Blowing wool machine outlet plate assembly

A machine configured to distribute blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool into distribution hoses includes a shredding chamber having an outlet end. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders configured to shred and pick apart the blowing wool. A discharge mechanism is mounted at the outlet end of the shredding chamber. The discharge mechanism is configured for distributing the blowing wool from a discharge mechanism outlet end into an airstream. An outlet plate assembly is mounted at the outlet end of the discharge mechanism. The outlet plate assembly is configured to receive distribution hoses of different size diameters. The outlet plate assembly is configured to provide a sealing transition for the airstream from the discharge mechanism outlet end to the distribution hoses. A blower is configured to provide the airstream flowing through the discharge mechanism and the outlet plate assembly.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to loosefill insulation for insulating buildings. More particularly this invention relates to machines for distributing packaged loosefill insulation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the insulation of buildings, a frequently used insulation product is loosefill insulation. In contrast to the unitary or monolithic structure of insulation batts or blankets, loosefill insulation is a multiplicity of discrete, individual tufts, cubes, flakes or nodules. Loosefill insulation is usually applied to buildings by blowing the insulation into an insulation cavity, such as a wall cavity or an attic of a building. Typically loosefill insulation is made of glass fibers although other mineral fibers, organic fibers, and cellulose fibers can be used.

Loosefill insulation, commonly referred to as blowing wool, is typically compressed in packages for transport from an insulation manufacturing site to a building that is to be insulated. Typically the packages include compressed blowing wool encapsulated in a bag. The bags are made of polypropylene or other suitable material. During the packaging of the blowing wool, it is placed under compression for storage and transportation efficiencies. Typically, the blowing wool is packaged with a compression ratio of at least about 10:1. The distribution of blowing wool into an insulation cavity typically uses a blowing wool distribution machine that feeds the blowing wool pneumatically through a distribution hose. Blowing wool distribution machines typically have a large chute or hopper for containing and feeding the blowing wool after the package is opened and the blowing wool is allowed to expand.

It would be advantageous if blowing wool machines could be improved to make them easier to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to this invention there is provided a machine for distributing blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool. The machine is configured to discharge blowing wool into distribution hoses. The machine comprises a shredding chamber having an outlet end. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders configured to shred and pick apart the blowing wool. A discharge mechanism is mounted at the outlet end of the shredding chamber. The discharge mechanism is configured for distributing the blowing wool from a discharge mechanism outlet end into an airstream. An outlet plate assembly is mounted at the outlet end of the discharge mechanism. The outlet plate assembly is configured to receive distribution hoses of different size diameters. The outlet plate assembly is configured to provide a sealing transition for the airstream from the discharge mechanism outlet end to the distribution hoses. A blower is configured to provide the airstream flowing through the discharge mechanism and the outlet plate assembly.

According to this invention there is also provided a machine for distributing blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool. The machine is configured to discharge blowing wool into distribution hoses. The machine comprises a shredding chamber having an outlet end. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders configured to shred and pick apart the blowing wool. A discharge mechanism is mounted at the outlet end of the shredding chamber. The discharge mechanism is configured for distributing the blowing wool from a discharge mechanism outlet end into an airstream. An outlet plate assembly is mounted at the outlet end of the discharge mechanism. The outlet plate assembly has at least one outlet pipe. The outlet pipe has a plurality of inner diameters configured to receive distribution hoses of different size diameters. The outlet pipe is configured to provide a sealing transition for the airstream from the discharge mechanism outlet end to the distribution hoses. The outlet pipe is fastened to the outlet plate assembly by a retention member. A blower is configured to provide the airstream flowing through the discharge mechanism and the outlet plate assembly. The retention member is configured to fasten and unfasten the outlet pipe to the outlet plate assembly without the use of special tools.

Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the invention, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A blowing wool machine10for distributing compressed blowing wool is shown inFIGS. 1-3. The blowing wool machine10includes a lower unit12and a chute14. The lower unit12is connected to the chute14by a plurality of fastening mechanisms15configured to readily assemble and disassemble the chute14to the lower unit12. As further shown inFIGS. 1-3, the chute14has an inlet end16and an outlet end18.

The chute14is configured to receive the blowing wool and introduce the blowing wool to the shredding chamber23as shown inFIG. 2. Optionally, the chute14includes a handle segment21, as shown inFIG. 3, to facilitate ready movement of the blowing wool machine10from one location to another. However, the handle segment21is not necessary to the operation of the machine10.

