Fiber batt feeding apparatus for a fiber processing machine

摘要

An apparatus for feeding a fiber batt to a fiber processing machine includes a feed roll; a feed table formed of a plurality of separately movable feed table segments each cooperating with the feed roll and defining therewith a nip through which the fiber batt passes; a plurality of springs each being affixed to the feed table segment to form integral components therewith; and an elongated holding element extending spaced from, and generally parallel to the feed roll. Each spring is affixed to the holding element. The feed table segments are individually movable away from the feed roll against a force of respective springs in response to thickness variations in the fiber batt as the fiber batt passes through the nip. There is further provided a support for rotatably supporting the holding element. The feed table segments impart torques on the holding element through the respective springs as a function of movements of the feed table segments and the holding element is rotated by the torques to an extent representing a sum of the torques. A sensor is connected to the holding element for generating a signal as a function of rotary displacements of the holding element.