Patent Publication Number: US-11035134-B2

Title: Systems for and methods of conditioning loosefill insulation material

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and any benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/577,765, filed Oct. 27, 2017, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The general inventive concepts generally relate to loosefill insulation for insulating buildings and, more specifically, to the conditioning of loosefill insulation during application thereof. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Machines for distributing loosefill insulation are well known. For example, one such machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,794,554, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     As noted in the &#39;554 patent, a frequently used insulation product is unbonded loosefill insulation. In contrast to the unitary or monolithic structure of insulation batts or blankets, unbonded loosefill insulation is a multiplicity of discrete, individual tufts, cubes, flakes, or nodules. Unbonded loosefill insulation is usually applied to buildings by blowing the unbonded loosefill insulation into an insulation cavity, such as a wall cavity or an attic of a building. Typically, unbonded loosefill insulation is made of glass fibers although other mineral fibers, organic fibers, and cellulose fibers can be used. 
     Unbonded loosefill insulation, also referred to as blowing wool, is typically compressed and encapsulated in a bag. The compressed unbonded loosefill insulation and the bag form a package. Packages of compressed unbonded loosefill insulation are used for transport from an insulation manufacturing site to a building that is to be insulated. The bags can be made of polypropylene or other suitable materials. During the packaging of the unbonded loosefill insulation, it is placed under compression for storage and transportation efficiencies. The compressed unbonded loosefill insulation can be packaged with a compression ratio of at least about 10:1. The distribution of unbonded loosefill insulation into an insulation cavity typically uses a loosefill blowing machine that feeds the unbonded loosefill insulation pneumatically through a distribution hose. Loosefill blowing machines can have a chute or hopper for containing and feeding the compressed unbonded loosefill insulation after the package is opened and the compressed unbonded loosefill insulation is allowed to expand. 
     A problem with the delivery of loosefill insulation is described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,474, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     According to the &#39;474 patent, loosefill insulation is packaged in bags in which the material becomes compacted during storage and shipment. When removed from the bags, the insulation separates into clumps. In order to effectively install the insulation material, it must first be “fluffed up” or conditioned to reduce its density. Traditionally, pneumatic devices are used to both install the insulation and perform the conditioning. The conditioning process breaks up the clumps and then “fluffs” or “opens up” the insulation. The conditioned insulation is then applied pneumatically to an area by blowing it through a hose connected to the pneumatic device. The insulation may be moistened and/or treated with an adhesive in the pneumatic device before installation. 
     Often, the conditioning which occurs within the insulation dispensing apparatus is not enough to fully “open up” the insulation. If the insulation is not sufficiently conditioned when it leaves the dispensing apparatus, it may be applied unevenly (i.e., in clumps), and it may not have the manufacturer&#39;s specified density for the installed thermal resistance desired. Conversely, insulation which is well conditioned allows adhesive and moisture to penetrate the insulation fibers and applies to surfaces more evenly. 
     Conventional attempts to better condition loosefill insulation during application thereof have generally included modifications to the delivery hose. 
     For example, the &#39;474 patent discloses helical projections  140  that extend into an inner region of a hose  100  for delivering loosefill insulation. The loosefill insulation flowing through the hose  100  collides with the different portions of the helical projections  140  and is further “opened up” or conditioned. 
     See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,401,757; 6,648,022; and 7,887,662, the entire disclosure of each being incorporated herein by reference, for other examples of modified hoses or related devices for conditioning loosefill insulation prior to application thereof. 
     Notwithstanding these conventional approaches, there remains a need for an improved device for increasing the conditioning of loosefill insulation. 
     SUMMARY 
     The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are achieved by the use of one or more “air knives” for further conditioning loosefill insulation during application thereof. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, a system for conditioning loosefill material during application thereof is provided. The system comprises a machine for distributing loosefill material, the machine including: a chute configured to receive and direct the loosefill material in a machine direction; a shredder configured to shred and pick apart the loosefill material; and a blower for distributing the loosefill material into an airstream. The system also comprises a hose connected to the machine for conveying the loosefill material in the airstream; and a fluidizer for receiving the loosefill material in the airstream and conditioning the loosefill material to decrease its average density. The fluidizer includes an air knife for generating a shaped stream of air that impinges on the loosefill material within the fluidizer. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the fluidizer is positioned between the machine and the hose. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the hose includes an input end and an output end; the loosefill material enters the hose at the input end; the loosefill material exits the hose at the output end; and the fluidizer is positioned at the output end of the hose. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the hose includes an input end and an output end; the loosefill material enters the hose at the input end; the loosefill material exits the hose at the output end; a first fluidizer is positioned at the input end of the hose; and a second fluidizer is positioned at the output end of the hose. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the hose includes an input end and an output end; the loosefill material enters the hose at the input end; the loosefill material exits the hose at the output end; and the fluidizer is positioned closer to the output end of the hose than the input end of the hose. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the hose includes an input end and an output end; the loosefill material enters the hose at the input end; the loosefill material exits the hose at the output end; and the fluidizer is positioned closer to the input end of the hose than the output end of the hose. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the hose includes an input end and an output end; the loosefill material enters the hose at the input end; the loosefill material exits the hose at the output end; and the fluidizer is positioned so as to at least partially overlap with the portion of the hose equidistant from the input end of the hose and the output end of the hose. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the hose includes a plurality of discrete segments; and the fluidizer is positioned between two adjacent segments. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, an inner surface of the hose is smooth. In some exemplary embodiments, an inner surface of the hose is not smooth (e.g., is corrugated). 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the air knife operates at a pressure within the range of 1 psi to 5 psi. In some exemplary embodiments, the air knife operates at a pressure of 2.5 psi. