Abstract: The invention concerns apparatuses (1) for distributing mixed fluid or bulk material on to agricultural productive surfaces (100) comprising a distribution device (5) which has at least one fluid inlet (3) which can be connected to a mixed fluid supply and a plurality of outlets (7). The apparatus has a plurality of conduits (11) connected to the outlets, wherein the conduits (11) have a respective connecting portion (35b) for coupling to an application device (9), wherein an outlet (7) and the conduit (11) connected to the fluid outlet define a respective flow path. In particular the apparatuses have a device (15) for blockage detection in individual ones of, a plurality of or all flow paths, that has a plurality of sensors (21), and an electronic evaluation unit (17) which is adapted to receive the measurement signals output by the sensors (21), compare them to each other and on the basis of signal deviations determined in that case to identify individual ones of or a plurality of flow paths as blocked.

Abstract: The invention concerns apparatuses (1) for distributing mixed fluid or bulk material on to agricultural productive surfaces (100) comprising a distribution device (5) which has at least one fluid inlet (3) which can be connected to a mixed fluid supply and a plurality of outlets (7). The apparatus has a plurality of conduits (11) connected to the outlets, wherein the conduits (11) have a respective connecting portion (35b) for coupling to an application device (9), wherein an outlet (7) and the conduit (11) connected to the fluid outlet define a respective flow path. In particular the apparatuses have a device (15) for blockage detection in individual ones of, a plurality of or all flow paths, that has a plurality of sensors (21), and an electronic evaluation unit (17) which is adapted to receive the measurement signals output by the sensors (21), compare them to each other and on the basis of signal deviations determined in that case to identify individual ones of or a plurality of flow paths as blocked.

Abstract: In an apparatus for transporting textile laps to a comber, wherein the apparatus includes a bridge structure for traveling movement between a lap storage station and the comber, a trolley movable along the bridge structure, and a lap gripping mechanism suspended from the trolley by an elevating mechanism, sensors are provided for detecting the presence of a lap at the lap storage station and detecting the central supporting tube of the lap for precisely positioning the gripping mechanism at a lowered position at the lap storage station to engage a full replacement lap. A controller is associated with the sensors for controlling subsequent lowering of the gripping mechanism at the comber by the same distance the gripping mechanism was lowered at the storage station to initially receive the replacement lap, thereby to insure that the lap is deposited at the comber safely and gently without damage.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting full textile laps to a plurality of combers includes an elevated bridge structure movable in series between a lap storage station and the plural combers, a trolley movable along the bridge structure, and a lap gripping device suspended from the trolley for carrying a full replacement lap. The bridge structure is provided with a detector for each work station of each comber to recognize detectable elements at the work stations which are normally obscured by laps supported thereat but are uncovered when the laps are depleted to a sufficient extent that a replacement lap is required. Upon recognizing the detectable elements at any work station, the associated detector element transmits a signal to a controller which actuates the gripping mechansim to deposit a full replacement lap at the work station.