Method and apparatus for separating sliver into individual fibers in a sliver opening device

A process for separating sliver into individual fibers in a sliver opening device of an open end spinning machine, the sliver opening device being of the type having a sliver intake opening, a trash discharge opening, an outlet opening for the discharge of individual fibers therethrough for feeding to the rotor of the open end spinning machine, a rotating opening roller of the type having a hollow interior and perforations extending from its exterior to its interior, and air flow control means disposed in the hollow interior of the opening roller having an opening located generally adjacent the sliver intake opening and an interior hollow chamber extending from the opening, the chamber being relatively large and the opening being relatively small, comprising:

• feeding sliver through the sliver intake opening into the sliver opening device;
• and
• rotating the opening roller, whereby air is caused to move from the exterior of the opening roller interiorly through the opening roller perforations into the hollow interior of the opening roller under the control of said air flow control means to cause fibers from the sliver to project toward the opening roller.