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: A method of securing a plurality o048268999 f replaceable segments to a base wherein a plurality of deformable supporting members are releasably fastened to the base and wherein co-operating means are provided on a rear face of the segments and on the supporting members, the arrangement being such that the means connecting the supporting members to the base are also used to cause the means on the supporting members to engage with the co-operating means on the rear of the segments.While it is envisaged the invention could be used for securing any working surface to a base member, the invention is particularly suited to securing replaceable segments on a rotary work member and also has particular utility in the textile field for connecting staves to a bas roller or the like.

Abstract: An opening roller assembly for open end spinning machines wherein the roller is releasably and slidably supported on a drive shaft of the open end spinning machine to enable easy removal of the roller for refurbishing, replacement or repair. Non-mechanical means is provided to maintain the roller in an operative position on the drive shaft. Such means may comprise magnetic or fluid pressure means, or gravity. When in its operative position on the shaft, mechanical drive means extending directly or indirectly between the drive shaft and the roller will automatically become engaged. These drive means may be provided by a drive pin or mating engaging surfaces, for example.

Abstract: A cutting device for cutting sheets of material wherein a cutting member co-operates with a bed of upstanding pins which support the sheet. Although the cutting member may be a knife, it is preferably composed of a line of upstanding pins which are sufficiently long to penetrate through the material to be cut and to enter the bed of upstanding pins. The cutting device may comprise two drums mounted for rotation in opposite senses about parallel axes, one drum carrying the cutting member and the other the bed of pins, the tips of the pins being aligned with the cylindrical surface of their associated drum.

Abstract: A carding flat for use with textile carding machinery comprises an array of individual pins each secured in a respective aperture in a flat support.