Patent ID: 8561928

Claim:
A machine for distributing loosefill insulation, the machine comprising: a shredding chamber having an outlet end, the shredding chamber including a plurality of shredders configured to shred and pick apart the loosefill insulation; a discharge mechanism mounted at the outlet end of the shredding chamber, the discharge mechanism configured for distributing the loosefill insulation into an airstream, the discharge mechanism including a valve shaft mounted for rotation within a housing, the valve shaft including a hub and a plurality of vanes extending radially from the hub, each vane having one or more adjacent slots formed integral to the hub, each of the slots positioned below the outer surface of the hub, a plurality of seals being mounted to the vanes such that seal bases seat in the slots, the seals being configured to seal against the housing as the shaft rotates, and a blower configured to provide the airstream flowing through the discharge mechanism; wherein the shaft and the vanes are a one-piece structure.