high pressure in the flash hider  50 , gas is further dissipated back towards the main body  11  through the blast baffle  40 . As such, exhaust gas is pushed backward to within the tube  10  rather than outward to the ambient air. With this configuration, noise is greatly reduced. 
     The components of the suppressor  1  are constructed of a high-strength material such as stainless steel, 4140 high tensile steel, B7 alloy steel and titanium. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other materials could be used as well. For example, certain components could be manufactured with high-grade plastics or composite materials with high melting points to reduce weight of the suppressor  1 . 
     The components of the suppressor  1  described above could be installed on an existing barrel of a firearm. As well, the suppressor  1  could be manufactured with a barrel and sold as a combination. Modifications to the barrel and suppressor could be made to customize each combination with different types of firearms for optimal performance including but not limited to customization based on harmonics. 
     The present invention provides a suppressor which is conveniently and efficiently assembled to and disassembled from a firearm for convenient cleaning and maintenance. Additionally, the present invention provides a suppressor that is exceptionally stable and that protects the internal components from the undesirable characteristics of gunpowder residue buildup and fouling. Moreover, the suppressor of the present invention suppresses noise and flash discharge. As well, the suppressor of the present invention is capable of installing on gas impingement and piston operated firearms by enclosing the gas impingement system, thereby eliminating the need for modification of the firearm while not unduly increasing the overall length of the firearm. Additionally, because of the extra area provided by the suppressor, heat dissipation is also improved. 
     In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the suppressor of the present invention can be used on AR-15 rifles as well as any other firearms, whether rifles or handguns and whether automatic, semi-automatic or bolt action. Still other variants that are known now or are developed later are intended to be included within the scope of the term “firearm,” as understood by a person of skill in the art. 
     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 will be, therefore, indicated by 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.