Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for producing a blended yarn from cotton fibers and man-made or synthetic fibers. According to conventional methods the blending of cotton fibers and man-made fibers has been hitherto effected subsequent to a cotton combing process. In order to obtain an appropriate yarn quality, it is necessary to comb out the cotton and thereby separate the short fibers thereof. With the prior art method of bringing together or combining the blend constituents subsequent to the cotton combing process, there have been problems with regard to a homogeneous blending of cotton and man-made fibers. A great number of machines is thereby required and the corresponding constructional expenditure is high. Therefore, a method and an apparatus are suggested and according to which the two blend constituents, namely cotton fibers and man-made fibers, are already brought together or combined prior to the combing process.

Abstract: A cleaning arrangement for the pressing rollers of a combing machine which are pressed toward associated detaching rollers includes at least one cleaning roller which is mounted for free rotation in engagement with the respective pressing roller about an axis parallel to that of such pressing roller. The cleaning roller has a smooth outer surface to which fibers will not adhere. During the operation of the combing machine, the pressing rollers conduct controlled intermittent rotary movements, but the cleaning roller does not immediately follow such movements; rather, a certain degree if slippage occurs between the cleaning roller and the respective pressing roller, resulting in stripping off of any fibers which may adhere to the pressing roller.