Abstract: The position of foreign matter in a bale pattern after its separation in a separating device (10) may be evaluated in that the relative position of the opening device (1) and the transport time of the fibers between the opening device (1) and the separating device (10) is determined in each relative position. Given a separating procedure, taking account of the mentioned variables, the position of the opening device (1) at the point in time of opening the foreign matter (28) is evaluated. The determined opening position of the foreign matter on the fiber bales (27) is stored as a signal and subsequently preferably graphically represented. The method permits conclusions on the degree of contamination of the fiber bales.

Abstract: A method of processing fiber includes the following steps: removing fiber tufts from a series of fiber bales by a tuft removing device of a bale opener traveling along the bale series; pneumatically conveying the removed fiber tufts in a duct in a direction of conveyance; detecting foreign substances by forming images of the conveyed material by an optical sensor device as the material passes through a location of the duct downstream of the bale opener as viewed in the direction of conveyance; determining the location of each fiber bale in the bale series; determining the degree of lightness, the degree of contamination or the color of the fiber tufts by an image processing device analyzing the generated images; and associating the degree of lightness, the degree of contamination or the color of the fiber tufts with the fiber bale from which the material passing through the duct location originates.

Abstract: A multiple bale opening apparatus for opening fiber bales which includes an inclined conveyor for supporting a longitudinally-extending rank-and-file array of bales in a single, uniformly inclined plane along the entire length of the inclined conveyor, and including a bale-receiving end for receiving bales to be opened, a fiber plucking head carried by a fiber conveyor truck for moving along the length of the inclined conveyor and plucking a layer of fibers from a top surface of the array of bales supported by the inclined conveyor, the fiber plucking head mounted for movement in a horizontal plane to maintain the top surface of the bales in a horizontal plane along the length of the inclined conveyor as the fiber is plucked from the top surface and the depth of the bales is progressively reduced along the length of the conveyor by the movement of the bale plucking means.

Abstract: An improved bale opening machine comprising beaters rotating at high speed in the gaps within a grid of shoes which bear on the bales being worked and which extend longitudinally into that region comprising a series of grooved wheels for leading and conveying the fibres into the region of action of the beaters. The conveying wheels also operate in the gaps between said shoes.

Abstract: A method of detaching fiber tufts from top surfaces of fiber bales which are set up in a fiber bale series along a travelling bale opener that operates with a vertically displaceable tuft-detaching device. The method includes the following steps: the bale height of all the bales of the series carried by the bale opener is determined by sensors; then data representing the bale height of the bale series, a vertical feed for the bales in the series having a minimum bale height and the determined bale height for all bales without feed change are inputted in a computer; then a proportionately higher feed for bales other than those having the minimum bale height is determined; and fiber tufts are detached from the top bale surfaces utilizing the predetermined feeds.

Abstract: An improved device for detecting extraneous conducting bodies in fiber bales processed in bale opening machines, comprising longitudinal shoes between which rotating beaters for withdrawing the fibers and grooved conveying wheels are inserted, and conductance sensors connected into an electrical circuit having one pole connected to the shoes and the other pole connected to said rotating members operating on the fibers and inserted in the gaps between the shoes.

Abstract: An infeed conveyor feeds seed cotton modules successively to a feeder head having disperser drums which reduce the modules to clumps of cotton. Incorporated into the conveyor are fluted rollers and beater rollers which cooperate to agitate the bottom portion of the modules and work the fibers on the bottom of each module so as to stretch and relax these fibers, thereby causing the sand, dirt, mud, trash and other debris accumulated along the bottom of the modules to be released. A conveyor feeds this debris to a hopper.

Abstract: An opening and blending device for pressed fiber bales, comprising a continuous fiber supply on a transport for feeding the pressed fiber bales to a reduction area. The device comprising a milling head guided on rails for reciprocating movement over the reduction area, with a transport plane of the transport extending at an angle to the reduction plane of the reduction area and comprising a suction channel for the removed fiber flocks. The milling head is arranged in an arm extending over the width of the transport and is supported on one side on a rail guide beams to be displaced thereon along the transport.