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the air knife operates at a pressure within the range of 40 psi to 120 psi. In some exemplary embodiments, the air knife operates at a pressure of 80 psi. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the fluidizer includes a plurality of air knives. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the fluidizer includes a first air knife that generates a first shaped stream of air; the fluidizer includes a second air knife that generates a second shaped stream of air; and the first shaped stream of air and the second shaped stream of air flow parallel to one another within the fluidizer. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the fluidizer includes a first air knife that generates a first shaped stream of air; the fluidizer includes a second air knife that generates a second shaped stream of air; and the first shaped stream of air and the second shaped stream of air intersect with one another within the fluidizer. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, a method of conditioning loosefill material during application thereof is provided. The method comprises: feeding compressed loosefill material into a machine for distributing the loosefill material; shredding and picking apart the loosefill material within the machine; distributing the loosefill material into an airstream; conveying the airstream with the loosefill material through a hose; and prior to the application of the loosefill material, passing the airstream with the loosefill material through a fluidizer such that a shaped stream of air from an air knife impinges on the loosefill material in the airstream. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the compressed loosefill material has a compression ratio of at least 5:1. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, a system for conditioning loosefill material during application thereof is provided. The system comprises a machine for distributing loosefill material, the machine including a chute configured to receive and direct the loosefill material into the machine; one or more shredders configured to condition the loosefill material to a first density; and a discharge mechanism configured to direct the loosefill material having the first density out of the machine. The system also comprises a hose configured to convey the loosefill material from the machine to an installation location; and a fluidizer comprising one or more air knives, the fluidizer configured to condition the loosefill material to a second density, wherein the second density is less than the first density. In some exemplary embodiments, the hose conditions the loosefill material to an intermediate density that is between the first density and the second density. 
     Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front view in elevation of a loosefill blowing machine, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view in elevation, partially in cross-section, of the loosefill blowing machine of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side view in elevation of the loosefill blowing machine of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 4A-4E  are diagrams illustrating a system for further conditioning loosefill material, according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 4A  illustrates the arrangement of a hose and a loosefill blowing machine.  FIG. 4B  illustrates an air knife positioned along the hose of  FIG. 4A .  FIG. 4C  illustrates an air knife positioned along the hose of  FIG. 4A .  FIG. 4D  illustrates an air knife positioned along the hose of  FIG. 4A .  FIG. 4E  illustrates a pair of air knives positioned along the hose of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIGS. 5A-5B  are diagrams illustrating a fluidizer device, according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 5A  is a side view of the fluidizer device.  FIG. 5B  is a cross sectional view of the fluidizer device of  FIG. 5A , taken along line A-A. 
         FIGS. 6A-6E  are diagrams illustrating a fluidizer device, according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of the fluidizer device.  FIG. 6B  is a cross sectional view of the fluidizer device of  FIG. 6A , taken along line B-B.  FIG. 6C  is a cross sectional view of an alternative configuration of the fluidizer device of  FIG. 6B .  FIG. 6D  is a cross sectional view of an alternative configuration of the fluidizer device of  FIG. 6B .  FIG. 6E  is a cross sectional view of an alternative configuration of the fluidizer device of  FIG. 6B . 
         FIG. 7  is a graph comparing the box density (ASTM C 687) and shack density (ASTM C 1574) of unbonded loosefill insulation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The general inventive concepts encompass the use of air knives for further conditioning loosefill insulation during application thereof. An “air knife” is a stream of pressurized air (or other gas) that is directed so as to impinge upon a material and alter its profile (e.g., shape, size). Various exemplary embodiments of air knives are described below, both alone in and in the context of an exemplary loosefill blowing machine. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the description and figures disclose unbonded loosefill insulation systems. The unbonded loosefill insulation systems include a loosefill blowing machine and an associated unbonded loosefill insulation material. Generally, the operating parameters of the loosefill blowing machine are tuned to the insulative characteristics of the associated unbonded loosefill insulation material such that the resulting blown unbonded loosefill insulation material provides improved insulative values. The term “loosefill blowing machine,” as used herein, is defined to mean any structure, device or mechanism configured to condition and deliver insulation material into an airstream. The term “loosefill insulation material,” as used herein, is defined to any conditioned insulation materials configured for distribution in an airstream. The term “unbonded,” as used herein, is defined to mean the absence of a binder. The term “finely conditioned,” as used herein, is defined to mean the shredding of unbonded loosefill insulation material to a desired density prior to distribution into an airstream. 
     One example of a loosefill blowing machine, configured for distributing compressed unbonded loosefill insulation material (hereafter “loosefill material”), is shown at  10  in  FIGS. 1-3 . The loosefill blowing machine  10  includes a lower unit  12  and a chute  14 . The lower unit  12  can be connected to the chute  14  by a plurality of fastening mechanisms  15  configured to readily assemble and disassemble the chute  14  to the lower unit  12 . As further shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the chute  14  has an inlet end  16  and an outlet end  18 . 
     The chute  14  is configured to receive loosefill material and introduce the loosefill material to a shredding chamber  23  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Optionally, the chute  14  can include a handle segment  21 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , to facilitate easy movement of the loosefill blowing machine  10  from one location to another. However, the handle segment  21  is not necessary to the operation of the loosefill blowing machine  10 . 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the chute  14  can include an optional guide assembly  19  mounted at the inlet end  16  of the chute  14 . The guide assembly  19  is configured to urge a package of loosefill material against an optional cutting mechanism  20 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , as the package moves into the chute  14 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the shredding chamber  23  is mounted at the outlet end  18  of the chute  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the shredding chamber  23  includes a plurality of low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b  and an agitator  26 . The low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b  are configured to shred and pick apart the loosefill material as the loosefill material is discharged from the outlet end  18  of the chute  14  into the lower unit  12 . Although the loosefill blowing machine  10  is shown with a plurality of low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b , any type of separator, such as a clump breaker, beater bar, or any other mechanism that shreds and picks apart the loosefill material can be used. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the agitator  26  is configured to finely condition the loosefill material for distribution into an airstream. In the illustrated embodiment, the agitator  26  is positioned beneath the low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b . In other embodiments, the agitator  26  can be positioned in any desired location relative to the low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b  sufficient to receive the loosefill material from the low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b  including the non-limiting example of horizontally adjacent to the shredders  24   a  and  24   b . In the illustrated embodiment, the agitator  26  is 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 configured to finely condition the loosefill material and prepare the loosefill material for distribution into an airstream. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b  rotate at a lower speed than the agitator  26 . The low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b  rotate at a speed of about 40-80 rpm and the agitator  26  rotates at a speed of about 300-500 rpm. In other embodiments, the low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b  can rotate at a speed less than or more than 40-80 rpm, provided the speed is sufficient to shred and pick apart the loosefill material. The agitator  26  can rotate at a speed less than or more than 300-500 rpm provided the speed is sufficient to finely condition the loosefill material and prepare the loosefill material for distribution into an airstream. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , a discharge mechanism  28  is positioned adjacent to the agitator  26  and is configured to distribute the finely conditioned loosefill material in an airstream. In this embodiment, the finely conditioned loosefill material is driven through the discharge mechanism  28  and through a machine outlet  32  by an airstream provided by a blower  36  mounted in the lower unit  12 . The airstream is indicated by an arrow  33  as shown in  FIG. 3 . In other embodiments, the airstream  33  can be provided by other methods, such as by a vacuum, sufficient to provide an airstream  33  driven through the discharge mechanism  28 . In the illustrated embodiment, the blower  36  provides the airstream  33  to the discharge mechanism  28  through a duct  38 , shown in phantom in  FIG. 2  from the blower  36  to the discharge mechanism  28 . Alternatively, the airstream  33  can be provided to the discharge mechanism  28  by other structures, devices, or mechanisms, including the non-limiting examples of a hose or pipe, sufficient to provide the discharge mechanism  28  with the airstream  33 . 
     The shredders  24   a  and  24   b , agitator  26 , discharge mechanism  28 , and the blower  36  are mounted for rotation and driven by a motor  34 . The mechanisms and systems for driving the shredders  24   a  and  24   b , agitator  26 , discharge mechanism  28 , and the blower  36  will discussed in more detail below. 
     In operation, the chute  14  guides the loosefill material to the shredding chamber  23 . The shredding chamber  23  includes the low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b  configured to shred and pick apart the loosefill material. The shredded loosefill material drops from the low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b  into the agitator  26 . The agitator  26  finely conditions the loosefill material for distribution into the airstream  33  by further shredding the loosefill material. The finely conditioned loosefill material exits the agitator  26  and enters the discharge mechanism  28  for distribution into the airstream  33  caused by the blower  36 . The airstream  33 , with the finely conditioned loosefill material, exits the machine  10  at a machine outlet  32  and flows through a distribution hose  46 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , toward the insulation cavity, not shown. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the discharge mechanism  28  is configured to distribute the finely conditioned loosefill material into the airstream  33 . In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge mechanism  28  is a rotary valve. Alternatively, the discharge mechanism  28  can be other mechanisms including staging hoppers, metering devices, or rotary feeders, sufficient to distribute the finely conditioned loosefill material into the airstream  33 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b  rotate in a counter-clockwise direction r 1  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) and the agitator  26  rotates in a counter-clockwise direction r 2  (also shown in  FIG. 2 ). Rotating the low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b  and the agitator  26  in the same counter-clockwise direction allows the low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b  and the agitator  26  to shred and pick apart the loosefill material while substantially preventing an accumulation of unshredded or partially shredded loosefill material in the shredding chamber  23 . In other embodiments, the low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b  and the agitator  26  each could rotate in a clock-wise direction or the low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b  and the agitator  26  could rotate in different directions provided the relative rotational directions allow finely conditioned loosefill material to be fed into the discharge mechanism  28  while preventing a substantial accumulation of unshredded or partially shredded loosefill material in the shredding chamber  23 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the discharge mechanism  28  has a housing  78  and a plurality of sealing vane assemblies  67  configured to seal against the housing  78 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the housing  78  encircles a portion of the discharge mechanism  28 , the remaining portion of the discharge mechanism forms a side inlet  47 . The side inlet  47  is configured to open in a substantially horizontal direction toward the agitator  26  and receive the finely conditioned loosefill material as it is fed from the agitator  26 . In the illustrated embodiment, the agitator  26  is positioned to be adjacent to the side inlet  47  of the discharge mechanism  28 . In other embodiments, a low speed shredder  24 , or a plurality of shredders  24  or agitators  26 , or other shredding mechanisms can be adjacent to the side inlet  47  of the discharge mechanism or in other suitable positions. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , an optional choke  48  can be positioned between the agitator  26  and the discharge mechanism  28 . The choke  48  is configured to redirect heavier clumps of loosefill material past the side inlet  47  of the discharge mechanism  28  and back to the low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b  for further conditioning. The cross-sectional shape and height of the choke  47  can be configured to control the conditioning properties of the loosefill material entering the side inlet  47  of the discharge mechanism  28 . While the illustrated embodiment of the choke  48  is shown as having a triangular cross-sectional shape, it should be appreciated that the choke  48  can have any cross-sectional shape and height sufficient to achieve the desired conditioning properties of the loosefill material entering the side inlet  47  of the discharge mechanism  28 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the lower unit  12  includes the blower  36 , the duct  38  extending from the blower  36  to the discharge mechanism  28 , the motor  34 , the low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b , and the agitator  26 . The lower unit  12  also includes a first drive system (not shown) and a second drive system (not shown). Generally, the first drive system is configured to drive the agitator  26  and also configured to drive the second drive system. The second drive system is configured to drive the low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b  and the discharge mechanism  28 . 
