2 there is provided a trumpet like guide element 8 which has the shape of two back to back arranged funnels and which is fixedly mounted on a holding element 9 upstream of the guide element 8 as viewed in the direction of sliver run there is provided a further sliver support element 10 which may be for example a sheet metal tray the sliver delivered by the carding machine runs on the slightly bent substantially horizontally oriented sliver support 10 to the guide element 8 where it enters its funnel like opening 8a passes through the constriction 8b and exits the guide element 8 through the outwardly flaring funnel like outlet opening 8c in the downward direction and is deflected towards the sliver trumpet 3 the angle formed by a straight line connecting the center of the outlet 8c of the guide element 8 with the center of the inlet of the trumpet 3 with the generally horizontal plane in which the rotary head assembly 2 rotates is approximately 30 u00b0 this geometrical arrangement ensures that the sliver 6 is guided at a small flat angle from the guide element 8 to the trumpet 3 relative to the plane in which the rotary head assembly 2 revolves whereby the centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the head assembly 2 have a significantly reduced effect on the sliver 6 as the sliver passes through the constriction 8b of the guide.