Abstract: A method of detaching fiber tufts from an upper surface of fiber bales by a detaching device. Each fiber bale has, prior to performing a detaching operation thereon, a height portion defining an upper zone in which a fiber density increases downwardly; a height portion defining a lower zone in which the fiber density decreases downwardly; and a height portion defining a middle zone in which the fiber density is at a maximum, constant value as viewed vertically. The method includes the steps of propelling the detaching device at a travelling speed above the fiber bales in forward and return passes; detaching fiber tufts from the upper bale surface during the passes; periodically displacing the detaching device with a vertical feed as the bales are consumed; advancing the removed fiber tufts to a fiber tuft advancing device; and varying the travelling speed as a function of the decreasing actual height of the fiber bales.

Abstract: A fiber bundle reducer such as a cotton module feeder includes a feeder bed incorporating a reciprocating slat conveyor. A module carrying truck drives onto the slat conveyor and unloads a seed cotton module. In one embodiment, a ramp allows the truck to drive onto the slat conveyor. In another embodiment, the slat conveyor is positioned in a pit so the slats are at ground level. In a third embodiment, the slat conveyor is inclined. The conveyor preferably continues to operate as the truck unloads the module. A bearing construction allows removal and replacement of the load supporting bearings without removing the slats. Another bearing construction between adjacent slats allows the construction of longer conveyors.

Abstract: An apparatus for arranging fiber bales to form a first, operational bale row in preparation for detaching fiber tufts by a bale opener.

Abstract: A bale opener assembly includes a travelling apparatus detaching fiber tufts from surfaces of fiber bales supported along the travel path; and a fiber tuft removing apparatus for removing the fiber tufts from the travelling apparatus by suction. The fiber tuft removing apparatus has a stationary suction channel extending along the travel path and having a longitudinal aperture oriented generally parallel to the travel path; a flexible cover belt stationarily covering major length portions of the longitudinal aperture; a guide mechanism mounted on the travelling apparatus for deflecting the cover belt away from and then back onto the longitudinal aperture, whereby in the suction channel a fiber tuft intake opening is provided which co-travels with the travelling apparatus and through which fiber tufts are introduced into the suction channel from the travelling apparatus during operation.

Abstract: A bale opener for removing fiber tufts from top surfaces of fiber bales assembled in a series includes a carriage for travelling back-and-forth along a generally horizontal, first path of travel along the fiber bale series; a tower mounted on the carriage for travel therewith; a fiber tuft detaching device extending from the tower and movable relative to the tower along a generally vertical, second path of travel; and an incremental rotary displacement signalling device including a shaft; a toothed rotary element mounted on the shaft; a counter element meshing with the rotary element which is movable relative to the counter element; and a signal generator coupled to the toothed element for generating signals as a function of rotary displacements of the toothed element.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing fiber bales in readiness for removing fiber tufts therefrom by a travelling bale opener having an operational range, includes a first arrangement for supporting thereon a plurality of consecutively positioned fiber bales forming a standby bale series having a leading end and a trailing end; and a second arrangement for supporting thereon a plurality of consecutively positioned fiber bales forming an operational bale series to be worked on by the bale opener. The trailing end of the standby bale series is at a greater distance from the second arrangement than the leading end. The second arrangement receives fiber bales from the first arrangement for replenishing the fiber bales of the operational bale series with fiber bales of the standby bale series.