     The first drive system includes a plurality of drive sprockets, idler sprockets, tension mechanisms, and a drive chain (for purposes of clarity, none of these components are shown). The first drive system components are rotated by the motor  34 , which, in turn, causes rotation of the agitator. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the second drive system includes a plurality of drive sprockets, idler sprockets, tension mechanisms, and a drive chain (also for purposes of clarity, none of these components are shown). The second drive system components are rotated by the first drive system, which, in turn, causes rotation of the first low speed shredder  24   a , the second low speed shredder  24   b , and the discharge mechanism  28 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the first and second drive systems are configured such that the motor  34  drives each of the shredders  24   a  and  24   b , the agitator  26 , and the discharge mechanism  28 . In other embodiments, each of the shredders  24   a  and  24   b , the agitator  26 , and the discharge mechanism  28  can be provided with its own motor. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the motor  34  driving the first and second drive systems is configured to operate on a single 15 ampere, 110 volt a.c. power supply. In other embodiments, other power supplies can be used. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2  and as discussed above, the blower  36  provides the airstream to the discharge mechanism  28  through the duct  38  connecting the blower  36  to the discharge mechanism  28 . In the illustrated embodiment, the blower  36  is a commercially available component, such as the non-limiting example of model 119419-00 manufactured by Ametek, Inc., headquartered in Paoli, Pa., although other blowers can be used. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the motor  34 , configured to drive the first and second drive systems is controlled by a first controller (not shown). The first controller is configured to control the rotational speed of the motor  34  at a fixed rotational speed such that the resulting rotational speed of the low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b , the agitator  26 , and the discharge mechanism  28  are also fixed. The first controller can be any structure, device, or mechanism sufficient to control the rotational speed of the motor  34  at a fixed rotational speed. As a result of the fixed rotational speed of the low speed shredders  24   a  and  24   b , the agitator  26 , and the discharge mechanism  28 , the flow rate of the finely conditioned loosefill material through the loosefill blowing machine  10  is also at a fixed level. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the blower  36 , configured to provide the airstream  33  to the discharge mechanism  28  through a duct  38 , is controlled by a second controller (not shown). The second controller is configured to control the operation of the blower  36  such that the resulting flow rate of the airstream from the blower  36  to the discharge mechanism  28  is fixed at a desired flow rate level. The second controller can be any structure, device, or mechanism sufficient to control the rotational speed of the blower  36  at a fixed rotational speed. As a result of the fixed rotational speed of the blower  36 , the flow rate of the airstream  33  through the loosefill blowing machine  10  is also at a fixed level. 
     While the embodiment of the loosefill blowing machine  10  has been described above as having various components operating at certain fixed rotational speeds, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the fixed rotational speeds can be at other rotational levels. 
     Notwithstanding the above-described exemplary embodiments, the general inventive concepts encompass other types and configurations of loosefill blowing machines. By way of example, the general inventive concepts could be applied to the loosefill blowing machines described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,971,813; 7,520,459; 7,712,690; 7,731,115; 7,819,349; and 7,938,348, the entire disclosure of each being incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     With operation of one exemplary loosefill blowing machine  10  having been described, attention will now be turned to the improved means for conditioning the loosefill material outside of the machine or otherwise as it is being applied. 
     In particular, a system  400  for distributing compressed unbonded loosefill insulation material, according to one exemplary embodiment, is shown in  FIGS. 4A-4E . The system  400  includes a loosefill blowing machine  402  (e.g., the loosefill blowing machine  10 ) that includes an outlet  404  (e.g., the outlet  32 ). After being processed within the machine  402 , loosefill material  420  exits the machine  402  through the outlet  404 . A hose  406  conveys the loosefill material to a desired location (e.g., an attic) where it is deposited. In some exemplary embodiments, the hose  406  may comprise multiple segments that are joined to (or otherwise interfaced with) each other and/or other related structure. 
     The hose  406  includes an input end  408  and an output end  410 , with a midline  412  of the hose  406  being equidistant from the ends  408 ,  410 . The input end  408  of the hose  406  is connected to the outlet  404  of the machine  402 . The loosefill material  420  exists the hose  406  at the output end  410  such that it is generally traveling in a direction in which the output end  410  is pointing, as indicated by arrow  414 . 
     The hose  406  is typically flexible to facilitate routing of the hose  406  to the desired location and manipulation of the hose  406  during delivery of the loosefill material  420 . The hose  406  can be of any suitable length. In some exemplary embodiments, the hose  406  has a length between 100 feet and 300 feet. In some exemplary embodiments, the hose  406  has a length between 125 feet and 175 feet. In some exemplary embodiments, the hose  406  has a length of 150 feet. In some exemplary embodiments, the hose  406  has a length between 225 feet and 275 feet. In some exemplary embodiments, the hose  406  has a length of 250 feet. The hose  406  can be of any suitable diameter. In some exemplary embodiments, the hose  406  has a diameter between 2 inches and 6 inches. In some exemplary embodiments, the hose  406  has a diameter of 3 inches. In some exemplary embodiments, the hose  406  has a diameter of 4 inches. In some exemplary embodiments, the hose  406  has a diameter of 5 inches. The hose  406  can have a smooth inner surface or a non-smooth (e.g., corrugated) inner surface. 
     Given the need to better condition the loosefill material  420  as it is being applied (i.e., as it exits the output end  410  of the hose  406 ), it was discovered that, under certain conditions, the use of one or more air knives was able to provide superior results compared to various conventional approaches. For example, as shown in Tables 1-4 below, various approaches to conditioning loosefill material outside of the machine, under the same general conditions, were assessed. In some of these tests, an additional device (i.e., fluidizer type), separate from the hose itself, was used. For example, in Test #2, a spiked conduit, approximating such a device as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,648,022 (see  FIG. 4  thereof), was inserted into the path of the loosefill material after it had exited the machine. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Meter 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Contact 
                 Test 
                 Area 
                 Excess 
                 Box 
               
