Method and apparatus for automatically starting formation of sliver from a carded web

An automatic startup device for a continuous formation of a sliver from a carded fiber web, comprising

• (a) a roll assembly having an outlet for discharging the fiber web;
• (b) a web transporting means for gathering and advancing the web discharged by said roll assembly;
• said web transporting means being situated under said roll assembly;
• (c) a trumpet situated under said web transporting means for receiving the web therefrom;
• said trumpet having two separable parts between which the web is introduced, said separable parts each having an inner wall portion forming part of a passage for the web;
• said separable parts having a first position and a second position;
• in said first position the two trumpet parts are at a relatively large distance from one another, whereby the web is discharged by the trumpet in a substantially unaltered state;
• in said second position the two trumpet parts are at a relatively small distance from one another, whereby the web is compressed and discharged by the trumpet as a sliver;
• (d) a web delivery means for receiving the web, when said separable parts are in said first position, at least indirectly from said web transporting means for carrying the web away;
• said web delivery means being situated under said web transporting means and said trumpet;
• and
• (e) a calender roll pair arranged under said trumpet for receiving and advancing the sliver discharged by said trumpet when said separable parts thereof are in said second position;
• said trumpet as a whole having relative first and second positions with respect to said web delivery means and said calender roll pair;
• in one of the relative positions said trumpet being in alignment with said calender roll pair for receiving the sliver discharged by said trumpet.