Abstract: Process for the reduction of fiber bales. The fiber bales are set up in several long parallel rows and are reduced by a reducing element travelling along the rows of bales. The reducing element reduces the material in closely adjoining, overlapping paths. The individual offset width may be less than the bale length and several paths can be reduced at the same height level.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing fiber tufts includes a first conveyor for accommodating thereon a row of fiber bales; a bale opener for travelling along the row of fiber bales and removing fiber tufts sequentially from the fiber bales; a storage system for storing a plurality of fiber bales each containing fiber of predetermined properties; a selecting device for selecting fiber bales of desired properties from the fiber bales accommodated in the storage system; and a second conveyor for sequentially advancing the selected fiber bales from the storage system to the first conveyor for complementing the row of fiber bales accommodated on the first conveyor for obtaining a series of fiber bales thereon having preselected, determined properties.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing fiber bales into readiness for removing fiber tufts therefrom by a travelling bale opener has a fiber bale depositing device for positioning an initial fiber bale at an inclined orientation to the vertical and for positioning, adjacent the initial fiber bale, an additional fiber bale at an angle of inclination greater than the angle of inclination of the initial bale as viewed codirectionally with the angle of the initial bale; a bale-supporting device for engaging and stabilizing the initial fiber bale; a displacing device for moving the bale-supporting device into and out of engagement with the initial fiber bale; and a control device for automatically operating the fiber bale depositing device and the displacing device for automatically and sequentially depositing the initial fiber bale, moving the bale-supporting device into engagement with the initial fiber bale, depositing the additional fiber bale into a countersupporting engagement with the initial fiber bale and moving the ba

Abstract: A bale opening machine is provided with a safety apparatus, by means of which there are produced safety barriers or fences parallel to lengthwise sides of a row of bales to be opened and/or substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the bale opening machine. The safety apparatus moves in conjunction with the bale opening machine. The safety apparatus can comprise mechanical and/or sensory protective structure. The sensory protective structure comprises one or more electro-acoustical transducers arranged in a sonic chute together with one or more reference reflectors such that transmitted acoustical signals are split into a measuring signal and a reference signal. The reference signal is reflected at one of the reference reflectors, whereas the measuring signal is reflected at a deflection reflector into the monitored area and back again by an object located in the monitored area.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing danger zones in a bale opening system. The apparatus includes a first beam transmitting/receiving device and a beam guide for guiding the first beam in a generally U-shaped course. A space between the legs of the U-shaped course accommodates conveyor belts on which bales are supported, the bale opener in any position along a path of travel thereof, a shuttle carriage in any position along a path of travel thereof and at least one part of a loading station. The shuttle carriage travels between a loading station where a bale is loaded on the carriage and a location on a conveyor belt where the carriage deposits the bale. The apparatus further has second and third beam transmitting/receiving devices for generating and detecting second and third beams each having a course connecting legs of the U-shaped course in a zone of the loading station. The second beam is more remote from the base of the U-shaped course of the first beam than the third beam.

Abstract: In a multiple bale opener (1) for a plurality of rows of fiber bales (8) arranged side by side and supplied on transport means (6), comprising a reduction device (2) moved in a surface of action (16) having a plane of action extending at an angle to the plane of supply of the transport means (6). It is contemplated that the reduction device (2) consists of at least one action and provided at the end of the transport means (6).

Abstract: A bale opener for removing fiber tufts from top surfaces of fiber bales assembled in a series includes a carriage for travelling back-and-forth along a generally horizontal, first path of travel along the fiber bale series; a tower mounted on the carriage for travel therewith; a fiber tuft detaching device extending from the tower and movable relative to the tower along a generally vertical, second path of travel; and an incremental rotary displacement signalling device including a shaft; a toothed rotary element mounted on the shaft; a counter element meshing with the rotary element which is movable relative to the counter element; and a signal generator coupled to the toothed element for generating signals as a function of rotary displacements of the toothed element.

Abstract: The method for mixing textile fibers utilizes a computer which is inputted with data concerning the characteristics of the fibers of the individual fiber bales to be processed as well as the data indicative of the desired characteristics of the board sliver or yarn which is to be manufactured from the fiber mixture obtained from the fibers of the individual bales. From the inputted data, the computer, in accordance with a predetermined computing algorithm, calculates a component distribution which comes close to the estimated component distribution and which satisfies the desired characteristics of the car sliver or yarn characteristics. The computer may also effect a correction of the computed component distribution taking into account boundary conditions with additional inputted information.

