Abstract: Stacks of fabric plies are sequentially positioned by a carousel feeding apparatus in an unloading position where the uppermost ply in a stack, so positioned, is individually and sequentially separated from the stack, and an edge thereof presented between the jaws of a gripping device. Once the gripping device is satisfied that one and only one fabric ply is in place between the jaws, the single ply is transferred over onto the receiving end of a conveyor for further processing. The fabric separation occurs by means of an aerodynamic technique which tends to lift by suction the uppermost ply from the remainder of the stack. A proximity switch determines the spacing between the gripper jaws which spacing confirms the existence of one and only one fabric ply therein.