Abstract: The carding distance (KA) between clothings (14, 15) is scanned using an optical device (22, 26) e.g. using a laser beam (24) from the side of the working area. The measuring value thus obtained can be compared to a pre-set target value in such a manner that the distance mentioned can be adjusted. Card with a controllable actuator system (32, 34) for setting the carding gap between the clothing on the main drum and the clothing on the flats, and with a programmable control system (12) which can influence the actuator system. A sensor system (26, 28) measures the carding gap in order to render regulation of the gap possible. The control system obtains, and processes respectively, data connected with the state of the clothing. The control system (12) is programmed in such a manner that regulation is effected as long as the measuring values supplied by the sensor system appear to be "plausible".

Abstract: A metering method or a metering apparatus for dispensing predeterminable quantities of fiber flocks per unit time by two feed rollers (18, 20; 18.1, 18.2, 170, 172) which are arranged at the lower end of a flock shaft (14, 14.1, 14.2), which are rotatable in opposite directions and which form a conveying gap between them, with an opening roll (22; 22.1, 180) preferably being arranged beneath the feed rollers, is characterized in that at least one of the feed rollers is biased in the direction of the other feed roller (18; 20.1; 170) and is movable away from the latter under the pressure of the flocks; in that the spacing (x) between the two feed rollers, or a value proportional to this distance is measured; and in that the speed of rotation of at least one of the feed rollers is so regulated that the product (n.multidot.x) of the speed and of the spacing remains constant, at least on average.

Abstract: A travelling service device of a yarn processing machine is equipped with a bobbin magazine for receiving a multitude of sticks of conical bobbin tubes which are telescopically nested within one another. The magazine includes a conveyor belt which extends along and can be moved in an endless path and which carries a multitude of bounding elements which bound respective compartments, each for receiving one of the sticks for movement with the belt. At a predetermined location of the endless path, there is provided an arrangement for removing the respective stick from the associated compartment, and for transferring such stick to an arrangement for separating the individual tubes from the stick for subsequent feeding to the respective station of the machine. The compartments may be arranged so that their axes extend normal to the trajectory of movement of the travelling service device, in whic case the removing arrangement includes an arrangement for turning te stick through 90.degree.