Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automatic characterization of mechanical and/or geometric properties of stable fiber sample comprises presenting stable fiber samples in a magazine. The stable fiber samples are clamped in place for analysis by the apparatus which characterizes the mechanical and/or geometric properties of the fiber samples.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method automatically charge a machine for characterizing mechanical and/or geometrical properties of staple fiber samples. The apparatus includes a plurality of clamping strips each having a plurality of clamps for receiving fiber samples, at least one reservoir for the clamping strips, and a transporter whereby the clamping strips or individual fiber samples are automatically brought from the reservoir into the machine. The method includes charging a plurality of clamping strips with fiber samples, introducing the charged clamping strips into a reservoir, and automatically bringing the individual clamping strips or individual fiber samples via a transporter from the reservoir into the machine.