As further shown inFIGS. 1-3, the chute14includes an optional guide assembly19mounted at the inlet end16of the chute14. The guide assembly19is configured to urge a package of compressed blowing wool against a cutting mechanism20, shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, as the package moves into the chute14.

As shown inFIG. 2, the shredding chamber23is mounted at the outlet end18of the chute14. In this embodiment, the shredding chamber23includes a plurality of low speed shredders24and an agitator26. The low speed shredders24shred and pick apart the blowing wool as the blowing wool is discharged from the outlet end18of the chute14into the lower unit12. Although the blowing wool machine10is shown with a plurality of low speed shredders24, any type of separator, such as a clump breaker, beater bar or any other mechanism that shreds and picks apart the blowing wool can be used.

As further shown inFIG. 2, the shredding chamber23includes an agitator26for final shredding of the blowing wool and for preparing the blowing wool for distribution into an airstream. In this embodiment as shown inFIG. 2, the agitator26is positioned beneath the low speed shredders24. Alternatively, the agitator26can be disposed in any location relative to the low speed shredders24, such as horizontally adjacent to the shredders24, sufficient to receive the blowing wool from the low speed shredders24. In this embodiment, the agitator26is a high speed shredder. Alternatively, any type of shredder can be used, such as a low speed shredder, clump breaker, beater bar or any other mechanism that finely shreds the blowing wool and prepares the blowing wool for distribution into an airstream.

In this embodiment, the low speed shredders24rotate at a lower speed than the agitator26. The low speed shredders24rotate at a speed of about 40-80 rpm and the agitator26rotates at a speed of about 300-500 rpm. In another embodiment, the low speed shredders24can rotate at speeds less than or more than 40-80 rpm and the agitator26can rotate at speeds less than or more than 300-500 rpm.

Referring again toFIG. 2, a discharge mechanism28is positioned adjacent to the agitator26and is configured to distribute the finely shredded blowing wool into the airstream. In this embodiment, the shredded blowing wool is driven through the discharge mechanism28and through a machine outlet32by an airstream provided by a blower36mounted in the lower unit12. The airstream is indicated by an arrow33inFIG. 3. In another embodiment, the airstream33can be provided by another method, such as by a vacuum, sufficient to provide an airstream33driven through the discharge mechanism28. In this embodiment, the blower36provides the airstream33to the discharge mechanism28through a duct38as shown inFIG. 2. Alternatively, the airstream33can be provided to the discharge mechanism28by another structure, such as by a hose or pipe, sufficient to provide the discharge mechanism28with the airstream33.

The shredders24, agitator26, discharge mechanism28and the blower36are mounted for rotation. They can be driven by any suitable means, such as by a motor34, or other means sufficient to drive rotary equipment. Alternatively, each of the shredders24, agitator26, discharge mechanism28and the blower36can be provided with its own motor.

In operation, the chute14guides the blowing wool to the shredding chamber23. The shredding chamber23includes the low speed shredders24which shred and pick apart the blowing wool. The shredded blowing wool drops from the low speed shredders24into the agitator26. The agitator26prepares the blowing wool for distribution into the airstream33by further shredding the blowing wool. The finely shredded blowing wool exits the agitator26at an outlet end25of the shredding chamber23and enters the discharge mechanism28for distribution into the airstream33provided by the blower36. The airstream33, with the shredded blowing wool, exits the machine10at the machine outlet32and flows through the distribution hose46, as shown inFIG. 3, toward the insulation cavity, not shown.

As previously discussed and as shown inFIG. 4, the discharge mechanism28is configured to distribute the finely shredded blowing wool into the airstream33. In this embodiment, the discharge mechanism28is a rotary valve. Alternatively the discharge mechanism28can be any other mechanism including staging hoppers, metering devices, rotary feeders, sufficient to distribute the shredded blowing wool into the airstream33.

As shown inFIG. 4, the discharge mechanism28includes a valve shaft50mounted for rotation. In this embodiment, the valve shaft50is a hollow rod having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. The valve shaft50is configured with flat hexagonal surfaces52which are used to seat a plurality of sealing vane assemblies54. Alternatively, other cross-sectional shapes, such as a pentagonal cross-sectional shape, can be used.

