Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, feeding fibrous material to the chute from which a carding machine is fed, wherein fibrous material is entrained in a flow of moving air downstream of the flow generation point, and the flow of air and entrained material is led along a duct to the chute. Desirably, the air flow is not more than 300 cubic feet per minute and is generated by a positive displacement blower.Additionally, a pivotable valve flap is provided wherein the pivoting means are shielded from the movement of material in the ducts to prevent the formation of trailings on said pivot means.

Abstract: A gas compressor or blower comprising a cylinder having gas intake and exhaust ports; a piston which is rotatably and reciprocably movable in the cylinder; valve means for admitting gas into and exhausting air from at least one chamber lying to one side of the piston; a piston shaft to which the piston is secured, the piston shaft passing through seals at the axial ends of the cylinder; means for applying a rotary drive to the piston rod; and a cam arrangement for causing reciprocation of the piston rod as this rotates; wherein said cylinder has an end piece at each end thereof; a set of at least three equiangularly spaced follower assemblies is mounted on an axially outer face of each said end piece, and said piston shaft is supported for rotation by two spaced bearing assemblies, one adjacent to each end of said cylinder and supported by a respective set of said follower assemblies such that each said bearing may move axially relative to said follower assemblies.

Abstract: A gas compressor or blower comprising a cylinder having air intake and exhaust ports; a piston which is rotatably and reciprocably movable in the cylinder; valve means for admitting air into and exhausting air from at least one chamber lying to one side of the piston; a piston shaft to which the piston is secured, the piston shaft passing through seals at the axial ends of the cylinder; means for applying a rotary drive to the piston rod; and a cam arrangement for causing reciprocation of the piston rod as this rotates; the arrangement of ports and valve means being such that as the piston rotates and reciprocates air is induced into the chamber, is compressed in the chamber and then exhausted from the chamber.

Abstract: A gas compressor or blower comprising a cylinder having air intake and exhaust ports; a piston which is rotatably and reciprocably movable in the cylinder; valve means for admitting air into and exhausting air from at least one chamber lying to one side of the piston; a piston shaft to which the piston is secured, the piston shaft passing through seals at the axial ends of the cylinder; means for applying a rotary drive to the piston rod; and a cam arrangement for causing reciprocation of the piston rod as this rotates; the arrangement of ports and valve means being such that as the piston rotates and reciprocates air is induced into the chamber, is compressed in the chamber and then exhausted from the chamber.