Abstract: An improved fiber opening, mixing, and flow regulating apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus includes a textile fiber feeder (F) which opens, mixes, and regulates the flow of fibers from a ball (B) inside the feeder. A primary opening element is provided by a stationary spiked apron feed (I), and a secondary fiber opening element provided by a movable spiked apron (S). A gap (G) is defined between the opposing pins of the primary and secondary opening elements (I,S) which regulates the flow of fibers delivered by the feeder. By moving secondary opening element (S) in either linear or rotational motions, gap (G) may be modulated and the flow of fibers regulated. A controller (E) may be provided to receive a speed signal (54) representing the operational speed of a textile process downstream of fiber feeder (F) and a fiber quantity signal (16) may also be processed by controller (E) as well as various and other signals.

Abstract: The cleaning apparatus has an air main mounted on a movable frame which can be brought against the side of a card. The air main includes a plurality of suction orifices which can be brought into registry with deformable air outlets at the side of the card which communicate via air lines with extraction stations of the card.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing textile fibers is disclosed which includes a carding machine (14) and a batt former (A). Batt former (A) includes an air circulation loop which includes a plenum (B), fiber compacting chamber (C), air separating means (72, 74), acceleration channel (30), duct (46), and fan blower (54). Fan blower (54) has an adjustable angle of incidence "a"to direct a jet of fiber-laden air into plenum (B) against a splash plate (66) to cause fibers to be deposited in fiber compacting chamber (C) in a cross-directional profile so that fibers at side walls of the plenum may have increased residence time in the fiber compacting chamber compensating for side wall friction. A first separated air flow (5) is divided by side friction. A first separated air flow (5) is divided by side channels (92a, 92b) and combined with a second air flow (4) to form supercharged air flow regions at the sides of the air flow passing through acceleration channel (30).

Abstract: A textile fiber processing machine has a clothed roller, a clothed stationary carding element cooperating with the clothed roller, a mote knife cooperating with the clothed roller, a stationary component situated adjacent the circumferential periphery of the clothed roller and having a bounding edge defining, together with the mote knife, a waste removal clearance; and a carrier element disposed radially adjacent the roller periphery. The mote knife and the stationary carding element are mounted on and supported by the carrier element which is arcuately shiftable, together with the mote knife and the stationary carding element as a unit, in a direction parallel to the roller periphery, thereby varying the width of the waste removal clearance.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for supplying fiber in a chute feed (10) are disclosed including a pivotal air control deflection vane (B) pivoted at an entrance (46) of a reserve section (12). The inclination of the vane (B) may be adjusted, depending on airflow conditions and fiber type, to redirect the incoming horizontal flow (58) of fiber-laden air and deposit the fibers (F) in a column having a level surface (80). The transport air (72) exits the chute (32) of the reserve section through a grille (70). The level column of fibers provides feeding of a uniform weight of fibers across the entire width (W) of the chute for uniform feeding and opening the feed roll (34) and opening roll (39).

Abstract: A card for producing fibrous webs or random webs of textile fibers comprises a plurality of cylinders in series with metallic wire. The cylinders rotate in a predetermined mutual sense to which worker rolls are coordinated. The cylinders and workers are covered by trough-shaped plates. The trough-shaped cover of the cylinders or workers (7, 8, 9) is formed of a plurality of trough sections (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e) which are arranged in close succession. The trough sections are adapted to be adjustable and to be opened respectively. By this means, a control of the optimum air amount at the rollers may be achieved uniformly over the working width.

Abstract: A fiber infeed device supplies fiber material to a textile machine, such as a card, and comprises a driven rotatable feed roll and feed plate. This feed roll is, however, spatially fixed, whereas the feed plate is pivotable but physically immobile during detection of the thickness and thickness variations of the infed fiber material. The feed plate can be pivoted into an operating position against a stop during throughpass of the fiber material. A substantially invariable size nipping zone is thus formed between the driven rotatable feed roll and the stationary feed plate in which a property of the throughpassing fiber material representative of its instantaneous thickness and thus variations thereof can be detected. By positionally fixing the feed plate, for instance, different forces are applied thereto in the nipping zone where the fiber material is compacted. The arising variable forces enable ascertaining thickness variations of the infed fiber material.

