Method of and apparatus for supplying batches of bristles to magazines of brush making machines

Apparatus for supplying bristles to at least one bristle processing machine, comprising at least one source of supply of loose substantially parallel bristles;

• means for withdrawing from the supply successive batches of bristles including a separating tool and means for moving said tool relative to said source so that the tool penetrates into the supply and separates therefrom batches of bristles whereby the tool establishes in the supply a gap between the separated batch and the remainder of the supply prior to withdrawal of the thus separated batch from the source;
• means for aligning the bristles in said source including at least one aligning element, means for moving the aligning element into the gap in the supply and means for moving the aligning element in the gap;
• and means for transporting the batches to the at least one machine.

Apparatus for supplying bristles to at least one bristle processing machine, comprising at least one source of supply of loose substantially parallel bristles, including a receptacle defining a chamber for said supply and having two end walls parallel to the bristles of said supply, at least one of said end walls having at least one recess;

• means for withdrawing from the supply successive batches of bristles, comprising a separating tool and means for moving said tool relative to said receptacle so that the tool repeatedly penetrates into and separates from the supply portions which constitute said successive batches, said tool including a portion which enters said at least one recess during initial penetration of the tool into said supply;
• and means for transporting the batches to the at least one machine.