Researchers at Cotton Incorporated recently introduced the Lintmaster Opener/Cleaner. The Lintmaster Opener/Cleaner opens and cleans raw cotton for conventional fabric production as well as bleached cotton for nonwoven fabric production. Regardless of application, the Lintmaster Opener/Cleaner processes 600 pounds of cotton per hour without causing excessive fiber damage. Fiber opening occurs via four stationary carding plates situated about the main cylinder. For more vigorous opening, an auxiliary carding unit can be installed under the lickerin roll. The Lintmaster Opener/Cleaner relies on a pneumatic air jet doffing system that eliminates fiber recirculation at high production rates. The main cylinder accommodates operating speeds in excess of 1,000 rpm and lickerin roll speeds of 1,600 rpm. Two mote knives are mounted under the lickerin to shave away heavy trash particles. Vacuum slots between the stationary flats remove lighter trash particles and fiber fragments.