               
                   
                 Hose 
                 Fluidizer 
                 Thickness 
                 Thickness 
                 Mass 
                 Mass 
                 Mass 
               
               
                 Test # 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 (inches) 
                 (inches) 
                 (grams) 
                 (grams) 
                 (grams) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 1/Control 
                 Non- 
                 None 
                 6.50 
                 6.18 
                 82.32 
                 360 
                 442.14 
               
               
                   
                 smooth 
                   
                 6.82 
                 6.48 
                 86.45 
                 372 
                 458.70 
               
               
                 2 
                 Non- 
                 Spiked 
                 6.82 
                 6.48 
                 82.13 
                 351 
                 433.40 
               
               
                   
                 smooth 
                   
                 6.66 
                 6.33 
                 79.81 
                 343 
                 423.26 
               
               
                 3 
                 Non- 
                 HP Air 
                 6.80 
                 6.46 
                 78.3 
                 343 
                 421.03 
               
               
                   
                 smooth 
                 Knife 
                 6.82 
                 6.48 
                 81.45 
                 350 
                 431.12 
               
               
                 4 
                 Non- 
                 LP Air 
                 6.72 
                 6.38 
                 83.26 
                 373 
                 456.07 
               
               
                   
                 smooth 
                 Knife 
                 6.75 
                 6.41 
                 81.69 
                 365 
                 446.30 
               
               
                 5 
                 Smooth 
                 LP Air 
                 6.87 
                 6.53 
                 83.1 
                 367 
                 450.31 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Knife 
                 6.84 
                 6.50 
                 80.2 
                 358 
                 438.41 
               
               
                 6 
                 Smooth 
                 HP Air 
                 6.99 
                 6.64 
                 79.04 
                 343 
                 421.87 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Knife 
                 6.77 
                 6.43 
                 78.11 
                 334 
                 411.85 
               
               
                 7 
                 Smooth 
                 None 
                 7.00 
                 6.65 
                 89.51 
                 386 
                 475.26 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 7.00 
                 6.65 
                 87.27 
                 391 
                 478.53 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Box 
                 % 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Box 
                 Box 
                 Density 
                 Density 
               
               
                   
                 Hose 
                 Fluidizer 
                 Mass 
                 Density 
                 Average 
                 vs. 
               
               
                 Test # 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 (lbs) 
                 (pcf) 
                 (pcf) 
                 Control 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 1/Control 
                 Non- 
                 None 
                 0.97 
                 0.539 
                 0.536 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 smooth 
                   
                 1.01 
                 0.533 
               
               
                 2 
                 Non- 
                 Spiked 
                 0.96 
                 0.503 
                 0.503 
                 −6% 
               
               
                   
                 smooth 
                   
                 0.93 
                 0.503 
               
               
                 3 
                 Non- 
                 HP Air 
                 0.93 
                 0.490 
                 0.496 
                 −8% 
               
               
                   
                 smooth 
                 Knife 
                 0.95 
                 0.501 
               
               
                 4 
                 Non- 
                 LP Air 
                 1.01 
                 0.538 
                 0.531 
                 −1% 
               
               
                   
                 smooth 
                 Knife 
                 0.98 
                 0.524 
               
               
                 5 
                 Smooth 
                 LP Air 
                 0.99 
                 0.519 
                 0.513 
                 −4% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Knife 
                 0.97 
                 0.508 
               
               
                 6 
                 Smooth 
                 HP Air 
                 0.93 
                 0.478 
                 0.480 
                 −10% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Knife 
                 0.91 
                 0.482 
               
               
                 7 
                 Smooth 
                 None 
                 1.05 
                 0.538 
                 0.540 
                 1% 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 1.05 
                 0.542 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Average 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Meter 
                 Meter 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Meter 
                 k-value 
                 k-Dev 
                 k-Dev 
               
               
                   
                 Hose 
                 Fluidizer 
                 Density 
                 (BTU · in/ 
                 (BTU · in/ 
                 (BTU · in/ 
               
               
                 Test # 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 (pcf) 
                 hr · ft 2  · ° F.) 
                 hr · ft 2  · ° F.) 
                 hr · ft 2  · ° F.) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 1/Control 
                 Non- 
                 None 
                 0.508 
                 0.3543 
                 0.012 
                 0.008 
               
               
                   
                 smooth 
                   
                 0.508 
                 0.3473 
                 0.005 
               
               
                 2 
                 Non- 
                 Spiked 
                 0.483 
                 0.3565 
                 0.007 
                 0.004 
               
               
                   
                 smooth 
                   
                 0.481 
                 0.3516 
                 0.001 
               
               
                 3 
                 Non- 
                 HP Air 
                 0.462 
                 0.3532 
                 (0.004) 
                 (0.003) 
               
               
                   
                 smooth 
                 Knife 
                 0.479 
                 0.3484 
                 (0.003) 
               
               
                 4 
                 Non- 
                 LP Air 
                 0.497 
                 0.3468 
                 0.001 
                 0.000 
               
               
                   
                 smooth 
                 Knife 
                 0.485 
                 0.3488 
                 (0.000) 
               
               
                 5 
                 Smooth 
                 LP Air 
                 0.485 
                 0.3486 
                 (0.001) 
                 0.000 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Knife 
                 0.470 
                 0.3548 
                 0.001 
               
               
                 6 
                 Smooth 
                 HP Air 
                 0.453 
                 0.3586 
                 (0.001) 
                 (0.001) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Knife 
                 0.463 
                 0.3567 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 7 
                 Smooth 
                 None 
                 0.513 
                 0.3478 
                 0.007 
                 0.009 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 0.500 
                 0.3563 
                 0.012 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Performance Improvement 
               
               
                 Test # 
                 Hose Type 
                 Fluidizer Type 
                 (k-Dev) vs. Control 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 1/Control 
                 Non-smooth 
                 None 
                 — 
               
               
                 2 
                 Non-smooth 
                 Spiked 
                 (0.005) 
               
               
                 3 
                 Non-smooth 
                 HP Air Knife 
                 (0.012) 
               
               
                 4 
                 Non-smooth 
                 LP Air Knife 
                 (0.008) 
               
               
                 5 
                 Smooth 
                 LP Air Knife 
                 (0.008) 
               
               
                 6 
                 Smooth 
                 HP Air Knife 
                 (0.009) 
               
               
                 7 
                 Smooth 
                 None 
                 0.001 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The testing was conducted in accordance with ASTM C 687, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Per ASTM C 687, a thermal test specimen frame with dimensions 24″×24″×6″ tall is installed with loosefill insulation. The top of the insulation is leveled (Contact Thickness) per ASTM C 739. The Test Thickness is calculated from Equation 1.
 
