Abstract: A method an apparatus for opening and mixing the fibers from a plurality of bales according to a predetermined mixture. The device includes tongs-like gripper means which press into the fiber bales for removing fibers therefrom. A measuring means and a control means determine the width of opening of the gripper means. A control circuit is provided for receiving a signal representing the weight of the first pick-up from a particular bale and the weight of the fibers deposited in a receiver container. When the sum of these signals is equal to the preset desired weight of the fibers that are to be deposited in the receiver container, a compared signal is produced causing the tongs on successive pick-ups to be opened to a lesser degree. As a result, a high degree of accuracy is obtained when mixing to a predetermined ratio while maintaining a high production output.

Abstract: In an open-end spinning apparatus with an opening roller 2 and a supply device 1, a sliver clamp 5 associated with the supply device 1 is provided to interrupt the sliver feed and can be actuated when the supply roller 10 continues to run by a yarn monitor 31 or a lap monitor 12. In the fiber transport direction, a further, second sliver clamp 6, actuable simultaneously with the first sliver clamp 5 is arranged in front of the supply device 1 at a distance which is as large as the average staple fiber length. Preferably the moving part 62 of the further sliver clamp 6 is rigidly connected to the clamping lever 53 of the first sliver clamp 5.

Abstract: A two-speed transmission having an input shaft and an output shaft. A slow speed input pulley and a high speed input pulley are provided on the input shaft. An overrunning clutch and a selectively engageable clutch are provided on the output shaft, each of which has a pulley provided thereon. A pair of timing belts, each of which has teeth on both sides thereof, pass around the pulleys provided on the input shaft and the pulleys provided on the output shaft causing the output shaft to rotate at an opposite direction from the input shaft. By selectively engaging and disengaging the selectively engageable clutch, the output shaft can be rotated at two distinct speeds and at the high speed, it overruns the drive mechanism for the slow speed stage as a result of the use of the overrunning clutch.