In this embodiment the valve shaft50is made of steel, although the valve shaft50can be made of other materials, such as aluminum or plastic, or other materials sufficient to allow the valve shaft50to rotate with the seated sealing vane assemblies54.

As shown inFIG. 4, the plurality of sealing vane assemblies54are positioned against the flat hexagonal surface52of the valve shaft50and held in place by a shaft lock56. The sealing vane assemblies54include a sealing core62disposed between two opposing vane supports64. The sealing core62includes a vane tip68positioned at the outward end of the sealing core62. As shown inFIG. 4, the sealing vane assembly54is configured such that the vane tip68seals against a valve housing70as the sealing vane assembly54rotates within the valve housing70. In this embodiment, the sealing core62is made from fiber-reinforced rubber. In another embodiment, the sealing core62can be made of other materials, such as polymer, silicone, felt, or other materials sufficient to seal against the valve housing70. In this embodiment, the fiber-reinforced sealing core62has a hardness rating of about 50 A to 70 A as measured by a Durometer. The hardness rating of about 50 A to 70 A allows the sealing core62to efficiently seal against the valve housing70as the sealing vane assembly54rotates within the valve housing70.

Referring again toFIG. 4, the sealing vane assemblies54, attached to the valve shaft50by the shaft lock56, rotate within the valve housing70. In this embodiment, the valve housing70is made from an aluminum extrusion, although the valve housing70can be made from other materials, including brass or plastic, sufficient to form a housing within which sealing vane assemblies54rotate. In this embodiment as shown inFIG. 4, the valve housing70includes a top housing segment72and a bottom housing segment74. In another embodiment, the valve housing70can be made of a single segment or the valve housing70can be made of more than two segments.

As shown inFIG. 4, the valve housing includes an inner housing wall76and an optional outer housing wall76a. The inner housing wall76has an inner housing surface80. In this embodiment, the inner housing surface80is coated with a chromium alloy to provide a low friction and extended wear surface. Alternatively, the inner housing surface80may not be coated with a low friction and extended wear surface or the inner housing surface80may be coated with other materials, such as a nickel alloy, sufficient to provide a low friction, extended wear surface.

The top housing segment72and the bottom housing segment74are attached to the lower unit12by housing fasteners78. In this embodiment, the housing fasteners78are bolts extending through mounting holes77disposed in the top housing segment72and the bottom housing segment74. In another embodiment, the top housing segment72and the bottom housing segment74can be attached to the lower unit12by other mechanical fasteners, such as clips or clamps, or by other fastening methods including sonic welding or adhesive.

In this embodiment as shown inFIG. 4, the valve housing70is curved and extends to form an approximate semi-circular shape. The semi-circular shape of the valve housing70has an approximate inside diameter d-vh which is approximately the same diameter of an arc71formed by the vane tips68of the rotating sealing vane assemblies54. In operation, the vane tips68of the sealing vane assemblies54seal against the inner housing surface80such that finely shredded blowing wool entering the discharge mechanism28is contained within a wedge-shaped space81defined by adjacent sealing vane assemblies54and the inner housing surface80.

As shown inFIG. 4, the valve housing70includes an eccentric segment82. The eccentric segment82extends from or bulges out from the semi-circular shape of the top housing segment72and the bottom housing segment74. In this embodiment, the eccentric segment82has an approximate cross-sectional shape of a dome. Alternatively, the eccentric segment82can have any cross-section shape that extends from the top housing segment72and the bottom housing segment74. The eccentric segment82includes an inner eccentric surface84. As shown inFIG. 4, the eccentric segment82forms an eccentric region86which is defined as the area bounded by the inner eccentric surface84and the arc71formed by the vane tips68of the rotating sealing vane assemblies54. The eccentric region86is within the airstream33flowing through the discharge mechanism28. In operation, as a sealing vane assembly54rotates into the airstream33, the vane tip68of the sealing vane assembly54becomes spaced apart from the inner housing surface80of the valve housing70. As the sealing vane assembly54further rotates within the eccentric region86, the airstream33flows along the vane tip68, thereby forcing any particles of blowing wool caught on the vane tip68to be blown off. This clearing of the sealing vane assembly54prevents a buildup of shredded blowing wool from forming on the sealing vane assembly54.

