Abstract: An air stream is caused to impinge on a collecting surface disposed in a sharply defined suction zone. Fibers having a predetermined maximum length are entrained by said air stream to cause said fibers to be delivered to and form a condensed sliver on said collecting surface. Air is sucked in said suction zone at a rate which is approximately as large as the rate of said air stream. Said condensed sliver is drawn from said collecting surface and is subsequently twisted to form a thread. Said thread is drawn off while being held against rotation. The suction zone has in the direction in which said condensed sliver is drawn off a dimension which is approximately as large as the maximum length of said fibers. The suction zone has at right angles to said direction a dimension which is approximately as large as the diameter of said condensed sliver.

Abstract: A yarn is spun on a suction drum having a horizontal axis and operable to rotate in a on direction about the axis from textile fibers impinged n the drum throughout a suction zone. A suction box in the drum is operable to form the suction zone on the drum periphery and is angularly spaced by an acute angle from the zenith of the drum in an opposite direction. The suction zone has a sharply defined edge adjacent the zenith of the drum. The impinged fibers are twisted together to form a yarn tail and are subsequently spun to form a yarn under the action of components of force which are due to the rotation of the drum and the suction in the suction zone. The width of the suction zone equals the diameter of the yarn tail, measured in the predetermined direction.