Abstract:
A fiber stuffing and fluffing machine utilized for fiber stuffing toys, pillows, and other skins having a venturi vacuum system, a unique agitation cavity and blade arrangement, and various unique mechanical and electrical features which provide improved stuffing and fluffing capabilities over the prior art. The art of the present invention is capable of integration into a single stand alone unit which performs improved fluffing and stuffing operations without the need for external pneumatic sources. The art of the present invention, in its various embodiments, also utilizes scroll compressors or turbine compressors heretofore not found in prior art stuffing and fluffing applications. The present art further provides means for separating foreign objects from the ingested stuffing fibers to protect the fluffer blower.

Description:
This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/354,261, filed Feb. 04, 2002. 
    
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates in general to stuffing machines and more particularly to a unique fiber stuffing and fluffing machine capable of stuffing pillows, stuffed toys, and other devices, collectively called skins, which comprises unique features not found in the prior art. The present art device utilizes a venturi vacuum system in conjunction with an electric foot switch and air actuated switch and is further fed by a fluffing machine with a unique blast gate valve arrangement. The present art stuffing and fluffing machines are designed in a manner which allows them to be integrated into a single machine along with a compact pneumatic supply.  
           [0002]    Traditionally stuffing machines comprise at a minimum an output stuffing nozzle tube and an agitation cavity fed by a fiber fluffing machine or picker. Stuffing fibers exit said cavity through a stuffing nozzle. Onto the exiting end of the stuffing nozzle is placed the article to be fiber filled such as the aforesaid toys, pillows, etc. The agitation cavity contains an agitator which keeps the stuffing fibers fluffed and further randomly feeds said fibers to the output stuffing nozzle. Traditionally, the output stuffing nozzle utilizes a compressed air stream to force fibers out of the machine when they randomly fall into a gap where said stream flows and operates. This traditional approach relies upon fibers randomly entering the air stream gap due to the agitation effect of the agitator. Inevitably, this traditional approach results in fiber buildup and clogging around the air stream gap, thereby creating a void within said air stream gap. That is, since the fibers must enter the air stream gap in order to be “blown” out of the nozzle, any fibers which buildup and cover but do not enter the air stream gap have no exiting force acting upon them. Said air stream gap is traditionally a gap or opening in the stuffing nozzle tube located within said agitation cavity. The prior art stuffing nozzle tube has compressed air blown therethrough and across the gap which exits external to the cavity, thereby transporting stuffing fiber along with the air stream. Once the fiber buildup covers the air stream gap, fiber is prohibited from entering the gap and therefore cannot exit the stuffing nozzle.  
           [0003]    The present invention utilizes a stuffing nozzle venturi system in conjunction with unique control and feeding methods which ensure that a vacuum or negative pressure exists at the portion of the stuffing nozzle within the agitation cavity. That is, instead of placing an air flow stream across the air stream gap, the present invention places a venturi within the stuffing nozzle and effectively suctions the stuffing fibers from the agitation cavity. Since a negative pressure exists where the fibers enter the stuffing nozzle, the stuffing fibers are not able to easily buildup or clog. Any fibers which are agitatively placed near the entering portion of the stuffing nozzle, i.e. the venturi entrance, are suctioned into the stuffing nozzle and thereafter into the venturi entrance throat. The venturi exiting throat contains the compressed air stream which feeds the venturi. Thus, any fiber which enters the venturi entrance throat is suctioned through the venturi and then blown out of the venturi exiting throat by the compressed air which feeds the venturi. The compressed air venturi feed further serves to inflate the article at the exiting portion of the stuffing nozzle, thereby forming a cavity into which is deposited the stuffing fiber suctioned from the agitation cavity. Use of the aforementioned venturi system eliminates the need for an air stream gap but will nevertheless function with systems having an air stream gap.  
           [0004]    The invention first comprises a stuffing machine (stuffer) having a stuffing nozzle, an agitation cavity having access doors and a filtered exhaust vent, rotating or moving agitator blades within said cavity, a venturi within said stuffing nozzle, along with the unique control and switching systems described herein. The invention also comprises a fluffing machine (fluffer) which operates in conjunction with said stuffer to blow and fluff stuffing fibers through a duct or pipe into the agitation cavity of said stuffer. Said fluffer comprises a blower mounted within a housing which is fed stuffing fibers through a plenum along with the unique control and switching systems described herein. The fluffer serves to expand or fluff the compressed fibers prior to entrance within the agitation cavity. The present invention presumes availability of a compressed air source and in a preferred embodiment incorporates said source within the fluffer/stuffer combination unit.  
           [0005]    Another unique aspect of the present stuffer invention in conjunction with the machine control as a whole is the orientation of the agitator blades with respect to the entrance portion of the stuffing nozzle. That is, in the preferred embodiment, the rotational axis of the agitator is placed perpendicular to the entrance portion of the stuffing nozzle. This allows the agitator blades to sweep closely past said entrance portion and act to clean and remove fibers from the entrance. Prior art stuffing machines place the stuffing nozzle in parallel with the agitator axis of rotation, thereby foregoing the beneficial effect of agitator blade fiber removal.  
           [0006]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved fiber stuffing and fluffing machine which provides stand alone fiber fluffing and stuffing operations and is highly resistant to nozzle clogging.  
           [0007]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved fiber stuffing and fluffing machine which is capable of operation with a single power source for both the stuffing and fluffing components.  
           [0008]    A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved fiber stuffing and fluffing machine which utilizes a unique blast gate which is highly resistant to clogging and fiber buildup.  
           [0009]    A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved fiber stuffing and fluffing machine which contains its own self contained pneumatic source which provides a minimum of noise and oil discharge.  
           [0010]    A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved fiber stuffing and fluffing machine which minimizes static buildup within the agitation cavity.  
           [0011]    A yet further object of the present invention is to provide an improved fiber stuffing and fluffing machine which has display and auditory features capable of enticing and interesting potential users.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    To accomplish the foregoing and other objects of this invention there is provided an improved fiber stuffing and fluffing machine for use in stuffing pillows, stuffed toys, and other devices which comprises unique features not found in the prior art. The apparatus in a preferred embodiment comprises a stuffing machine having a stuffing nozzle, agitation cavity, control system, pressurized air supply, and activation switches and a fluffing machine having a housing and blower, plenum, and blast gate valve. All of the aforementioned uniquely formed and combined to provide the useful features herein described. An embodiment of the present art combines the stuffing machine, fluffing machine, and a compressed air source into a single stand alone machine.  
           [0013]    The invention first comprises a stuffing machine (stuffer) having a stuffing nozzle, an agitation cavity having access doors and a filtered exhaust vent, rotating or moving agitator blades within said cavity, a venturi within said stuffing nozzle, along with the unique control and switching systems described herein. The invention also comprises a fluffing machine (fluffer) which operates in conjunction with said stuffer to blow stuffing fibers through a duct or pipe into the agitation cavity of said stuffer. Said fluffer comprises a blower mounted within a housing which is fed stuffing fibers through a plenum along with the unique control and switching systems described herein. The fluffer serves to expand or fluff the compressed fibers prior to entrance within the agitation cavity.  