Abstract: A bale opener for detaching fiber tufts from a top surface of a fiber bales series includes a tower for travel along a series of fiber bales in a direction of travel; a detaching device supported by the tower and including a rapidly rotating detaching roll; an arrangement for vertically moving the detaching device relative to the tower; an arrangement for angularly moving the detaching device about a horizontal axis oriented perpendicularly to the direction of travel; and a bale transporting device for advancing the fiber bales in a horizontal feed direction. The bale transporting device includes a conveyor belt and first and second end rollers supporting the conveyor belt. The first end roller is situated downstream of the second end roller as viewed in the horizontal feed direction.

Abstract: In a device for opening pressed fiber bales and spinning material set up in rows along a bale supporting wall (12) by means of a milling device (5) accommodated in an arm casing (6) and having two parallel milling rollers (3,4) working on the surface (20) of the fiber bales (7). A suction hood is arranged above the milling rollers for sucking the loosened fibers off in an air flow. A suction opening (18), open towards the bale surface (20), is recessed between the milling rollers (3, 4) in the front wall (14) of the arm casing (6) facing the bale supporting wall (12) and a stripping device (26) abutting against the bale supporting wall (12), is arranged at the front wall (14) in the area of the suction opening (18).

Abstract: In a device for opening pressed fiber bales material, using at least one milling roller (3,4) acting on the bale surface (20) of the fiber bales, and one pressure roller (18) arranged before and behind the milling roller, respectively, in the moving direction thereof and parallel thereto. A suction hood (21) is arranged above the milling roller (3,4) for sucking off the reduced fibers in an air flow. And air-guide channel (2), provided by a plurality of air-guide sheets (22,26), is arranged between the pressure roller (18) and the milling roller (3,4), extending over the whole length of the milling roller (3,4) and in parallel to the milling and pressure rollers (3,4,18).

Abstract: A fiber bale opening machine having an inclined opening roller (1) is provided with conveying apparatus (100) for stepwise displacement of fiber bales in the direction of the opening roller. The roller is movable transversely with respect to the direction of the displacement. The conveying apparatus includes at least one stationary support for supporting the bale and at least one shifting device for performing a repetitive movement cycle starting from an initial position and returning back to it. In the initial position, the lifting device is lower than the stationary support and the bale is supported on such support. Later the lifting device moves up to take over support of the bale and during this time it shifts in the direction of intended bale displacement.

Abstract: This method serves to optimize and maintain constant fiber-quality in automated mixing of bales having fibers of differing qualities. The bales (1a, . . . 1k, . . . 1n) are moved into the conveyance path (3) of a removal member (4) of a bale-removing device (2) and a fiber sample is automatically withdrawn in each case from the bale (1k) processed by the removal member (4) and is analyzed in measuring and control instrument (5). The analytical values so measured are continuously compared by a program in the measuring and control instrument (5) with nominal values and the comparison measurements so obtained in a continuous manner are used to maintain the mixing values by instructing the bale-removing device (2) to remove corresponding quantities from the particular bales (1a, . . . 1k, . . . 1n) evincing different qualities.

Abstract: A bale opener includes a tower arranged for horizontal travel in a travelling direction along a stationarily supported fiber bale series; a detaching assembly mounted on the tower and projecting laterally therefrom to extend above an upper surface of the bale series; an opening device forming part of the detaching assembly for removing fiber tufts from the upper surface in an oblique plane during travel of the bale opener tower; at least two surface level sensors mounted on the detaching assembly for determining a height level of the upper suface at different locations during the horizontal travel of the bale opener; a path sensor for determining coordinates of the different locations; and a control device for determining the inclination of the upper surface from the height levels of the upper surface at the different locations. The surface level sensors and the path sensor are connected to the control device.

