Abstract: The apparatus for the preparation of an end-aligned fiber sample comprises an array of fiber combs, a first drive unit, a fiber collection device connected to the first drive unit, a suction device, a detection device and a control unit to control each of the foregoing components. The method for preparing an end-aligned fiber sample uses the control unit to operate each of the foregoing components to prepare an end-aligned fiber sample. The apparatus can be combined with testing units for testing the end-aligned fiber samples. One of the testing units can test for short fiber content. The testing for short fiber content also can employ the detection device of the apparatus.

Abstract: The device for the preparation of fibrous material to be tested comprises means for fastening said fibrous material, means for partitioning the fibrous material, and means for clamping and separating the fibrous material. The means for fastening, the means for partitioning and the means for clamping operate in essentially parallel surface planes. Since the device essentially operates by performing linear translations in surface planes, it is suited to automation, simple, maintenance-friendly and inexpensive.

Abstract: A container for the dissolution of a tablet of material is characterized by a plurality of projections mounted within the container. The projections cooperate to define a tablet-receiving recess adapted to confine a tablet inwardly therewithin in a relatively high energy zone during sonication of the tablet. Gaps between the projections define recirculating liquid channels whereby hydrating liquid passing through the tablet-receiving recess may be recirculated to other regions of the compartment.