Test Thickness=Contact Thickness×0.95  (1)
 
     After the material-filled thermal test specimen is tested via ASTM C 518 (thermal tester), the 10″×10″ test area (meter) density of the insulation is calculated via Equation 2. 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     D 
                     m 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       M 
                       m 
                     
                     
                       
                         A 
                         m 
                       
                       × 
                       L 
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   2 
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     Where: 
     D m =test (meter) density of insulation (pet); 
     M m =mass of material contained in the meter area frame (lbs); 
     A m =Area of the metering area frame (ft 2 ); and 
     L=Test thickness (ft). 
     The density of the entire thermal box (box density) is calculated via Equation 3. 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     D 
                     B 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       M 
                       B 
                     
                     
                       
                         A 
                         B 
                       
                       × 
                       L 
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   3 
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     Where: 
     D B =box density of insulation (pcf); 
     M B =mass of material contained in the thermal test specimen frame (lbs); 
     A B =Area of the thermal test specimen frame (ft 2 ); and 
     L=Test thickness (ft). 
     During the fluidizing trials a control was established by running the manufacturing line at standard line operating and standard loosefill blowing machine configurations. Relative density performance of the trial (fluidizing) material vs. control is calculated by Equation 4. 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     D 
                     I 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           
                             D 
                             t 
                           
                           - 
                           
                             D 
                             c 
                           
                         
                         ) 
                       
                       
                         D 
                         c 
                       
                     
                     × 
                     100 
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   4 
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     Where: 
     D l =Density vs. control; note that a negative value translates to lighter density (pcf); 
     D t =Box density of trial material (pcf); and 
     D e =Box density of control material (pcf). 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , box density is linear with the traditional “shack” test method used to determine installed density (see ASMT C 1574). The relationship between box and shack density was used to support the relative density performance findings between trial and control material. 
     The testing was carried out using standard attic loosefill insulation, as produced and sold by Owens Corning. The thermal performance of the loosefill insulation is characterized by Equation 5.
 
 k =0.1959+0.0744/meter density  (5)
 
     Where: 
     k=thermal conductivity (Btu·in/hr·ft 2 ·° F.). 
     The thermal performance of the trial material relative to k is referred to as “meter k-deviation” and is calculated via Equation 6.
 
 k -deviation= k   t   −k   (6)
 
     Where: 
     k-deviation=thermal conductivity relative to k (Btu·in/hr·ft 2 ·° F.); and 
     k t =thermal conductivity of trial material (Btu·in/hr·ft 2 ·° F.). 
     During the fluidizing trials, a control was established by running the manufacturing line at standard line operating and standard loosefill blowing machine configurations. Relative thermal performance of the trial (fluidizing) material vs. control is calculated by Equation 7.
 
 k dev l   =k dev t   −k dev c   (7)
 