           [0014]    The present invention presumes availability of a compressed air source. In the preferred embodiment, said air source is a uniquely compact air source heretofore not utilized for the present application and also integrally mounted within the stuffing machine. The preferred compact air source is a scroll compressor, heretofore utilized primarily outside of the present art. Said scroll compressor provides superior benefits for the present application. That is, it provides high pressure and high volume airflow in a compact package with a limited noise output. Another preferred compact air source is a turbine compressor, heretofore not utilized in the present art. The turbine compressor provides the desired high volume airflow in a compact package with a limited noise output, yet has a limited pressure output which requires the feed orifices within the aforementioned venturi be larger to accommodate the lower pressure. Traditionally a piston or screw type compressor is used with the present art.  
           [0015]    The present invention utilizes a stuffing nozzle venturi system in conjunction with unique control and feeding methods which ensure that a vacuum or negative pressure exists at the portion of the stuffing nozzle within the agitation cavity. That is, instead of placing an air flow stream across the air stream gap, the present invention places a venturi within the stuffing nozzle and effectively suctions the stuffing fibers from the agitation cavity. Since a negative pressure exists where the fibers enter the stuffing nozzle, the stuffing fibers are not able to easily buildup. Any fibers which are agitatively placed near the entering portion of the stuffing nozzle, i.e. the venturi entrance, are suctioned into the stuffing nozzle and thereafter into the venturi entrance throat. The venturi exiting throat contains the compressed air stream which feeds the venturi. Thus, any fiber which enters the venturi entrance throat is suctioned through the venturi and then blown out of the venturi exiting throat by the compressed air which feeds the venturi. The compressed air venturi feed further serves to inflate the article at the exiting portion of the stuffing nozzle, thereby forming a cavity into which is deposited the stuffing fiber suctioned from the agitation cavity. Use of the aforementioned venturi system eliminates the need for an air stream gap but will nevertheless function with systems having an air stream gap.  
           [0016]    Another aspect of the present stuffer invention in conjunction with the machine control as a whole is the orientation of the agitator blades with respect to the entrance portion of the stuffing nozzle. That is, in the preferred embodiment, the rotational axis of the agitator is placed perpendicular to the entrance portion of the stuffing nozzle. This allows the agitator blades to sweep closely past said entrance portion and act to clean and remove fibers from the entrance. Prior art stuffing machines place the stuffing nozzle in parallel with the agitator axis of rotation, thereby foregoing the beneficial effect of agitator blade fiber removal. For alternative embodiments with more than one nozzle, the agitator blades which sweep each nozzle entrance may be offset over a plurality of angles relative to each other and to the axis of rotation. For example, the blades for a left nozzle may be positioned  90  degrees offset from the blades for the right nozzle. This provides a mixing or flip-flop effect for the stuffing fibers within the cavity.  
           [0017]    A feature of the present invention in conjunction with the machine control as a whole is the utilization of an interlocked air pressurization system. That is, in a preferred embodiment, air pressurization to the venturi system ceases when the agitator drive system is turned off or a stuffing machine door is opened for servicing or filling. This is accomplished by safety switches located in each door interrupting the energizing current to a normally closed electrically actuated air valve. The air valve is in series with the pressurized air supply for the venturi. A display mode is also provided which disables the venturi system. Through utilization of a display mode switch, the venturi and its air valve are disabled yet the stuffing machine continues agitating the fibers within the cavity and also provides lighting and sound effects.  
           [0018]    A unique feature of the present invention is the use of a hand actuated switch. Traditionally, the operation of a stuffing machine has been via a foot actuated pneumatic valve. This prior art format limits use of the stuffing machine by handicapped persons who cannot use their lower extremities. An embodiment of the present art utilizes an extendable squeeze bulb at hand level which pneumatically actuates an electric switch which in turn then energizes and opens an electropneumatic valve to activate venturi operation. The electropneumatic valve is normally closed but when actuated allows compressed air to flow into and through the venturi. The aforementioned squeeze bulb hand actuated switch further provides an added margin of safety to the machine. That is, since it is a pneumatic switch the user is electrically isolated from the system. The invention also uses an electrical foot switch in parallel with said squeeze bulb switch which performs the aforementioned via foot movement action without extending pneumatic lines to said foot switch.  
           [0019]    A still further improvement over the prior art is presented in the present art&#39;s system for controlling static buildup on the stuffing fibers. Since the stuffing fibers represent an insulating material with a low surface electron bonding energy, electrons are easily stripped from the fibers, thereby charging them more positively. This fiber charging phenomena causes the fibers to electrostatically adhere to surfaces within the agitation cavity. This is especially true since the interior surface of the agitation cavity is often painted and acts as an insulator. An embodiment of the present art incorporates a conductive paint which coats the interior surface of the agitation cavity and allows excess charge to be bled onto or away from the surface of said cavity. The surface of the cavity is typically grounded to an earth ground. A further embodiment, incorporates an ionized air shower within the agitation cavity. The ionizers are commercially available components that mount within a compressed air flow line and negatively ionize the air flowing therethrough. Typically said ionizers operate with conventional 110 or 220 volt AC power but may be designed to operate on any AC or DC power source. A still further embodiment incorporates the use of an anti-static mat within the agitation cavity. This mat is held to earth ground and helps neutralize the positively charged fibers within the agitation cavity.  
           [0020]    In an effort to further eliminate nozzle clogging, one unique embodiment of the present art includes a pulsed pneumatic feed to the venturi. This is accomplished via actuation of a pulsed timing circuit in series with the electropneumatic venturi valve which provides a typically one to five hertz electric pulse actuation of the electropneumatic venturi valve. The pulsed timing circuit is actuated with a pulsed timing switch in a preferred embodiment but may actuate automatically or continuously in alternative embodiments. The pneumatic pulsing allows the agitator blades to remove any accumulated fibers from the entrance mouth of the nozzle without negative venturi pressure holding said fibers in place and yet retain an air flow within the venturi nozzle for any remnant fibers within said nozzle. Said pulse timing circuit is simply a low frequency oscillator which generates electrical driving pulses to an electropneumatic valve. The frequency of said pulses may deviate from said one to five hertz in alternative embodiments. That is, the frequency may be so low as to only pulse the venturi air flow off occasionally or pulse the venturi air flow off and on at hundreds or thousands of hertz.  
           [0021]    Further included within an embodiment of the present invention is an exiting nozzle which is mounted upon an extension hose. This extension hose/nozzle combination allows the fiber stuffable item to be located apart from the vicinity of the agitation cavity exiting nozzle. The art of the present invention further allows mounting of more than one stuffing nozzle onto a machine with a single agitator. Alternative embodiments utilize a swivel nozzle design fed by said extension hose which allows the operator to move the nozzle to a convenient position. In this embodiment, typically said nozzle is connected with the cavity via said hose with said venturi positioned within said hose or nozzle. Further embodiments utilize the swivel nozzle without utilizing the extension hose.  