Abstract: A carding machine has a main carding cylinder, an electromotor drivingly connected to the carding cylinder and a control device, including a memory, for controlling the rpm of the carding cyliner. The main carding cylinder has a starting phase during which the main carding cylinder is accelerated to a working rpm and a stopping phase during which the main carding cylinder is decelerated from a working rpm to standstill. The method of operating the carding machine includes the steps of storing in the memory material-specific sets of rpm values for the starting phase and sets of rpm values for the stopping phase; and controlling the rpm of the main carding cylinder in the starting and stopping phases by the control device in accordance with respective rpm values stored in the memory.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the amount of fibers fed to a textile carding machine is disclosed which includes a feed roll (10) affixed to the frame of the carding machine for feeding fibers through a nip (26) between the feed roll and a feed plate (24). A rotational drive (B) is affixed at a free end of a feed roll shaft (40) in a free manner relative to the carding machine frame. Reaction force sensors (C) is mechanically coupled between rotational drive (B) and carding machine frame (12). Sensor means (C) senses the reaction forces on the rotational drive caused by the torque of feed roll (10) during feeding of fibrous mass (F) through nip (26). Sensor (C) includes a displaceable torque arm (50) and a sensor member (56). Sensor (56) senses the displacements of torque arm (50) which is affixed to rotational drive (B).

Abstract: A device for advancing a fiber lap in a feeding direction to a processing roller of a fiber processing machine includes a feed roller and a feed table which together define a gap. The gap has a length extending parallel to the feeding direction and a width defined by the distance between the feed roller and the feed table. The width increases along the length in an upstream direction as viewed in the advancing direction. The feed roller and the feed table are relatively movable towards and away from one another. The gap further has a downstream terminal length portion forming a small-width clamping zone defined by a short circumferential length portion of the feed roller and an arcuate length portion of the feed table. The arcuate length portion terminates at the downstream terminal edge of the feed table.

Abstract: The fiber processing plant has a pneumatic flock feed system which is operated in dependence on an operating parameter which, in turn, is dependent upon the number of fiber processing machines which are operating at a given time. In one embodiment, a meter is disposed in a feed duct of the flock feed system between a fan and a first of the fiber processing machines in order to sense the static pressure therein. The meter is used to sense a difference in pressure caused by one or more fiber processing machines becoming inoperative so as to cause a switching on or off of the fiber supply to the feed duct.

Abstract: A textile fiber feeder includes a feed chute adapted to be charged with fiber material and having a lower portion constituting a zone in which a fiber lap is formed from the fiber material; a measuring arrangement for measuring a distribution of the fiber material along the feed chute width and for generating signals representing the distribution of material; a sensor member forming part of the measuring arrangement and directly responding to the distribution of fiber material; and arrangement for generating an air flow in the feed chute for affecting the distribution of the fiber material; and a regulating arrangement for controlling the air flow along the feed chute width as a function of the signals. The regulating arrangement includes a setting member arranged for directly altering the air flow. The sensor member and the setting member are arranged in an adjoining relationship in the zone where the fiber lap is formed.

Abstract: A control unit maintains the fiber flock column in a feed chute at a set height. The control unit includes a row of light barriers located about a set height for emitting signals in response to interruption of the light barriers by fiber flock. An evaluation unit evaluates the signals to determine the actual height of the flock column and emits a control signal to adjust the feed rollers in the feed chute.

Abstract: A textile fiber processing assembly includes a feed chute adapted to be charged with fiber material and having a bottom portion provided with a fiber outlet through which the fiber material is discharged; a fiber feeding arrangement, including a feed roller and a counterelement cooperating with the feed roller, positioned externally of the feed chute downstream of the outlet opening as viewed in a direction of advance of the fiber material upon discharge thereof from the outlet; and a textile fiber processing machine having an input and a fiber processing roller situated at the input downstream of the fiber feeding arrangement and arranged for receiving the fiber material advanced by the fiber feeding arrangement. The feed roller adjoins the outlet and is arranged for drawing fiber material from the feed chute through the outlet and advancing the fiber material to the fiber processing roller.

Abstract: A textile fiber processing assembly includes a feed chute having a bottom portion provided with a fiber outlet through which fiber material is discharged; a fiber feeding arrangement positioned externally of the feed chute downstream of the outlet opening and including a feed roller and a counterelement. Either the feed roller or the counterelement is stationarily supported, while the other component is movably supported to allow excursions thereof towards and away from the respective other stationary component as a function of the thickness of fiber material passing through the fiber feeding arrangement. There are further provided a drive motor for rotating the feed roller; and a textile fiber processing machine having an input and a fiber processing roller situated at the input downstream of the fiber feeding arrangement. The feed roller adjoins the outlet and is arranged for drawing fiber material from the feed chute through the outlet and advancing the fiber material to the fiber processing roller.

