A method of loading a carding machine for the manufacture of yarn. The method includes deriving a component load schedule with a plurality of discrete loading steps. The series of discrete loading steps comprise at least a first load amount and a second load amount, wherein the sum of the first load amount and the second load amount is a first overall load amount. The method includes loading a first amount of a first component equal to the first load amount of a discrete loading step, loading a second amount of a second component equal to the second load amount of the discrete loading step and repeating the steps of loading a first amount and loading a second amount for each of the discrete loading steps.

The feed device for feeding individualized fibers or fiber flocks to a transport device which includes a first feed segment and a second feed segment for feeding in a starting material. Each feed segment has its own feed roller and each feed roller is individually actuatable. The feed device also includes an opening roller, which cooperates with the feed rollers of the first and second feed segments to individualize the starting material into fibers or fiber flocks. The first and second feed segments are arranged a certain distance apart in a circumferential direction of the opening roller.

The feed device for feeding individualized fibers or fiber flocks to a transport device which includes a first feed segment and a second feed segment for feeding in a starting material. Each feed segment has its own feed roller and each feed roller is individually actuatable. The feed device also includes an opening roller, which cooperates with the feed rollers of the first and second feed segments to individualize the starting material into fibers or fiber flocks. The first and second feed segments are arranged a certain distance apart in a circumferential direction of the opening roller.

A fiber preparation machine for processing fiber material includes a store or filling chute for storing the fiber material before or after processing. A camera is directed into an interior of the store or filling chute, the camera having an optical axis oriented at an angle (α) with respect to a vertical axis that is perpendicular to a surface of the fiber material in a range of plus 30 degrees to minus 30 degrees. The camera has a resolution for detecting a particle having an extension of 0.1 mm2 on the surface of the fiber material.

A method and apparatus for producing continuous web or sliver of milkweed fibers without the use of conventional carding machines is disclosed. The method generally includes feeding raw materials including milkweed fibers into the apparatus, transferring the milkweed fibers to a sliver collecting net, and producing the slivers on the surface of the sliver collecting net. The slivers can be separated from the sliver collecting net.

A method and apparatus for producing continuous web or sliver of milkweed fibers without the use of conventional carding machines is disclosed. The method generally includes feeding raw materials including milkweed fibers into the apparatus, transferring the milkweed fibers to a sliver collecting net, and producing the slivers on the surface of the sliver collecting net. The slivers can be separated from the sliver collecting net.

The feed device for feeding individualized fibers or fiber flocks to a transport device which includes a first feed segment and a second feed segment for feeding in a starting material. Each feed segment has its own feed roller and each feed roller is individually actuatable. The feed device also includes an opening roller, which cooperates with the feed rollers of the first and second feed segments to individualize the starting material into fibers or fiber flocks. The first and second feed segments are arranged a certain distance apart in a circumferential direction of the opening roller.

A method and apparatus for producing continuous web or sliver of milkweed fibers without the use of conventional carding machines is disclosed. The method generally includes feeding raw materials including milkweed fibers into the apparatus, transferring the milkweed fibers to a sliver collecting net, and producing the slivers on the surface of the sliver collecting net. The slivers can be separated from the sliver collecting net.

A method and apparatus for producing continuous web or sliver of milkweed fibers without the use of conventional carding machines is disclosed. The method generally includes feeding raw materials including milkweed fibers into the apparatus, transferring the milkweed fibers to a sliver collecting net, and producing the slivers on the surface of the sliver collecting net. The slivers can be separated from the sliver collecting net.

A method of forming carded fibers of different materials. A feed system has a plurality of separate laterally spaced chambers containing fibers of different materials. The different fibers are fed in separate laterally spaced paths into a carding apparatus having a plurality of rollers and cylinders each having laterally spaced sections in alignment with the laterally spaced paths to receive and maintain the different fibers in the laterally spaced paths thereon as they move through the carding apparatus. The different fibers are combined into a multi-fiber roving or web after they exit the carding apparatus. Depending on the composition of the different fibers, they may be combined by conveying them through a humidifying and heated chamber or chambers.