Abstract: Machine setting values containing similar functions are grouped together as a group in a setting value table and as many tables, as present groups, are correlated to machine operating elements. Parameter vectors are obtained from each table, effectuating a predetermined machine setting and the totality of the parameter vectors represent (for instance along a diagram axis) settings for the associated operating element. The group formation of setting values for a fine cleaning machine encompasses, for instance, setting values of the knife or carding element-distance from the beater circle, the point density of the carding element, the clamping distance of the feed trough or funnel from the clothing of the opening roller, and the rotational speed of the opening roller. These setting values are grouped together in a first group and included in a first table for forming parameter vectors for the cleaning intensity.

Abstract: A method of detaching fiber tufts from a top surface of serially-arranged fiber bales by a bale opener includes the steps of propelling the bale opener for back-and-forth travel along the fiber bale series, vertically moving, simultaneously with the propelling step, the detaching device relative to the supporting structure and simultaneously with the propelling step and the vertical displacement of the detacher, removing fiber tufts by the detaching device in consecutive passes.

Abstract: A suction device for a bale opener is provided for sucking off fiber flocks having a suction hood (1) being arranged above the opening means of the bale opener, extending over the whole working width and being connected with a suction channel (6) for removal of the sucked fibers, which suction hood (1) has a suction opening opposite the bale surface and consists of two opposite side walls (4, 5) as well as a rear hood-limiting wall (3) and an upper hood-limiting wall (2) which are at least partially curved. The invention provides that the highest point or uppermost portion (13) of the upper hood-limiting wall (2) is arranged in the central area of the working width and that both hood limiting walls (2, 3) of the suction hood (1) have a continuous curve.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a fiber bale having a soiled surface. The apparatus includes a cleaning device arranged for engaging a bale surface to remove soiled material therefrom and a displacing arrangement for effecting a relative motion between the fiber bale and the cleaning device.

Abstract: A travelling fiber tuft detaching device for removing fiber tufts from top surfaces of stationarily supported fiber bales includes a housing; first and second toothed, parallel detaching rolls accommodated in the housing; first and second pivot frames carrying the first and second detaching rolls, respectively; a pivot shaft for pivotally securing the first and second pivot frames to the housing to provide for a pivotal motion of each pivot frame in a substantially vertical plane relative to the housing; and first and second setting devices articulated to the first and second pivot frames, respecitvely, and to the housing for exerting separately settable adjusting forces to the first and second pivot frames, whereby a height level of the detaching rolls relative to one another is set for effecting penetration of the detaching rolls into a top bale surface to different depths thereof during the detaching operation.

Abstract: A bale opener for detaching fiber tufts from top faces of fiber bales includes a tower for travelling along a fiber bale series in a direction of travel; a cantilever housing supported on, and projecting laterally from the tower; an opening roll supported for rotation in the cantilever housing and being oriented horizontally and transversely to the direction of travel; and a displacing mechanism for displacing the cantilever housing and the opening roll as a unit horizontally relative to the tower, in a direction transverse to the direction of travel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating an uncontaminated portion of a seed cotton module from a water-contaminated face stratum are disclosed. The technique includes conveying a contaminated cotton module toward a housing having a plurality of rotating fiber release bodies mounted therein. The housing and the conveyor are arranged for relative movement so that only the uncontaminated portion of the module is fed into the fiber release bodies while the contaminated face stratum passes beneath the bodies. The uncontaminated cotton is collected and conveyed to a cotton gin and the contaminated cotton is conveyed to a disposal location.

Abstract: A method of removing fiber tufts from a top surface of a fiber bale with a travelling opening device includes the steps of moving the opening device along the top surface of the fiber bale toward and away from a stationary wall face against which a vertical end face of the fiber bale abuts; and codirectionally rotating pressing rolls which are mounted in the opening device travels away from the wall face, the pressing roll which is farthest away from the wall face is lifted from the top bale surface while a bale-penetrating position of the pressing roll which is closest to the wall face is maintained.

