GB899746A - Improved method of, and apparatus for, mixing fibrous material - Google Patents

Abstract

899,746. Mixing, opening and feeding fibres. WALKER & SMITH (BATLEY) Ltd. Oct. 13, 1958 [Oct. 29, 1957], No. 33720/57. Classes 120(1) and 120(3) Fibrous material is mixed by obtaining a load of different types thereof and gradually feeding it on a travelling surface and compressing the material to condense it as it approaches a chamber wherein the material is mixed by rotary elements. The mixed, loose material is extracted by air suction from the chamber for further processing. In the apparatus shown, requisite percentages of materials are determined by weighing in a pan 19 (of a weighing machine 20) which is rocked periodically, in timed relation with the advance of material through the apparatus, to deposit a predetermined mixed load into a feed hopper the bottom of which is constituted by an endless conveyer 11 whereon the material is advanced and compressed by the action of an inclined endless lattice 12 to a form which passes through an inlet opening 8 into a chamber 1 wherein rods or flails 3 carried on shafts 2 mix the material, the passage of which through the chamber may be assisted by inclined set (not shown) of rods 3. Mixed material, deposited in a well 10, is continuously extracted through a duct 25 by an air suction device 26, driven from the same motor 6 as drives the shafts 2. The material may be forced from outlet 27 of device 26 and along ducting 28 for delivery to a further processing apparatus, e.g. an opening or teasing machine, the feed hopper of which may be of perforate construction which expends the conveying air and allows the material to fall into the apparatus. The conveyer 11 and lattice 12 are driven from an electric motor 13 and mechanism 14 capable of transmitting a variable, slow speed.