Method and device for controlling a uniform fleece supply during tufting

A method and apparatus for the production of fleece like fabrics in which fleece material is delivered to a storage unit from which it is withdrawn by a tufting machine. To ensure constant delivery to the machine the rates of delivery to and withdrawal from the storage unit are compared and one of the rates controlled as need be so that the rates are equal. To effect the control there is provided a differential to which two inputs are applied, one being proportional to the delivery rate and the other to the withdrawal rate. When the inputs are equal the differential cage is stationary but when they are different the cage is rotated and that movement used to control one of the rates.