           [0022]    Use of a venturi at the exiting end of an extension hose also allows removal and stuffing of fibers or other material from an overhead holding receptacle. That is, if stuffing fibers or filling material are held in an overhead hopper, gravity hose feeding will allow the venturi to suction and direct said material under pressure to a receptacle.  
           [0023]    The present art stuffing machine further utilizes an air filter at the exhaust vent within the agitation cavity. That is, prior art stuffing machines utilized a screen or vented holes at the exhaust vent which allowed small fibers to escape to atmosphere when the pressurized air flow of the fluffer fed the agitation cavity. The present art places an air filter, such as those commercially available for heating and air conditioning applications, over the exhaust vent to prevent escape of small fiber material. Typically said exhaust vent and filter are located near the topmost portion of the agitation cavity.  
           [0024]    Typically used with the aforesaid stuffing machine is a fluffer machine which is often called a picker within the prior art. The fluffer takes compressed fiber stuffing material, fluffs it or agitates it, and then blows it into the stuffing machine agitation cavity through a pipe or flexible hose. The fluffer typically comprises a rotating blower mounted within a housing which provides the fluffing agitation and pressurization necessary to blow the fiber into the stuffing machine. Prior art stuffing machines typically each have a dedicated fluffing machine located apart from the stuffer. Furthermore, prior art fluffing machines are susceptible to damage from foreign objects within the fiber stuffing material which flow therethrough. That is, prior art fluffing machines have no method or mechanism to filter out harmful foreign objects within the fiber stuff material. Still further, prior art fluffing machines emit uncomfortable levels of noise.  
           [0025]    The present invention overcomes the aforementioned prior art problems by first incorporating one or more unique diverting blast gate valves at its output which allows switching among multiple stuffing machines connected to a single fluffer. That is, when a stuffing machine requires filling by the fluffer, a blast gate valve may be openly positioned to direct the flow to the desired stuffing machine and thereafter fill the agitation cavity with the desired amount of stuffing fiber. In a preferred embodiment, the blast gate valve is pneumatically opened and closed. Alternative embodiments may utilize manual, hydraulic, or electrical control. Furthermore, the prior art noise problem is alleviated by placing sound absorbing foam material within the fluffer housing, especially near the blower and blower motor.  
           [0026]    The present invention also overcomes the aforementioned prior art problems by providing an embodiment having an integrated stuffer and fluffer combination. That is, an embodiment of the present art places the stuffer and fluffer into a single stand alone machine also having an integrated air supply and operating from a single power source. Due to the technical difficulties of integrating all of the aforementioned components, the prior art has yet to provide said integration. The stand alone unit of the present art allows for sound isolation, ease of setup, ease of use, and foreign object separation, all within one package. An alternate embodiment of the integrated stuffer-fluffer may utilize the blast gate valve to feed stuffing material to a separate and stand alone stuffing machine, thereby eliminating the need for another stand alone fluffer. Furthermore, the duct or pipe between the fluffer and stuffer may be diverted external to the machine and manufactured of a clear material, whether integrated or stand alone, to allow visualization of the fiber flow between the fluffing and stuffing machines.  
           [0027]    The unique blast gate valve design of the present art incorporates novel features which minimize buildup and clogging within said valve. Blast gate valves typically have circular entrance and exiting ports into which feeding and exiting pipes are placed and further have a reduced diameter circular mid-section between said pipes which is substantially the same diameter as the interior diameter of said pipes. Typically the pipes are of a PVC material. Prior art blast gate valve designs utilize a manually operated blade which seats into a groove or slot when closed. The present art utilizes a pneumatically operated blade, with a unique pneumatic cylinder and alignment coupler system, which does not mate into a groove or slot. That is, the prior art blast gate valve seating grooves or slots allow stuffing fibers to build up into said slots when the blast gate closes. Continued use of the prior art valve design creates more fiber buildup which prohibits the valve from completely closing. Within the present art, the blast gate blade is perfectly shaped to seat against a half circular seat which follows the contours of the blast gate mid-section. The seat is flush in a substantially half circle radius with the circular outline of the circular mid-section whereby fibers cannot be trapped. The aforementioned foreign object ingestion problem is eliminated in an embodiment of the present art via the use of a feed separation plenum at the entrance to the fluffer. The feed separation plenum may have various forms and may function with a stand alone fluffer or an integrated fluffer-stuffer combination. The plenum fiber exiting opening is connected via piping or hoses with the fluffer entrance. Foreign objects of higher density than the stuffing fiber are more affected by gravitational pull within the plenum cavity than the suction of the fluffer. Thus stuffing fiber is pulled into the fluffer while foreign objects of higher density fall to the base of the plenum cavity, thereby protecting the fluffer from damage. In a preferred embodiment said plenum is visually clear or translucent to allow for monitoring of the fiber intake.  
           [0028]    An alternative embodiment of the fluffer further utilizes a deflector system or deflector plate at the output of the fluffer blower to partially recirculate stuffing fibers through a duct or pipe into the entrance or intake of the fluffer blower or to restrict output fiber flow whereby fibers are retained for a longer period within said fluffer blower. Since the integrated fluffer is positioned on or with said stuffer, the length of duct or piping between the fluffer and stuffer is minimal. This reduced length tends to limit the turbulent mixing of the fluffed fibers and the surrounding air flow. Thus, by recirculating a portion of the stuffing fibers with the deflector plate deflecting the fibers back into the entrance, intake, or impeller of the fluffer, greater fluffing and/or shredding of the fibers is achieved. The deflector plate and/or associate ducting is useful for both integrated and non-integrated fluffing machines.  
           [0029]    Alternative embodiments of the present art further incorporate integrated sound such as recorded music or unique noises or sounds which are played in response to a user input. Such inputs include but are not limited to button pressing, motion detector sensing, pressure mat sensing, conductive sensor sensing of a user, or radio frequency identification of user&#39;s radio frequency identification tag. The integrated sound is enable via an on board computer or electronic circuit connected with said sensors and which have the music or sound stored within and further drives connected speakers. Thus, when the aforementioned sensors activate, the computer or microcircuit is triggered to play the unique sound, thereby making the stuffing experience more enticing and interesting.  
           [0030]    Further alternative embodiments of the present art incorporate one or more colored lighting sources to illuminate the agitation cavity or the machine as a whole. Since the stuffing fiber material which is typically utilized with the present art is of a bright white color, colored lighting shining onto the fibers tends to impart the lighting hue or color to the fiber. This colored effect produces a glowing of the agitating fibers which is attractive and pleasant to the user, thereby enticing the user to utilize the stuffing machine. The colored lighting is automatically sequenced by electronic circuitry of the machine or may be triggered by the same type sensors as described for the aforementioned sound effects. The lighting may be enabled with a plurality of technologies including but not limited to incandescent, flourescent, neon, or light emitting diode sources. The lighting may also utilize gels or colored filters between the light source and the light target to provide further control of the impinging hue.  
