Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which relate to measuring the quantity and thermal insulating value of fibrous material as it is delivered from a source to another location. A feeder mechanism is provided for delivering the material such as insulation to housing from which it is dispensed ultimately to some cavity such as wall space or surface. The housing includes rotary vanes which divide the housing into a number of separate chambers. A measuring system provided with electronic circuitry and acoustical apparatus delivers a controlled acoustical signal to the chamber containing the fibrous material. A sensor senses acoustical signal generated by a source but altered by the fibrous material within the chamber. Signals corresponding to the source signal and the sensed signal are both fed to a comparator which in turn emits a signal proportional to the volume and density, or thermal insulating value of material contained in the chamber.

Abstract: A feeder assembly for particulate matter blowing machines including a cylindrical member with an opening along its upper surface through which particulate matter is inserted. A drive shaft is positioned longitudinally through the member and a cylindrical drum mounted around the drive shaft. A vane assembly attached to the drum engages the inner surface of the member at a plurality of locations thereby defining a plurality of airlocks. An inlet cover is attached to one end of the member and it has an inlet opening through which gases are forced into the airlocks. An outlet cover is attached to the opposite end of the cylindrical member and the outlet cover has an outlet opening aligned with the inlet opening through which the particulate matter is blown out of the airlocks. A motor turns the drive shaft whereby the airlocks pass adjacent the opening and particulate matter fills the airlocks, and then the airlocks are rotated until adjacent the openings when the material is blown out.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing particulate material from compact masses of materials such as that used for insulation and then pneumatically dispensing the material in a uniform flow and with a preselected and consistent density. The apparatus includes a hopper for receiving the compact masses, an outlet positioned in the bottom of the hopper and a shredding zone located within the upper portion of the hopper for shredding large compact masses into smaller masses or nodules. An auger is positioned below the shredding zone and above the outlet for moving the material along the hopper. Below the auger is a tearing and separating zone that receives the material from the outlet and operates to tear and separate any of the nodules of the material into particulate material. The particulate material is then received and dispensed by a pneumatic transport means. The transport means includes a rotating air lock having an inlet at one end and an end plate at the other or exhaust end of the air lock.