Method of and apparatus for separating staple fibers from a fibrous sliver

A method of separating fibers from a fibrous sliver and conveying them in this condition to a twist forming element of an open-end spinning unit. The fibers traverse a fiber separating zone which is formed by the annular space between a combing-out cylinder and the bore of a housing. Ambient air is sucked into this fiber separating zone as well as into a sliver feeding zone. The air being sucked in is the resultant of air flowing in planes perpendicular to the axis of the combing-out cylinder, in planes passing through said axis and in planes parallel to said axis.