           [0031]    Further alternative embodiments utilize a scrolling text or panel display mounted with or onto the machine. The display may provide rolling messages for the user such as “happy birthday” or a company name when activated. The display may also provide animations, cartoons, or customer information to further encourage use of the machine. The aforesaid may be embodied in the form of a computer or video display machine which drives the display and is activated with the aforementioned sensors or automatically due to a user input or machine energizing or sequencing.  
           [0032]    Still further alternative embodiments utilize one or more electronic cameras mounted onto the machine to capture customer images. Said images may be displayed upon the aforesaid displays or printed to capture the moment. The electronic camera functions are enabled via use of a computer or electronic circuit interfaced with said electronic cameras and said display or an attached printer. Thus, customers are further encouraged to use the machine by the ability of the machine to capture the moment of toy stuffing.  
           [0033]    In summary, the art of the present invention comprises in one or more of its forms a unique stuffing machine having an agitation cavity, a motor operated agitator, two or more agitator blades, one or more stuffing nozzles communicating externally from said cavity, a pneumatically operated venturi within said stuffing nozzle, an air bulb switch and electrical foot switch for actuation of said venturi, a fluffing machine having a blower and blower motor, a fluffer plenum attached to its input, a static control system and the other aforementioned features.  
           [0034]    The fluffer and stuffer may utilize electrical power of different potentials, single or three phase, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention, provided the motors, valves, and contactors are sized and specified for such power. Furthermore, the schematic representations provided herewith may be substantially altered and yet provide the same external functions described.  
           [0035]    The aforedescribed stuffing machine along with its fluffer and feed plenum may be manufactured from a variety of materials which are capable of withstanding the pressures, forces, and wear involved. This includes but is not limited to plastics, ferrous and non ferrous metals and alloys thereof, composite materials, ceramics, and various types of wood. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0036]    Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the invention should now become apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 1 shows external front, right, left, and top side plan views of an embodiment of the stuffing machine.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 2 shows an interior cross sectional left side view of the agitation cavity along with placement of the stuffing nozzle and venturi assembly of the stuffing machine taken alone line B-B′ of FIG. 1.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 3 shows an expanded view of the agitator blade and stuffing nozzle/venturi interface of the stuffing machine of FIG. 2.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 4 shows the venturi in full view and cross sectional view, Section A-A, of the stuffing machine.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 5 shows a top plan view of the stuffing machine looking into the agitation cavity and taken along line C-C′ of FIG. 1.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the fluffer and plenum interface and theory of operation.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 7 shows full top, left, front, right, and back plan views for a stand alone fluffer along with the diverting blast gate valve fluffer outlets on the top side view.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 8 shows the plan views of FIG. 7 with an attached plenum.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 9 shows an electric schematic for the stuffing machine showing the agitator motor control and door safety switch air pressurization interlock system.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 10 shows an electric schematic for the fluffing machine showing the blower motor control, blast gate electropneumatic valves, and interlock system.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 11 shows a top view and cross sectional view A-A of the blast valve assembly in the open position with PVC pipe entrance and exiting portions.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 12 shows a ½ cross sectional and a front and rear view of the alignment coupler for said blast gate valve.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the alignment coupler.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 14 shows a left side plan view of the internal motor, pulley, and belt arrangement for an embodiment of the stuffing machine.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 15 shows a left side plan view of the internal motor, pulley, and belt arrangement for another embodiment of the stuffing machine.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 16 shows a plan view of the internal blower, ductwork, and diverting blast gates for a fluffer having three exiting outlets.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 17 shows a plan view of the hand actuated switch showing the extendable squeeze bulb, tubing, and electrical switch.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 18 shows a top and right side plan view of the electric foot switch.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 19 shows side, front, and base plan views for the blower, blower motor, and impeller housing used in the preferred embodiment of the fluffer.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 20 shows a front, left, right, top, plan view and perspective view of the integrated stuffer/fluffer showing the feed separation plenum, swiveling nozzles, and general footprint thereof.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 21 shows an equivalent cross sectional view of FIG. 2 except with agitator blades offset relative to each other.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 22 shows a perspective view, top plan view, and cross sectional view along line A-A of the swivel nozzle and extension hose.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 23 shows a perspective view, top and front side plan view, and cross section view A-A of an embodiment of the blower, showing the deflector plate in said cross sectional view.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 24 shows a first portion of the electrical schematic for the integrated stuffing and fluffing machine which utilizes a programable logic controller.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 25 shows a second portion of the electrical schematic for the integrated stuffing and fluffing machine which utilizes a programable logic controller.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 26 shows a third portion of the electrical schematic for the integrated stuffing and fluffing machine which utilizes a programable logic controller.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 27 shows a fourth portion of the electrical schematic for the integrated stuffing and fluffing machine which utilizes a programable logic controller.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 28 shows a fifth portion of the electrical schematic for the integrated stuffing and fluffing machine which utilizes a programable logic controller.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 29 shows a sixth portion of the electrical schematic for the integrated stuffing and fluffing machine which utilizes a programable logic controller.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 30 shows a seventh portion of the electrical schematic for the integrated stuffing and fluffing machine which utilizes a programable logic controller.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 31 shows a eighth portion of the electrical schematic for the integrated stuffing and fluffing machine which utilizes a programable logic controller.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 32 shows a ninth portion of the electrical schematic for the integrated stuffing and fluffing machine which utilizes a programable logic controller. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0069]    Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in the figures stand alone embodiments of the fiber stuffing and fluffing machine showing the fluffer and stuffer and associated components and circuitry of the present art and integrated embodiments along with associated components and circuitry. The drawings show the fiber stuffing and fluffing machine  10  comprising in an embodiment a stuffing machine  12  having a stuffing nozzle  14 , an agitation cavity  30 , a control system  50 , a pressurized air supply  56 , and activation switches  158 ,  160 ,  162 ,  164 , and a fluffing machine  64  having a housing  72  and blower  74 , a plenum  78 , and a blast gate valve  92 . All of the aforementioned uniquely formed and combined with further described portions of the apparatus to provide the useful features herein described. An embodiment of the present art combines the stuffing machine  12 , fluffing machine  64 , and a compressed air source  56  into a single stand alone machine.  
         [0070]    The invention first comprises a stuffing machine (stuffer)  12  having a stuffing nozzle  14 , an agitation cavity  30  having access doors  40  and a filtered exhaust vent  44 , rotating or moving agitator blades  48  within said cavity  30 , a venturi  20  within said stuffing nozzle  14 , along with the unique control and switching systems  50  described and shown herein. The invention also comprises a fluffing machine (fluffer)  64  which operates in conjunction with said stuffer  12  to blow stuffing fibers through a duct or pipe  68  into the agitation cavity  30  of said stuffer  12 . Said fluffer  64  comprises a blower  74  mounted within a housing  72  which is fed stuffing fibers through a plenum  78  along with the unique control and switching systems  50  described herein. The fluffer  64  serves to expand or fluff the compressed fibers prior to entrance within the agitation cavity  30 .  