     Where: 
     kdev l =k-deviation of trial material vs. k-deviation of control material, note that a negative value translates to improved thermal performance (Btu·in/hr·ft 2 ·° F.); 
     kdev t =k-deviation of trial material (Btu·in/hr·ft 2 ·° F.); and 
     kdev c =k-deviation of control material (Btu·in/hr·ft 2 ·° F.). 
     In Test #1, which is considered the control, a non-smooth hose (i.e., a corrugated hose) having projections or the like extending a predetermined depth from an outer surface of the hose into an inner cavity of the hose was used. The same type and length (i.e., 150 feet) of non-smooth hose was used for Test #2, Test #3, and Test #4. Conversely, in Test #5, Test #6, and Test #7, a smooth hose of approximately the same length (i.e., 150 feet) was used. The smooth hose had the same diameter (i.e., 4 inches) of the non-smooth hose, but lacked any internal projections instead having a uniform inner surface. 
     In all of the tests (i.e., Test #1, Test #2, Test #3, Test #4, Test #5, Test #6, and Test #7), the loosefill blowing machine was calibrated to have an end-of-hose pressure of approximately 1.8 psi. In those tests employing a fluidizer (i.e., Test #2, Test #3, Test #4, Test #5, and Test #6), an additional length (i.e., 5 feet) of the non-smooth hose was attached to the fluidizer to facilitate placement of the loosefill material exiting the fluidizer. 
     In Test #1, no fluidizer device was used. Accordingly, the conditioning of the loosefill material was limited to any conditioning performed within the loosefill blowing machine and any conditioning performed by the corrugated hose. As noted above, Test #1 is considered the control for comparison purposes. 
     In Test #2, a fluidizer device was used. The fluidizer device was formed from a tube having a length of 16 inches, a diameter of 4 inches, and a circumference of approximately 12 inches. Along the length of the tube, 7 rows of holes were formed. The rows were evenly spaced from one another. Each row included 6 holes distributed around the circumference of the tube and spaced approximately 2 inches from one another. The holes in each row were offset from the holes in adjacent rows. In this manner, a total of 42 holes were formed in the tube. Thereafter, a metal screw was inserted into each hole such that a portion (i.e., having a length of approximately ½ inch) of the screws extended into the inner cavity of the tube. Accordingly, the fluidizer device further conditioned the loosefill material beyond the conditioning performed by the loosefill blowing machine and the corrugated hose. 
     In Test #3, a fluidizer device was used. The fluidizer device included a cylindrical housing with an input port and an output port. The housing had a diameter of 6 inches and a length of 6 feet. The input port was connected to the output end of the 150-foot long non-smooth hose. The output port was connected to the input end of the 5-foot long non-smooth hose. Because the hoses had a diameter of 4 inches and the cylindrical housing had a diameter of 6 inches, appropriately shaped and sized couplers were positioned at the input port and the output port to provide a step down diameter of 4 inches, thereby facilitating the interface of the fluidizer device with the hoses. In this manner, the housing defined a space through which the loosefill material traveled prior to reaching its final destination. The housing included two apertures formed therein. Each aperture was used to interface with a high-pressure (i.e., 80 psi) air knife. Each air knife was connected to a source of compressed air. The air knives shaped the compressed air to form a pair of uniform sheets of high-velocity air. Since each air knife was positioned so that its laminar airflow would pass through the corresponding aperture in the housing and into the space therein, the air knives further conditioned the loosefill material flowing through the fluidizer device, beyond the conditioning performed by the loosefill blowing machine and the corrugated hose. 
     In Test #4, a fluidizer device was used. The fluidizer device included a box-like housing with an input port and an output port. The housing had dimensions of 12 inches×12 inches×48 inches. The input port was connected to the output end of the 150-foot long non-smooth hose. The output port was connected to the input end of the 5-foot long non-smooth hose. In this manner, the housing defined a space through which the loosefill material traveled prior to reaching its final destination. The housing included two apertures formed therein. Each aperture was used to interface with a low-pressure (i.e., 2.5 psi) air knife. Each air knife was connected to a source of compressed air. The air knives shaped the compressed air to form a pair of uniform sheets of high-velocity air. Since each air knife was positioned so that its laminar airflow would pass through the corresponding aperture in the housing and into the space therein, the air knives further conditioned the loosefill material flowing through the fluidizer device, beyond the conditioning performed by the loosefill blowing machine and the corrugated hose. 
     In Test #5, a fluidizer device was used. The fluidizer device included a box-like housing with an input port and an output port. The housing had dimensions of 12 inches×12 inches×48 inches. The input port was connected to the output end of the 150-foot long smooth hose. The output port was connected to the input end of the 5-foot long non-smooth hose. In this manner, the housing defined a space through which the loosefill material traveled prior to reaching its final destination. The housing included two apertures formed therein. Each aperture was used to interface with a low-pressure (i.e., 2.5 psi) air knife. Each air knife was connected to a source of compressed air. The air knives shaped the compressed air to form a pair of uniform sheets of high-velocity air. Since each air knife was positioned so that its laminar airflow would pass through the corresponding aperture in the housing and into the space therein, the air knives further conditioned the loosefill material flowing through the fluidizer device, beyond the conditioning performed by the loosefill blowing machine and the smooth hose. 
     In Test #6, a fluidizer device was used. The fluidizer device included a cylindrical housing with an input port and an output port. The housing had a diameter of 6 inches and a length of 6 feet. The input port was connected to the output end of the 150-foot long smooth hose. The output port was connected to the input end of the 5-foot long non-smooth hose. In this manner, the housing defined a space through which the loosefill material traveled prior to reaching its final destination. The housing included two apertures formed therein. Each aperture was used to interface with a high-pressure (i.e., 80 psi) air knife. Each air knife was connected to a source of compressed air. The air knives shaped the compressed air to form a pair of uniform sheets of high-velocity air. Since each air knife was positioned so that its laminar airflow would pass through the corresponding aperture in the housing and into the space therein, the air knives further conditioned the loosefill material flowing through the fluidizer device, beyond the conditioning performed by the loosefill blowing machine and the smooth hose. 
     In Test #7, no fluidizer device was used. Furthermore, the smooth (i.e., non-corrugated) hose was used to convey the loosefill material to its intended destination. Accordingly, the conditioning of the loosefill material was limited to any conditioning performed within the loosefill blowing machine and the smooth hose. 
     The results of these tests provided information which is summarized in Tables 1-4. As can be seen in these tables (particularly Tables 3-4), Test #3, Test #4, Test #5, and Test #6 establish the viability of using air knives to further condition loosefill material, beyond any conditioning that may occur in the loosefill blowing machine and/or the hose attached thereto. In particular, a Meter k-Dev value less than 1/Control (i.e., Test #1) indicates reduced thermal conductivity and, thus, a performance improvement. Consequently, the general inventive concepts allow for achieving a desired thermal performance without requiring application of additional (i.e., excess) loosefill material or otherwise mitigating against the need for such excess loosefill material. 
