Patent ID: 6220793
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: D01G,Y10T

Abstract:
A device for channeling a pneumatically conveyed fiber tuft stream, comprising(a) a housing defining a chamber;(b) a main conduit merging into said chamber for guiding the fiber tuft stream into said chamber;(c) first and second branch conduits extending from said chamber for guiding the fiber tuft stream out of said chamber;(d) first and second air intake openings provided in said housing for allowing air, situated externally of said main conduit, to be drawn into said first and second branch conduits;(e) a routing gate assembly disposed in said chamber and including first and second routing gates each having a surface cooperating with respective said first and second air intake openings; said routing gate assembly having a first operational state for channeling said flow from said main conduit simultaneously into said first and second branch conduits; a second operational state for channeling said flow from said main conduit solely into said first branch conduit; and a third operational state for channeling said flow from said main conduit solely into said second branch conduit; in said second and third operational states one of said first and second routing gates blocks directly one of said first and second air intake openings with said surface thereof;(f) means for controlling positions of said first and second routing gates; and(g) a first seal provided between said first routing gate and said first air intake opening and a second seal provided between said second routing gate and said second air intake opening for providing an airtight closing of the respective said first and second air intake openings when covered by said surface of the respective said first and second routing gates; said first and second seals being supported in said housing and surrounding the respective said first and second air intake openings.