Referring again toFIG. 4, the top and bottom housing segments72and74do not completely enclose the valve housing70, and valve housing70includes a side inlet92. In this embodiment, the side inlet92of the valve housing70has an approximate length equal to the diameter d-vh of the valve housing70. Alternatively, the side inlet92of the valve housing70can have an approximate length that is more or less than the diameter d-vh of the valve housing70.

In this embodiment as further shown inFIG. 4, the top housing segment72and the bottom housing segment74have optional straight portions72aand74arespectively, extending from the curved portions of the top and bottom housing segments72and74. The straight portions72aand74aare configured such that as the sealing vane assemblies54rotate, the vane tips68are spaced apart from the straight portions72aand74a. In another embodiment, the top and bottom housing segments72and74can have extended segments configured in another shape, such as an outwardly extending arc, sufficient to be spaced apart from the vane tips68as the sealing vane assemblies54rotate.

As previously discussed and as further shown inFIG. 4, the top and bottom housing segments72and74do not completely enclose the valve housing70and the valve housing70includes a side inlet92. The side inlet92is configured to receive the finely shredded blowing wool as it is fed from the agitator26. Positioning the side inlet92of the discharge mechanism28at the side of the discharge mechanism28allows finely shredded blowing wool to be fed approximately horizontally into the discharge mechanism28. Horizontal feeding of the blowing wool from the agitator26to the discharge mechanism28is defined to include the feeding of blowing wool in a direction that is substantially parallel to a floor13of the lower unit12as best shown inFIG. 2. Feeding finely shredded blowing wool horizontally into the discharge mechanism28allows the discharge mechanism28to be positioned at a lower location within the lower unit12, thereby allowing the blowing wool machine10to be more compact. In this embodiment, the agitator26is positioned to be adjacent to the side inlet92of the discharge mechanism28. In another embodiment, a low speed shredder24, or a plurality of shredders24or agitators26, or another mechanism can be adjacent to the side inlet92, such that finely shredded blowing wool is fed horizontally into the side inlet92.

While the preceding description describes one example of a blowing wool machine, it should be understood that any type of blowing wool machine, sufficient to prepare and distribute blowing wool into an airstream can be used.

As best shown inFIG. 1, the discharge mechanism28further includes an outlet plate assembly100. The outlet plate assembly100is positioned at the machine outlet32and is configured to substantially cover the outlet end of the discharge mechanism28. The outlet plate assembly100is further configured to connect the distribution hose46to the discharge mechanism28.

As shown inFIG. 5, the outlet plate assembly100includes an outlet plate102. The outlet plate102is configured to substantially cover the outlet end of the discharge mechanism28. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet plate102is made from aluminum, although the outlet plate102can be made from other materials, including brass or plastic, sufficient to substantially cover the outlet end of the discharge mechanism28.

As shown inFIG. 5, the outlet plate102has a thickness t-op. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness t-op is approximately 0.25 inches. In another embodiment, the thickness t-op can be more or less than 0.25 inches.

The outlet plate102is attached to the discharge mechanism28by outlet plate fasteners103. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet plate fasteners103are bolts extending through a plurality of outlet plate mounting holes104disposed in the outlet plate102. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet plate fasteners103have a diameter of approximately 0.25 inches. In another embodiment, the outlet plate fasteners103can have a diameter of larger or smaller than 0.25 inches. While the illustrated embodiment shows three outlet plate fasteners103; it should be understood that any number of outlet plate fasteners103, sufficient to attach the outlet plate102to the discharge mechanism28, can be used. In yet another embodiment, the outlet plate102can be attached to the discharge mechanism28by other mechanical fasteners, such as clips or clamps.

The outlet plate102includes at least one positioning pin106. The positioning pins106are configured to position the outlet plate102on the discharge mechanism28. The positioning pins106are disposed in a mounting hole108. The positioning pins106are configured to align the outlet plate102to the discharge mechanism28by insertion of the positioning pins106into corresponding mounting holes (not shown) in the discharge mechanism28. While the illustrated embodiment shows two positioning pins106, it should be understood that any number of positioning pins, sufficient to align the outlet plate102to the discharge mechanism28, can be used.

In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning pins106are a steel roll pin having an outside diameter of approximately 0.125 inches. In another embodiment, the positioning pins106can be made of other materials sufficient to align the outlet plate102to the discharge mechanism28. In yet another embodiment, the positioning pins106can have an outside diameter that is larger or smaller than 0.125 inches. In yet another embodiment, the outlet plate102can be aligned with the discharge mechanism28by other aligning mechanisms, such as for example mating teeth and notches.

