Abstract: A method and apparatus for opening and mixing the fibers from a plurality of bales according to a predetermined mixture. The device includes tongs-like gripper means which press into the fiber bales for removing fibers therefrom. A measuring means and a control means determine the width of opening of the gripper means. A control circuit is provided for receiving a signal representing the weight of the first pick-up from a particular bale and the weight of the fibers deposited in a receiver container. When the sum of these signals is equal to the preset desired weight of the fibers that are to be deposited in the receiver container, a compared signal is produced causing the tongs on successive pick-ups to be opened to a lesser degree. As a result, a high degree of accuracy is obtained when mixing to a predetermined ratio while maintaining a high production output.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for opening and mixing the fibers from a plurality of bales according to a predetermined mixture. The device includes tongs-like gripper means which press into the fiber bales for removing fibers therefrom. A measuring means and a control means determine the width of opening of the gripper means. A control circuit is provided for receiving a signal representing the weight of the first pick-up from a particular bale and the weight of the fibers deposited in a receiver container. When the sum of these signals is equal to the preset desired weight of the fibers that are to be deposited in the receiver container, a compared signal is produced causing the tongs on successive pick-ups to be opened to a lesser degree. As a result, a high degree of accuracy is obtained when mixing to a predetermined ratio while maintaining a high production output.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening bales of fibers using a gripper which detaches a layer of fibers from the top of a bale and then moves upwardly. A hold-back device is provided for grasping a web of fibers hanging down from said gripper device after the gripper device has been raised with the detached fiber material.

Abstract: A device for opening and mixing fibers according to a predetermined mixture ratio with a pincer-like gripper device. A carriage transports the pincer-like gripper pass bales of different fibers so that the pincer-like gripper device can remove fibers from said bales according to desired ratios for making up a predetermined mixture ratio. The width that the gripper device is opened is variable so that small amounts of fibers can be picked up from the bales when a small ratio is desired and when a large ratio is desired for making up the mixture ratio, the grippers can be opened wider for making the device more efficient.