Abstract: In order to effect a controllable change in the production of a fiber-processing machine there is changed the working width of the fiber-processing machine.

Abstract: A device for the feeding and opening of a fiber sliver for an open-end spinning device, having a feeder roll, a pressure roll interacting with the feeder roll and an opening roll. The device includes a tray with two guide walls guiding the fiber sliver between the pressure roll and the opening roll and laterally between themselves. The pressure roll is mounted in the feeding tray which has a supporting surface between the feeding roll and the opening roll, to support the fiber sliver and which is delimited by the guide walls. The opening roll is driven in the same direction of rotation as the feeder roll.

Abstract: A carding machine comprises a feed plate, a feed roll forming a nip with the feed plate, first drive means for rotating the feed roll, a takerin for taking fibre from the feed plate, a main carding cylinder, carding means cooperable with the main carding cylinder to effect a carding action, a doffer, and delivery means for taking carded fibre from the doffer and delivering it from the machine. In one form of the machine, means are associated with the feed roll for producing an output signal related to deviation in weight of material fed between the feed roll and the feed plate, the sensing means being means for monitoring a variable at the feed roll that is other than displacement relative to the feed plate, and means are responsive to the output signal to control the speed of the feed roll.

Abstract: A sliver opening apparatus for separating sliver into individual fibers for feeding of the individual fibers to the rotor of an open end spinning machine includes a rotating opening roller having a hollow interior and perforations from its exterior to its interior and air flow control elements disposed in the hollow interior of the opening roller. The air flow control elements define an opening located generally adjacent the sliver intake opening and an interior hollow chamber extending from the opening, the chamber being relatively large and the opening being relatively small. When the opening roller rotates, the air flow control elements cause the fibers from the incoming sliver to project toward the opening roller for optimum separation and combing by the teeth of the opening roller.

Abstract: A feed chute arrangement for textile machines, such as carding machines includes a feed chute having a plurality of walls one of which is gas-permeable to let gaseous medium to escape from the interior of the feed chute into a neighboring gas output chamber that is bounded by a plurality of additional walls different from the gas permeable wall. One of these additional walls is provided with an opening at which there is pivotally mounted a plate-shaped blocking flap selectively movable between its closed position and a plurality of open positions in which it offers various amounts of resistance to the flow of the gaseous medium from the gas output chamber through the opening into a connecting conduit and eventually into a discharge passage.

Abstract: The fiber processing installation monitors the operation of a discontinuously operating stop/go stage to obtain an actual value signal corresponding to the ratio of operative time to inoperative time as well as the total production of a continuously operating downstream stage, such as a card room, to establish a set value signal. A deviation of the actual value from the set value provides a control signal to adjust the ratio of operative time to inoperative time of the upstream stage so as to maintain the total production of the installation constant.

Abstract: A cleaning system for use with a fibre opening device used in connection with the spinning of fibres into yarns wherein an opening roller is mounted for rotation in a housing incorporating a trash separation zone and a fibre stripping zone and the roller has a cylindrical working surface with combing elements projecting thereform, wherein the roller is substantially hollow and has holes in the cylindrical wall defining its working surface to permit flow of air through the wall and the interior of the roller is divided into two or more compartments, and means are provided to remove air and entrained dust and trash from a compartment adjacent to the trash separation zone, and further means are provided to insert air or other gas into a compartment adjacent the fibre stripping zone.

Abstract: Fibre loosening device for a spinning unit of a spinning machine. The invention relates to a fibre loosening device for a spinning unit of a spinning machine. Before entering the fibre separating area, the sliver is longitudinally separated into fibre sections fed to a separating region, i.e., to helix-like arranged functional lines on the fibre separating roller, such feeding being non-simultaneous but sequential. The division into the fibre sections is initially carried out by means of protrusions defining grooves therebetween on a condenser, the axial distance between these grooves not being an integer multiple of the helix lead width of the functional lines on the fiber separating roller. The arrangement provides for reducing periodical irregularities of the fibres for the subsequent spinning process.

