Abstract: A process for feeding fibres towards the fixed and mobile knives of a fibre cutter, such as a flock cutter, is provided which includes preparing a mattress of fibres aligned in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the vertical plane of the knife so that the mattress of fibres takes the form of a band. The band is conveyed in a step-by-step manner towards the knives while supporting the band adjacent the fixed knife so that its lower face and its lateral side faces are supported by planer support surfaces having a dimension significant in relation to the length of sections of fibres being cut. The step-by-step conveying is effected by bringing the band to a temporary standstill in relation to the support surfaces as the fibres are advanced towards the cutter.

Abstract: There is described a method and apparatus for loading automatically, machines treating bulk materials in which from the bottom of a material mass is extracted, with projecting elements, an amount of material to form a strip. The strip is fed to the treating machines. The apparatus comprises arranging the projecting elements into at least two rows extending along the strip movement direction, and imparting to at least one element row, an alternating movement along the strip movement direction.