Abstract: A deweaving apparatus for deweaving a fabric tape by separating and removing a weft filling yarn from a plurality of warp yarns. Control means are provided for sensing breakage of the warp yarns and weft yarn, as well as knots, splices and tangles in the tape, and in response to any such condition in the tape, stops the operation of the apparatus. Along with these means of automating the deweaving process, and greatly reducing operator attention required, a special divergence guide is fitted which accelerates loosening of the weft yarn over a very short path, thereby providing significant reduction in floor space required for the deweaving process.

Abstract: A floating electrode is positioned in the nip between a pair of tape pull rollers on a needle loom for sensing the presence of excess yarn in the nip caused by improper winding of the tape on a take-up roll or a wrap around one of the pull rollers to an undue extent. Upon contact of the electrode by the excess yarn, the electrode is raised to contact a screw to establish an electric circuit to a relay to stop operation of the loom. The distance between the contact screw and electrode is adjustable by threading or unthreading the screw in its support to accommodate acceptable slack on the take-up roll and wrap around the pull roller.