         [0071]    The present invention presumes availability of a compressed air source  56 . In the preferred embodiment, said air source  56  is a uniquely compact air source heretofore not utilized for the present application arts and also integrally mounted within the stuffing machine. The preferred compact air source  56  is a scroll compressor, such as the Atlas Copco SF-4PP or equivalent. Said scroll compressor provides superior benefits for the present application. That is, it provides high pressure and high volume airflow in a compact package with a limited noise output. Another preferred compact air source  56  is a turbine compressor, such as model 1175001-12 from the Lamb Electric Division of Ametek, which heretofore has not been utilized in the prior art. The turbine compressor provides the desired high volume airflow in a compact package with a limited noise output, yet has a limited pressure output which requires the feed orifices within the aforementioned venturi be larger in order to accommodate the lower pressure. Traditionally a piston or screw type compressor is use with the prior art.  
         [0072]    The stuffing nozzle  14  of the stuffer  12  has a entrance  17  and exiting  19  portion and connects the entrance  17  with the agitation cavity through the housing  15  of the stuffer  12 . The present invention utilizes a stuffing nozzle venturi  20  system in conjunction with unique control and feeding methods which ensure that a vacuum or negative pressure exists at the portion of the stuffing nozzle  14  within or near the agitation cavity  30 . The venturi  20  within the stuffing nozzle  14  suctions the stuffing fibers from the agitation cavity  30 . Since a negative pressure exists where the fibers enter the stuffing nozzle  14 , the stuffing fibers are not able to easily buildup. Any fibers which are agitatively placed near the entering portion  17  of the stuffing nozzle, i.e. the venturi  20  entrance, are suctioned into the stuffing nozzle  14  and thereafter into the venturi  20  entrance throat  21 . The venturi  20  exiting throat  23  contains the compressed air stream which feeds the venturi  20 . Thus, any fiber which enters the venturi entrance throat  21  is suctioned through the venturi  20  and then blown out of the venturi  20  exiting throat  23  by the compressed air which feeds the venturi  20 . The compressed air venturi feed further serves to inflate the article at the exiting portion of the stuffing nozzle  19 , thereby forming a cavity into which is deposited the stuffing fiber suctioned from the agitation cavity  30 .  
         [0073]    Another aspect of the present stuffer  12  invention in conjunction with the machine control as a whole is the orientation of the agitator blades  48  with respect to the entrance portion  17  of the stuffing nozzle  14 . That is, in the preferred embodiment, the rotational axis of the agitator  46  is placed perpendicular to the entrance portion  17 ,  21  of the stuffing nozzle  14 . This allows the agitator blades  48  to sweep closely past said entrance portion  17 ,  21  and act to clean and remove fibers from the entrance  17 , 21 . For alternative embodiments with more than one nozzle  14 , the agitator blades  48  which sweep each nozzle entrance  17 , 21  may be offset over a plurality of angles relative to each other and to the axis of rotation. For example, the blades  48  for a left nozzle  14  may be positioned 90 degrees offset from the blades  48  for the right nozzle  14 . This provides a mixing or flip-flop effect for the stuffing fibers within the cavity  30 .  
         [0074]    A feature of the present invention in conjunction with the machine control as a whole is the utilization of an interlocked air pressurization system  52 . That is, in a preferred embodiment, air pressurization to the venturi  20  system ceases when the agitator  46  drive system is turned off or a stuffing machine door  40  is opened for servicing or filling. This is accomplished by safety switches  42  located in each door  40  interrupting the energizing current to a normally closed electrically actuated air valve  43 . The air valve  43  is in series with the pressurized air supply for the venturi  20 . A display mode is also provided which disables the venturi  20  system. Through utilization of a display mode switch in series with an air valve  24 , the venturi  20  and its electropneumatic air valve  24  are disabled yet the stuffing machine  12  continues agitating the fibers within the cavity  30  and also provides lighting and sound effects.  
         [0075]    A unique feature of the present invention is the use of a hand actuated switch  160 . An embodiment of the present art utilizes an extendable squeeze bulb  162  at hand level which pneumatically actuates an electric switch  160  which in turn then energizes and opens an electropneumatic valve  24  to activate venturi operation. The electropneumatic valve  24  is normally closed but when actuated allows compressed air to flow into and through the venturi  20 .  
         [0076]    The aforementioned squeeze bulb  162  hand actuated switch  160  further provides an added margin of safety to the machine  12 . That is, since it is a pneumatic switch the user is electrically isolated from the system. The invention also uses an electrical foot switch  158  in parallel with said squeeze bulb switch  160  which performs the aforementioned via foot movement action without extending pneumatic lines to said foot switch  158 .  
         [0077]    An embodiment of the present art incorporates a conductive paint  34  which coats the interior surface  31  of the agitation cavity  30  and allows excess charge to be bled or discharged onto or away from the surface of said cavity. The surface  31  of the cavity  30  is typically grounded to an earth ground. A further embodiment, incorporates an ionized air shower within the agitation cavity. The ionizers are commercially available components that mount within a compressed air flow line and negatively ionize the air flowing therethrough. Typically said ionizers operate with conventional 110 or 220 volt AC power but may be designed to operate on any AC or DC power source. A still further embodiment incorporates the use of an anti-static mat  38  within the agitation cavity  30 . This mat  38  is held to earth ground and helps neutralize the positively charged fibers within the agitation cavity  30 .  
         [0078]    An embodiment of the present art utilizes a pulsed pneumatic feed to the venturi. This is accomplished via actuation of a pulsed timing circuit in series with the electropneumatic venturi valve  24  which provides a typically one to five hertz electric pulse actuation of the electropneumatic venturi valve  24 . The pulsed timing circuit is actuated with a pulsed timing switch in a preferred embodiment but may actuate automatically or continuously in alternative embodiments. The pneumatic pulsing allows the agitator blades  48  to remove any accumulated fibers from the entrance  17  mouth of the nozzle  14  without negative venturi pressure holding said fibers in place and yet retain an air flow within the venturi nozzle  14  for any remnant fibers within said nozzle. Said pulse timing circuit is simply a low frequency oscillator which generates electrical driving pulses to said electropneumatic valve  24 . The frequency of said pulses may deviate from said one to five hertz in alternative embodiments. That is, the frequency may be so low as to only pulse the venturi  20  air flow off occasionally or pulse the venturi  20  air flow off and on at hundreds or thousands of hertz. Further included within an embodiment of the present invention is an exiting nozzle  16  which is mounted upon an extension hose  18 . This extension hose/nozzle combination allows the fiber stuffable item to be located apart from the vicinity of the agitation cavity  30  exiting nozzle  16 . The art of the present invention further allows mounting of more than one stuffing nozzle  16  onto a machine with a single agitator  46 . Alternative embodiments utilize a swivel or pivoting nozzle  16  design fed by said extension hose  18 , or directly from the agitation cavity  30 , which allows the operator to move the nozzle  16  to a convenient position. In this embodiment, typically said nozzle  16  is connected with the cavity  30  via said hose  18  with said venturi  20  positioned in-line with said hose  18  or nozzle  16 .  
