Abstract: A micronaire testing apparatus includes a vertically movable carriage for receiving a test chamber formed by two telescoping cylinders. A scale is positioned below the carriage so that the chamber may be automatically weighed. Based on the weight information recorded for a sample, cylinders are telescoped together to produce an air flow test chamber of volume calculated to produce a constant density sample. A pivoting lid is used to close the top of the test chamber, and is spring biased to the open position. A latch bar is biased to a position firmly holding the lid in its closed position, and the carriage presses the test chamber against the lid to produce a peripheral seal of the lid.

Abstract: A fiber sampler has a flat collection surface and a carriage movable toward the surface to press a mass of fiber placed on the surface. The carriage, which includes a foraminous plate parallel to the collection surface, is pressed against the fiber with a predetermined pressure kept constant from one sample to the next with the pressure applied, a rake composed of parallel needles spaced rearwardly from a deflection bar is passed across the top of the foraminous plate to extract sample fibers from the portion of fiber extending through the plate holes. At the end of rake travel, the fibers are held between a fixed stop plate on the carriage and a back plate movable with the needles. A pinch clamp assembly is provided which can be lowered to grip the fibers collected on the needles.