Abstract: A fiber infeed device supplies fiber material to a textile machine, such as a card, and comprises a driven rotatable feed roll and feed plate. This roll is, however, spatially fixed, whereas the feed plate is pivotable but physically immobile during detection of the thickness and thickness variations of the infed fiber material. The feed plate can be pivoted into an operating position against a stop during throughpass of the fiber material. A substantially invariable size nipping zone is thus formed between the driven rotatable feed roll and the stationary feed plate in which a property of the throughpassing fiber material representative of its instantaneous thickness and thus variations thereof can be detected. By positionally fixing the feed plate, for instance, different forces are applied thereto in the nipping zone where the fiber material is compacted. The arising variable forces enable ascertaining thickness variations of the infed fiber material.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for cleaning and opening loose fiber material which is fed through a feeder to a cleaning operation to be carried away for further processing. The degree of contamination of the fiber material is concurrently scanned. Control of the cleaning procedure is performed in response to the scanned measuring results. A measuring path is provided between a fiber feeder (2) and an opening and cleaning unit (3). At the measuring path (24), there is arranged a device (300) for scanning the degree of contamination of the fiber material. A controller (41) controls cleaning unit (3) and/or take-off rolls (8, 9) of feeder (2). The control of the cleaning procedure is relatively instantaneous in accordance wit the result of a proceeding measurement of the degree of contamination of the fiber material.

Abstract: For the automatic compensation of density or thickness variations of fiber material at textile machines there is measured the density of a fiber material mass fed to a fiber feed device and the density of the fiber material mass at the textile machine outlet. The resultant measurement signals are delivered to a control for regulating the rotational speed of a feed roll of the fiber feed device in accordance with both measured density signals. The fiber feed device comprises the feed roll and a coacting feed plate. The feed roll, although rotatable, is spatially stationary and is pivotal from a starting position in the absence of the fiber mass into an operative position into contact with an abutment when there is present a fiber mass whose density variations are to be detected. By positionally fixing the feed plate during the detection operation different forces arise, depending upon the thickness or density of the fiber mass, in the nipping zone between the feed roll and the feed plate.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning and feeding textile fibers is disclosed wherein supply units (A) include a cleaning machine (B) fed by a batt forming machine (C) which includes a reserve chute (42) and a formation chute (44). The reserve chute and formation chute are partitioned whereby a serial flow of fiber laden air may be utilized to deliver fibers to a number of the supply units connected in series. Each supply unit (C) may feed a parallel line (10, 12, 14) of card machines (16). Each card machine (16) is fed by a vertical chute feed (18) to which a fiber delivery air flow is delivered from supply units (60, 62, 64). In this manner, a first fiber batt of uniform density across its width is fed to the cleaning machines. The fibers are more uniformly fed and separated to provide more uniform opening and cleaning of the fibers. The individual and cleaned fibers are fed to a vertical chute feed wherein a second fiber batt is formed for feeding to the textile cards.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the amount of fibers fed to a textile carding machine is disclosed which includes a feed roll (10) affixed to the frame of the carding machine for feeding fibers through a nip (26) between the feed roll and a feed plate (24). A rotational drive (B) is affixed at a free end of a feed roll shaft (40) in a free manner relative to the carding machine frame. Reaction force sensor (C) is mechanically coupled between rotational drive (B) and carding machine frame (12). Sensor means (C) senses the reaction forces on the rotational drive caused by the torque of feed roll (10) during feeding of fibrous mass (F) through nip (26). Sensor (C) includes a displaceable torque arm (50) and a sensor member (56). Sensor (56) senses the displacements of torque arm (50) which is affixed to rotational drive (B).

Abstract: A compact carding apparatus is disclosed which includes a pair of upstanding carding cylinders (B) and (C) carried in a self-standing manner on a base frame (260). Cylinder (C) is carried generally atop cylinder (B) by mounting plates (272, 274) which allow radial movement of cylinder (C) to yield to large lumps passing between the cylinders. A chute feed (10) and coiler (192) are uniquely combined with the component arrangement in a minimum of space and in a mobile construction so as to permit movement of either the chute or coiler away for access to the apparatus. The compact upstanding arrangement provides for mounting of a number of carding elements mounted about the two cylinders which include stationary plates (40, 42, 44, 46) on cylinder (B); and revolving flat assembly (E) and stationary carding plates (96, 123) on cylinder (C). An extended fiber path (P) is defined about cylinders (B) and (C) along which a transferred fiber mass may be effectively exposed for carding on both of its sides.