         [0079]    For pivoting, said nozzle  16  is connected with a turret  26  which pivots on a turret mount  28 . Said turret  26  further has a turret nipple  27  which exits said turret  26  substantially opposite said nozzle  16  and connects with said extension hose  18 . Since said extension hose  18  is preferably flexible, said nipple  27  may pivot with said turret  26  if necessary. A further unique feature of the turret  26  is its ability to be locked in place with a locking clamp  29 . The locking feature allows a user to maintain positioning of the nozzle  16  as desired. Alternative embodiments may provide said nozzle  16  swiveling feature in a plurality of ways including but not limited to use with or without a turret  26  and extension hose  18 .  
         [0080]    Use of a venturi  20  at the exiting end of an extension hose  18  also allows removal and stuffing of fibers or other material from an overhead holding receptacle. That is, if stuffing fibers or filling material are held in an overhead hopper, gravity hose feeding will allow the venturi to suction and direct said material under pressure to a receptacle.  
         [0081]    The present art stuffing machine further utilizes an air filter at the exhaust vent  44  within the agitation cavity  30 . The present art air filter, such as those commercially available for heating and air conditioning applications, over the exhaust vent  44  prevents escape of small fiber material. Typically said exhaust vent  44  and filter are located near the topmost portion of the agitation cavity  30 .  
         [0082]    Typically used with the aforesaid stuffing machine  12  is a fluffer machine  64  which is often called a picker within the prior art. The fluffer  64  takes compressed fiber stuffing material, fluffs it or agitates it, and then blows it into the stuffing machine  12  agitation cavity  30  through a pipe  68  or flexible hose. The fluffer  64  typically comprises a rotating blower  74  mounted within a housing  72  which provides the fluffing agitation and pressurization necessary to blow the fiber into the stuffing machine  12 . Noise is alleviated by placing sound absorbing foam material within the fluffer housing  72 , especially near the blower  74  and blower motor  76 .  
         [0083]    The present art fluffer  64  incorporates one or more unique diverting blast gate valves  92  at its output which allows switching among multiple stuffing machines  12  connected to a single fluffer  64 . That is, when a stuffing machine  12  requires filling by the fluffer  64 , a blast gate valve  92  may be openly positioned to direct the flow to the desired stuffing machine  12  and thereafter fill the agitation cavity  30  with the desired amount of stuffing fiber. In a preferred embodiment, the blast gate valve  92  is pneumatically opened and closed. Alternative embodiments may utilize manual, hydraulic, or electrical control.  
         [0084]    The present art further provides an embodiment having an integrated stuffer  12  and fluffer  64  combination. That is, an embodiment of the present art places the stuffer  12  and fluffer  64  into a single stand alone machine also having an integrated air supply  56  and operating from a single power source and having a footprint less than 50 square feet. A preferred embodiment has a footprint of approximately 20 square feet. An alternate embodiment of the integrated stuffer-fluffer may utilize the blast gate valve  92  to feed stuffing material to a separate and stand alone stuffing machine  12 , thereby eliminating the need for another stand alone fluffer  64 . Furthermore, the duct or pipe  68  between the fluffer  64  and stuffer  12  may be diverted external to the machines and manufactured of a clear material, whether the machines are integrated or stand alone, to allow visualization of the fiber flow between the fluffing  64  and stuffing  12  machines.  
         [0085]    The unique blast gate valve  92  design of the present art incorporates novel features which minimize buildup and clogging within said valve. The present art valve  92  utilizes a pneumatically operated blade  132 , with a unique pneumatic cylinder  140  and alignment coupler  150  system. Within the present art, the blast gate valve blade  132  first end  134  is perfectly shaped to seat against a half circular seat  124  which follows the contours of the blast gate mid-section. The seat  124  is flush in a substantially half circle radius with the circular outline of the circular mid-section  130  whereby fibers cannot be trapped. Alternative embodiments may change the geometric shape of the seat  124  and blade  132  without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0086]    The preferred embodiment of the blast gate valve  92  comprises a valve body  94  having an entrance port  126  and an exiting port  128 , and formed from a first  96  and second  106  PVC layer between which is sandwiched a specially shaped (preferably metallic) seat material  118 , a valve blade  132 , a pnuematic cylinder actuator  138  mounted onto said valve blade  132 , an extension arm  146  extending from said pnuematic cylinder  140 , and an alignment coupler  150  having a first end  152  attached to said extension arm  146  and a second end  154  attached to said valve body  94 . Each PVC layer  96 ,  106  has a topside  98 ,  108  and a bottom side  102 ,  112  and is of substantially the same shape. Each PVC layer contains an opening or hole  100 ,  110  into which the pipe  68  may be mounted and preferably solvent bonded into place. In the preferred embodiment, the aforesaid hole  100 ,  110  has a lip  104 ,  114  around its circumference on the bottom side  102 ,  112  which limits the pipe  68  insertion depth therein. Alternative embodiments may manufacture the layers from materials other than the aforesaid, such as metals, composites, woods, plastics, or laminates and/or not utilize said lip  104 ,  114  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
         [0087]    The specially shaped (preferably metallic) seat material  118  has a void which forms a substantially “U” shaped plate  120  which is sandwiched between the bottom sides  102 ,  112  of each PVC layer and also serves as a spacer. The layers  96 ,  106  and seat  118  are typically held together with screws or bolts but other methods of attachment such as rivets, welds, adhesives, or clamps will also function. The distance between the legs  122  of the void or “U” shape is substantially equivalent to the diameter of the aforementioned lip  104 ,  114  or mid-section within the hole  100 ,  110  of the PVC layer mid-section. The “U” shaped seat  120  is uniquely designed at the base of the “U” to follow a half circular contour of the lip  104 ,  114  within the PVC layer holes  100 ,  110  mid-section and thereby form a seat for the valve blade  132 . The “U” shaped seat  120  is further designed to allow the valve blade  132  first end  134  to fit within and uniquely conform to the void or interior of the “U” shape of the seat  118 .  
         [0088]    In a preferred embodiment, the valve blade  132  is of substantially similar thickness as said “U” shape  120  of said seat material  118  and slidingly operates within a blade gap  116  between said PVC layers  96 ,  106  which is formed by the interior of the “U” shaped seat  120  within the sandwich. That is, the seat material  118  serves as a uniquely shaped spacer between the layers. Alternative embodiments may utilize a blade  132  which is thinner than the seat material  118  thickness. The valve blade  132  is of substantially similar shape as the interior of the “U” and thereby sealingly mates on its first end with the seat material  118  when slided into a fully closed position.  
