Abstract: The removal of flocks from the series of fiber bales is controlled by a control signal which is generated in response to a deviation from a predetermined ratio of the operating time intervals and the non-operating time intervals of the flock removal member. Flock material is continuously withdrawn from the storage receiver while delivery of flock is controlled by stop and start signals (a, e) which are produced in response to the receiver achieving maximum fill or minimum fill. A determination is made of the operating time interval between a start signal and a succeeding stop signal while a non-operating time period is determined between the stop signal and the next succeeding start signal in order to obtain the control signal.