FABRIC FAULT INSPECTION APPARATUS
Fabric inspection apparatus comprises a screen (7) or wire frame spreader (60), preferably elliptical in shape, over which fabric (1) is drawn as it is wound onto a take-up roller (3). The screen (7) or spreader (60) is supported on rollers (5), through the fabric (1), and is lightweight in construction containing no light source. Light is transmitted to the interior of the screen or spreader, for illumination of the tubular fabric (1) from within the tube, by shining light from a light source (12) through one ply of fabric and through the top (9) or bottom of the spreader or of the screen which is transparent. Illumination is more uniform than if the light source were mounted within the screen or spreader; the handling is easier because the screen or spreader can be made light in weight; the strain on the fabric is less; and problems in powering the light source are solved.