Referring again toFIG. 5, the outlet plate102includes a bearing pocket110. The bearing pocket110is configured to contain a bearing (not shown). The bearing supports one end of the rotating valve shaft50. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing is a self-contained ball bearing. In another embodiment, the bearing can be other bearing types, such as for example roller bearings or sleeve bearings, sufficient to support one end of the rotating valve shaft50. As shown inFIG. 5, the bearing pocket110is positioned approximately in the center of the outlet plate102. In another embodiment, the bearing pocket110can be positioned elsewhere in the outlet plate102.

Referring again toFIG. 5, the outlet plate102includes an outlet plate eccentric region, indicated generally at112. The outlet plate eccentric region112is configured to cover the eccentric segment82of the discharge mechanism28.

As shown inFIG. 5, the outlet plate102includes an airstream opening114. In the illustrated embodiment, the airstream opening114is configured to include the eccentric region86of the discharge mechanism28. In another embodiment, the airstream opening114can be any shape sufficient to discharge shredded blowing wool from the discharge mechanism28.

As shown inFIG. 5, the outlet plate102includes a support116. In the illustrated embodiment, the support116is hollow and has an inner surface118, an inner shoulder119and an outer surface120. The support116is positioned on the outlet plate102such that discharged shredded blowing wool flows from the discharge mechanism28through the airstream opening114and through the support116. In the illustrated embodiment, the support116is made of aluminum. In another embodiment, the support116can be other materials, such as plastic or brass. In the illustrated embodiment, the support116is attached to the outlet plate102by sonic welding. In another embodiment, the support116can be attached to the outlet plate102by other mechanisms, such as for example clips, clamps or adhesive.

As shown inFIG. 5, the inner surface118of the support116has a smooth finish. The smooth finish of the inner surface118is configured to facilitate the flow of discharged shredded blowing wool. In another embodiment, the inner surface118can have another finish, such as for example a coating of anti-friction material, sufficient to facilitate the flow of discharged shredded blowing wool.

Referring again toFIG. 5, the outer surface120of the support116includes a first fastening portion122. The first fastening portion122will be described in more detail below.

As shown inFIG. 5, the outlet plate assembly100includes an outlet pipe124. The outlet pipe124is hollow and is configured to connect the distribution hose46to the outlet plate assembly100. The outlet pipe124has a plate end126, a hose end128and an outer surface130. As shown inFIG. 5, the outlet pipe124has a member132arranged circumferentially from the outer surface130at the plate end126. The member132is configured to seat against the inner shoulder119of the support116when the outlet pipe124is inserted into the support116. In the illustrated embodiment, the member132is created from a snap ring. In another embodiment, the member132can be created from other structures, such as for example a clip, rib or clamp, sufficient to seat against the inner shoulder119of the support116.

As shown inFIG. 5, the outlet pipe124has a length l-op. In the illustrated embodiment, the length l-op of the outlet pipe124is approximately 6 inches. Alternatively, the length l-op can be more or less than 6 inches.

As shown inFIG. 5, the outlet pipe has a first inner diameter d-fi and a second inner diameter d-si. In the illustrated embodiment, the first inner diameter d-fi extends approximately half of the length l-op of the outlet pipe124and the second inner diameter d-si extends the remaining length l-op of the outlet pipe124. In another embodiment, the first inner diameter d-fi can extend more or less than approximately half of the length l-op of the outlet pipe124.

As shown inFIG. 5, the first inner diameter d-fi of the outlet pipe124is configured to support a distribution hose46having a corresponding outer diameter d-dh. In the illustrated embodiment, the first inner diameter d-fi of the outlet pipe124is approximately 2.5 inches and is configured to support a distribution hose46having an outer diameter d-dh of approximately 2.5 inches. In another embodiment, the first inner diameter d-fi of the outlet pipe124can be another size sufficient to support a mating distribution hose46. In operation, a first end46aof the distribution hose46is inserted into the hose end128of the outlet pipe124until the first end46aseats against a shoulder125created by the second inner diameter d-si. The first end46aof the distribution hose46is retained within the outlet pipe124by a retaining mechanism127. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining mechanism127is a clamp. Alternatively the retaining mechanism127can be other mechanisms, such as for example clips, sufficient to retain the first end46aof the distribution hose46within the outlet pipe124. In another embodiment, the first end46aof the distribution hose46can be retained within the outlet pipe124by other mechanisms, such as for example clips. Seating of the first end46aof the distribution hose46against the shoulder125of the outlet pipe124creates a smooth transition to facilitate the flow of blowing wool discharged by the discharge mechanism28. The term “smooth transition” as used herein, is defined to include structures facilitating the flow of blowing wool and providing a sealing function. In the illustrated embodiment, the seating of the first end46aof the distribution hose46against the shoulder125seals that portion of the path of the blowing wool. In another embodiment, the first end46aof the distribution hose46can be sealed against the shoulder125using other mechanisms, such as for example sealing gaskets.