     Returning to  FIGS. 4A-4E , the system  400  includes at least one air knife  450  for further conditioning the loosefill material  420  exiting the loosefill blowing machine  402  and passing through the hose  406 . In the system  400 , the air knife  450  is external to the loosefill blowing machine  402 . However, in some exemplary embodiments, the air knife  450  could be integrated with the outlet  404  of the loosefill blowing machine  402 . 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the air knife  450  is positioned at the input end  408  of the hose  406  (i.e., between the outlet  404  of the loosefill blowing machine  402  and the hose  406 ). In some exemplary embodiments, the air knife  450  is positioned at the output end  410  of the hose  406 . In these latter embodiments, a supplemental hose (not shown) could be used with the air knife  450  to facilitate delivery of the loosefill material after conditioning by the air knife  450 . 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the air knife  450  is positioned between the output end  410  of the hose  406  and the midline  412  of the hose  406  (see  FIG. 4B ). In some exemplary embodiments, the air knife  450  is positioned closer to the output end  410  of the hose  406  than the midline  412  of the hose  406 . In some exemplary embodiments, the air knife  450  is positioned closer to the midline  412  of the hose  406  than the output end  410  of the hose  406 . 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the air knife  450  is positioned between the input end  408  of the hose  406  and the midline  412  of the hose  406  (see  FIG. 4C ). In some exemplary embodiments, the air knife  450  is positioned closer to the input end  408  of the hose  406  than the midline  412  of the hose  406 . In some exemplary embodiments, the air knife  450  is positioned closer to the midline  412  of the hose  406  than the input end  408  of the hose  406 . 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the air knife  450  is positioned such that at least a portion of the air knife  450  overlaps with the midline  412  of the hose  406  (see  FIG. 4D ). 
     In some exemplary embodiments, multiple air knives  450  can be used with the system  400  (see  FIG. 4E ). 
     A benefit of the improved conditioning of the loosefill material is better thermal performance. For example, given the standard configuration used in Test #1 (control), the loosefill blowing machine had a blow rate of approximately 17 lbs./min. A 1,000 square-foot attic insulated to an R30 level requires approximately 416 lbs. of a given loosefill material, which takes approximately 24.5 minutes to install. By using the fluidizer device from Test #3 (i.e., including a pair of high-pressure air knives), the blow rate remains constant but the improved conditioning (e.g., lighter density) imparted by the fluidizer device results in only approximately 390 lbs. of the given loosefill material being needed, which takes less than 23 minutes to install. 
     Thus, another benefit from the improved conditioning of the loosefill material is faster installation times (i.e., cubic feet/minute). For example, given the standard configuration used in Test #1 (control), the loosefill blowing machine was able to deliver approximately 470 cfm of loosefill material. Use of a fluidizer device, such as those disclosed herein, including at least one air knife resulted in the loosefill blowing machine being able to deliver from 40 to 280 additional cfm of the loosefill material. 
     A fluidizer device  500 , according to an exemplary embodiment, is shown in  FIGS. 5A-5B . The fluidizer device  500  includes a cylindrical housing  502  that defines an interior cavity  504 . The cylindrical housing  502  can have any suitable length. In some exemplary embodiments, the cylindrical housing  502  has a length of 6 feet. The cylindrical housing  502  can have any suitable diameter. In some exemplary embodiments, the cylindrical housing  502  has a diameter (or at least a largest inner diameter) of 6 inches. 
     Opposite ends of the cylindrical housing  502  are open to define an input opening  506  and an output opening  508 , respectively. A pair of apertures  510  are formed in the cylindrical housing  502 , each aperture  510  being sized and shaped to interface with a corresponding air knife  520  (see  FIG. 5B ). 
     In operation, loosefill material output from a loosefill blowing machine (e.g., the loosefill blowing machine  402 ) and possibly traveling through a hose (e.g., the hose  406 ) enters the cylindrical housing  502  through the input opening  506 , as represented by arrow  530 . 
     As the loosefill material passes through the interior cavity  504  of the cylindrical housing  502 , it is impinged upon by the air knives  520 . The air knives  520  are connected to a source of compressed air or other pressurized gas (not shown). The air knives  520  shape the compressed air, typically into laminar sheets of high-velocity air, which are then fed through the apertures  510  in the cylindrical housing  502 , as represented by arrows  532 . 
     Although the sheets of air are adjacent and parallel to one another in this exemplary embodiment, the general inventive concepts contemplate other arrangements of the air knives  520  and corresponding apertures  510 , such that the sheets of air could assume other spatial positions relative to one another. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the air knives  520  operate at a relatively low pressure in the range of 1 psi to 5 psi. In some exemplary embodiments, the air knives  520  operate at a pressure of 2.5 psi. In some exemplary embodiments, the air knives  520  operate at a relatively high pressure in the range of 40 psi to 120 psi. In some exemplary embodiments, the air knives  520  operate at a pressure of 80 psi. 
     As the amplified air from the air knives  520  interacts with the loosefill material within the interior cavity  504 , the loosefill material is further conditioned before exiting the cylindrical housing  502  through the output opening  508 , as represented by arrow  534 . 
     A fluidizer device  600 , according to an exemplary embodiment, is shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B . The fluidizer device  600  includes a box-like housing  602  that defines an interior cavity  604 . The box-like housing  602  can have any suitable dimensions. In some exemplary embodiments, the box-like housing  602  has a width of 12 inches, a length of 48 inches, and a height of 12 inches. 
     The box-like housing  602  includes a pair of openings that define an input opening  606  and an output opening  608 , respectively. A pair of apertures  610  are formed in the box-like housing  602 , each aperture  610  being sized and shaped to interface with a corresponding air knife  620  (see  FIG. 6B ). 
     In operation, loosefill material output from a loosefill blowing machine (e.g., the loosefill blowing machine  402 ) and possibly traveling through a hose (e.g., the hose  406 ) enters the box-like housing  602  through the input opening  606 , as represented by arrow  630 . 
     As the loosefill material passes through the interior cavity  604  of the box-like housing  602 , it is impinged upon by the air knives  620 . The air knives  620  are connected to a source of compressed air or other pressurized gas (not shown). The air knives  620  shape the compressed air, typically into laminar sheets of high-velocity air, which are then fed through the apertures  610  in the box-like housing  602 , as represented by arrows  632 . 
     Although the sheets of air are adjacent and perpendicular to one another in this exemplary embodiment, the general inventive concepts contemplate other arrangements of the air knives  620  and corresponding apertures  610 , such that the sheets of air could assume other spatial positions relative to one another. A few such exemplary alternative arrangements are shown in  FIGS. 6C-6E . 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the air knives  620  operate at a relatively low pressure in the range of 1 psi to 5 psi. In some exemplary embodiments, the air knives  620  operate at a pressure of 2.5 psi. In some exemplary embodiments, the air knives  620  operate at a relatively high pressure in the range of 40 psi to 120 psi. In some exemplary embodiments, the air knives  620  operate at a pressure of 80 psi. 
     As the amplified air from the air knives  620  interacts with the loosefill material within the interior cavity  604 , the loosefill material is further conditioned before exiting the box-like housing  602  through the output opening  608 , as represented by arrow  634 . 
     The above description of specific embodiments has been given by way of example. From the disclosure given, those skilled in the art will not only understand the general inventive concepts and their attendant advantages, but will also find apparent various changes and modifications to the structures and concepts disclosed. For example, although the disclosed embodiments are shown and described as using a pair of air knives, the general inventive concepts contemplate that more or fewer air knives could be used in different embodiments. It is sought, therefore, to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the general inventive concepts, as defined herein, and by any currently presented or future presented claims, and equivalents thereof.