Method and apparatus for handling flat coiler cans before, during and after filling the cans by a sliver-producing textile machine

An apparatus for filling flat coiler cans with sliver by a sliver producing textile machine, comprising

• (a) a continuous first conveyor having a conveying direction and including
• (1) a first zone forming a stationary empty-can storage zone;
• (2) a second zone forming a stationary intermediate zone;
• and
• (3) a third zone forming a stationary full-can storage zone;
• said first, second and third zones being arranged consecutively in said conveying direction;
• (b) drive means for moving the first conveyor in said conveying direction to advance an empty can thereon from said first zone into said second zone and to advance a full can thereon from said second zone into said third zone;
• (c) a sliver filling station for receiving a can to be filled;
• said sliver filling station including a can-reciprocating device for moving the can to be filled back and forth while sliver is deposited thereinto;
• (d) a second conveyor extending between said second zone and said sliver filling station for moving a can to be filled into and withdrawing a filled can from said sliver filling station;
• said second conveyor terminating externally of said second zone;
• and
• (e) a transferring device situated adjacent said second conveyor for transferring a can to be filled from said second zone onto said second conveyor and for transferring a filled can from said second conveyor into said second zone.