Abstract: A fiber bale opening device (1.1) with a bale opening organ (30) moves in the direction of the arrow A over a row of bales (4) to open fiber flocks from the surface of the bales by means of the opening rollers 6a and 6b. The opening rollers are inclined in such a way that the bales are opened with an angle .gamma. to the horizontal. The opening rollers (6a and 6b) are moreover adjustable to incline in such a way that the depth of penetration (T.1) of the leading opening roller correspond substantially to half the penetration depth (T.2) of the trailing opening roller. These penetration depths can, on the one hand, be effected by the setting of the opening rollers. Movement of the opening organ (30) in direction (D) sets of the opening rollers in order to retain the opening depth (T.1).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for operating a bale opening machine having an opening member, wherein the height profile of a row of bales is determined by at least one sensor directed towards the bale surface and is used to control the position of the opening member during the subsequent bale opening. The received signal of the sensor, which is preferably an optical or acoustical sensor or a sensor which operates with radar waves, is processed to obtain a signal corresponding to the hardness of the bales. In addition, the in-feed and, optionally, the penetration of the opening member, is controlled or regulated in accordance with the hardness signal. Various slip-free length measuring devices serves to determine the longitudinal position of the opening member along the row of bales.

Abstract: A method of operating a bale opener arranged for alternating forward and reverse travel along a series of fiber bales and having an opening device including an opening roll for removing fiber tufts from top faces of the fiber bales. The opening roll has unidirectionally inclined teeth. The opening device further has a grate arranged for pressing down on the top faces of the fiber bales and formed of grate bars between which the teeth of the opening roll project. The method includes the following consecutive steps: lowering the opening device immediately prior to a forward working pass, whereby the opening roll executes a downward feed motion; moving the opening device in a forward travelling direction for causing an execution of the forward working pass; and moving the opening device, without an immediately preceding lowering thereof, in a rearward travelling direction for causing an execution of a reverse working pass.

Abstract: A bale opener arranged for travel along a series of fiber bales for removing fiber tufts from top surfaces thereof. The bale opener includes a toothed opening roll supported in an orientation transverse to a direction of travel and a grate formed of grate bars spaced in a direction transverse to the direction of travel and arranged for engaging the top surfaces of the fiber bales. The teeth of the opening roll extend between the grate bars for penetrating into the fiber bales during travel. There are further provided bale pressing elements supported by the bale opener on opposite sides of the opening roll spaced therefrom parallel to the direction of travel. The bale pressing elements are arranged to engage and press down the fiber bales during travel of the bale opener. A setting arrangement simultaneously vertically adjusts the bale pressing elements in opposite directions.

Abstract: A travelling fiber tuft detaching device for removing fiber tufts from top surfaces of stationarily supported fiber bales includes two parallel-arranged detaching rollers rotatable about substantially horizontal axes spaced from one another in a travelling direction and extending transversely thereto. Each detaching roller has a plurality of detaching elements arranged in a plurality of side-by-side situated circumferential series. The detaching device further has a grate formed of a plurality of spaced grate bars extending parallel to the travelling direction. The detaching elements of each circumferential series project into spaces between respective adjoining grate bars. There is further provided a roller and/or grate setting device for adjusting a height level of the detaching rollers and/or grates relative to one another for effecting penetration of the detaching rollers into a top bale surface to different depths thereof during detaching operation.

Abstract: A fiber bale opener includes an upwardly open bale supporting box having a bottom, bale supporting walls together surrounding the bottom for laterally supporting the fiber bale positioned on the bottom; a raising and lowering device connected to the bottom for vertically displacing the bottom and carrier elements for coupling the bottom to the raising and lowering device. The raising and lowering device is situated externally of and horizontally adjacent the box. There is further provided an opening device arranged for a back-and-forth travel above the box to remove fiber material from a top face of the fiber bale positioned on the bottom.

Abstract: A bale opener includes a housing moved along a travelling path, and an opening roll which is mounted in the housing for removing fiber tufts from faces of fiber bales arranged in a series along the travelling path and which has a longitudinal axis lying in a plane oriented perpendicularly to the travelling path. There is further provided a suction device that generates a suction stream within the housing for removing, from a zone of the opening roll, fiber tufts detached by the opening roll from the fiber bales. A pressurized air stream generating device blows air in an upwardly inclined direction into the housing for essentially preventing fiber material from dropping off the fiber bales over upper edges thereof.