         [0089]    The pneumatic cylinder  140  actuator  138  together with its extension arm  146  is commercially manufactured and in a preferred embodiment comprises an NCMB075-0600 by SMC Corporation. Alternative embodiments may incorporate other brands, models, or styles of cylinder actuators  138 . In a preferred embodiment, a first bracket  148  is attached to said pnuematic cylinder  140  which further attaches to said valve blade  132  on or near a second end  136  opposite said first end  134 . Said first bracket  148  is preferably attached with screws and/or nuts but may be attached by numerous methods such as pins, adhesives, welds, or frictional methods. The pneumatic cylinder actuator  138  preferably has two pneumatic ports  142 , one for extension and one for retraction of the extension arm  146 . Alternative embodiments may have only one pneumatic port and utilize a spring mechanism to retract or extend the extension arm. Further alternative embodiments may utilize hydraulic, gear drive, manual, or electromagnetic action in place of the pneumatic portion of the cylinder actuator  138 .  
         [0090]    The alignment coupler  150  is commercially manufactured and in a preferred embodiment comprises an NJ04 by SMC Corporation. Alternative embodiments may incorporate other brands, models, or styles of alignment couplers  150  or forego use completely. Said alignment coupler  150  provides a secure linear mating between said extension arm  146  and the valve body  94  within the extension arm  146  line of movement without binding if a lateral misalignment exists the second end of said alignment coupler is attached to said valve body with a second bracket  156 . Said second bracket  156  is preferably attached with screws and nuts but may be attached by numerous methods such as pins, adhesives, welds, or frictional fits. The first  148  and second  156  brackets simply represent a method by which the pneumatic cylinder actuator  138  together with its extension arm  146  may be connected between the valve body  94  and the valve blade  132 . Alternative embodiments may or may not utilize brackets or may utilize variations of the brackets disclosed herein.  
         [0091]    In a preferred embodiment, the first end  152  of said alignment coupler  150  is threadedly attached to said extension arm  146 . This threaded attachment allows the position of the blast gate blade  132  to be adjusted when in a closed position. That is, the closed position of the blast gate blade  132  should be positioned so as to not contact the half circular seat  124 . Since the pneumatic cylinder  140  is self limiting in travel when retracted, i.e. limits the travel of the extension arm  146 , the threaded attachment with the alignment coupler may be adjusted to ensure that the blast gate blade  132  does not contact the half circular seat  124  when in a closed position. This limiting positioning uniquely ensures that the blast gate blade  132  does not bottom out on the half circular seat  124  and thereby damaging the blast gate blade  132  or any of its mating portions.  
         [0092]    In operation, when compressed air is placed onto a first port  142  of said pneumatic cylinder  140 , the extension arm  146  retracts, thereby sliding and engaging the valve blade  132  within said “U” shape  120  of said valve seat  118  and further blocking the passage from the first PVC layer  96  to the second PVC layer  106 . When compressed air is placed onto a second port  142  of said pneumatic cylinder  140  and the first port  140  is vented to atmosphere or has a lesser pressure applied, the extension arm  146  extends, thereby sliding and disengaging the valve blade  132  from the “U” shape  120  of said valve seat  118  and further opening the passage from the first PVC layer  96  to the second PVC layer  106 .  
         [0093]    The foreign object ingestion problem is eliminated in an embodiment of the present art via the use of a feed separation plenum  78  at the entrance to the fluffer  64 . The feed separation plenum  78  may have various forms and may function with a stand alone fluffer  64  or an integrated fluffer-stuffer combination. In a preferred embodiment, the feed separation plenum  78  is a vertical cavity  84  having a fiber entrance opening  86  at a higher level and a fiber exiting opening  88  below said entrance but nevertheless, at a higher level than the internal base  90  of said cavity. The plenum fiber exiting opening  88  is connected via piping or hoses with the fluffer  66  entrance. Foreign objects of higher density than the stuffing fiber are more affected by gravitational pull within the vertical cavity  84  than the suction of the fluffer  64 . Thus stuffing fiber is pulled into the fluffer  64  while foreign objects of higher density fall to the base  90  of the plenum cavity  84 , thereby protecting the fluffer  64  from damage.  
         [0094]    An alternative plenum design places the fiber exiting opening  88  above the entrance  86  to the plenum  78 . The entrance  86  and fiber feed to the plenum  78  is near its base  90  and the suction from the blower  74  within the fluffer  64  pulls the fibers vertically into and through the plenum  78  against the force of gravity. Any foreign objects which are of higher density than the fluffing material are not suctioned through the plenum  78  due to insufficient suction airflow against the gravitational effect on said foreign objects. In an embodiment of the integrated stuffer-fluffer, said plenum  78  comprises a vertical tube of approximately eight inches diameter which suctions fibers from a lower open portion or fiber entrance opening  86  to a higher fiber exiting portion  88  which is mated with the entrance  66  or intake to the integrated fluffer  64 . Heavier objects which may damage the fluffer  64 , cannot be suctioned vertically into the fluffer  64 , thereby falling to the floor. In an embodiment said plenum  78  is visually clear to allow for monitoring of the fiber intake.  
         [0095]    An alternative embodiment of the fluffer  64  further utilizes a deflector system in the form of a deflector plate  91  at the output of the fluffer blower  74  to partially recirculate stuffing fibers through a duct or pipe into the entrance, input, or intake of the fluffer blower  74  or to restrict output fiber flow whereby fibers are retained for a longer period within said fluffer blower  74 . Since the integrated fluffer  64  is positioned on or with said stuffer  12 , the length of duct or piping between the fluffer  64  and stuffer  12  is minimal or not present. This reduced length tends to limit the turbulent mixing of the fluffed fibers and the surrounding air flow. Thus, by recirculating a portion of the stuffing fibers with the deflector plate  91  deflecting the fibers back into the entrance  66 , intake, or impeller of the fluffer  64 , greater fluffing and/or shredding of the fibers is achieved. The deflector plate  91  and associated ducting is useful for both integrated and non-integrated fluffing machines. Alternative embodiments may implement said deflector system via simply placing a duct or pipe from an output portion the fluffer blower  74  to an input or intake portion of said fluffer blower  74 .  
         [0096]    Alternative embodiments of the present art further incorporate integrated sound such as recorded music or unique noises or sounds which are played in response to a user input. Such inputs include but are not limited to button pressing, motion detector sensing, pressure mat sensing, conductive sensor sensing of a user, or radio frequency identification of user&#39;s radio frequency identification tag. The integrated sound is enable via an on board computer or electronic circuit connected with said sensors and which have the music or sound stored within and further drive connected speakers. Thus, when the aforementioned sensors activate, the computer or microcircuit is triggered to play the unique sound, thereby making the stuffing experience more enticing and interesting.  
         [0097]    Further alternative embodiments of the present art incorporate one or more colored lighting sources to illuminate the agitation cavity  30  or the machine as a whole. Since the stuffing fiber material which is typically utilized with the present art is of a bright white color, colored lighting shining onto the fibers tends to impart the lighting hue or color to the fiber. This colored effect produces a glowing of the agitating fibers which is attractive and pleasant to the user, thereby enticing the user to utilize the stuffing machine  12 . The colored lighting is automatically sequenced by electronic circuitry of the machine or may be triggered by the same type sensors as described for the aforementioned sound effects. The lighting may be enabled with a plurality of technologies including but not limited to incandescent, flourescent, neon, or light emitting diode sources. The lighting may also utilize gels or colored filters between the light source and the light target to provide further control of the impinging hue.  
