Abstract: A method for operating a bale opening machine (1) includes the step of defining a desired normal or operational take-off depth for the take-off device or extraction member (6) to be applied to all of the bales (7) of the bale lie. An actual take-off depth is computed for predetermined positions along the bale line as a function of the normal take-off depth and factors computed for the respective positions to take into account bale height differences and density differences between the bales. With respect to the bale height differences (4MAX−aMIN), the take-off factors have a proportional value based on a bale height at the respective positions compared to a total bale height difference between the highest and lowest bales. A total bale height is recomputed prior to each pass of the take-off device and the actual take-off depth factors are set to a value of 1 if the computed total bale height difference is reduced to at least the magnitude of the normal take-off depth.

Abstract: In a fiber processing machine with a separating edge in which fibers as well as air are guided in a substantially predetermined transporting direction past the edge, trash particles are selectively removed from the fiber/air stream with the help of the edge. The adjustment of a separating element, in particular, the setting of the angular position of a separating surface and/or the penetration depth upstream from the separating surface is linked with an adaptation of the width of the eliminating gap. Also, at least one measure can be taken for eliminating, as far as possible, a pressure drop and/or air turbulences downstream (in the transporting direction) from the edge. Downstream from the edge, a flow pattern as laminar as possible is generated or maintained, respectively.

Abstract: A bale opening machine is provided with a safety apparatus, by means of which there are produced safety barriers or fences parallel to lengthwise sides of a row of bales to be opened and/or substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the bale opening machine. The safety apparatus moves in conjunction with the bale opening machine. The safety apparatus can comprise mechanical and/or sensory protective structure. The sensory protective structure comprises one or more electro-acoustical transducers arranged in a sonic chute together with one or more reference reflectors such that transmitted acoustical signals are split into a measuring signal and a reference signal. The reference signal is reflected at one of the reference reflectors, whereas the measuring signal is reflected at a deflection reflector into the monitored area and back again by an object located in the monitored area.

Abstract: The cleaning or blow room line comprises at least one bale opening machine connected by ducts and at least one cleaning machine and a blender with a plurality of cards. The transport of the fiber flocks extracted by the at least one bale opening machine through the cleaning line is achieved by suction ventilators provided for such cleaning line. After at least one cleaning location a pressure sensor is arranged in an associated duct and delivers a signal to a control or regulator which controls or regulates, as the case may be, the size of a false air opening which co-dictates the air flow through the ducts. The false air opening can be constructed as an adjustable element in the form of a hinged flap or a slide element positioned relative to an opening in a duct, whereby the regulator controls the extent to which the flap or slide member is pivoted or slid, thereby adjusting the amount of air that is drawn into the duct.

Abstract: A fiber bale opening device (1.1) with a bale opening organ (30) moves in the direction of the arrow A over a row of bales (4) to open fiber flocks from the surface of the bales by means of the opening rollers 6a and 6b. The opening rollers are inclined in such a way that the bales are opened with an angle .gamma. to the horizontal. The opening rollers (6a and 6b) are moreover adjustable to incline in such a way that the depth of penetration (T.1) of the leading opening roller correspond substantially to half the penetration depth (T.2) of the trailing opening roller. These penetration depths can, on the one hand, be effected by the setting of the opening rollers. Movement of the opening organ (30) in direction (D) sets of the opening rollers in order to retain the opening depth (T.1).

Abstract: The extraction arm of a fiber bale opening machine is provided with an adjustable grid made up of spaced apart grid bars between which driveable fiber removal members project to detach tufts of fiber from the bales. The depth of projection of the fiber removal members through the grid is adjustable by adjustment of the positions of the grid bars. The grid bars are mounted at their two ends on respective pivot spindles and at least one lever mechanism rotates a pivot shaft to move the pivot spindles up or down to lift or lower the grid bars. Also, the grid bars are restrained against undesired movements in the direction of their lengths by suitable stops or slots.