Abstract: In order to extract fiber flocks from fiber bales conveyed on a conveyor belt by very small steps in a predetermined direction of travel, an extraction member is moved over the fiber bales in a direction substantially perpendicular to the predetermined direction of travel of the fiber bales. For this purpose, the extraction member comprises a spiked opening roller driven by a motor. This spiked opening roller conveys, by rotary motion thereof, fiber flocks from the surface of the fiber bales into a fiber-flock conveying channel, in which the fiber flocks are drawn off by a fan and delivered to a conveyor channel. In this conveyor channel, which is likewise a suction fiber-flock conveying channel, the fiber flocks are fed via a connecting line or conduit to a fiber-flock processing location. For moving the extraction member over the fiber bales, the extraction member is provided with wheel shafts and wheels having a profiled tread for guidance along tube-shaped tracks.

Abstract: Individual fiber components are blended in accordance with the properties of a required intermediate product such as a card sliver or an end product such as a yarn. The fiber bales are combined into component groups and the fiber components in the groups are accurately supplied by metering devices to a blender in which the components are uniformly mixed. The product from the blender may be cleaned and thereafter carded into a sliver. The characteristics of the sliver, such as the color, fiber, fineness and quantity, are tested and adjustments made in the blending in dependence upon any deviation from preset values for the characteristics.

Abstract: A circular textile fiber bale opener with a goosenecked transition from separately chambered dual plucker rolls provide for larger laydown area and greater production. The transition causes uniform air velocity at the top of the fiber bales across the full length of the plucker rolls. Plucked fibers from the transition are delivered through a centrally disposed hollow shaft for delivery downstream. The shaft carries electrical collector rings with which are associated brushes which rotate with the opener for completing connections between the external and internal wiring required for the apparatus.

Abstract: Opening and blending apparatus for removing fiber from a row of bales has spaced parallel drums carrying disks and the like illustrated in spaced overlapping relation and being driven in opposite directions at different speeds. Spaced grid bar members may be offset in a gap between the drums and terminate in free ends. The grid rods may extend continuously from lateral fixation bars and may be connected by central elements.

Abstract: The extraction arm of a fiber bale opening machine is provided with an adjustable grid made up of spaced apart grid bars between which driveable fiber removal members project to detach tufts of fiber from the bales. The depth of projection of the fiber removal members through the grid is adjustable by adjustment of the positions of the grid bars. The grid bars are mounted at their two ends on respective pivot spindles and at least one lever mechanism rotates a pivot shaft to move the pivot spindles up or down to lift or lower the grid bars. Also, the grid bars are restrained against undesired movements in the direction of their lengths by suitable stops or slots.

Abstract: The removal roll carrier can be inclined at an angle while the carrier is simultaneously moved vertically and while the removal apparatus moves over the line of fiber bales. This has the advantage that flocks can be removed from the bales not only in the horizontal direction but also in an inclined direction. A microprocessor controls the pivoting of the removal apparatus into a predetermined inclined position while simultaneously moving the removal apparatus vertically during movement of the machine frame along the path of the fiber bales.

Abstract: In an opening device for opening pressed fibre bales, e.g. cotton and viscose fibre bales and the like, by means of a reduction device, e.g. a milling device, being translationally movable over the surface of a bale or a row of bales, the reduction device having at least one milling roll with pressure rolls (17, 18) being disposed axially parallel on both sides of the reduction device, opener discs (14), provided on the milling rolls (3,4) meshing with a grate (10), the grate bars (11) of which lie between the opener discs (14) that engage the bale surface, and with a metal detector device, it is provided that the grate bars (11) are extended towards the pressure rolls (17, 18) to the immediate vicinity of the pressure rolls (17,18), and that the metal detector device is formed by the grate bars (11) and said pressure rolls (17, 18), the grate bars (11) forming a first contact surface and the pressure rolls (17, 18) forming a second contact surface.