         [0098]    Further alternative embodiments utilize a scrolling text or panel display mounted with or onto the machine  12 ,  64 . The display may provide rolling messages for the user such as “happy birthday” or a company name when activated. The display may also provide animations, cartoons, or customer information to further encourage use of the machine. The aforesaid may be embodied in the form of a computer or video display machine which drives the display and is activated with the aforementioned sensors or automatically due to a user input or machine energizing or sequencing.  
         [0099]    Still further alternative embodiments utilize one or more electronic cameras mounted onto or near the machine  12 ,  64  to capture customer images. Said images may be displayed upon the aforesaid displays or printed to capture the moment. The electronic camera functions are enabled via use of a computer or electronic circuit interfaced with said electronic cameras and said display or an attached printer. Thus, customers are further encouraged to use the machine by the ability of the machine to capture the moment of toy stuffing.  
         [0100]    Further alternative embodiments utilize an integrated blowing or cleaning head having a pneumatic inlet and outlet and mounted with or onto the machine  10 . This integrated blowing or cleaning head is connected with the pressurized air supply  56  and supplies an air shower from its output for cleaning external remnant fibers from the stuffed toy, pillow, or skin. The head has a valve integrated with it or is connected with a valve which is connected to said pressurized air supply  56 . When the article is filled with fibers, the user places the article under the air shower to remove any externally remaining stuffing fibers.  
         [0101]    In summary, the art of the present invention comprises in one or more of its forms a unique stuffing machine  12  having an agitation cavity  30 , a motor operated agitator  46 , one or more agitator blades  48 , one or more stuffing nozzles  14  communicating externally from said cavity  30 , a pneumatically operated venturi  20  within said stuffing nozzle  14 , an air bulb switch  162  and electrical foot switch  158  for actuation of said venturi  20 , a fluffing machine  64  having a blower  74  and blower motor  76 , a fluffer plenum  78  attached to its input  66 , a static control system  32  and the other aforementioned features.  
         [0102]    In operation, the user first directs the fluffer blast gate valve  92  to feed the stuffing machine  12  desired, if a blast gate is utilized. The user then feeds stuffing fiber material into the fluffer plenum  78  entrance  86  which is then suctioned through the plenum  78 , into the fluffer  64 , and then blown under pressure into the desired stuffing machine  12 . Once fed with stuffing fiber, the stuffing machine  12  is ready for operation. The user may then place an item for stuffing onto the output of the stuffing nozzle  14  and energize the venturi  20  within said nozzle  14 . The venturi  20  suctions stuffing fiber material from the agitation cavity  30 , pressurizes the stuffable item, and then blows the stuffing fiber into the stuffable item. Once filled, the user de-energizes the venturi  20  and seals the stuffed item containing the stuffing fibers. When the stuffing fibers within the agitation cavity  30  are depleted, the user re-feeds more stuffing fiber from the fluffer  64 .  
         [0103]    The electrical schematic of a fluffer embodiment described herein is shown in the figures. The circuit comprises a preferably three phase 208 volt power source which drives a blower motor  76  through a three phase contactor MS1  166  having an overload protector. A stepdown transformer, XFR1,  172  has a primary which taps two phases of the three phase power to generate a secondary potential at or near 115 volts ac which is used for the electropneumatic valves  24 ,  43  and the contactor control. Said 115 vac potential connects with the contactor energizing coil  168  through the start switch, stop switch, and door safety switch  42 . If the fluffer door  40  is open, thereby opening the safety switch  42 , the three phase contactor  166  cannot close and energize the blower motor  76  on the fluffer  64 . If the start switch is not pressed or if the stop switch is pressed, the three phase contactor  166  also cannot close. Across the start switch contacts is an auxiliary contact  170  from said MS1 contactor. This auxiliary contact  170  closes when the contactor MS1  166  is energized and shunts the start switch, thereby keeping the fluffer  64  operating until the stop switch or door safety switch  42  contacts are opened. Said 115 vac potential further connects with each electropneumatic valve  24 , 43  through a separate switch for each. When an electropneumatic valve  24 ,  43  switch is engaged, the electropneumatic valve  24 ,  43  opens and allows air pressure to enter the pnuematic cylinder actuator  140 , thereby opening or closing the blast gate valve  92  as desired.  
         [0104]    The electrical schematic of a stuffer  12  embodiment described herein is shown in the figures. The circuit again comprises a preferably three phase 208 volt power source which drives an agitator motor through a three phase contactor MS1  174  having an overload protector. A stepdown transformer, XFR1,  180  also has a primary which taps two phases of the three phase power to generate a secondary potential at or near 115 volts ac which is used for the electropneumatic valves  24 ,  43  and the contactor control. Said 115 vac potential connects in series with the contactor energizing coil  176  through the start switch, stop switch, off-run switch and a door safety contactor, CR1-A. Across the start switch contacts is an auxiliary contact  178  from said MS1 contactor. This auxiliary contact  178  closes when the contactor MS1  174  is energized and shunts the start switch, thereby keeping the stuffer operating until the stop switch, off-run switch, or door safety switch contactor is opened. A second step down transformer, XFR2,  182  has a primary which is attached across said 115 vac potential to provide an approximately 24 volt ac secondary source for the series circuit of the right and left door safety switches  42  and energizing coil for the door safety contactor CR1. That is, since the door safety switches  42  are placed near the operator, it is desirable to minimize the potential present for safety concerns. Thus, if all of the stuffer doors  40  are closed, the safety switches  42  are closed and the door safety contactor closes thereby allowing the stuffer agitator motor and electropneumatic valves to operate. If the start switch is not pressed or if the stop switch is pressed, the three phase contactor  174  also cannot close. In series with the electropneumatic valves  24  is an electrical foot switch  158  and hand actuated air switch  160 ,  164 , said switches are in parallel. When either of the aforementioned switches closes, an electropneumatic valve solenoid is energized and the electropneumatic valve  24  opens and allows air pressure to enter the venturi  20  and perform the stuffing operation.  
         [0105]    The fluffer  64  and stuffer  12  may utilize power of different potential, single or three phase, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention, provided the motors, valves, and contactors are sized and specified for such power. Furthermore, the schematic representations provided herewith may be substantially altered and yet provide the same external functions described.  
         [0106]    From the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that all objects of the present invention are realized. An improved fiber stuffing and fluffing machine for stuffing toys, pillows, skins, and the like is shown and described as an improvement to the present art. The machine is particularly adapted for quick and easy stuffing of the aforesaid and for placement at retail locations where physical space is limited. No claim is made to the venturi, the blade orientation, interlock system, first fluffer plenum (not including the alternative embodiments of the fluffer plenum), or a generic or prior art pneumatic blast gate in conjunction with a fluffer (not including the unique blast gate with its unique seat feature described herein) apart from one or more of the other features listed and described.  
         [0107]    Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and described. Rather it is intended that the scope of this invention be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.