Abstract: The batt or sheet to be combed is unwound by rotation of a lap roller (1) from a lap disposed thereon. The batt goes from the lap roller (1) by way of the lap feed plate (13) to a feed cylinder (10) mounted in oscillating nippers (6, 8). The feed plate (13) is connected by way of its bottom edge to the oscillating nippers (6, 8) and by way of its top edge to an element (16) which is rigidly secured to the frame and disposed near the lap roller (1). The plate (13) is made of plastics and has a reduced thickness between the two edges in a linear bend zone (18) which is parallel to the edges. The bend zone (18) extends over the whole width of the plate (13) and acts as an articulation. The plate (13) is therefore simple and economical to produce. It requires no hinge between the two edges; also, it is of reduced weight.

Abstract: The lap guide arrangements employs a pair of guide plates for guiding the lap from the lap roller to the feed roller on the nipper. The two guide plates are connected by a strip of flexible material which permits pivoting of the plates relative to each other. The strip of flexible material is made of a high tensile strength so as to accommodate a high nip number, for example, from 300 to 350 per minute.