Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a sliver from a web of fibres leaving the upper part of a horizontally extending delivery roller (2) of a cotton type carding machine. The web is delivered downwardly from the upper part of the delivery roller into proximity with a surface of power driven selvedge support means, in one embodiment conveyors (9 and 10). The surface of the selvedge support means moves at a level below the upper part of the delivery roller in a direction that is generally longitudinal to the delivery roller and into a sliver-forming nip (15). The downwardly travelling web passes through the nip and tension is applied to the web by the action of the nip. The sliver is delivered from the nip (15) and may pass directly to calender rolls (27) immediately downstream of the nip. If parts of the web should break, the selvedge support means will guide these back into the nip to regain normal running.

Abstract: A carding engine having a rotatable hollow carding cylinder (5). The inner surface of the cylinder is formed with a fluid-conveying pathway (18 to 21) in a pattern such that fluid circulated through the pathway will maintain the surface temperature of the cylinder substantially uniform. Means are provided for circulating fluid through the pathway in such a way that during operation the pathway is maintained full of fluid.