Abstract: A drive device for the detaching rollers in a combing machine which includes a coupling member having an inner toothed wheel rim with a central axis extending therethrough. A central wheel is carried in the coupling member. The central wheel has an axially located take-off shaft which is used for driving the detaching rollers of the combing machine. Teeth are carried on the central wheel and mesh with the teeth of the inner toothed wheel rim. A first crank arm is provided for reciprocally rotating the coupling member as a second crank arm drives the coupling member about an axis offset from its central axis for imparting a pilgram (about two steps forward and one step back) motion to the take-off shaft of the central wheel.