Spreader-feeder

A textile spreader apparatus, comprising:

• a first spread carriage and a second spread carriage, each configured to respectively receive opposing corners of a leading edge of a textile and to respectively convey the opposing corners in substantially opposing directions, such that the leading edge of the textile travels along a predetermined path;
• a catch arranged in the predetermined path of the leading edge such that the catch intercepts the leading edge;
• a sensor configured to detect when the catch intercepts the leading edge;
• and
• a controller configured to determine an extended position based on the position of at least one of the first spread carriage or the second spread carriage after the catch intercepts the leading edge, wherein the first and second spread carriages, when respectively positioned at the extended position, are spaced apart substantially the length of the leading edge.

A method for determining the length of a leading edge of a textile, comprising the steps of:

• providing a textile spreader apparatus comprising a first spread carriage and a second spread carriage, each configured to move between an initial position and an extended position;
• grasping a pair of opposing corners of a leading edge of a textile with the first and second spread carriages, wherein each of the first and second spread carriages respectively grasps one of the opposing corners such that a portion of a leading edge of the textile is held slack about a catch;
• conveying, with the first spread carriage and second spread carriage, the opposing corners in substantially opposing directions such that the leading edge travels along a predetermined path such that the catch, arranged in the predetermined path, intercepts the leading edge;
• detecting, with a sensor, when the catch intercepts the leading edge;
• and
• determining an extended position based on the position of at least one of the first spread carriage or the second spread carriage after the catch intercepts the leading edge, wherein the first and second spread carriages, when respectively positioned at the extended position, are spaced apart substantially the length of the leading edge.