Abstract: The apparatus is for measuring at least one of color and trash in a fiber sample. A light emitting diode light source generates an incident light that is directed toward the fiber sample, and reflected by the fiber sample, thereby producing a reflected light. A sensor receives the reflected light and produces a signal. A controller controls the light source and the sensor, and at least one of receives and adjusts the signal. At least one of the incident light, the reflected light and the signal is conditioned to compensate for differences between the light emitting diode light source and a xenon light source. Thus, drawbacks of the xenon light source used to date can be avoided.

Abstract: The apparatus is for measuring at least one of color and trash in a fiber sample. A light emitting diode light source generates an incident light that is directed toward the fiber sample, and reflected by the fiber sample, thereby producing a reflected light. A sensor receives the reflected light and produces a signal. A controller controls the light source and the sensor, and at least one of receives and adjusts the signal. At least one of the incident light, the reflected light and the signal is conditioned to compensate for differences between the light emitting diode light source and a xenon light source. Thus, drawbacks of the xenon light source used to date can be avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a sample including fibers and trash, having a cylinder rotating in a first direction for receiving the sample. The cylinder has a surface with rigid pins. The pins engage and retain the fibers of the sample. A collection surface receives the trash that falls from the cylinder. A counter-flow of air moves in a separation region between the cylinder and the collection surface in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to and towards the underside of the cylinder. The counter-flow of air has at each position within the separation region an air-flow velocity that is sufficient for the counter-flow of air to blow the fibers that are not originally retained by the pins up toward the cylinder and thereby engaging the fibers with the cylinder, and yet insufficient to prevent gravity from pulling the trash downward through the counter-flow of air.

Abstract: The weighing apparatus is for automatically weighing trash that is separated from a fiber sample. It includes a scale, a weigh pan disposed on the scale, a cleaner for passing a cleaning element across a surface of the weigh pan when the scale is not taking a weight measurement, and a controller for selectively controlling operations and sequencing of the scale and the cleaner.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a sample including fibers and trash, having a cylinder rotating in a first direction for receiving the sample. The cylinder has a surface with rigid pins. The pins engage and retain the fibers of the sample. A collection surface receives the trash that falls from the cylinder. A counter-flow of air moves in a separation region between the cylinder and the collection surface in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to and towards the underside of the cylinder. The counter-flow of air has at each position within the separation region an air-flow velocity that is sufficient for the counter-flow of air to blow the fibers that are not originally retained by the pins up toward the cylinder and thereby engaging the fibers with the cylinder, and yet insufficient to prevent gravity from pulling the trash downward through the counter-flow of air.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a sample of fibers and trash, having a cylinder for receiving the sample. Pins extend from the surface of the cylinder and retain the fibers. A knife extends along the cylinder adjacent the pins, and removes the trash that is not retained by the pins. The trash is separated from the sample along a downward direction. A counter-flow of air in an upward direction is directed towards the cylinder, where the velocity is sufficient to blow the fibers that are not originally retained by the pins up toward the cylinder, and yet is insufficient to prevent gravity from pulling the trash downward.