Abstract: A web weight control system and method are disclosed wherein the actual weight of fibers supplied to a carding machine (36) are measured in a weight pan (20) or while moving on a conveyor (22) by a sensor (92). the supply roll (14) is controlled by computer (A) to supply a preset weight of fibers. The weighed fibers are supplied on an apron feed (22) to a pneumatic delivery system (28). The delivery of weighed fibers by apron feeder (22) may be adjusted by adjusting the speed of an apron feed roll (50a). This maintains a prescribed quantity or level of fiber in a fiber storage chute feed (32). Pressure sensed by a pressure gauge (52) is used to indicate quantity of fiber in chute feed (32) and pressure signal (53) is fed to computer (A) for control of delivery roll (50a). Card feed roll (62) which feeds fibers in the form of a batt (35) from chute feed (32) to the carding machine is controlled by computer (A) in synchronization with the speed of the carding machine as sensed by doffer roll (68).

Abstract: An apparatus for levelling the thickness of a running fiber lap fed to a textile fiber processing machine, includes a feed roller having a generally horizontal longitudinal axis and a feed table cooperating with the feed roller by defining therewith a nip through which the fiber lap passes. The fiber processing machine further includes a motor connected with the feed roller for rotating the feed roller, a lap thickness measuring device including a sensor element cooperating with the feed roller and undergoing excursions in response to thickness variations of the fiber lap runing between the feed roller and the sensor element and a control device connected to the measuring device for receiving signals representing the excursions. The control device is connected to the motor for applying rpm control signals thereto as a function of the thickness variations.

Abstract: A carding machine includes a licker-in and a waste separator cooperating therewith. The waste separator includes first and second plates arranged consecutively along a periphery of the licker-in. The first and second plates are spaced from one another by a clearance constituting a waste outlet opening through which waste is discharged with the aid of a circumferential air stream generated by the rotation of the licker-in. The first and second plates each have a pivotally supported end for adjusting their angular position, whereby a radial distance from the periphery of the licker-in is varied for controlling the discharge of waste through the outlet opening. A nozzle is arranged at the licker-in at a location generally diametrically opposite the waste outlet opening. The nozzle has an outlet aperture merging into a space situated immediately radially outwardly of the periphery of the licker-in.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding fiber material to a fiber processing machine includes a vertically-oriented fill chute having an open top, a bottom and a generally rectangular cross section of opposite narrow sides and opposite wide sides; a duct having an open end communicating with the fill chute adjacent the top thereof at one of the wide sides for introducing a fiber material-carrying airsteam into the fill chute; air outlet openings provided in the fill chute for allowing passage of air from the fill chute; and a discharging arrangement for withdrawing fiber material from the bottom of the fill chute. The duct has a terminal length portion ending in the outlet opening and the terminal length portion has an at least approximately quadrate cross section. There is further provided a space of impact between the outlet opening and the open top of the fill chute; the outlet opening is at least approximately centered with respect to a horizontal middle of the space of impact.

Abstract: A fiber processing machine includes a rotary roller provided with a clothing and having a periphery; and a sepaating knife cooperating with the roller for separating waste from the fiber material entrained by the roller. The knife has a knife edge situated at an adjustable distance from the periphery of the roller. The separating knife is part of a separating knife assembly including an adjusting device for varying a position of the separating knife relative to the roller and for immobilizing the separating knife in a desired adjusted position; and a drive for operating the adjusting device.

Abstract: A carding machine includes a main cylinder having a direction of rotation, a licker-in cooperating with the main cylinder, travelling flats cooperating with the main cylinder, and a frontal end roller supporting the travelling flats. The end roller is situated above the licker-in at a distance therefrom as viewed circumferentially along the main cylinder. The distance has a mid-zone and two off-center zones flanking the mid-zone and adjoining the licker-in and the end roller, respectively. There is further provided a device for separating impurities from fiber material undergoing treatment by the main cylinder. The device has a knife blade supported at a small radial distance from the main cylinder and a plate supported at a small radial distance from the main cylinder and defining a gap with the knife blade. The gap is in the work zone of a suction chamber. The separating device is situated in one of the off-center zones.