Abstract: An adjustable grid for the extraction arm of a bale-opener machine for adjusting the depth of penetration of drivable fiber extraction elements extending between the grid bars which are substantially tranversely arranged relative to the longitudinal direction of the extraction arm, has the grid bars biased by the spring devices into an abutment position corresponding to a minimum depth of penetration of the extraction elements. The spring force is selected such that the moveably arranged grid bars are displaced, in accordance with the bale hardness, in the direction of increasing depth of penetration of the extraction elements into a position which at least approximately corresponds to the appropriate depth of penetration of the extraction elements.

Abstract: In an apparatus for opening bales of textile fibers, a deflecting member for the fiber flocks is arranged within the housing and extends in the longitudinal direction of the opening roll. This deflecting member deflects fiber flocks supplied on the one side of the roll into the conveying shaft, at least largely prevents leakage air coming from the other side of the roll, and is able to shift in position under the action of blows which act on it during bale opening, for example blows caused by foreign articles. The deflecting member is pivotally secured in the region of its longitudinal edge adjacent the roll, to respective links for executing pivotal movements about an axis which extends parallel to such longitudinal edge. The opposite ends of the links are in turn pivotally journalled on the housing. Moreover, an extendible and retractable unit is provided for changing over the direction of the deflecting member in accordance with the direction of rotation of the opening roll.

Abstract: A flock extraction apparatus includes a pair of ducts which extend along a track for conveying fiber flock and a diverter chamber at one end of the ducts for directing the flock into one or the other of a pair of transport ducts extending from the diverter chamber. Plates are used to block communication between the diverter chamber and the respective transport ducts as well as to sub-divide the diverter chamber for communication with a respective duct extending along the track.

Abstract: The flock delivery system employs a microcomputer with a storage cell for each marker and a storage cell for each stretch of path (containing one or more bale groups) between the markers. The control system is conditional selectively to "permit" or "inhibit" extraction of flocks from bales in each block individually. Various flock bending combinations can be obtained from time-to-time by programming of the control system.

Abstract: The fiber flock removal apparatus has a pair of removal rolls which may be adjusted in height relative to each other to obtain different depths of penetration into the fiber bales. The removal rolls may rotate codirectionally with the direction of travel or may operate in contra-direction with respect to the direction of travel. The rolls may be mounted individually for vertical movement relative to each other or may be mounted in a common removal means which is pivotal about a horizontal axis to achieve adjustability in the relative heights of the removal rolls. In one embodiment, the rolls are maintained in a common horizontal plane while grid bars are angularly adjusted to obtain different depths of penetration of the removal rolls into the fiber bales.

Abstract: The flock delivery system employs a microcomputer with a storage cell for each marker and a storage cell for each stretch of path (containing one or more bale groups) between the markers. The control system is conditional selectively to "permit" or "inhibit" extraction of flocks from bales in each block individually. Various flock blending combinations can be obtained from time-to-time by programming of the control system.

Abstract: The fiber processing installation monitors the operation of a discontinuously operating stop/go stage to obtain an actual value signal corresponding to the ratio of operative time to inoperative time as well as the total production of a continuously operating downstream stage, such as a card room, to establish a set value signal. A deviation of the actual value from the set value provides a control signal to adjust the ratio of operative time to inoperative time of the upstream stage so as to maintain the total production of the installation constant.

Abstract: An arrangement for extracting fiber flocks from textile fiber bales includes a fiber flock extraction member which passes between and projects to a predetermined extent beyond respective grid bars which rest on the bale surface during the extraction operation, for the extraction member to extract the fiber flocks from the surface layer of the bale. The extent to which the extraction member extends beyond the grid bars can be adjusted in dependence on the fiber type. To achieve this, the grid bars are movable with respect to the extraction member by respective screw-threaded spindles. This adjustment is performed under the control of a suitable control system, especially a microprocessor, such that the extent of projection of the extraction member beyond the grid bars is automatically accommodated to the fiber type of each bale or bale group from which the fiber flocks are to be extracted during a particular extraction operation.

Abstract: To avoid damage to apparatus for opening textile fiber bales by foreign bodies, a fiber diverting member, against an edge of which such foreign bodies strike during opening of the fiber bales, is mounted to be pivotable out of either one of two possible predetermined fiber diverting positions.