Abstract: A chip blowing apparatus for application or dispersion of wood chips or like aggregate material. The invention includes a hopper with an auger for directing materials to the bottom of the hopper. An air lock feeder adjacent to the bottom of the hopper receives material therefrom. A rotating shaft with a plurality of vanes is included in the air lock feeder. Pressurized air is directed into the air lock feeder to fluidize materials and impart momentum thereto, thereby entraining the solid material in an air stream. The entrained material then exits and outlet port and is directed by hose to a nozzle for application of material to surfaces.

Abstract: An air lock feeder for entrainment of solid particulate materials in an air stream. The invention includes a cylindrical housing with a shaft rotatably mounted in the ends of the housing. Inlet and outlet ports are included in the housing ends, and a lateral opening in the housing receives solid particulate material. A plurality of vanes extend laterally from the shaft and define a plurality of chambers within the housing, with the cambers generally parallel to the shaft and extending between the housing ends. Preferably, a flexible strip is included on the end of each vane adjacent the housing. Dividers located between adjacent vanes separate air channels from the chambers. The chambers are charged with solid material from the lateral facing opening in the housing as shaft rotates within the housing. Pressurized air enters the chambers via inlet port as each chamber rotatably moves past the inlet port, and the material within the chambers is entrained in an air stream and carried out the exit port.