Abstract: An arrangement for ascertaining the presence of foreign bodies in a mass of fiber tufts includes a fiber tuft-supporting surface having a width; a device for providing a loose fiber tuft layer on the fiber tuft-supporting surface; and a foreign body detecting apparatus arranged for scanning the fiber tuft layer for foreign bodies. The foreign body detecting apparatus has a detector device formed of a plurality of individual sensors arranged side-by-side along the width of the surface. There is further provided a device for effecting relative displacement between the fiber tuft layer and the apparatus in a direction perpendicular to the surface width.

Abstract: The opening cylinder comprising a cylindrical ring serving as a needle support and being provided with needle-housing bores extending from the inner ring surface to the outer one is designed to carry needles comprising a point section of generally tapered shape and a shaft section, the latter being pressed into and seated with force fit in a radially inner section of a corresponding one of said bores. A radially outer section of the bore surrounds a portion of said needle point section so as to form an annular groove therearound at the orifice of the bore in the outer ring surface. The radially inner section of the bore or at least part thereof has a diameter which is at least as great as the diameter of the outer section of the bore in the range of its orifice in the outer ring surface.

Abstract: The arrangement for supplying a fiber processing machine, such as a card or the like, with fiber flock material comprises a feed device for feeding the fiber flock material to an opening roller having needles distributed over its cylindrical outer or jacket surface. In accordance with the invention, strip-shaped vanes or blades are provided on the outer or jacket surface of the opening roller. These strip-shaped vanes or blades extend substantially parallel to the surface generator lines or generatrices of the cylindrical outer or jacket surface of the opening roller and between the needles thereof. As a result of these measures there is obtained an essentially even or uniform, heavy batt with an appreciably higher batt weight in the feed chute.

Abstract: A method of evening a sliver produced by a carding machine in which a predetermined output rate and draft are set.

Abstract: A carding machine includes a licker-in and a main carding cylinder cooperating therewith; a feed roller arranged immediately upstream of the licker-in as viewed in a direction of material feed into the carding machine; and a feed table cooperating with the feed roller for advancing fiber material to the licker-in. The feed table is arranged for executing excursions towards and away from the feed roller as a function of the material quantity passing between the feed roller and the feed table and a measuring device operatively connected with the feed table for generating signals representing the excursions. There is provided a motor connected to the feed roller for rotating the same. The motor receives setting signals as a function of the excursions. The feed table has a movable first part operatively connected with the measuring device and a second part situated between the movable first part and the licker-in.

Abstract: A method of feeding a plurality of fiber processing machines with fiber tufts, including the steps of pneumatically advancing fiber tufts by a conveying fan within a first tuft confining device into a second tuft confining device associated with respective fiber processing machines; compressing the tufts in each second tuft confining device by a compressing air stream whereby a compressed tuft column having a height level is obtained in each second tuft confining device; and measuring and regulating the pressure in at least one of the tuft confining devices. The first tuft confining device comprises a tuft conveying duct and the second tuft confining devices are formed of tuft collecting chutes.

Abstract: An apparatus in combination with a carding machine and a regulatable tuft feeding device for evening a running sliver produced by the carding machine. The assembly has a fiber-handling roller forming part of the carding machine, a motor drivingly connected to the roller, an rpm-setting device connected to the motor, a desired value setter connected with the regulatable tuft feeding device; a measuring device for determining momentary values of mass of the running sliver; a regulator connected to the measuring device and to the rpm-setting device for controlling the rpm of the roller as a function of the sliver mass sensed by the measuring device. There is further provided a limit value indicating device connected to the rpm-setting device for responding to predetermined setting limits.

Abstract: A carding machine has a toothed takerin (4a) for taking fibre to be carded from a feed arrangement (3a) to a main carding cylinder (5a). The fibre is conveyed on the lower arc of the takerin, and a substantially rigid, flat plate (10) lies below the lower arc of the takerin. The plate extends across the full width of the takerin and terminates in a free edge facing into the direction of roation of the takerin and substantially parallel to the takerin axis. The free edge is spaced from the tips of the teeth on the takerin by a distance of not more than 5 mm, and the plate lies in a plane that makes an angle of from 75.degree. to 120.degree. to that radial plane of the takerin that intersects the free edge of the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus which feeds a fiber lap to a fiber processing machine has a reserve chute connected to a pneumatic fiber tuft conveying duct to receive fiber tufts therefrom; a feed chute connected to the reserve chute; a feed roller arranged for advancing fiber tufts from the reserve chute into the feed chute; a drive for rotating the feed roller; an arrangement for delivering a compressing air stream into the feed chute for densifying a fiber tuft column therein; a plurality of air outlet openings to provide a passage of the air stream out of the feed chute; a pressure sensor situated in the feed chute; a pressure regulator connected with the pressure sensor and the drive for altering the rpm of the feed roller as a function of the pressure prevailing in the feed chute.

