Patent ID: 6370736
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: D01G

Abstract:
A fiber tuft feeder comprising(a) a chute having a chute wall defining a chute interior; (b) a first air-pervious surface forming part of said chute wall; (c) a first exhaust air chamber adjoining said first air-pervious surface externally of said chute interior; said first exhaust air chamber being in a pneumatic communication with said chute interior through said first air-pervious surface; (d) means for charging said chute with an air stream carrying fiber tufts; a first part of the air stream being separated from the fiber tufts by, and passing through, said first air-pervious surface into said first exhaust air chamber whereby a fiber tuft column is formed in said chute interior in a region of said first air-pervious surface; (e) a second air-pervious surface forming part of said chute wall and being situated upstream of said first air-pervious surface as viewed in a direction of advance of said air stream in said chute interior; (f) a second exhaust air chamber adjoining said second air-pervious surface externally of said chute interior and being separate from said first exhaust air chamber; said second exhaust air chamber being in a pneumatic communication with said chute interior through said second air-pervious surface for receiving a second part of the air stream; (g) an air outflow opening provided in a wall of said second exhaust air chamber spaced from said second air-pervious surface; and (h) an adjustable valve cooperating with said air outflow opening for varying a flow passage area thereof.