Method of, and apparatus for, moistening loose material

Abstract

A method is disclosed of applying glue to loose fibrous material which is revolved relatively rapidly in a confined space. While this is happening, the glue and air under slight excess pressure are fed to the material from approximately the center of the space. Apparatus for this purpose comprises a container, a hollow shaft rotatably mounted in the container, and a plurality of rod-like tools secured to the hollow shaft. Each of the tools is generally cylindrical, and is provided with a central longitudinal bore one end of which opens into the hollow shaft and the other end of which is closed. Each tool has a longitudinally-extending flat external surface portion, and a plurality of substantially radial bores communicating with the central longitudinal bore. The radial bores of each tool terminate at the external surface of that tool in the zone of said flat portion thereof. Thus, glue can flow through the hollow shaft and be broken down into droplets as the glue is flung out of the radial bores of the tools by the centrifugal force caused by rotation of the hollow shaft.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.