Abstract: An apparatus for evening a fiber lap fed to a carding machine. The latter has a licker-in, a feed table and a feed roller cooperating with one another in feeding the fiber lap to the licker-in; a drive motor connected to the feed roller; and an arrangement providing for a relative movement of the feed roller and the feed table towards or away from one another as a function of the thickness of the fiber material passing therebetween. There is further provided an excursion measuring device for generating signals representing the magnitude of the relative movement; and a control device connected to the excursion measuring device. The control device is connected to the drive motor for regulating the rpm of the feed roller as a function of the relative motion between feed roller and feed table. A delay device is connected between the excursion measuring device and the control device for delaying transmittal of signals from the excursion measuring device to the control device.

Abstract: Batt forming apparatus (12) is disclosed having a reserve chute (36) and batt formation chute (76). A fiber entrance duct (40) includes a bottom floor (44) with a stationary floor (48) and a movable floor ramp (50). Ramp (50) may be adjustably inclined to incoming airflow to project fibers in trajectories further across reserve chute (36). This control of fiber distribution may be used to assist in the production of a fiber batt (78) having a homogeneous density structure.

Abstract: A yarn making machine assembly includes a yarn spinning chamber; a feed table adapted to support a silver thereon; a feed roller having a periphery defining, with the feed table, a clearance through which the sliver is adapted to pass; an rpm-variable motor connected to the feed roller for rotating it to advance the sliver; an opening roller arranged adjacent the clearance to receive the sliver and to break it up into fibers; a sliver thickness sensor including the feed roller and/or the feed table to execute excursions in response to thickness variations in the sliver running through the clearance; a device for generating an electric signal as a function of the excursions; a regulator for receiving the electric signal and for emitting a setting signal as a function of a difference between desired and actual thickness values of the sliver; and a device for applying a signal, representing the setting signal, to the motor for varying the rpm thereof to thus alter the rotational speed of the feed roller, whereby

Abstract: A feed duct (1) for feeding textile fibers to an associated processing machine is disclosed which includes adjustable wall elements (22, 23) to vary the width of the filling chamber (5) of the duct and discharge a fiber web of corresponding width. The adjustable wall elements (22, 23) are displaceable parallel to the side walls (31, 32) of the filling chamber and include lateral wall elements (22a, 23a) which are bent and extend through the side walls to also act as holding elements. Setting elements (26, 28 and 27, 29) adjust the setting of the wall elements and the chamber width. In a duct feed having an oscillating plate 39, adjustable wall elements are provided as double wall elements (43, 44) with a pivotal wall part (45, 46) carried between the double walls of each element. An inclined edge (51) of the double wall elements allows oscillating plate (39) to swing with respect to the adjustable width duct for compaction of fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the rpm of the feed roller of the tuft feeder and having an rpm measuring device connected to at least one card roller for generating a first signal representing an operational magnitude of the card roller; a signal generating device connected to an output of the rpm measuring device and arranged for generating a second signal as a function of the first signal; a pressure sensing device for sensing pressure in the feed chute and for generating a third signal representing the pressure; a regulator connected to an output of the pressure sensing device and arranged for generating a fourth signal as a function of the third signal; and an integrating device connected to an output of the signal generating device and an output of the regulator for receiving the second and fourth signals and emitting a fifth signal as a function of the second and fourth signals. The integrating device is connected to the output amplifier for applying the fifth signal thereto.

Abstract: A method of processing textile fiber includes the steps of removing fiber tufts from fiber bale tops by a fiber bale opening device by effecting a travel of the opening device back-and-forth above serially arranged fiber bales to execute consecutive opening passes; lowering the opening device prior to each opening pass for adapting the opening device to the height level of the fiber bale tops; introducing the fiber tufts removed by the bale opener into a fiber storage device; conveying the fiber tufts from the fiber storage device to a successive processing station; and varying the duration of the opening passes by varying the travelling speed of the opening device. The travelling speed is varied as a function of a fiber quantity requirement by a fiber processing machine forming part of a fiber processing line and being supplied by fiber, at least indirectly, by the fiber bale opening device.