Abstract: Apparatus and a method records a flaw in a fabric web during a flaw inspection. The flaw is recorded by a mark placed on the fabric web along with the X- and Y-values of a system of points defining a boundary line around the flaw. The mark and a side edge of the fabric web, respectively, serve as reference points for these X-and Y-values.

Abstract: In order to improve a method for minimizing material utilization during spreading of a flawed material web, in particular, a fabric web, such that it can be carried out in a manner which always economizes on material or fabric, it is proposed that proceeding from a region determined by the flaw, a set of at least two virtual stop lines be placed in the pattern representation and all flawless pattern pieces cut by the virtual stop lines be determined, that by applying an optimization criterion which takes into consideration the flawless pattern pieces cut by the virtual stop lines and the flawed pattern pieces, one of the virtual stop lines be selected and the stop line be arranged at it, that a maximum distance from the stop line be determined which maximum distance corresponds to the furthest distance of a start of one of the flawless pattern pieces cut by the stop line or of one of the flawed pattern pieces from the stop line, and that the restart line be placed in the direction opposite to the spreading di

Abstract: A web laying machine has a laying carriage driven back-and-forth over the laying table in a web laying direction. The laying carriage includes a chassis, an upper part mounted on the chassis and movable transversely to the laying direction relative to the chassis and rotatable about a vertical axis. A sled, carrying a support mechanism for a web supply reel is arranged on the upper part, and has a first position and a second position spaced from the first position in a direction parallel to the laying direction. The sled is movable from the one to the other position by rotating the upper part through an angle of 180.degree. or by linearly displacing the sled relative to the upper part.