Abstract: A fiber opening device for use in a discontinuous spinning process. The opening device includes an opening roller rotatably mounted about an axis and having a cylindrical working surface which extends around the axis. Opening elements are provided around the working surface. A space is defined between an axially outermost fiber opening element and an adjacent outer edge of the cylindrical working surface. A pressure reduction opening is provided for reducing pressure in or around that space. The pressure reduction opening is arranged to urge fibers into engagement with the working surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing card-clothed tops to the flats of revolving flat-type carding machines is disclosed, which obviates the necessity for specialist machines used for securing clipped tops to the flanges of the flats. A special type of top clip is provided which, besides being preformed to engage with the bottom side of the top as is usual, also has an inward hooked formation along its upper longitudinal edge. In addition, various kinds of tensioning elements are provided, each of which is engagable with the hooked formations on the clips, and is resiliently loaded, so that in the assembled condition, it causes the clips to pull the top tightly into engagement with the flanges of the flat.