The use of a distribution hose46having an outer diameter d-dh of approximately 2 inches operates in a similar manner. The second inner diameter d-si of the outlet pipe124is configured to support a distribution hose46having a corresponding outer diameter d-dh. In the illustrated embodiment, the second inner diameter d-si of the outlet pipe124is approximately 2.0 inches and is configured to support a distribution hose46having an outer diameter d-dh of approximately 2.0 inches. In another embodiment, the second inner diameter d-si of the outlet pipe124can be another size sufficient to support a mating distribution hose46. In operation, a first end46aof the distribution hose46is inserted into the hose end128of the outlet pipe124until the first end46aseats within the second inner diameter d-si. The first end46aof the distribution hose46is retained within the outlet pipe124by the same mechanism previously discussed. Seating of the first end46aof the distribution hose46against the second inner diameter d-si of the outlet pipe124creates a smooth transition to facilitate the flow of blowing wool discharged by the discharge mechanism28.

The outlet plate assembly100includes a retention member134. The retention member134includes a second fastening portion (not shown), a grip surface136and an end section138. In general, the retention member134is configured to fasten the outlet pipe124to the support116. The second fastening portion of the retention member134has at least one fastening pin140. The fastening pin140is configured to engage the first fastening portion122on the support116. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening pin140is a steel pin extending inward toward the center of the retention member134and having a flat bottom (not shown). In another embodiment, the fastening pin140can be another structure or mechanism sufficient to engage the first fastening portion122.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, the first fastening portion122is a double start thread having a square thread bottom. In another embodiment, the first fastening portion122can have another configuration. In operation, as the retention member134is rotated about axis A-1, the fastening pin140engages and follows the double start thread. As the fastening pin140follows the thread, the retention member134is moved in direction d-rm. The retention member134continues to move in direction d-rm until the end section138of the retention member134seats against the hose end128of the outlet pipe. In this position, the retention member134fastens the outlet pipe124to the support116. In another embodiment, the retention member134can fasten the outlet pipe124to the support with other mechanisms, such as for example clips or clamps. While the embodiment shown inFIG. 5illustrates one fastening pin140, it should be understood that any number of fastening pins can be used.

As shown inFIG. 5, the retention member134includes grip surface136. The grip surface136is configured to allow the machine10user to grip and rotate the retention member134by hand and without the use of special tools. While the grip surface136of the retention member136is shown having a plurality of grooves, it should be understood that the grip surface can have any configuration sufficient to allow the machine user to grip and rotate the retention member134by hand and without the use of special tools. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention member134is made of aluminum. Alternatively, the retention member134can be made of suitable other materials, such as for example brass or plastic.

As mentioned above, the outlet plate assembly100is configured to allow a machine user to quickly change the size of the distribution hose46by hand and without the use of special tools. The illustrated configuration of the outlet plate assembly100also allows various types of loosefill nodules to be efficiently distributed since various outlet pipes124and distribution hoses46can be quickly connected as needed, thereby reducing machine set-up time. Additionally, the machine user is not required to be specially trained to change the outlet pipes124and distribution hoses46.

Finally, as the smooth transition from the discharge mechanism28to the distribution hose46can prevent blockages of the blowing wool, the outlet plate assembly enables a smooth transition to various sizes of distribution hoses46without jamming of the blowing wool.

While the embodiment of the outlet pipe124shown inFIG. 5illustrates two inner diameters, it should be understood that the outlet pipe124can have more or less than two inner diameters.

The principle and mode of operation of this blowing wool machine have been described in its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the blowing wool machine may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its scope.